Category: CANA News

A 23-year-old Venezuelan woman will return to court on October 5 this year after she was granted TT$60,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) on a charge of cruelty to a child and one count of wasteful employment.

The woman appeared before Master Kateisha Ambrose-Persadsingh in the Siparia Court south of here on Monday on the charges following an incident which occurred on August 20, 2026, when she told police that she had found a baby abandoned along the roadway.

She said she heard a baby crying, and saw the newborn inside a plastic bag in the box, with the umbilical cord still attached.

But the police said that based on enquiries conducted, intelligence gathered and information received, she was detained on September 3 and three days later, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said that Deyanira de los Angeles Gomez be charged with one count of cruelty to a child and one count of wasteful employment.

When she appeared in court on Monday, the Venezuelan national was not represented.

Jamaica has officially filed an historic reparations petition to Britain’s King Charles with Kingston indicating that it anticipates that the petition will be referred to the Privy Council, Jamaica’s highest and final court.

‘…we will await the decision,’ said Jamaica’s Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, after confirming that the petition had been filed with King Charles.

Grange said it was her ‘duty not only as a proud woman of African descent, but as a member of the human race to pursue reparations for the hundreds of years of chattel enslavement of African people on plantations in Jamaica.

‘How can we not be moved to action about what is declared to be the gravest crime against humanity that went on for so long and affected so many millions of people?’ asked the Minister as she called for support of Jamaica’s petition.

The petition asks the King, in his capacity of Head of State of Jamaica, to refer questions about the legality of chattel slavery to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

‘I wish to say here again that this petition of the government of Jamaica to His Majesty the King does not include a monetary claim,’ said Grange, adding that ‘already there has been a lot of reaction to our petition and I welcome thoughtful, honest debate on the matter of reparations, but so far, we have seen and heard so much of what isn’t so.’

The Minister was reacting to incorrect media reports that the Jamaican government had made a monetary claim in its petition to the King.

‘I wish to make it clear, and will do so at every single opportunity, that this petition is a legal petition. It contains three specific questions… (and) does not include a monetary claim.’

United Kingdom-based lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, who helped to formulate the petition as part of a team of eminent Jamaican and UK lawyers, said ‘the petition simply asks the King to refer certain points of real importance to the Privy Council for their determination.

‘There’s a special jurisdiction under section four of the Judicial Committee Act for the King to refer an issue of legal or constitutional importance to the Privy Council, for their determination…Any matter of legal or constitutional nature can be referred that cannot be determined through the ordinary judicial process. And this is obviously one of those issues,’ Fitzgerald added.

The Jamaican petition asks three specific questions: Whether the seizure, transport and enslavement as chattel of Africans was ever lawful under English law? Was it a breach of international law to seize, transport and enslave Africans in Jamaica? And whether the UK has a legal obligation to provide a reparatory remedy to the people of Jamaica?

Fitzgerald said there’s a most powerful argument that it was never lawful.

‘If you think of it, it’d be a pretty strange thing if a citizen could just go to Africa, see someone, against their will push them into a boat, and take them on a tortuous journey, and that that was lawful under English common law.

‘There was no statute to authorise it. In fact, there was a statute which said it was unlawful to seize people from Africa and the National Council for Reparations highlighted that George II statute. So to those who say, oh, well, it was lawful at the time, we asked the Privy Council to find that it was never lawful at the time,’ he added.

The petition also argues that chattel enslavement was, and is, a crime against humanity.

Regarding the third issue of a remedy, Fitzgerald said: ‘we’ve provided the legal principles to the King and to the Privy Council as to why there must be some remedy.

‘The question of what the exact form the remedy would take would be a matter to be worked out in the litigation. But there must be some remedy for wrongs of this magnitude, which continue to have damaging effects on the descendants of those who were enslaved.’

The National Council for Reparations is a high-level advisory body to the Jamaica government on matters of reparatory justice. The Council, chaired by attorney at law, Laleta Davis Mattis, reports to Grange.

Bermudian health authorities have issued recalls for Semaglutide injection products noting that the recalls relate to product impurities, incorrect dose display, and packaging errors that may result in patients receiving the wrong dose.

The Ministry of Health said Semaglutide is a prescription medication used in adults to improve blood glucose control and, in some cases, support weight management. Accurate dosing is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.

It said all pharmacies and medical warehouses in Bermuda have been formally notified.

‘Ensuring the accuracy and safety of medications used by our community is essential. While these recalls stem from manufacturer quality and packaging issues, we are acting quickly to make sure patients and healthcare providers have clear information,’ said Health Minister, Kim Wilson.

‘Anyone who believes they may have received an affected product should contact their pharmacist immediately. Our healthcare teams are prepared to support patients and ensure continuity of safe treatment,’ she added.

The ministry said the products manufactured in Canada may result in wrong dose delivery due to mismatched pen and packaging with another product displaying a 2 mg dose in the dose window and deliver a 2 mg dose instead of the expected 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose.

The ministry is urging persons taking the medication not use any affected product until they u have verified the lot number and confirmed whether their supply is part of the recall.

In addition, they are being urged to return affected products to the pharmacy where they were purchased for replacement, alternative supply, and proper disposal as well as consult their healthcare provider before discontinuing treatment or if they have concerns about dosing accuracy or adverse effects.

‘If you are unsure whether your medication is affected, contact your pharmacy directly. Patients who received Semaglutide dispensed into vials or alternative packaging should note that the pharmacy name will be printed on the label and should contact that pharmacy to confirm whether their supply is affected,’ the ministry added.

A new report Tuesday suggests that international trade that is ordered or delivered online quintupled in two decades in Latin America and the Caribbean to nearly US$90 billion and is rapidly becoming a powerful engine of growth across the region.

The report released by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the World Bank Group says that digital trade is creating new opportunities for businesses, workers, and entrepreneurs while helping countries compete in an increasingly digital global economy. The report titled ‘Digital Trade in Latin America and the Caribbean: Connecting Markets, Powering Growth’ examines how digital technologies are reshaping trade across the region and identifies policies needed to unlock their full potential and boost growth and competitiveness.

The region’s exports of digitally delivered services nearly quintupled from US$18.5 billion in 2005 to US$87.7 billion in 2024 underscoring the growing importance of digitally delivered services to the region’s trade performance and economic growth.

‘Latin America and the Caribbean countries have substantially increased their exports of digitally delivered services in recent decades, but there is still significant potential to expand them further,’ said Fabrizio Opertti, manager of the Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector at the IDB.

‘To realise this untapped potential and boost productivity, countries across the region need to improve connectivity, modernize regulatory frameworks, streamline and digitalize border procedures, reduce information barriers through stronger trade promotion, and strengthen the digital capabilities of firms and workers.’

According to the report digital services are lowering barriers to international markets, reducing costs, accelerating innovation, and improving resilience. It said that digital platforms are enabling small businesses, entrepreneurs, and women-led firms to reach customers worldwide, while advances in artificial intelligence and other technologies are creating new possibilities for cross-border trade in goods and services.

The report underscores major opportunities for expansion since the region only captured two per cent of global exports of digitally delivered services in 2024.

The report also points to a promising opportunity, namely deeper regional integration in digital trade. In 2023, only 8.4 per cent of exports of digitally deliverable services stayed within the region – well below levels seen in Europe and Asia.

But the report notes that significant challenges remain, including gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity, fragmented regulations, limited payment system interoperability, trade and customs bottlenecks, digital skills shortages, and insufficient financing for innovative firms.

To address these challenges, the report calls for action in eight key areas: expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening and modernizing regulations, improving payment interoperability, streamlining trade procedures, promoting digital exports, strengthening digital skills, increasing access to finance, and improving the measurement of digital trade.

The report concludes that governments, businesses, and international organizations must work together to expand the region’s participation in digital trade, increase integration into the global economy, and create new opportunities for firms and workers.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors elected to field after winning the toss against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the 30th match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at Providence Stadium here on Tuesday.

SQUADS

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS: Imran Tahir (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mavendra Dindyal, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Nabi, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamar Joseph, Khary Pierre.

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA FALCONS: Moeen Ali (captain), Evin Lewis, Amir Jangoo, Karima Gore, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Fabian Allen, Joshua James, Sufyan Moqim, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) says increased electricity demand, particularly during peak hours, is placing increased pressure on the national distribution network and contributing to recent power outages.

‘The reality is that the distribution system is now facing challenges. That is, feeders are now being overloaded, transformers are being taxed and overloaded (and) some people get voltage fluctuations,’ head of the GPL Executive Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall, told a news conference.

Nandlall acknowledged that the increased demand has resulted in the peak rising from 221 megawatts last year to approximately 257 megawatts and that the highest demand is generally recorded between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm (local time), when most households return home and simultaneously use their air-conditioning units, fans, lights and other appliances.

He said that the increased usage is placing pressure on distribution feeders and transformers, resulting in voltage fluctuations and outages in some areas.

Deputy chief executive officer, Bharat Harjohn, told reporters that there is currently a shortfall in reserve power resulting in overloading.

‘Most of our feeders are tripping right now because of overloading conditions. We are now developing a strategy on how we can deal with that. Some feeders, we can offload and put on another feeder, some areas we may have to take off an area to ensure it won’t affect all the customers in an area,’ Harjohn said.

He said that the situation with the feeders should be resolved by mid October with Nandlall urging consumers to conserve power as much as they can while the company expands and upgrades its system.

Nandlall said that the company’s customer base has grown from approximately 201,000 in 2020 to an estimated 250,000 and that the GPL has increased its generation capacity by approximately 230 megawatts to 265.6 megawatts available, with an additional five megawatts expected by Wednesday.

Head of Engineering on Projects, Ryan Ross, told reporters that GPL is currently undertaking approximately US$800 million in projects, including new substations, transmission upgrades and approximately 350 kilometres of additional distribution network.

The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) in St Vincent and the Grenadines, has unveiled a five-year Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening support for entrepreneurs and businesses and advancing private sector development.

With support from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan is the result of a year-long initiative .

It’s funded primarily by the Caribbean Development Bank, which contributed US$44,200 of the project’s US$62,480 cost.

The initiative is designed to strengthen CED’s institutional capacity and enable it to provide more effective, responsive and sustainable services to the country’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Plan focuses on four strategic pillars: Entrepreneurship Development and Business Support Services; Access to Finance and Investment Readiness; Ecosystem Strengthening, Partnerships and Policy Advocacy; and Institutional Strengthening for Sustainability.

A five-year investment plan of US$4.64 million will support implementation, with US$3.3 million allocated to entrepreneurship development.

Allyson Francis, Operations Officer for MSMEs in CDB’s Private Sector Division, said the initiative represents an important investment in strengthening the institution that supports the MSME sector.

‘Institutional strengthening is at the heart of the effort. A strong MSME sector requires a strong business support institution.’

She said the support will help CED strengthen governance, systems, data use, staff capacity, partnerships and monitoring and evaluation, while developing services that respond more effectively to entrepreneurs’ needs.

CED Officer-in-Charge Keisha Phillips described the Strategic Plan as a ‘pivotal moment for enterprises in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’, particularly as the country prepares for the establishment of a National Development Bank. She said CED intends to serve as a ‘natural referral partner and readiness pipeline’ to help entrepreneurs access new opportunities for capital and technical support.

The Strategic Plan was endorsed by Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Chieftain Neptune, who called for strong implementation, greater collaboration and measurable results.

CDB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting implementation of the strategy and to strengthening the capacity of business support organisations across the Region.

Jamaican superstar forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been shortlisted for the prestigious women’s Ballon d’Or award following an impressive season in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

The 29-year-old Manchester City player is among 30 players nominated for the award, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 26.

Shaw has already copped the Professional Footballers’ Associations (PFA) Women’s Player of the Year and the WSL Football’s Player of the Season awards following a superb performance last season that saw her lead Man City to its first-ever domestic double.

She scored 21 goals in 22 appearances to win her third consecutive WSL golden boot, as Man City won both the league and FA Cup.

Shaw is the first player to win three WSL golden boots, moving clear of two-time winners Vivienne Miedema and Sam Kerr.

Among the other nominees is Shaw’s captain Alex Greenwood, Arsenal forward Alessia Russo and two-time winner Alexia Putellas from Barcelona.

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, who has won the award for the past three years, is absent after missing a large chunk of the season with a broken leg.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr Natalio Wheatley has left the territory for meetings in Bermuda and the United Kingdom.

According to a government statement. Wheatley is attending the annual Caribbean Overseas Territories Caucus in Bermuda from September 8 to 10. Bermuda Premier David Burt will lead the meeting.

Leaders of the United Kingdom’s Caribbean Overseas Territories are expected to discuss common concerns and opportunities for greater co-operation.

Following the caucus, Wheatley will travel to the United Kingdom for bilateral talks with the minister responsible for the Overseas Territories from September 10 to 12.

The government did not disclose the agenda for either engagement or identify the officials accompanying the premier.

The BVI hosted the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories Leaders Caucus at Scrub Island in October 2025. Leaders and senior representatives from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and Montserrat participated in person or virtually.

Discussions focused on good governance, financial services, security and border protection, frozen pensions, climate change, trade and education. Participants also considered measures to strengthen collaboration among the territories.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Julian Fraser will serve as premier and minister of finance from September 7 to 13. He will also assume responsibility for tourism, culture and sustainable development, as well as financial services, economic development and digital transformation.

The government said the temporary appointment complies with Section 55(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which authorises the deputy premier to perform the premier’s functions when the head of government is expected to be absent for more than 48 hours.

Previous talks between Wheatley and the UK minister responsible for the Overseas Territories have addressed governance reform and relations between the BVI and the United Kingdom. The territory has also raised issues including climate resilience, security, illicit finance and constitutional matters.

The government said it remains committed to advancing the territory’s interests through international engagement and regional co-operation.

The Belize government has officially launched the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Implementation Project, which it says mark an important step in translating the country’s international ocean commitments into national action.

The BBNJ Agreement is a landmark international treaty established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. These areas, which comprise approximately two-thirds of the world’s ocean, are critical to global efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and achieve the international commitment to conserve at least thirty percent of the ocean by 2030.

The government said that the launch ceremony formally marks the commencement of this important national initiative and provides an opportunity to highlight Belize’s efforts to advance implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, strengthen national coordination, and support the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Belize has been at the forefront of advancing the agreement, becoming the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to officially ratify it in 2024 and positions Belize as an early regional leader in advancing stronger international governance of the global ocean and helped build momentum for greater Caribbean participation.

The 18-month project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serving as the implementing partner. Scheduled to conclude in December 2027, the implementation of the agreement provides opportunities that extend beyond marine conservation.

The Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation said it creates pathways for the country to strengthen its participation in marine scientific research; build national, technical, and institutional capacity; access and benefit from the development and transfer of marine technology; and engage in the governance of marine genetic resources.

These opportunities are particularly significant for Small Island Developing States and complement Belize’s broader Blue Economy priorities.

Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Beverly Wade, speaking at the launch, highlighted the importance of connecting Belize’s international engagement under the Agreement with its national ocean priorities.

‘Internationally, BBNJ gives Belize an additional platform to protect the wider ocean systems upon which our prosperity and resilience depend, while opening pathways to knowledge, technology and partnerships that can strengthen our national agenda.’

Reflecting on Belize’s journey from negotiation to implementation of the agreement, Ambassador Janine Coye-Felson spoke of the importance of translating Belize’s international leadership into concrete national action.

‘An agreement negotiated in New York must now be brought home. It must be translated from international commitments into national laws, capable institutions, scientific expertise, and tangible opportunities for our people,’ Coye-Felson said.

The BBNJ Implementation Project builds on Belize’s longstanding leadership in ocean governance and reinforces the country’s commitment to ensuring that conservation and sustainable use remain central to the management of the global ocean. It also strengthens Belize’s ability to advocate for an equitable international framework in which developing states can meaningfully participate in, contribute to, and benefit from the sustainable use of marine resources.

The government said it remains committed to working with its international and national stakeholders throughout the implementation period to strengthen Belize’s preparedness under the BBNJ Agreement and advance the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity for present and future generations.