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The crisis crept up on Gareth Southgate.

Just 14 months ago, England were playing in a European Championship final — and coming oh-so-close to winning it — backed by fans who rediscovered their connection with the national team.

Fast forward to the last few days when Southgate’s players — without a win in five games or an open-play goal getting on for 500 minutes — were holding private meetings without any coaches present.

Jeered by England supporters in the team’s most recent home game, a scarcely believable 4-0 loss to Hungary in June, Southgate knew he would be facing even more vitriol if Germany, England’s fierce rival, came away from Wembley Stadium with a victory on Monday.

So, how should the wild 3-3 draw in what in sporting terms was an unimportant Nations League group game be viewed?

The Southgate believers will say it showed a team playing for its coach, especially with England 2-0 down after 70 minutes and looking on course to be heading into the World Cup with another morale-sapping defeat.

The growing number of Southgate’s critics, however, will argue the chaotic 12-minute period — from the 71st to the 83rd — when England scored three goals from three shots to move into a 3-2 lead simply papered over the cracks.

The truth might be somewhere in between.

For now, the storm around Southgate and his players has relented, even if another might be just around the corner in Qatar.

“You can try and avoid pressure but it’s coming,” Southgate said. “Maybe it’s the third group game, maybe it’s a quarterfinal . . . whatever it might be, it’s coming.

“So, better that we feel it and we learn how to deal with it. We talked about how we needed to react if Germany scored and the players reacted in the right way.”

Indeed, things had gotten so bad for England that Southgate said, perhaps tongue in cheek, he had almost forgotten what it felt like to see his team score a goal.

So when Luke Shaw scored to make it 2-1 with his first goal for club or country since that Euro 2020 final, in doing so ending England’s 565-minute drought without a goal from open play, Southgate’s team was energized.

There followed a curler into the top corner from Mason Mount and a clinically dispatched penalty from Harry Kane and, suddenly, England were awash with belief, looking much more at home as a front-foot team than one sitting back and relying on their creaking defense.

And, despite that recent lack of goals, it is the defense which is Southgate’s major worry heading to Qatar.

On no one will the scrutiny be fiercer than Harry Maguire, at fault for two of the goals against Germany and seemingly a player bereft of confidence after being dropped by his club, Manchester United.

For the moment, Maguire still has the backing of his national coach but the next few weeks at United seem key to his chances of still being in the lineup for England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Nov. 21.

“In these moments, we’ve got to back our best and our most experienced players,” Southgate said, “unless we’re in a situation where, you know, it’s almost untenable and impossible to pick them.”

A shortage of other top center backs may save Maguire, especially with John Stones limping off with a hamstring injury against Germany.

Similarly, at left back or left wing back, Luke Shaw continues to be first choice despite also dropping out of United’s team in recent weeks. Ben Chilwell, a potential replacement, doesn’t appear fully sharp after a long-term injury and didn’t play a minute in this international break.

With the World Cup looming, the big loser over the last few days might have been Trent Alexander-Arnold who, to many, has redefined the role of a right back with his playmaking performances for Liverpool in recent years. With Alexander-Arnold’s defensive ability increasingly questioned, though, Southgate clearly has his doubts and didn’t even include him in the matchday squad of 23 against Germany.

Alexander-Arnold, somehow, looks to be the fourth-choice right back for England and might not make the World Cup squad.

On the other hand, central midfielder Jude Bellingham maybe secured a starting spot against Iran, injury permitting, with a strong display against Germany that improved as the match went.

At 19, Bellingham — a regular starter for Borussia Dortmund — has a long future ahead of him with England.

The same maybe cannot be said of Maguire, and perhaps even Southgate if England doesn’t build on those wild 13 minutes against Germany when the team gets to Qatar.

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Sweet potato fries.

A Customs and Excise order which did not classify frozen potato wedges as french fries, which attract a higher tariff, has been quashed by a High Court judge.

On Monday, Justice Carol Gobin said the policy, made in 2020, was inconsistent, as it included products of different cuts and sizes in the description of french fries, while excluding wedges.

She also said classification for exemption should not rely on the manufacturer’s marketing choices –as had been done in this case – suggesting that using the certification from health officials at the port of export could carry more weight.

Gobin was asked to review the policy of the Comptroller of Customs implemented in 2020, when it was revealed wedges were wrongly classified and were not french fries, so did not qualify for a reduced tariff of five per cent, but 20 per cent.

The judicial review claim was brought by Westco Food Unlimited after it was told the wrong code had been used in its paperwork. Demands were made for the payment of the duty from 2011-2018.

From 2010-2017, duties on frozen french fries were either suspended entirely or varied from 20 per cent to five per cent and since 2011, Westco applied the code used for french fried potatoes to include wedges.

The forms submitted were scrutinised by customs and approved and the importer paid the relevant duties.

The judgment said the division then did a post-clearance audit and determined that importers, not only Westco, were incorrectly classifying wedges as french fries.

However, in her ruling, Gobin rejected the justification the division gave for doing post-clearance audits.

“Post-clearance audits are not incorporated into the published policy guidelines of the division. The actions of the defendant in conducting a post-clearance audit in the manner it did and years after goods were cleared, verified and delivered, only served to defeat the salutary objectives above of facilitating trade, reducing time, and its claim to be entitled to do this at all injects a level of uncertainty for importers which is highly prejudicial, unfair, and which offends against commercial sense.”

She said the role of the division was to facilitate trade for the benefit of citizens who relied on imported commodities and to encourage legitimate business and investment.

“Customs best fulfils this role by ensuring that imports move as quickly as possible to achieve the efficient release of goods, while at the same time it adopts and maintains procedures, simple though stringent enough, to ensure and certify the proper collection of revenue according to applicable classifications and tariffs.”

For importers, she said,” the certainty of supply, fixed classifications for tariff purposes, and the application of appropriate rates of duty are key to fixing prices of goods, and stability in the local market supply chain and business.”

Gobin held the division could not demand the recovery of short-levied duty from Westco, since no offence had been identified, nor was there notice of any investigation or charge.

She said while the Customs Act did not stipulate a time frame for paying duty erroneously short-levied, “In my opinion, the comptroller cannot claim up to seven years for recovery where there has been no offence.

“The defendant has no roving jurisdiction to simply embark on a reclassification exercise and to demand further duty where an importer has complied with all the guidelines and duty has been assessed and paid and delivery of goods has been allowed.”

She said it would be “a recipe for confusion in the marketplace” if customs could arbitrarily do classification exercises years after goods had been processed and delivered.

“To allow the defendant to do this in the absence of express statutory power would defeat the statutory objectives of efficiency and ease of business.”

She suggested six months to make demands for payment or revisit clearances.

In quashing the 2020 order, she also held the decision was illegal, irrational, procedurally improper and of no effect.

The comptroller was further directed to reconsider its decision in the order.

Westco was represented by attorneys Jagdeo Singh, Leon Kalicharan, Savitri Samaroo and Karina Singh. Representing the comptroller were Karlene Seenath, Maria Belmar, Nicol Yee Fung, Amrita Ramsook, and Kezia Redhead.

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El director ejecutivo de la Autoridad de los Puertos, Joel A. Pizá Batiz, explicó que para el mediodía esperan completar la solicitud de un waiver o permiso para entregar al U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP), primera agencia federal que interviene en dichos procesos, para permitir que el barco que se encuentra cerca de Puerto Rico con más de 300 mil barriles de diésel pueda descargarse a la compañía de gas Peerless Oil & Chemicals, Inc., en Peñuelas.

El cargamento se encuentra en una embarcación proveniente de Texas, aunque el contenido es manejado por la British Petroleum (BP). En las últimas horas ha habido confusión debido a que, presuntamente, la administración del barco pidió una autorización al gobierno estadounidense para descargar el producto, ya que, según el Acta Jones de 1917 y las leyes de cabotaje a las que está sometido Puerto Rico, no pueden entrar libremente embarcaciones sin bandera estadounidense. No obstante, Pizá Batiz aseguró que no es cierto, por lo que el Gobierno local se encuentra gestionando el permiso para permitir la descarga del producto tan necesitado a más de una semana del paso del huracán Fiona, cuando una buena parte de la población aún no cuenta con energía eléctrica.

“Lo que ellos miran es cuánto es el suplido de diésel en Puerto Rico, la exportación, importación… Porque lo que busca el mandato de ley es que, en efecto, no hay barco de bandera americana que pueda suplir esta demanda”, explicó el secretario para indicar que las autoridades federales evaluaron la solicitud y constatarían si no hay carga estadounidense que pueda proveerse, en vez de la que espera al sur del país.

Entretanto, Pizá aseguró que no hay ningún problema con el Acta Jones porque, incluso, Puerto Rico ha recibido más de 600 mil galones de diésel de embarcaciones extranjeras en las pasadas dos semanas.

“Aquí tenemos una petrolera que debió haber hecho correctamente el waiver y que el Gobierno, por tener esos 300 mil barriles, va a hacer todo lo que esté en sus manos para hacerlo. Pero es una posición muy compleja porque estamos tratando de hacer un waiver en tiempo récord”, expresó al destacar que el tiempo corre y que BP, que tiene los recursos adecuados para haber solicitado el permiso, puede partir si no gustaran esperar a que se apruebe el waiver. Según Pizá, la intención es meramente vender y no asistir al país en su necesidad, por lo cual será culpa de BP el que la isla se quede sin el recurso.

Si el barco “abandona o decide irse porque ahora ellos no tienen mucho tiempo pa’ esperar por el waiver que sometieron, alegadamente, hace una semana y que ayer fue que llegó a la oficina del secretario (del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, Alejandro) Mayorkas después de la llamada del Gobierno, y ahora se van porque quieren venderle los 300 mil barriles a otro destino, pues, no es culpa de Peerless y no es culpa del Gobierno. Tú no puedes quitarme el reloj y luego preguntarme la hora […] Tú no puedes crear la crisis y luego hacerte la víctima”, reiteró el funcionario al señalar, también, que BP había establecido, al menos, 48 horas para el descargue.

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Members of Executive Council paying respect toHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her passing

Despite her failing health, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continued to serve and lead her people. On Tuesday, September 6, just two days before her death, the Queen performed one final act of duty – she met with the newly appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ms Liz Truss, on Tuesday, September 6.Glowing tributes to the Queen poured out this past week as citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and its other realms and territories, entered into the observance of a ten-day period of mourning and reflection in remembrance of Her Majesty.Members of Parliament and other world leaders sent words of condolence to the royal family including official tributes on behalf of the countries and governments they represent. But, perhaps, the most heartfelt and memorable tributes came from the many citizens who placed flowers, cards and candles outside Buckingham Palace.

In a moving gesture and show of appreciation, Members of the royal family strolled by the floral tributes on Saturday, admiring the floral arrangements, reading some of the cards, and shaking hands and interacting with mourners and well-wishers at the site.

King Charles III and his siblings held a silent vigil – the Princes’ Vigil – at the side of Queen Elizabeth’s coffin as it lay at rest in Edingurgh’s historic cathedral, on Monday, September 12. The oak coffin, draped with the royal flag known as the Royal Standard of Scotland, was topped with a wreath of white flowers and the Crown of Scotland, historically used for the coronation of monarchs of Scotland.

Many individuals, organisations, and local governments around the world, observed the Queen’s death in their own unique way. In Anguilla – a British Overseas Territory – mourners and well-wishers joined Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, in attending a 96-Gun Salute in honour of Her Majesty’s time on earth.

OPERATION LONDON BRIDGEIn Britain, the Queen’s death at age 96 has thrown a state apparatus into motion that has sat idle for 70 years — since Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, died in 1952.

The British government dubbed the intricate protocol of handling Queen Elizabeth’s death “Operation London Bridge.” It ranges from succession rules to the process of bringing the queen’s coffin from Balmoral Castle in Scotland to London.Day Zero (Sept. 8)The royal household notifies the public of the queen’s death. Prince Charles immediately succeeds to the throne upon his mother’s death. He will be known as King Charles III. His wife, Camilla, becomes queen consort. The couple stay at Balmoral overnight.Flags fly at half-staff across the British government, and will remain so until 8 a.m. on the morning after the queen’s funeral. Charles issues a brief statement, as does U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Numerous commemorations are planned, from moments of silence to military gun salutes and remembrances in honour of Queen Elizabeth.The royal family posts an online Book of Condolence on its website.

Day 1 (Sept. 9)The king announced a period of royal mourning, to be observed until seven days after the queen’s funeral on Monday, Sept. 19.

Two 96-round gun salutes honouring the queen — one round for each year of her life — were fired at 1 p.m. local time Friday in London, in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.

Both houses of Parliament delay their start until noon, when they observe a moment of silence for the late queen. Members then begin delivering tributes, with proceedings expected to run until about 10 p.m.

St. Paul’s Cathedral holds a service of prayer and reflection for Queen Elizabeth, starting at 6 p.m. local time. The service is open to up to 2,000 members of the public and is streamed online.

Week 1On Saturday morning, the Accession Council met at St. James’s Palace in London, where it formally declared Queen Elizabeth’s death and proclaimed the new sovereign’s accession to the throne. Charles then read and signed a centuries-old oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and ensure continuity of government.On the same day, senior members of Parliament took an oath of allegiance to King Charles III. The two houses continued their tributes and framed a message of condolence to the king.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, a procession will transport the queen’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday, Sept. 12.

The king and other members of the royal family will take part in the procession and attend a service at the cathedral, after which the public will be able to pay their respects.

On Tuesday, the Royal Air Force will transport Elizabeth’s body from Scotland to London.

On Wednesday, a ceremonial procession by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will accompany her coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster. There, the Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short ceremony, after which she will lie in state at Westminster Hall for several days. The public will be able to visit for 23 hours of each day.

As final funeral preparations are being made in London, Charles will travel to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, visiting leaders in the United Kingdom.

Day 11 (Sept. 19)On Monday, Sept. 19, a state funeral service will be held at Westminster Abbey, triggering an observance of two minutes’ silence in the U.K. World leaders, are expected to attend. Immediately after the service, another procession will take place from Westminster to Wellington Arch in Hyde Park. Monday, September 19, is declared a Bank Holiday across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the Overseas Territories.

Prince Philip Is Memorialized in An Intimate Funeral Ceremony

Afterward, his coffin will be transported to Windsor Castle, where a final service will be held in St. George’s Chapel. Finally, the queen will be buried on the castle grounds next to her husband, Prince Philip, who died in April 2021.

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Mr. Kyle Hodge

In a radio interview on Klass FM on Thursday, 15th September, the former Minister of Economics Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kyle Hodge, was asked by DJ Hammer to share his views concerning the situation between the Government and ANGLEC.

DJ Hammer had made reference to a statement posed by ANGLEC’s CEO, Mr. Sutcliffe Hodge, which follows:

“Over the last couple of weeks, Germany has made available about 65 billion Euros to assist their citizens in coping with high cost of electricity. Over that past weekend Holland has announced that they are also assisting their citizens in a similar way to deal with energy costs and food. The United Kingdom also decided that they are going to be capping off the cost that their citizens would have to pay for their utility bills.

“ANGLEC, in Anguilla, has been trying to play Government [in this regard]. We have said, no, we cannot pass on the full cost of the fuel surcharge to our customers. We are now sort of getting penalised for that because Government is now saying to us that our liquidity may be at risk. Therefore, we have to rethink and see whether we should pass on the full surcharge cost to the consumer, and then the Anguilla Government and the British Government would need to come up with some way to supplement the electricity bills for Anguillians.

“We are experiencing that for us to be kind and compassionate to the citizens of Anguilla, we are putting ourselves at the risk of been taken over by the Governor. This is a real issue.

“As a consequence, I am in discussion with the Board right now and I am letting them know that we can no longer play compassionate, because to continue doing so, we may have to turn over the keys to Her Excellency the Governor. And that will hit our citizens hard if/when the British takes over ANGLEC.”

Former Minister, Kyle Hodge, responded: “That was a very sobering statement by the CEO of ANGLEC. Around the world and across the globe, Governments are taking measures to help their people who are struggling through these difficult times.

“The cost of fuel has skyrocketed lately. The fuel surcharge should be $1.00 plus, but our people cannot bear an increase at this time. Like the CEO said, ANGLEC has been playing Government over the years. Added to that, is the issue that ANGLEC is unable to collect the debt owed to it by Government.

“Over the years, Government has been involved in ANGLEC’s business. From time to time, they would recognise that there is a need to keep the fuel surcharge at a certain price point, because the consumers, in general, cannot afford an increase. ANGLEC has been shouldering that burden at 70 cents, when it should be $1.00 plus. The question is, for how long can ANGLEC afford to keep the fuel surcharge at 70 cents?

“If Government cannot come at the table and offer a solution for paying off some of the debt that is owed to ANGLEC, then ANGLEC will have no choice but to raise the fuel surcharge.

“I have recently heard the Premier say that administrations of the past have ignored the debt that the Water Corporation owes to ANGLEC. But that is the past. We are living in a time when, presently, ANGLEC cannot afford to be owed so much at this point.”

When asked what should be the way forward, Mr. Kyle Hodge said: “The way forward is simply for ANGLEC and Government to sit together as grown people – and as leaders of this country – and hold talks with a view of resolving the issues. This should have been done even before the Governor intervened.”

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