USA World Cup worries grow, 0-0 draw vs Saudis in last tuneup Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

The United States ended their World Cup tuneup matches in unimpressive fashion, playing a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday night at Murcia, Spain, that saw oft-injured Gio Reyna come off in the 30th minute because of muscle tightness.

Christian Pulisic returned to the depleted U.S. lineup after missing Friday’s 2-0 loss to No. 24 Japan with an unspecified injury, among four changes by coach Gregg Berhalter.

Ricardo Pepi, inserted at forward in a final audition for the 26-man World Cup roster, had a team-low 13 touches and no shots against the 53rd-ranked Saudis before Jes?s Ferreira replaced him in the 59th minute.

The 14th-ranked Americans were slightly more threatening than Friday, managing two shots on target after getting none against the Japanese. The two results augur poorly for their return to the World Cup and will do little to quiet criticism of Berhalter, who left Jordan Pefok, John Brooks and Tim Ream off this roster.

After missing the 2018 tournament, the U.S. have rebuilt with among the world’s youngest rosters in 56 matches under Berhalter. The Americans open against No. 19 Wales on Nov. 21, face fifth-ranked England on Black Friday and play No. 22 Iran on Nov. 29 in the toughest of the eight groups by ranking.

The U.S. were without Tim Weah, Yunus Musah, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Zack Steffen due to injuries, and Miles Robinson will miss the World Cup because of a torn Achilles tendon. Because the Cup has been jammed into the middle of the European season by FIFA to avoid Qatar’s summer heat, players have club matches through Nov. 13 and more injuries are possible.

Berhalter plans to announce his 26-man roster on Nov. 9.

Reyna, the 19-year-old son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, is a constant injury concern. His 2021-22 season was wrecked by leg ailments and Borussia Dortmund have limited his playing time this season to 247 minutes.

DeAndre Yedlin started at right back, Sergi?o Dest moved to the left, Kellyn Acosta replaced Luca de la Torre in midfield and Pulisic took over from Brenden Aaronson.

Yedlin limped off in the 59th minute after Saud Abdulhamid’s lunging tackle and was replaced by Joe Scally.

Pulisic and Weston McKennie played until the 75th, when Aaronson entered in central midfield and Malik Tillman took over a flank.

Estadio Nueva Condomina, with a capacity of about 31,000, was mostly empty and teammates could be heard shouting instructions. A spectator ran onto the field during the first half and approached Dest before being stopped by security.

Wearing its new blue tie-dye style uniforms, the U.S. were tested just 24 seconds in. Matt Turner dived to his left to save a long-range shot by Sultan Al-Ghannam. Turner made a fine block on Haitham Asiri’s point-blank shot in the 70th minute after second-half sub Mark McKenzie was stripped of the ball.

Saudi Arabia are in a World Cup group with No. 3 Argentina, 26th-ranked Poland and No. 12 Mexico.

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Symister says PM Browne’s statements about Nigel Christian could influence murder case of the three accused

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Symister

Leon “Chaku” Symister, an attorney-at-law, is concerned that recent statements made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne concerning slain Customs Officer Nigel Christian could probably impact the pending murder case.

Three people have been charged with the murder of Christian, who was abducted from his home and shot over two years ago.

At a town hall meeting in New York this past weekend, Browne made certain allegations about the case – and even went as far as implying that Christian had been involved in corruption.

In a country as small as Antigua and Barbuda, Symister says, and with such a limited jury pool, these are not statements that should have been publicly uttered, especially by the Prime Minister.

The attorney says it was highly improper for PM Browne to utter such statements. He explains that some people will believe they are credible, because – as head of the Government – Browne has regular briefings with the heads of the security forces.

Therefore, he says, the Prime Minister’s behaviour is unacceptable.

The attorney says the PM’s statements could work in favour of the defence, since they can be used by the three accused to show prejudice prior to the trial.

Symister says that Browne should know when and where to make certain pronouncements and stop embarrassing himself and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

According to his mother, Christian was kidnapped from his McKinnons home on Friday, July 10, 2020, by four men. His bullet-riddled body was later discovered on a dirt road near New Winthorpes.

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Roget: Budget vindicates labour’s refusal of 4% offer

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

OWTU president Ancel Roget.

JOINT Trade Union Movement (JTUM) president Ancel Roget has said the labour movement remains convinced that the four per cent wage increase Government is offering public-sector workers will not help them to cope with the economic challenges they face.

Addressing a virtual post-budget panel discussion on Tuesday, Roget said the labour movement felt vindicated in rejecting this offer, after the presentation of the 2022/2023 budget in Parliament on Monday

“We are firm in our conviction that the four per cent, which was already woefully inadequate, is woefully ten times, 100 times more inadequate after the reading of the budget.”

Roget said measures such as increased fuel prices and increased fares on the domestic air- and seabridges, will negatively affect most people. He included public-sector workers in that category, even if they accepted the four per cent increase.

“We are vindicated in our stance to ensure that better can be done and to ensure that workers in this country get a better wage adjustment.”

In hs budget presentation on Monday, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said, “We are firm in our view that our current offer of four per cent over the period 2014-2019 for the mainstream public service, although it will be a challenge to raise the required funds, is practical and equitable.”

He added , “One trade union has already accepted our offer and we hope that others will soon follow suit.”

The Amalgamated Workers Union accepted the offer on August 29.

At a news conference at the Red House after the presentation, the Prime Minister supported Imbert.

“I don’t have any problem with people advocating for the best for them, but at the end of the day there has to be reason.”

During the virtual panel discussion, economist Dr Keston Perry said Government was not using the opportunity created by the covid19 pandemic to strengthen and diversify the economy.

He argued Government was following a strategy used by its predecessors of just transferring wealth to a selected few interests which support it.

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NTA: Budget ignored crime

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

File photo –

THE National Transformation Alliance (NTA) complained that the budget did not address the country’s dire crime situation, in a statement on Tuesday after Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s budget speech in the House of Representatives on Monday.

It commented, “There is no question that Trinidad and Tobago faces its most dire social and economic climate in a generation.

“It is in this light that the NTA was hopeful for a comprehensive and proactive budget presentation, that would steer us out of the current situation we are in, and set a path for a return to prosperity for TT.”

The NTA, which is led by former police commissioner Gary Griffith, wanted more attention to crime.

“Whilst there was certainly attention given to national security, the avoidance of specific addressing of the historical murder rate was disappointing.” It said the issue affected the nation psychologically “and is greatly inhibiting economic activity, at all levels.

“Policy makers must be more aggressive in addressing this untenable situation, and they must engage all stakeholders in ensuring that this destabilising trend is reversed.”

The NTA urged the population to put aside its differences, and work together to create the country everyone desired.

It commended the tone it said the Government set, given its commitment to fiscal discipline and its plan to close the deficit by next year.

It said these were goals that successful nations must set adding that it was waiting to see the results of these promises and intended to hold the Government to its word.

However, it went on, “Our economy continues to stutter, begging the questions of why and what measures we can take to get growth started.”

The NTA welcomed the repayment of $4 billion in VAT refunds, to put critical capital into the hands of businesses and individuals, saying it was a much-needed move, although it was “yet to be determined if it will be an economic stimulant, as the macro environment may deter investment.”

The party said the capping of the fuel subsidy and the Government’s commitment to property tax would prompt debate because of their impact on the population.

The increase in the tax exemption from $84,000 to $90,000, while also a welcome relief, would be offset by other increases citizens have to face, the NTA said.

The party wanted more details on housing and education initiatives and “the food security crisis that we face.”

The NTA said an alleged decline in agriculture was a deep concern.

It wanted more details of the use of allocation for agriculture, “given the continued rise in food prices globally, and the decline in agricultural GDP domestically, in terms of real value add.”

The NTA said the budget had not mentioned public private partnerships (PPPs). “Instead we see, alarmingly, the broadening of the HDC into 3 companies: Contractor, maintenance, and sales. Why no PPP? Is another monster being created? Collaboration between the public and private sector is critical for the cohesive and robust development and transition of our economy, and as such, we should be looking to decrease the government’s role in commerce, as opposed to increasing it.”

The party claimed the Government lacked a country strategy, as a critical pillar for transformation.

“Moreover, the impact on the vast majority of the population cannot be ignored, and as the NTA engages with communities, we intend to listen to the population, and the points they wish for a Government of transformation to consider. NTA will make further comments as is warranted.”

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Hurricane Ian lashes Cuba As Florida Braces For ‘Major Disaster’ – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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Hurricane Ian has been churning across Cuba as a category three storm with wind speeds of up to 205km/h (125mph).

Hundreds of thousands of residents in the west of the island were left without power because of storm damage.

Forecasters have warned of the risk of storm surges, flash floods and mudslides.

Ian is expected to strengthen en route to Florida. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke of the threat of a “major disaster”.

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As of 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, the centre of the storm was located about 15km (10 miles) north-east of the city of Pinar del Rio in Cuba, moving north at nearly 19km/h, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports.

It said Cuba could see up to 30cm (12in) of rain from Hurricane Ian. Some 38,000 people were evacuated in the province of Pinar del Rio, according to AFP news agency.

Cuban authorities declared emergencies in six areas, with forecasters warning of storm surges on the coast, along with flash floods and mudslides.Hurricane conditions are expected along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday.

The governor said there could be “broad impacts throughout the state”, while residents have been stocking up on food, water, medicine and fuel.

“This is a really big hurricane at this point,” he said at a Monday news conference, urging residents to “remain calm”, but “do what you need to be prepared”.

Some parts of the US state have not seen a hurricane of this magnitude in about a century.

The governor declared a state of emergency for all of Florida over the weekend and has activated 5,000 National Guard troops to assist with relief efforts.

SOURCE: BBC News. Headline photo: Stock image

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Safety First – Edward Defends Decision To Close Schools On Monday – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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Education Minister Shawn Edward has defended the decision to close schools on Monday due to inclement weather.

Asked to respond to criticism that the authorities are too quick to take such action, the Dennery North MP said he disagreed.

“I think the most important thing for us in the Ministry of Education is the safety of students and teachers,” Edward declared in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday morning.

And he explained that amid inclement weather, the authorities must make a quick assessment.

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“We felt that we acted correctly in asking students to stay home, ” he stated.

The Minister also responded to concerns regarding the announcement’s timing.

It came on Monday morning when some students might have already left for school.

Edward acknowledged that the ideal would be for the notice to come out as early as possible.

“But you can’t always be ahead of the systems when they come,” he stated.

In this regard, Edward observed that the Ministry of Education works closely with the Saint Lucia Meteorological Services, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), and other agencies before a decision.

“For me as Minister of Education, I am prepared to lose an entire week of instruction than having a child be swept away by flood waters and then to reflect and probably think that the decision should have been made to close schools,” the Minister declared.

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Residentes de condominio en San Juan denuncian que la administración del edificio les limita cargar sus equipos médicos

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La portavoz de los residentes del condominio Reinassance Square en Hato Rey, Mirta Colón, denunció en RADIO ISLA, que la administración del edificio le brinda tiempo reducido  a los condomines, que en su mayoría son personas de la tercera edad, para cargar sus equipos médicos.

“Aquí hay 40 personas de la tercera edad. De esas cuarenta personas, hay once que con condiciones crónicas, que necesitan equipos para preservar sus vidas”, dijo Colón.

“El viernes pasado nos llegó una comunicación que nos indicaba, que el Centro Comunitario donde nosotros íbamos a cargar nuestros equipos, que el lunes continuaba sin energía eléctrica en el área. Aunque el problema del diesel, ellos iban a dejar de 7 a 9 de la mañana y de 3 a 5 de la tarde , para cargar los equipos. Si  no era suficiente y no cumplía con las espectativas nuestras, pues nos fuéramos a un hospital o al un refugio”, culminó la portavoz.

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Veronica Campbell Brown welcomes baby boy Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
Loop Lifestyle

1 hrs ago

A combo image of Veronica Campbell Brown and husband Omar alongside their baby son Zane. (Images: Instagram via @vcampbellbrown)

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Retired Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell Brown has welcomed her second child, Zane Lucas Brown, with husband Omar.

The eight-time Olympic medallist announced her pregnancy via Instagram on her birthday in May and followed up with the announcement of the arrival of her son in another post to the social media site on Tuesday.

In the Instagram Reel, she shares images of herself in the hospital, her baby boy with his big sister and his dad.

Zane was born seven days ago, on September 20, 2022.

The retired sprinter captioned the video with Zane’s weight at birth and the hashtags #newadditiontofamily, #babyboy, #bigsisterlove, #familyiseverything, and #blessed.

The Browns welcomed their first child, Avianna, in 2019.

Among those sending congratulations to the mom are Elaine Thompson Herah, US athlete Dawn Harper-Nelson, and entertainer Kevin Downswell.

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TTMA: Budget will boost business

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

TTMA president Tricia Coosal.

TT Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) head Tricia Coosal hailed the budget for boosting local businesses by assisting their ease of doing business, but urged a continuation of VAT refunds.

The TTMA issued a statement on Tuesday on Finance Minister Colm Imbert’s presentation in the House of Representatives on Monday.

She hailed the Government’s partnership and dialogue with the private sector to stabilise and grow the economy after the impact of covid19 and the Ukraine war, as shown by news of real GDP growth of two per cent and non-energy-sector growth of two per cent.

“The importance of ensuring the ease of doing business was once again stressed by the minister via the pledge of digitisation though the strengthening of the single electronic window and implementation of the electronic fund transfer framework to allow businesses to make payments to the government by the business community.” She welcomed these initiatives.

Coosal added, “TTMA has advocated for a more efficient tax-collecting mechanism, stressing the importance of widening the tax net as opposed to further burdening the already compliant population of the country.”

So the TTMA looked forward to the TT Revenue Authority starting its work in 2023 and anticipated that this would bring greater efficiency in tax collection.

Coosal looked forward to Phase 3 of the state-of-the-art industrial park at Phoenix Park, which could bring many synergies to the TTMA’s annual Trade and Investment Convention.

She declared, “The Government’s initiative to further the operationalisation of the manufacturing apprenticeship programme and the export booster initiative as well as increasing the allotment of the foreign exchange facility at Exim Bank are pleasing deliverables.

“The Government continues to signal the trust it places in the manufacturing sector to continue within a framework or public-private partnership to lead the charge on diversification of the economy, as evident by the 17 per cent increase in exports.”

She keenly anticipated details of the Exim facility, which has greatly helped exports in the TTMA.

TTMA supported Caricom’s goal to cut the region’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, including a $300 million allocation to agricultural incentives and infrastructure.

“Additionally, the rebate of $25,000.00 for the implementation of renewable wind and solar energy in agriculture will support the further development of this sector.”

She welcomed the $500 million in government support for long-term guarantee schemes for SMEs, guaranteeing 80 per cent of loans for up to ten years. This guarantee, plus a rise in ExporTT’s maximum grant fund facility from $250,000 to $340,000, will boost SMEs’ competitiveness and their contribution to the exports of the non-energy sector.

Noting the Government’s $4 billion in VAT payments in 2022, she said, “The association hopes the disbursement of VAT refund continues rapidly in the coming fiscal year, since the SME sector specifically suffers significantly from cash flow when payments are outstanding. As a result, TTMA looks forward to a continued rollout for its members, in a timely manner, for fiscal 2022-2023.”

Imbert was due to participate in the TTMA’s post-budget event on Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.

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Chief Sec: More autonomy will help Tobago’s diversification

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Tobago

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine.

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says if Tobago is granted greater autonomy, it will help to drive its diversification efforts.

He spoke on Tuesday in an interview on TTT’s News Now morning show.

Augustine said autonomy is not about boosting egos.

“Autonomy is more than making Tobagonians feel like men and women. It is also about giving us legislative authority for some simple things that we do not now have.”

For example, he recalled when he was a minority assemblyman, the THA had voted to send a bill to Parliament on the management of Tobago’s marine parks.

“That was sent down to Parliament, and to this point the Parliament has not picked it up on its agenda. In other words, we cannot, in Tobago, just decide we need to have these marine parks and create legislation around these marine parks.

“But yet Tobago prides itself on being green. We have all of these awards and designations of being an environmentally-friendly space. In fact, it is one of our competitive advantages.”

Saying Tobago must have the legislative authority to monetise that in a real way, Augustine said it will position the island in a much bolder place.

He added the island’s request for greater autonomy is not about wanting secession.

“It exists in jurisdictions even within the Commonwealth. You go to the United Kingdom, you have devolution of powers. You go to St Kitts-Nevis, you have a federation.

“So they recognise that when you have a country that is not a complete whole, that you have to have devolution of powers to the extent that the outlying regions have some measure of autonomy to be able to drive this development.”

Augustine also said he has been in discussions with Caribbean Airlines’ CEO and other officials recently with a view to increasing the number of flights to Tobago for the island’s carnival from October 28-30.

Saying people have been cancelling hotel bookings because they cannot get flights, Augustine said efficient inter-island transportation has been challenging even before the onset of covid19 two and a half years ago.

“We are trying to work out with them ways of increasing the flight load, because those in the accomodation sector are saying people are cancelling their bookings because they just can’t come.

“We are having Carnival in October and people are saying we want flights. Everybody is excited to come – but all of the available flights and sailings have been booked out, and we are looking at how we can work on some increases.”

He said efficiency must be improved.

“I can take a bus from Port of Spain to east, west, central to south, but I can’t take a bus from Port of Spain to Scarborough.

“If we are saying it’s one country, then there must be a mechanism to connect both islands. That connectivity comes through the inter-island service and the airline service provided by CAL.”

Augustine said pre-covid19, there were 24 round trips to Tobago. But post-covid19, the island only has 12.

He said the increased fares on the air- and seabridge announced in the budget must redound to greater efficiency.

“For many of us in Tobago, the use of the air- and seabridge is an essential service and not luxury. No disrespect, but we are not coming to Trinidad to go to Maracas. We are not coming to Trinidad to sip pina colada with an umbrella at the side of the glass.”

Augustine said Tobagonians travel to Trinidad to access a range of services, some of which do not fall under the remit of the THA.

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