Category: CANA News

Nearly two months after a Flamingo Air plane crashed in Andros, killing all 10 people on board, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said the forensic reports for the passengers have been received and are being reviewed by the chief forensic pathologist at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

‘After the review process, the chief forensic pathologist will liaise with the coroner on next steps to facilitate the release and transfer of the deceased to the designated funeral homes for final arrangements,’ the ministry said in a statement.

Ten people were killed on July 10, Independence Day in The Bahamas, when the Cessna C402C aircraft crashed in a wooded area near the San Andros airport in North Andros.

The pilot Franklyn Cambridge, was one of the victims with the others included the five members of Da Pond Band, Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot, and Tra’vis Johnson.

‘The Ministry of Health and Wellness once again extends condolences to the families of the deceased and thanks them for their patience during this most difficult of circumstances,’ it said, adding that the forensic reports will help to confirm the victims’ identities.

The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) hd immediately suspended Flamingo Air’s operations following the accident as a precautionary safety measure.

In August, the chief investigator with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) of The Bahamas, Kendall I. Dorsett Jr., said that the the aircraft was on the visual flight rules plan from the Linden Pindling International Airport en route to the San Andres Airport when the tragedy occurred.

Dorsett said that the aircraft was destroyed ‘by fire, nine persons receiving fatal injuries’ and that ‘it was determined that the landing gear was observed to be in an extended position and the flaps were also observed to be in an extended position.

‘So based on those observations, it would appear that the aircraft would have been configured for landing at the time of the accident,’ he said, adding that an ‘aircraft of this size do not are not required by regulations to have a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder.’

The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF) has received the 2026 José Abed Award at the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The award, established in 2023, recognises an FIA sporting club for outstanding contributions to motorsport education, participation and regional development.

CMF was honoured for its progress in motorsport education, particularly through STEM Racing Cayman Islands, which introduces students to engineering, technology and project management.

Federation president Jane Scaletta described the recognition as ‘an important milestone,’ adding: ‘Education has always been central to what we are building.’

At the congress, Scaletta addressed FIA member clubs, sharing Cayman’s success with the Motorsport in a Box initiative.

She emphasised that ‘a country does not need a large permanent motorsport facility or a Formula One circuit for motorsport to flourish.’

Since launching its first auto slalom event in 2024, CMF has grown to four events in 2025 and established a six-event National Auto Slalom League for 2026.

Scaletta stressed that Cayman’s experience offers lessons for other small island nations, proving that limited land and resources need not prevent the development of motorsport.

The federation plans to continue expanding STEM Racing, the National Auto Slalom League, and esports, and to introduce karting.

‘This award belongs to our students, teachers, competitors and volunteers,’ Scaletta said. ‘The size of a country does not determine the size of its impact.’

The Barbados Tridents roared back to form at the Kensington Oval on Sunday night, snapping a four-game losing streak with a resounding eight-wicket victory over the Saint Lucia Kings in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The comprehensive win, which marks the Tridents’ third of the season and their second conquest of the Kings this year, was set up by a disciplined bowling unit before Quinton de Kock and Rivaldo Clarke orchestrated a composed chase to delight the home faithful.

After being put in to bat, the Kings looked intent on erasing the memory of their recent 98-run debacle, riding a flying PowerPlay performance from Kamil Pooran to race to 51 for 1 after six overs.

However, the momentum came crashing down when the wily Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck, dismissing the dangerous Pooran for 37, just six balls later.

That breakthrough triggered a stranglehold for the Tridents. Mujeeb and Jakeem Pollard turned the screws on the Kings’ middle order, drying up the boundaries and stifling the run rate.

Roston Chase attempted to reignite the innings following Pooran’s departure with a defiant 34, but the Barbados bowlers maintained their vice-like grip.

Mujeeb ended as the pick of the attack with outstanding figures of 3 for 22 from his four overs, while Daniel Sams demonstrated his class with a miserly spell of 2 for 20.

The Kings’ death-overs woes continued as they mustered just 29 runs while losing three wickets in the final five overs, limping to a modest total of 138 for 6 at the halfway mark.

In reply, the Tridents’ chase got off to a flying start. Openers Brandon King and Zachary Carter put on a brisk 41-run stand to keep the required rate well within reach.

Roston Chase provided the breakthrough for Saint Lucia by removing King for 22, and soon after, home town boy Joshua Bishop dismissed Carter, who had played a handy cameo of 32.

That brought Rivaldo Clarke to the crease alongside the experienced Quinton de Kock, and the duo initially showed caution as the Kings’ bowlers, spearheaded by Bishop and Charith Asalanka, attempted to replicate the Tridents’ earlier defensive tactics.

Despite a few anxious moments, including a couple of chances that fell short of the fielders, de Kock (47*) and Clarke (36*) held their nerve.

The pair paced the innings to perfection, slowly turning the screws back on the visitors. Their unbroken 76-run partnership ensured the Tridents cruised to victory at 139-2 with 13 balls to spare.

The Tridents will look to build on this momentum when they continue their homestand against the Patriots on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Kings must quickly regroup for their final group-stage fixture against the Warriors on Wednesday.

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced that the trophy presented to each year’s player inducted into its Hall of Fame will be officially named the Sir Garry Sobers Award, in tribute to the man universally recognised as the greatest all-rounder West Indies cricket has ever produced.

The naming follows the recent launch of the CPL Hall of Fame, which will honour two inductees annually, one player and one off-field contributor.

Dwayne Bravo and Ian Bishop were confirmed as the inaugural class, and the CPL has now secured the Sobers family’s blessing to attach Sir Garry’s name to the award, marking one of the most significant moments in the league’s history.

As one of the finest cricketers the game has ever seen, and a defining figure of West Indies cricket, Sir Garry’s name lends the award a weight and a history befitting the Hall of Fame it represents.

The Sir Garry Sobers Award will be presented for the first time at the CPL Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at the Hilton Barbados.

The evening is being held in support of the Sir Clive Lloyd Healthcare Foundation’s prostate cancer awareness, testing and early detection work across the Caribbean.

With the trophy now carrying Sir Garry’s name, the gala brings together two of West Indies cricket’s most respected figures for a single showpiece night in support of the region.

Pete Russell, CEO of CPL, said. ‘Sir Garry Sobers was, without question, the greatest all-rounder the game has ever seen, and having his name on this award means a great deal to everyone at CPL. We are enormously grateful to the Sobers family for trusting us with his name and his legacy. It gives this trophy, and this Hall of Fame, a weight our players will carry with real pride. To present it for the first time at a gala dinner in support of Sir Clive Lloyd’s Healthcare Foundation makes 15 September an even more prestigious night for West Indies cricket.’

The main opposition New National Party (NNP) Monday said it would boycott Tuesday’s joint sitting of Parliament where the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group will present its report to legislators.

A statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister urged ‘members of the public…to attend and hear firsthand the findings being presented to Parliament”.

But speaking at a news conference here, NNP and Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre, told reporters that the NNP wanted to ‘make it abundantly clear that its members who are representing us in the Houses of Parliament … have serious concerns about the special joint sitting of Parliament, which is scheduled for tomorrow, September 8, 2026’.

She said the opposition legislators would not attend the ‘sitting under the current arrangements.

‘We understand also that several individuals with great knowledge and experience in parliamentary procedures have also advised the government and the Parliament accordingly. ‘We have absolutely no problem with the government updating Parliament on oil and gas exploration, but this matter must not be handled through a process that misuses Parliament and departs from proper parliamentary procedures and practises,’ Pierre told reporters.

The NNP said it has no objection to the government updating Parliament on oil and gas exploration, but strongly objected to inviting the Technical Working Group to present directly to Parliament instead of first formally laying its report before the House.

‘A technical briefing by the group can be accommodated at another appropriate venue,’ Pierre said, adding ”we will not be used to give legitimacy to a process that is illegal’.

Former foreign affairs minister Peter David, in a letter to the Speaker, Leo Cato expressed his ‘grave concern over the convocation of a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament’ saying ‘it is my considered opinion and that of respected authorities on parliamentary practice that this is highly irregular and seriously departs from settled, established parliamentary practice.

‘This Technical Working Group is neither a Joint Select Committee of the Houses nor an appointed committee by the Houses. It is therefore irregular to invite such a committee to address the House of Representatives.’

David, who heads the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM), said the established procedure requires that reports from a body extant and outside of the House of Representatives are first tabled by a member of the House with Ministerial responsibilities accordingly.

‘ When a report is so tabled, each member of the House has an early opportunity to examine the report,’ he said, adding ‘it is therefore highly improper to convene a sitting of the House of Representatives to receive a report from a Committee not of the House and a stranger to the House.

‘I take this early opportunity to register my objections to the manner in which you have summoned the House of Representatives to sit. This correspondence shall be circulated to members of the House,’David wrote, adding ‘in the interests of preserving parliamentary practice and procedures. I’m available to meet with you at short notice anytime before the sitting of the House’.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell had on September 26, 2023, named the Hydrocarbons Technical Working Group under the chairmanship of former finance minister Nazim Burke.

Among the objectives of the group is to fully assess Grenada’s hydrocarbon potential and, if found to be commercially viable, devise a strategy and action plan to explore, develop and monetize such findings for the benefit of the country.

The technical group will also be required to develop a communication strategy to engage stakeholders, including communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector as well as outline recommendations for potential partners and investors, including a plan to attract and retain them.

‘A stakeholder engagement plan that outlines the approach, mechanisms and processes for engaging with relevant stakeholders throughout the exploration and development process,’ is also included among the terms of reference of the technical working group.

Last month, the Grenada government reiterated its decision to terminate its production sharing agreement (PSA) with the Russian-backed Global Petroleum Group (GPG) with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell saying then that Burke had indicated that efforts to get GPG to sit down and discuss the issues surrounding the project had failed due to the fact that the oil and gas company had said it would only speak to the relevant government minister.

He said that under the agreement the company was supposed to have drilled two wells by 2017 and that the government had attempted to discuss, to settle, and to agree to move forward first, ‘but we are not going to wait another 18 years.

In 2008, the government provided GPG with a licence over 11 offshore blocks to explore for oil and gas and five years later, the company was granted a development licence and signed a production sharing agreement.

Mitchell said that the development licence and production sharing agreement provided the legal permission and the guidelines to actually bring that oil and gas out of Grenadian waters and to share the proceeds with the country.

‘Since 2023, that technical working group has engaged directly with GPG. We requested the updated development plans and the technical documentation necessary to assess whether this project could ever deliver for our country.

‘We extended every reasonable opportunity. Grenada notified GPG both formally of every breach of the agreement …we gave them the opportunity to respond in writing and in person. GPG has failed to remedy those breaches,’ Prime Minister Mitchell said.

The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) maintained its significant majority in the 21-member parliament when newcomer Ashma McDougall easily won the Roseau North constituency by election here on Monday night.

Preliminary results showed that McDougall, a business executive had easily trumped Daniel ‘Danny’ Luggay of the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP), who had been a parliamentary representative for the constituency on two previous occasions. She polled 1,506 votes as compared with 983 for Lugay

A third candidate Sherman Boston, who contested the seat as an independent, failed to make any meaningful impact polling just 50 votes.

The Dominica Electoral Office said that 7,489 persons had been registered to vote with 2,595 voters exercising their rights to cast ballots.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the ruling party, McDougall thanked voters for opening their homes, hearts ‘and for sharing your vision.

‘Walking through the communities and hearing your hopes and aspirations has been a deeply humbling experience,’ she said.

The by election arose after former Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Minister, Miriam Blanchard, resigned on June 12 due to ill-health.

Last August, Blanchard, who had been a member of the cabinet since 2016, had sought medical treatment overseas for an undisclosed illness.

In the last general election held on December 6, 2022, the DLP won 19 out of 21 constituency seats, with independent candidates holding the remaining after both the UWP and the other opposition party, the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) boycotted the polls over calls for electoral reform.

A magistrate court Monday granted GUY$600,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.008 cents) bail to a videographer, charged for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle over the private residence home of President Irfaan Ali without permission last weekend.

Dwayne Ross, 25, who reportedly does work for Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, was slapped with a charge of operating an ‘unmanned aerial vehicle’ without a permit and as well as operating it at night in breach of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) directives, when he appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrates’ Court. The special prosecution had objected to bail, but the magistrate granted bail of GUY$200,000 on each of the three charges.

His attorney, Eusi Anderson, told the court that the directives of the Civil Aviation Authority are not enforced in law and that with respect to all of the charges, a drone is not defined in the the legislation as within the meaning of an aerial or unmanned aerial vehicle. He said all of the charges are therefore dubious in law.

The attorney said what his client may have committed is being in association with Mohamed, noting that on the night in question, Ross was parked at the back of a vehicle in which Mohamed was seated in front of a masjid in Leonora, when he was approached by officers of the Guyana Police Force.

Anderson said that his client was informed by the police that an unlawful drone was operating in the area, saying ‘my client was seated in the back seat and that was the extent of any evidence that he was operating a drone’.

Anderson submitted that the charges are all dubious and are bad at law, noting that this is the first time in the country’s history that a directive has a force in law and forms the basis of a complaint.

The matters were adjourned to September 30, 2026, for report.

Ross was among three men who remained in police custody following the September 3 incident. Police had identified the others as 35-year-old driver Eugene Thorne and 20-year-old Mario Mohamed.

The Opposition Leader, who denied owning the drone was released on self-bail after questioning.

Juvenile Affairs Police say a 17-year-old youth is assisting their investigations into allegations of defamation, libel, and pornography after he is alleged to have been distributing pornographic images of his 16-year-old girlfriend.

The Suriname Police Force (KPS) in a statement posted on its website said that the young man, identified only by his initials, LD had been arrested following a report made to a police station by the girl’s father in the first week of August.

The police said that the father made the report after the girl’s stepmother had received pornographic images of her stepdaughter via an unknown number.

Initially, the daughter denied it when questioned by her father, but later admitted that the private parts of a female which had been sent to the stepmother, were not hers.

The police said that the girl had been in a relationship with LD for a year and a half and during a video call, he had asked her to show her breasts, which she did. This video was distributed and ended up with both the girl’s stepmother and biological mother. Additionally, the footage was shared in a WhatsApp group in which the suspect was a member with others.

But LD has denied to Youth Affairs officials having distributed the video footage and following consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, he was taken into custody.

Three people, including the captain of the ill-fated MV Barima that sank on July 18, killing more than 100 people, appeared in court on Monday, but the matter was adjourned to September 14.

The three, Kevin Price, the 40 year-old captain of the vessel, chief mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts 42, and goods superintendent, 33-year-old Delon Granderson were further remanded to prison on Monday, as the court set November 16 for the start of the paper committal proceedings, a preliminary court process.

The three accused men made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir at the Charity Magistrate’s Court and were told that the prosecution had completed full disclosure of its case to the defence.

Senior police legal advisor and attorney, Mandel Moore, told the court that all evidence and material information gathered by the state had been disclosed with the defence then requesting seven days to review the material and determine whether statements would be filed on behalf of the accused.

Magistrate Mohabir granted the request and gave the defence until September 14 to indicate whether it intends to file statements. Should the defence choose to do so, the statements must be filed within 45 days, with October 19 set as the deadline.

The matter will return to court on September 14, when the men are expected to remain further remanded.

The men have been charged with multiple counts of murder following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC.

The 87-year-old MV Barima capsized on July 18, 2026, as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has told a news conference that despite the official manifest indicating that 116 passengers and a crew of 17 had been on board the vessel, the authorities believe that 179 people including the crew members were on the vessel when it capsized after being hit by a large wave.

The 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) began here on Monday, amid concerns that the challenges of confronting regional institutions are increasingly complex.

‘Organised crime, gang affiliation, cyber threats, radicalisation, overcrowding, mental health concerns, staff wellness, the growing demand for effective offenders rehabilitation required us to think beyond the traditional approach,’ ACHCPS president Doan P. Cleare told the opening ceremony. ‘They require innovation, collaboration, and courageous leadership. No single correctional services possess all the answers, yet as a Caribbean family, we possess an extraordinary wealth of knowledge, experience, professional expertise.

‘It is through this unity that we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to fulfil our mission of protecting communities while preparing those in our custody for successful reintegration into society,’ Cleare told the delegates to the five day conference being held under the theme ‘One Caribbean, One Vision’.

He said that this year’s conference theme is far more than a slogan and represents a ‘declaration of our collective purpose and a commitment to strengthening correctional leadership through our region.

‘Today we stand at a defining moment in Caribbean corrections,’ said Cleare, who is also the Commissioner of Corrections for the Bahamas, noting that the ACHCPS was founded on the principles that regional cooperation strengthen national correctional systems.

‘Over the years, we have cultivated meaningful partnership, promoted professional development, facilitated training opportunities, encouraged the exchange of best practises among our member states.

‘These achievements remind us that our greatest success have always been realised when we work together. This conference proved another opportunity to strengthen that partnership,’ he said, noting that over the next five days, delegates will engage in meaningful discussions on institutional security, leadership development, offenders rehabilitation, staff resilience, technical innovation, human rights, and regional cooperation.

He said that the conference will hear from experts, exchange practical experiences, and identify solutions that can be adopted across jurisdictions.

‘However, I encourage each of us to view the conference as more than just exchange of information. Let it be a catalyst for transformation. Let us challenge outdated practises. Let us embrace innovation. Let us invest in our greatest assets, our correctional professionals. Let us continue building institutional founded upon integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect for human dignity. ‘

The ACHCPS president said that a safer Caribbean cannot be achieved without safer correctional institutions and likewise, safer correctional institutions cannot exist without visionary leaders who are willing to collaborate, innovate, and inspire.

‘As leaders, we have both the privilege and responsibility to sharpen correctional systems that not only ensure safety and security, but also foster hope, rehabilitation, and opportunities for positive change.

‘When an institution is stronger, our officers are better equipped. When our officers are empowered, our facilities are safer. When rehabilitation succeeds, our communities become stronger and when Caribbean nations stand together with one purpose, one vision, our entire region benefits.’

Cleare said he was inviting every delegate to participate actively, engage openly, and share generously, adding ‘let us use this conference to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and develop practical solutions that will leave a lasting legacy for the Caribbean Corrections’.

Cleare acknowledged what he described as ‘the unwavering dedication of correctional officers and prison professionals throughout our region’ saying ‘your service is often performed without public recognition.

‘I will repeat, your service is always performed without public recognition. Yet, every mind is indispensable to national security, public safety, and the administration of justice. Your professionalism, resilience, and commitment continue to inspire us,’ Cleare said, adding that as the ACHCPS president ‘I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advising correctional excellence, promoting regional unity, and supporting every member jurisdiction in achieving the highest standard of professionalism and service.

‘Together, let us embrace the opportunity to sharpen, to shape our future corrections. Together, let us lead with integrity. Together, let us innovate with purpose. Together, let us build an institution safe for communities and safe for the Caribbean,’ Cleare added.