West Indies players picked for IPL franchise in weekend auction
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has congratulated the West Indies players who secured contracts with franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest and most lucrative global T20 franchise tournament, which was conducted in Bengaluru over the weekend, saying it demonstrated that players in the Caribbean side are still high in demand.
A total of 14 West Indians were chosen to join Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, who were retained by their respective franchises ahead of the auction. They were: Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Rovman Powell, Dominic Drakes, Alzarri Joseph, Sherfane Rutherford, Fabian Allen, Obed McCoy, Evin Lewis and Kyle Mayers.
“I especially want to applaud those younger players who received their first full IPL contracts. This shows great faith in emerging West Indies talent,” said CWI President Ricky Skerritt.
The 2022 IPL 2022 is slated to be played in April and May.
CWI has allocated a window for the tournament each year in their ICC Future Tours Programme and also guaranteed this to the players in their retainer contracts, it noted. West Indies players are therefore fully available to participate in the IPL each year.
“I continue to believe that our players can seek quality employment abroad, and still be positioned to operate constructively and successfully within the West Indies cricket system,” Skerrit said.
Russell had previously secured the largest contract among the West Indians, with Kolkata Knight Riders, at US$1.6 million. But 26-year-old left-hander Pooran attracted the highest-ever bid for a West Indies player in the auction, when Sunrisers Hyderabad paid US$1.43 million for his services.
Former Test captain Jason Holder who was bought by new franchise Lucknow Super Giants for US$1.16 million gave CWI credit for helping him reach this far in his career.
“I want to thank the West Indies fans immensely for their support over the years and I want to thank Cricket West Indies for helping to develop my talent. I look forward to this opportunity and also look forward to what is ahead in West Indies cricket, so I can continue to build a legacy for the West Indies,” he said.
The total price paid for the West Indies players was US$10.855 million. The group of 17 makes up the largest number of foreign players in the IPL.
The full list the selected West Indies players along with the franchises that bought them and their fees: Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders) – US$1.6 million; Nicholas Pooran (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – US$1.433 million; Jason Holder (Lucknow Super Giants) – US$1.166 million; Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals) – US$1.133 million; Romario Shepherd (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – US$1.033 million; Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) – US$800,000; Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) – US$800,000; Odean Smith (Punjab Kings) – US$800,000; Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) – US$586,000; Rovman Powell (Delhi Capitals) – US$373,000; Alzarri Joseph (Gujarat Titans) – US$320,000; Evin Lewis (Lucknow Super Giants) – US$266,000; Dominic Drakes (Gujarat Titans) – US$146,000; Sherfane Rutherford (Punjab Kings) – US$133,000; Fabian Allen (Mumbai Indian) – US$100,000; Obed McCoy (Rajasthan Royals) – US$100,000; Kyle Mayers (Lucknow Super Giants) – US$66,000.
Meantime, Akeal Hosein, Kennar Lewis, Roston Chase and Sheldon Cottrell who were in the pool of available players all went unsold.
Source-CMC
Canada police clear key border bridge but protests still crippling Ottawa
Canadian police on Sunday cleared a key US border bridge occupied by trucker-led demonstrators angry over COVID-19 restrictions, towing vehicles and making "several" arrests in their bid to quell a movement that has also paralysed downtown Ottawa.
"Today, our national economic crisis at the Ambassador Bridge came to an end," Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, Ontario, said in a statement. "Border crossings will re-open when it is safe to do so."
US officials, who had pressed for a quick resolution as the blockades hit auto industries in both countries, praised what they called the "decisive" action in Windsor and said they expected the bridge to open by day's end.
White House national security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said US and Canadian officials recognised "the imperative of taking swift, strong action and deterring future blockades."
A heavy police cordon continued to protect the area on Sunday afternoon, with protesters still nearby and police indicating they would make further arrests.
The demonstrations have inspired copycat protests around the globe, including in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, and with some US truckers discussing a protest for March.
On Sunday, with thousands of protesters still paralysing the centre of federal capital Ottawa, Canada's public safety and emergency preparedness minister indicated that patience was running short.
Source-AFP
Consumer prices jump 7.5%, fastest pace in 40 years
The Labor Department says the prices Americans are paying climbed rapidly last month and are jumping at a pace not seen in 40 years. The department says the consumer price index -- a key measure of inflation -- surged 7.5 percent over the last 12 months, which is the largest 12-month increase since February 1982. The index surged 0.6 percent in January alone.
Increases in the indexes for food, electricity and shelter were the largest contributors to the overall price increases last month, the DOL data indicates. The food index increased seven percent over the last year and the energy index soared by 27 percent.
President Joe Biden reacted to the report in a statement Thursday, acknowledging it as "a reminder that Americans' budgets are being stretched in ways that create real stress at the kitchen table," but touting "signs that we will make it through this challenge."
Source-ABC
Rihanna considering baby name that honors her Barbadian heritage
Although we don't know when Rihanna will give birth to her first child, we may know a bit about what she will name her little one.
According to Us Weekly, the "Umbrella" singer will chose a name that honors both her and father A$AP Rocky's heritage. "Rihanna wants her Barbados heritage honored when she names her child, [as well as] A$AP’s roots," a source dished to the outlet. "They want both of their cultures included. It is very important to them to keep where they are from passed down to their child."
The insider adds Rihanna has her work cut out for her because she "has admiration for so many strong women and men in her family" and that means she has "a lot of names to pick from for a starting point."
This will be the first child for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, both 33, who confirmed in a series of intimate photos last month that they were expecting. The two have yet to reveal a due date, or if they're painting the nursery blue or pink.
But, going off a previous report from Us Weekly, we might get an answer this spring because -- according to another one of their alleged insiders -- that's when the baby is due.
Source-ABC
Direct red card appeals system to debut in CONCACAF 2022 senior competitions
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has introduced an appeals system for direct red cards for its senior competitions, starting with the 2022 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League which begins this week.
Participating teams will now have the opportunity post-match to request a review of direct red cards by a newly created CONCACAF Independent Review Panel, the regional governing body for football said in a statement.
“Any club or senior national team which intends to appeal a direct red card awarded in a CONCACAF competition must inform the Confederation of their intention to do so no later than two hours after the end of the relevant match. This must be followed by a full written appeal submitted to CONCACAF within the next 48 hours,” it said.
“Provided these requirements are met, three independent members of a new CONCACAF Independent Panel will consider the appeal and determine if it should be upheld.”
There are three possible outcomes of an appeal: a successful appeal when all three members of the panel unanimously decide to overturn the on-field decision of a red card; an unsuccessful appeal where there is no unanimous decision and the direct red card decision is therefore upheld; and an unsuccessful appeal deemed frivolous, in which the three-member panel unanimously decides to uphold the decision and unanimously deem the appeal to be frivolous.
In the latter case, the player in question will receive an additional one-match suspension.
CONCACAF said the decisions of the review panel will be final and are not subject to further appeal.
No other on-field decisions, including yellow cards, can be reviewed by the CONCACAF Independent Panel and this will only apply for CONCACAF senior (women’s and men’s) competitions.
Haiti’s Cavaly AS, the 2021 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship winner, is the only club from the Caribbean in the 2022 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.
Source-CMC
New York City officially opens Caribbean Marketplace in Brooklyn
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) has announced the opening and rebranding of Flatbush Central—formerly Flatbush Caton Market—the revitalized marketplace that has been part of the fabric of the Caribbean community in Central Brooklyn for more than 20 years.
NYCEDC said it has collaborated with New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the BRP Companies and Urbane on the initiative.
“The new Flatbush Central offers upgraded amenities, expanded space for food vendors—inclusive of a Caribbean-themed food hall, shared commercial kitchen, bar and lounge—and new programming to engage entrepreneurs and the broader community in building connections and celebrating the cultures of Flatbush and Central Brooklyn,” said NYCEDC in a statement.
It said Flatbush Central’s rebrand was inspired by a desire to fulfill the vision of the market’s founder – Jamaican-born Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, former New York City council member – who sponsored the market’s creation to build an institution for Caribbean people in Flatbush through the incubation of Caribbean businesses.
Through an extensive research and design process that involved discussions with several community stakeholders, including patrons and vendors of the market, NYCEDC said a new logo and brand emerged to reflect the diversity of the vibrant Caribbean cultures that influence the market.
“I am delighted to see my vision fulfilled, that vendors and entrepreneurs from our community now have a permanent home which gives both pride and dignity to those who struggled for existence and recognition,” said Dr. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to New York City Council, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Saturday. “The name of the new site—Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace—is fitting because it acknowledges the contribution that Caribbeans have made to Flatbush and East Flatbush.
“I have long dreamt of and supported the aspirations of the Caribbean people,” she added. “As a civil rights leader at the forefront of the community for more than four decades, building long-standing institutions rather than promoting temporary programs in our community is of the utmost importance. Because institutions last while programs come and go.”
“Flatbush Central Caribbean Market is an embodiment of New York City’s small business recovery,” said NYCEDC President and Chief Executive Officer Rachel Loeb. “We are excited to open the doors to this market whose resilient vendors celebrate the rich Caribbean culture of this area of Brooklyn. We are proud to have worked with our development partners to deliver a project that will strengthen the Caribbean and Brooklyn communities for generations to come.”
HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión, Jr. said, “Flatbush Central Caribbean Market is a long-time anchor of the community, providing culturally significant commerce for more than 20 years.
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership rooted in serving the needs of this community,” he added. “Caton Flats, an affordable housing development that is currently leasing up, will be anchored by a new and improved Flatbush Central Caribbean Market at the ground floor level,” Carrión continued. “Congratulations to the small businesses, and to BRP Companies, Urbane, EDC, HDC, and our team at HPD for their hard work on this great development. We will soon cut the ribbon on the 255 affordable homes at Caton Flats.”
NYCEDC said more than just a shopping destination, Flatbush Central represents a central place where Caribbean culture and Diaspora traditions are expressed in a shared space through commerce, food, events, myriad arts, and more. The market features a variety of small businesses that operate year-round.
Additionally, NYCEDC said the market will introduce its Mangrove™ accelerator—an economic mobility platform and incubator program whose goal is to spur community wealth opportunities—to the site to promote the growth of new and existing small local businesses.
The Mangrove™ at Flatbush Central will offer access to state-of-the-art shared food and culinary, natural body care and cosmetics, new media, and textile production facilities, specifically targeting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs to support the growth of their businesses.
The Mangrove™ will provide direct, industry-specific technical assistance, access to capital, cohort-based business curriculum for informal and emerging businesses, respectively, as well as facilitate partnerships with larger corporate entities and institutions for business-to-business (B2B) opportunities, NYCEDC said.
“Small, local vendors like the ones returning to Flatbush Central are part of what makes Brooklyn so unique,” said newly-elected Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m excited to see them in a new, permanent home that celebrates Caribbean culture and will also have incubator space to support new small businesses. I can’t wait to go and try some doubles and roti!”
“The distinctly Caribbean character of Flatbush is one of the many reasons I’m so proud to represent the neighborhood in the Council,” said Councilmember Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born, newly-elected representative for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn. “The Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace will be a beacon of culture in Central Brooklyn for both Caribbeans and non-Caribbeans, and I’m thankful for all the leaders who made the opening possible.”
“For years the Flatbush Caton Market has been responsible for the success of entrepreneurs in the 21st district in which I represent and the surrounding areas,” said New York State Senator Kevin Parker, representative for the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn. “The rebranding will be helpful to so many small business owners who took a hit a during the pandemic. The market not only spurred economic growth but met the needs of the community. I am proud that they were able to still be up and running during this critical time”
US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Dr. Clarke’s daughter, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, noted that her mother, more than 20 years ago, “founded a marketplace for Brooklyn’s Caribbean community on the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Caton Avenue. The Flatbush Caton Market soon burgeoned into a hub where a host of Caribbean, West African and South American vendors gathered to share culture and sell their goods.
“Today, what started out as a small gathering on blankets and in tents has become an invaluable resource for all of New York, especially the Caribbean community,” Congresswoman Clarke said. “And my mother’s legacy to this proud and historic moment certainly makes her the cornerstone of this new foundation.
“Beyond her tireless work to improve our Brooklyn community and help grow local businesses, Dr. Clarke helped countless others establish roots in their new country, and Flatbush Caton Market–Brooklyn’s cultural fabric–is a wonderful example of that legacy,” she added, stating that after decades of work, progress and growth, “the revitalization of FCM is finally complete, and I am tremendously proud to witness the fruits of my mother’s love and labor be realized.
“Thanks to partnerships with New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York City Housing Development Corporation, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Urbane Development and BRP Companies, our Caribbean community in Brooklyn has an improved and unique space for their entrepreneurial endeavors to thrive,” the congresswoman continued. “Like so many members of our beloved community, the Clarke family have long awaited this day, and we eagerly anticipate the moment we can experience the new Flatbush Central in all its glory.”
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said the opening of the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace is “a victory that our entire community can rejoice in.
“The new amenities, and Mangrove accelerator, give us hope for renewed prosperity and socio-economic growth in our area,” said the representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “This project also promises to uplift those who suffered the most from the wrath of the pandemic: Black small business owners. As chair of the New York State subcommittee on MWBEs, I applaud this opening, and encourage New Yorkers to come explore and experience the rich culture our neighborhood has to offer.”
NYCEDC said the newly-opened market is located on the ground floor of Caton Flats, a 14-story, mixed-use development containing 255 units of 100 percent affordable housing and over 20,000 square feet of community space in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
Residences range in size from studios to three-bedroom, and are available to a range of incomes from very low-income to middle-income households, NYCEDC said.
Located at the northwest corner of Caton and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn, Caton Flats delivers, among other things, 16,000 square feet of space for Flatbush Central; small business incubators and offices; 5,000 square feet of supplemental community space; a Caribbean Trade Center and headquarters owned and operated by Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI); and 10,000 square feet dedicated to local retail.
Source-CMC
Canadian PM calls protest 'unacceptable'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has hit out at protests by truckers around the country as "unacceptable".
Speaking to parliament in Ottawa, he defended the Covid restrictions that have prompted truckers to converge on the nation's capital.
Ottawa police meanwhile warned protesters could be arrested, and a conviction might cost them their jobs. The protests in Ottawa and at two Canada-US border crossings have been going on for two weeks.
"Blockages, illegal demonstrations are unacceptable, and are negatively impacting businesses and manufacturers," Mr Trudeau said on Wednesday.
"We must do everything to bring them to an end."
He said the protesters are "trying to blockade our economy, our democracy and our fellow citizens' daily lives".
Mr Trudeau returned to parliament on Monday following a week-long isolation after he caught coronavirus.
Since Monday drivers have been blocking the largest international suspension bridge in the world at a border crossing that makes up around a quarter of US-Canada trade.
The closure of the Ambassador Bridge by about 100 protesters in their big rigs has been denounced by trade groups. The span connects Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan.
Car manufacturers in the region say that they have had to reduce production and shift hours due to parts shortages caused by the ongoing blockade. Industry experts say that it could result in company layoffs and increase the prices that consumers pay for vehicles.
The world's biggest manufacturer, Toyota, has halted production at three factories in Ontario, saying no more vehicles will be produced there this week.
The White House has called for an end to the protests saying they risk hurting the car industry and US agricultural exports.
About 400 trucks remain in central Ottawa after arriving there late last month. Police said on Wednesday the protesters could be charged with "mischief to property" because they were inhibiting local residents' "lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property".
Ottawa police warned that "anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the blocking of streets may be committing a criminal offence".
They added that a criminal conviction could result in seizure of their vehicles, and an inability to enter the US. The police force also hiked penalties for noise, engine idling and other infractions in the city to C$1,000 ($790, £585) per offence.
The truckers are protesting against a rule requiring truckers entering Canada to be fully immunised against coronavirus. The demonstrators have also voiced opposition to Covid passports and mask mandates.
Mr Trudeau has refused to budge on federal Covid measures, even as provinces begin lifting their restrictions.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Prince Edward Island have all announced plans to lift most mitigation measures this month. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are also easing some restrictions.
On Tuesday, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said pandemic-related rules had "disrupted and even destroyed livelihoods" in the province.
In Coutts, Alberta, on the border with the US state of Montana, RCMP officers began issuing tickets on Wednesday to remove dozens of trucks that have been blocking that international crossing for about two weeks. No arrests have been reported, and authorities said that enforcement would take place in "stages" beginning with information gathering.
"Really it's going to be up to them," said RCMP Superintendent Roberta McKale, calling on them to move on their own.
"Up until this point it's been us asking them and this afternoon we don't have an option, we're going to have to use our enforcement options to have that happen."
Mr Trudeau has faced criticism from within his own party over his handling of the protests, which come as infections from the Omicron variant decline significantly.
Source - BBC
Prime Minister Pierre tests positive for COVID-19
Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-219), according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Wednesday.
It said that as part of the protocols established by the OPM, Prime Minister Pierre, who came to office following the July 27, 2021 general election, underwent a routine PCR test.
The statement said Pierre received a positive PCR test result and in keeping with the public health protocols, he is presently isolated and will continue working from home.
“The Prime Minister is doing well and exhibits no symptoms at this time. Prime Minister Pierre’s full recovery is anticipated within the next few days,” the statement said.
“The Hon. Prime Minister has always prioritised the health and safety of himself and others. He continues to maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and increased fluid intake. He has led by example and is fully vaccinated, and has received his booster shot as recommended by the Ministry of Health,” the OPM said, adding that he takes this opportunity to encourage citizens to get fully vaccinated, get boosted, and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.
Pierre becomes the latest CARICOM leader to test positive for the virus joining Belize Prime Minister John Briceno and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley.
Source - CMC
Rob Gronkowski gives honest advice to student athletes who dream of going pro
With the Super Bowl on Sunday, it'll reignite student athletes' determination to one day play in the Big Game themselves. Statistically, just 0.00075 percent of all high school football players go pro, according to LeagueSide. NFL star Rob Gronkowski beat those odds and, speaking to ABC Audio, he has some advice for his fellow big dreamers.
His message to those who truly believe the NFL is their calling is: "Obviously, go for your dream and work as hard as possible. That's the only way that you're gonna be able to get to the next level." Adds Gronkowski, "Everyone's good as you get to a collegiate level, then to the NFL level...You've got to put that work in and you've got to find ways to get better."
While he stresses practice can make perfect because talent only carries one so far, the Buccaneers tight end encourages student athletes to also "take away the life experiences from the game."
"Think about [in] football, how you came together in order to accomplish a goal and win a game," he explains. "It takes 11 guys out on the field in order to accomplish a mission or to even move the ball down the field... Bring that into the real world."
Gronkowski says listening to the coaches in addition to knowing how to work with and share the spotlight with your team is a measure for success. "That's going to help you in the long run," says the Super Bowl champion. "We need to collaborate and we got to work together in order to get to another level in order to be successful."
He adds, "I can't do this job by myself. I need help. That's why I always say: Take away life lessons from the game and apply them to the real world."
SOURCE - ABC
Bahamian Government says new taxes will be last resort
Prime Minister Phillip Davis says his administration does not intend to impose any new tax on the population, saying to do so would be a “last resort”.
Davis told reporters that he remains optimistic about his administration’s fiscal plans recalling a statement made recently that “my first job would be to see how we grow the economy; any new taxes are a last resort in our agenda”.
“We are not seeking to put any further burden on our Bahamian people. We think that our tax, that where we are now with collections and enforcements, we ought to be able to take care of the services that we need to deliver and promises we made to see them fulfilled.”
Earlier this week, Financial Secretary Simon Wilson told The Tribune newspaper that “new revenue measures” will be needed to achieve revenue projections over the next four years.
He said the government planned to bridge the “gap” to its US$1.3 billion revenue increase with “additional measures” in the upcoming mid-year budget and that some “new tax measures” will be required to achieve the projected 55.7 per cent increase in government revenues over the next four years.
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard raised alarm over the statement, calling for Davis to address the comments that “sent shockwaves nationally” and gave the “wrong signals” about the government’s plans, adding that the comments suggested new taxes were on the horizon.
During the news conference, Prime Minister Davis said he was disappointed with the pace of the restoration work on Grand Bahama and Abaco following Hurricane Dorian that hit the chain of islands in September 2019.
“I think it is personnel we asked to get things done not moving enough, and so we just have to crack the whip, and that is what we intend to do,” he said, adding that his administration has engaged an international law firm to help access funding for restoration efforts.
“I want to say in keeping with our stress to the corporate citizens of the country, we need assistance, and we need to do this together. We were able to have assistance of a corporate citizen to help us engage Holland and Knight to go out and seek grant funding for us. That is one of the… I did not want to disclose everything we are doing, but that the law firm would be lobbying for us.
“There is lots of funding out in the world particularly for climate change, and medical matters, and particularly after COVID, there’s been quite an appetite to assist jurisdictions such as our small island developing state,” Davis said, adding that “to navigate through the maze to get to it, we need some assistance, and so Holland and Knight was identified as someone that could do it”.
SOURCE - CMC