Category: CANA News

West Indies trail Sri Lanka by 143 runs with five wickets remaining after reaching 406 for five at lunch on the fourth day of the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Monday.

Scores

SRI LANKA 549-9 dec’d.

WEST INDIES 406-5 in 138 overs (Justin Greaves 131 not out, Shai Hope 112, John Campbell 72, Kavem Hodge 31, Brandon King 17; Asitha Fernando 2-88, Prabath Jayasuriya 2-99).

The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) is urging the government to suspend efforts to finalize a proposed Third-Country National agreement with the United States until the arrangement has been subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and broad public consultation.

The call comes amid growing public debate over reports that Jamaica and the United States are discussing an arrangement that would allow certain undocumented migrants in the US to transit through Jamaica before being returned to their countries of origin. The proposal has sparked concern among sections of the public, including fears that individuals with criminal backgrounds could be transferred to Jamaica. The government has sought to allay those concerns, insisting that no such persons would be permitted to enter the country.

In a statement, the JCC said it recognizes that the government must navigate complex national security, economic and geopolitical challenges, particularly in an environment of heightened international immigration enforcement.

However, the church body argued that national development objectives should not come at the expense of international humanitarian obligations or protections afforded under international law.

The JCC cited concerns about the risk of ‘chain refoulement,’ referring to the transfer of migrants through multiple jurisdictions without adequate safeguards, and pointed to the case of a Jamaican citizen who was reportedly deported in error to Eswatini in 2025.

The council is calling on the government to make public the full text of the proposed agreement, as well as its operational guidelines, to allow for greater transparency and informed public discussion.

It is also seeking assurances that any foreign nationals transferred through Jamaica would be afforded access to an individualized and fair refugee status determination process and would not be returned to countries where their lives or freedoms could be at risk.

The JCC said the government should ensure that any migration-related arrangements are guided by principles of justice, fairness and international solidarity, rather than short-term diplomatic considerations.

The government has not yet released details of the proposed arrangement, but officials have maintained that Jamaica’s national interests and legal obligations will be protected in any agreement reached with the United States.

Trinidadian left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein is set to represent Australian outfit Perth Scorchers in the Guyana Super League (GSL) later this month.

Scorchers, who will be led by regular captain Ashton Turner, were invited as the winners of last season’s Big Bash League (BBL) following Hobart Hurricanes’ participation in the 2025 edition. The 33-year-old Hosein, the former number one ranked T20 bowler in the world, will join fellow West Indian Ackeem Auguste on the Scorchers.

Scorchers also boast of talent such as New Zealand batter Mark Chapman, South African batter Dian Forrester and Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan, along with former Australia international D’Arcy Short.

Hosein and Pakistan wristspinner Sufyan Moqim will lead the bowling attack alongside speedster Jhye Richardson, while Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie and Ashton Agar are also expected to feature.

The 2026 Global Super League will run from July 23 to August 1 at Providence Stadium in Guyana and will feature five teams; defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors, Desert Vipers, Lahore Qalandars, San Francisco Unicorns and the Scorchers.

PERTH SCORCHERS: Ashton Turner (captain), Ashton Agar, Ackeem Auguste, Mark Chapman, Brody Couch, Joel Curtis, Sam Fanning, Dian Forrester, Aaron Hardie, Akeal Hosein, Usman Khan, Sufyan Moqim, Jhye Richardson, D’Arcy Short.

Trinidad and Tobago says that its objection to the reappointment of Dr. Carla Barnett as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, ‘is neither personal nor political’.

In a 22-page letter written to the regional leaders, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar also notes that Port of Spain’s position ‘is not directed towards any individual,’ but rather ‘ it concerns the legality of the process adopted, the integrity of our institutions and the faithful observance of the constitutional framework established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas’.

She said that her administration ‘does not accept the process by which the Secretary-General was purportedly reappointed, and consequently, is unable to recognise the validity of the purported second term of the Secretary-General.

‘I wish to be very clear: our position is not held to create division within the Community, but to preserve the constitutional order upon which the legitimacy and credibility of CARICOM ultimately depends.

Two of the world’s best female sprinters, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah have praised former coach Stephen Francis for his role in shaping their careers.

Francis, a world-renowned coach and co-founder and former head coach of the MVP Track and Field Club, passed away on Saturday at the age of 64 after a brief illness.

Fraser-Pryce joined the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech)-based MVP in 2006, where she stayed for 14 years before leaving in 2020.

Under Francis’ tutelage, she captured Olympic gold in the 100m in 2012, and won world titles in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019.

The now 39-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who retired at the World Championships last year, credited Francis for much of her achievements.

West Indies trail Sri Lanka by 50 runs after being dismissed for 499 just after tea on the fourth day of the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Monday.

Scores

SRI LANKA 549-9 dec’d.

WEST INDIES 499 in 165.5 overs (Justin Greaves 180, Shai Hope 112, John Campbell 72, Kavem Hodge 31, Roston Chase 23, Brandon King 17, Alzarri Joseph 13; Asitha Fernando 5-130, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-131).

Scoreboard of the third day of the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Sunday.

SRI LANKA 1st innings 549-9 dec’d

WEST INDIES 1st innings

(overnight 58 for one)

John Campbell c Chandimal b Fernando 72

Brandon King c Mendis b Fernando 17

Kavem Hodge c +Mendis b Jayasuriya 31

Amir Jangoo c Fernando b Jayasuriya 9

+Shai Hope not out 86

Justin Greaves not out 85

Extras (b8, lb1, nb3, w6) 18

TOTAL (four wickets; 111 overs) 318

Yet to bat: *Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-122, 3-135, 4-144.

Bowling: Fernando 25-4-74-2, Wijesundara 25-2-90-0, Rathnayaka 19-4-49-0, Jayasuriya 36-7-77-2, De Silva 2-1-3-0, Dinusha 4-0-16-0.

Position: West Indies trail Sri Lanka by 231 runs with six wickets remaining.

Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel.

TV: Umpire: Sharfuddoulla.

Reserve Umpire: Deighton Butler.

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath.

Caribbean-American Democratic legislators and immigration advocates on Saturday joined nationals in the United States in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence. ‘Over the last quarter-millennium and day-by-day, our nation has ceaselessly evolved on its persistent march towards a more perfect union,’ Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

‘Indeed, much in America has changed since those courageous revolutionaries, whom we rely upon for guidance and leadership even centuries past their lifetimes, first rejected their tyrant’s commands and embraced the majority’s will,’ added the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. ‘But often for better, and too often for worse, much has remained the same since that distant time.

‘The sins of colonialism, the wretchedness of racism, and obstinate inequities not only survive, but persist in excluding too many from the experience of the American Dream that, today, belongs to far too few among us,’ Clarke continued. ‘Painful steps backward have followed difficult, hard-battled steps forward – but our destination has always remained the same: a nation by, for, and of the people, where no child is unfed, no family is unhoused, and no person is unequal.

‘Ours is a land of limitless possibilities and untold opportunities, of which there is no parallel in the world,’ she said. ‘Truly, we are all blessed to be Americans – because America blesses each and every one of us with the promise to be whoever we want to be.’

The congresswoman said that ‘through centuries of protest, an unwavering belief in the rule of law, and unadulterated patriotism for our nation, we the people have prevailed.

‘And so, I pray the next 250 years in this special experiment in self-governance and representative democracy only see the expansion and growth of our capacity to enjoy all that is inherent in the diversity of our people,’ she said. ‘I pray they allow us to continue to respect and freely exercise the power of our right to vote, and celebrate the inclusive innovation and talent of our people.

‘Together, may we push on, and boldly produce a nation that never rests in its transformational struggle towards its foundational destiny – one that continues to build upon our history as a nation of freedom fighters, and continues to make us proud, inspire our best selves, and strive for the promise of its purpose,’ Clarke added.

New York Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, also told CMC: ‘As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s Independence Day, we celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom, opportunity, and democracy that continue to shape our country.

‘We also recognize that each generation has a responsibility to strengthen those ideals and ensure they are realized for everyone,’ said the representative for the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn. ‘Here in Brooklyn, our neighborhoods reflect the very best of America: people from every background coming together, supporting one another, and building stronger communities.

‘That spirit of resilience and unity reminds us that our diversity is our greatest strength,’ added Cunningham, stating that he remains ‘committed to fighting for safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, affordable housing, and opportunities that help every family thrive.

‘Together, we can continue building a future that honors the promise of our nation’s founding while creating a more just and equitable tomorrow,’ he continued.

New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, noted that, on July 4, 1776, the ’13 colonies courageously declared in writing their freedom from British rule, laying the foundation for the United States of America.’

Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn and chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said that although the Declaration of Independence document was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, it was formally signed nearly a month later, on August 2, 1776.

‘This historic act reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the unalienable rights and freedoms that remain central to our democracy,’ she said. ‘We honor the enduring principles of independence, liberty, and democracy.

‘As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this historic day, we do so at a time when our country faces deep reflection and reckoning,’ Bichotte Hermelyn added. ‘The ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence freedom, equality, and justice remain powerful, but unfinished promises for many Americans.

‘In today’s climate, where division, injustice, and uncertainty often dominate the national conversation, it’s more important than ever to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and strengthen our democracy,’ she continued. ‘The freedoms we enjoy were hard-won by those who came before us and are protected each day by those who continue to serve and sacrifice in defense of our liberties.

‘As we commemorate Independence Day, let us not only look back with pride, but also look forward with purpose,’ Bichotte Hermelyn said. ‘May this Fourth of July inspire us to come together, rise above what divides us, and commit ourselves to building a more just, inclusive, and united nation for all.’

Legendary Jamaican track and field coach Vincent Stephen Francis has died following a brief illness.

Francis, the co-founder and head coach of MVP Track and Field Club, passed away on Saturday, one day after celebrating his 64th birthday.

He had been battling health issues in recent months, with the club confirming last week that he was receiving medical care in hospital.

Francis helped reshape Jamaica’s sprinting landscape through the MVP programme, which he co-founded in 1999.

The club became one of the world’s most successful track and field programmes, producing and guiding a long list of Olympic and World Championship medallists.

Among the athletes associated with Francis and MVP are Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson.

Francis’ contribution to the sport earned him major national recognition. He was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his service to athletics, and in 2017 was appointed to the Order of Jamaica for outstanding contribution to track and field through coaching.

West Indies trail Sri Lanka by 330 runs with six wickets remaining after reaching 219 for four at tea on the third day of the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Sunday.

Scores

SRI LANKA 549-9 dec’d.

WEST INDIES 219-4 in 77 overs (John Campbell 72, Shai Hope 38 not out, Justin Greaves 36 not out, Kavem Hodge 31, Brandon King 17; Prabath Jayasuriya 2-53, Asitha Fernando 2-57).