Guyanese Hetmyer Returns To West Indies ODI Squad

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Oct. 30, 2024: Shimron Hetmyer, the dynamic Guyana-born, West Indies batsman known for his powerful hitting, is set to make a comeback to the West Indies One Day International (ODI) team after nearly a year’s absence. Cricket West Indies has announced that Hetmyer, 27, will join the 15-member squad to face England in a three-match ODI series starting tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 31st, in Antigua.

Shimron Hetymer, seen here as part of the West Indies during the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between West Indies and India at Old Trafford on June 27, 2019 in Manchester, England, returns to the 2024 ODI series against England. (Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Hetmyer’s last appearance for the West Indies ODI team was in December 2023 against England. His inclusion marks the only change to the squad that recently toured Sri Lanka, as he replaces opening batsman Alick Athanaze.

West Indies head coach for white-ball cricket, Daren Sammy, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming home series, emphasizing the historic rivalry between West Indies and England. “Playing against England always brings out a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that both the players and Caribbean fans eagerly anticipate,” Sammy said. “We showed our capability last year by beating them at home in an ODI series, and we’re ready to take on a strong England side once again.”

Sammy also highlighted the significance of home-ground support as the team aims for qualification in the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027. “Playing at home with the local support’s energy and passion is always special,” he added. “We’ve assembled a balanced squad ready to compete with one of the best teams globally.”

Squad:

West Indies: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.

Puerto Rican Shadow Senator Endorses Trump Amid Rally Backlash

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Oct. 30, 2024: A prominent Puerto Rican Republican, Zoraida Buxó Santiago, has made headlines by endorsing Donald Trump amid backlash over a rally comment in New York that described Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, a speaker at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally two days earlier, made the inflammatory remark, sparking widespread condemnation.

US Shadow Senator from Puerto Rico, Zoraida Buxo Santiago. speaks next to former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 2024. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

While many Puerto Rican public figures and celebrities including Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Mark Anthony, Don Omar and Jennifer Lopez, have voiced support for Trump’s Democratic challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, Shadow U.S. Senator Buxó expressed confidence in Trump’s leadership, endorsing him publicly at a rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania on October 29th. Her decision, she stated, centers on Trump’s commitment to resolving Puerto Rico’s status and supporting statehood.

“[Donald Trump] is the firm leader that PR needs to take us out of territorial limbo and do justice,” Buxó wrote on social media, highlighting her confidence in Trump’s stance. She cited his 2016 pledge to respect Puerto Rico’s referendum results on status, a commitment she says he reaffirmed in 2023.

The endorsement arrives amid reminders of Trump’s controversial visit to Puerto Rico in 2017, following Hurricane Maria, when he tossed paper towels into a crowd—a gesture many saw as insensitive. Furthermore, a federal investigation later found that his administration had delayed the release of billions in congressional disaster aid to the island, with reports of unprecedented procedural delays attributed to new review protocols imposed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 2018.

Born and educated in Puerto Rico, Buxó has a legal background and previously served as the island’s Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. She has held the role of Shadow Senator since 2021, advocating for the U.S. Congress to uphold Puerto Rico’s 2020 referendum vote for statehood. Her current term is set to end in December 2024.

Puerto Rico’s shadow delegation to the U.S. Senate consists of two delegates who are tasked with advocating for statehood for Puerto Rico. Shadow delegates are not able to vote on legislation. The other Shadow Senator is Melinda Romero Donnelly. Puerto Rico’s shadow delegation is distinct from the Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner.

Buxó’s endorsement marks a divergence from many Puerto Ricans calling for increased support of Harris, who has promised to prioritize economic equity for Puerto Ricans.

In her plan for the island entitled “Building an Opportunity Economy for Puerto Rico” posted to her website, Harris outlines that she plans to work with “the private sector, the Puerto Rican government, municipalities, and other stakeholders” to “strengthen the energy grid, make Puerto Rico a hub for industries of the future, and uplift the island’s role as a vibrant economic and cultural center.”

Harris detailed that she plans to launch a federal Puerto Rico economy task force focused on “investing in industries of the future, driving small business growth, strengthening the health care system,” expanding access to clean energy, providing housing at lower costs, and building more affordable housing, advancing health care services in Puerto Rico, and more.

Caribbean American Designers Shine As 2024 CFDA Award Winners

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Oct. 30, 2024: Two Caribbean American designers have made waves as top winners of the prestigious 2024 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, known as the Oscars of American fashion.

Sevdaliza and Raul Lopez, r., attend the 2024 CFDA Awards at American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. Lopez of Luar, a Dominican American designer, took home the Accessories Designer of the Year award for the second time. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Raul Lopez of Luar, a Dominican American designer, took home the Accessories Designer of the Year award for the second time, honored at the event held in the Museum of Natural History on October 28th. Lopez, who grew up in Brooklyn to Dominican immigrant parents, launched his label in 2011, creating edgy takes on classic American sportswear that have captivated a dedicated fanbase. His studio is adorned with racks of bold designs and his signature briefcase-inspired “It” bag, which has become a standout in the fashion world.

Jamaican designer Rachel Scott claimed the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award at the 2024 CFDA Awards at American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Jamaican-born Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima, claimed the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year award. Scott, who won CFDA’s Emerging Designer of the Year in 2023, founded Diotima in 2021 to bring together Caribbean artisanal traditions and urban haute couture. Diotima’s collections are crafted between Jamaica and New York, and Scott’s commitment to supporting Jamaican artisans shines through her designs, which emphasize craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Jamaican born designer Rachel Scott with her award as the Women’s Wear Designer of the Year and Cynthia Erivo at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards held at the American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/WWD via Getty Images)

The 2024 CFDA awards also featured a special tribute as the Board of Directors’ Tribute Award was renamed in honor of the late Isabel Toledo, an influential Cuban American designer celebrated for crafting Michelle Obama’s iconic 2009 inauguration look.