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  • OP-ED: We’ve called the meeting, now here’s what we bring

    OP-ED: We’ve called the meeting, now here’s what we bring

    When the European Union issued an ultimatum to five Eastern Caribbean nations to shutter their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs by 2028, regional leaders gathered in Roseau, Dominica last Friday and made a critical, forward-thinking choice: they will head to Brussels as a unified bloc to negotiate, rather than comply passively. This op-ed from the soon-to-launch Caribbean Outlet, *The Caribbean Ledger*, framed the gathering not as the final step in the process, but the starting line for high-stakes preparation, outlining a clear strategic framework for the Caribbean delegation to reframe the conversation from defense to proactive negotiation.

    To enter the talks effectively, regional leaders must first understand the shifting landscape they face. In a June 25 letter from EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner, Brussels made clear that the existence of CBI programs itself, “regardless of how well it is managed,” is now grounds for reviewing Schengen visa-free access for Caribbean nationals. This means compliance reforms – which the Eastern Caribbean Collective Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA), launched this year and headquartered in Grenada, was specifically designed to address – are no longer the core of the discussion. The EU has already moved past administrative concerns to a matter of principle. Any attempt to debate compliance in Brussels will hit an immovable wall, the analysis argues, so the region must shift its approach entirely.

    The Caribbean’s strongest negotiating leverage is not a defense of CBI, but a clear exposure of the current asymmetric power dynamic. If the Caribbean shuts down its programs as the EU demands, Brussels and Washington achieve their stated goal of safeguarding global integrity systems – but the entire fiscal cost falls entirely on small island economies. For Dominica, CBI revenue makes up roughly 37% of total GDP. St Kitts and Nevis already saw its 2024 fiscal deficit widen to 11% of GDP after a drop in CBI earnings, and would face an unfillable structural budget gap if the programs are eliminated entirely. Across the region, CBI funding has paid for critical public infrastructure: hospitals, modern airports, climate-resilient housing, and national fiscal buffers that shield economies from external shocks. The current outcome the EU is pushing would leave the EU with all the gains and the Caribbean absorbing all the losses – that is not how an equal partnership works, and the region must state this plainly and calmly from the start of talks.

    Instead of begging for compensation, which casts the region as a supplicant, the analysis argues Caribbean leaders should come to the table with a concrete proposal to trade the CBI revenue stream for a permanent, binding EU-Caribbean trade and development compact. Existing frameworks already exist to support this: the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, the Samoa Agreement, and the EU’s own Global Gateway development initiative. The Caribbean only needs to turn these loose frameworks into a tangible, enforceable deal that works for both sides: guaranteed long-term market access for Caribbean agricultural and value-added goods, paired with EU investment in the infrastructure needed to scale that trade. This is a negotiation between equal partners, not a surrender to EU demands.

    The analysis lays out four core elements that the Caribbean’s formal proposal must include to be taken seriously. First, a phased, negotiated transition instead of an abrupt 2028 hard stop. An immediate end to CBI without alternative revenue would trigger an immediate fiscal crisis across the region. Instead, the Caribbean should propose a 3-5 year structured wind-down, shifting toward residency-focused investment models that meet EU security safeguards while maintaining orderly investment inflows during the transition, with clear public milestones to track progress. Second, a binding commitment for expanded agricultural trade access to EU markets. The region still remembers the collapse of the Windward Islands banana industry after EU trade preferences were withdrawn, when an entire regional economic sector hollowed out almost overnight. This time, the Caribbean should leverage that history to demand a specific, enforceable agreement with set volumes and timelines for expanded access for Caribbean agricultural and agro-processed goods. Third, a dedicated Caribbean Development Partnership facility under the EU’s Global Gateway framework. This facility would be seeded by EU funding, matched with existing capital from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), and targeted at the specific infrastructure needed to expand trade: cold storage networks, packing facilities, port upgrades, and phytosanitary certification systems. Fourth, quantified, binding co-financing commitments for climate resilience. As small island developing states, the Caribbean bears a disproportionate share of climate change costs that it did almost nothing to cause, making this a non-negotiable component of any fair compact.

    Beyond substance, the posture of the Caribbean delegation will shape the outcome of the talks. First and most critically, the region must speak with one voice. Divided, separate negotiations will only let Brussels split the bloc and weaken individual nations’ bargaining power. A unified position supported by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM, led jointly by OECS Chairman Prime Minister Gaston Browne and incoming CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, will signal that this is a region-wide priority, not a narrow sub-regional grievance. Second, the delegation must bring concrete, publicly available numbers for every part of its proposal. Specificity demonstrates seriousness, while vagueness lets the EU agree in principle without delivering any tangible outcomes – a mistake the region has made repeatedly in past negotiations. Every element should be quantified: the fiscal impact of an abrupt phase-out, how much replacement revenue is needed, how much investment the Caribbean will contribute, and what exact volume of market access is being requested. Third, the delegation should reference past patterns of unequal negotiation calmly, not as a list of grievances. Past experiences – the banana trade collapse, 1990s financial services pressure, the more recent correspondent banking crisis – are not random misfortunes, they are patterns that explain why the region is demanding binding commitments rather than vague statements of intent this time around. That request is entirely reasonable for a partner that has seen European interests override regional solidarity in the past.

    The window for negotiation is narrow, and preparation is now non-negotiable. Regional development frameworks already lay out clear long-term goals: the CDB estimates the region needs $65 billion in financing by 2033 just to avoid economic stagnation, while the ECCB’s Big Push strategy aims to double the Eastern Caribbean’s total GDP within a decade. An abrupt CBI phase-out would derail both of these critical goals, but a well-negotiated compact would make them achievable. What the region needs right now is not just a joint communiqué or a statement of intent, but a specific, costed, legally grounded transition plan that maps out exactly what revenue needs to be replaced, what new industries will be built, what trade volumes will be negotiated, what infrastructure will be financed, and what timeline all of this will follow. The Caribbean has been forced into economic transitions before, but rarely has it had the chance to prepare a detailed plan in advance, before the crisis hits.

    St. Jean & Company, a regional advisory firm that has worked on economic transition strategy since 2020, has already built a transition and diversification roadmap aligned with both the CDB and ECCB frameworks, designed explicitly to support this moment. The firm offers this analysis and existing work to the Caribbean delegation, and stands ready to expand it into a full advisory engagement to support the Brussels mission. The Roseau meeting was the right first step, the analysis concludes, demonstrating that the Caribbean can adapt quickly when global conditions shift. Unlike past transitions, the ground has not yet fallen out from under the region – there is still time to shape a safe, prosperous landing. The window will not stay open forever, so the region must use every moment of preparation wisely.

  • President Bostic pays tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers

    President Bostic pays tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers

    The Caribbean island nation of Barbados is in mourning this week after the passing of one of its most beloved and iconic figures, trailblazing cricket star Sir Garfield Sobers, who died on Friday. In a heartfelt public address following the news of Sobers’ death, Barbados President Jeffrey Bostic paid a moving tribute to the athlete, who was officially named a National Hero of Barbados for his immeasurable contributions to sport and national pride.

    President Bostic emphasized that Sir Garry, as he was widely known by fans and peers alike, leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the boundary lines of cricket pitches across the world. Beyond his status as a once-in-a-generation sporting legend, Bostic framed Sobers as a powerful, enduring symbol of the core values that define Barbadian national identity: excellence, unyielding resilience, and quiet grace under pressure.

    “His genius on the cricket field brought unprecedented glory to our nation and inspired generations of young athletes across the globe,” Bostic said in his statement. The president also highlighted Sobers’ character away from sport, noting that his well-documented humility and deep commitment to humanitarian efforts reflected the best of the Barbadian people.

    Speaking in his official capacity as head of state, Bostic extended sincere condolences to Sobers’ family, close friends, and the millions of fans around the world who held the cricketer in deep affection. “His legacy is etched not only in the record books of cricket but in the very spirit of our nation,” Bostic added.

    Barbados has lost a native son of unmatched stature, the president acknowledged, but the country and its people will forever be enriched by the life Sobers lived and the example he set for future generations. Bostic closed his tribute by calling on all Barbadians to honor the cricketer’s memory by pursuing greatness in their own personal and professional endeavors, ending with a simple prayer: “May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will forever be the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen.”

  • Bouva ziet grotere rol voor IICA bij ontwikkeling landbouw

    Bouva ziet grotere rol voor IICA bij ontwikkeling landbouw

    Suriname’s government has formally announced its plan to strengthen long-standing cooperative ties with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), outlining the central role of agriculture in the country’s economic growth strategy alongside its booming oil and gas sector. The announcement came during a introductory meeting between Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Minister Melvin Bouva and newly appointed IICA representative for Suriname, Michael Dalton.

    During the discussions, both parties focused on how IICA’s technical support can advance the sustainability and modernization of Suriname’s agricultural industry, a core priority for the government that aims to position the country as a regional food hub. Minister Bouva highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) and the Dominican Republic-based Rizek Group to expand the nation’s cocoa sector, noting that IICA’s specialized technical expertise would add significant value to this and other key strategic agricultural projects across the country.

    For his part, Dalton provided a comprehensive update on the organization’s active work in Suriname. Current initiatives include two major agricultural projects funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), preparations for the Caribbean Beekeepers Congress scheduled to take place in Paramaribo from November 6 to 8, and the development of a $25 million rice program proposal to be submitted to the Green Climate Fund. IICA is also working on a national exhibition to promote local Surinamese honey, and is finalizing a new four-year medium-term work plan that includes a tailored regional strategy for Caribbean nations, designed to address the unique agricultural challenges and development priorities across the region.

    Suriname and IICA first established their formal cooperation partnership in 1981. Over the past four decades, the institute has worked alongside the Ministry of LVV and other local Surinamese stakeholders to deliver dozens of projects focused on agricultural expansion, knowledge sharing, and institutional capacity building. Minister Bouva expressed public appreciation for the decades of productive collaboration, emphasizing that international partnerships are critical to advancing the country’s national development goals. He extended his well wishes to Dalton in his new role, saying he is confident that the partnership between Suriname and IICA will see significant expansion and progress in the coming years.

  • Repeat Target: All Saints Business Hit by Another Break-In Attempt

    Repeat Target: All Saints Business Hit by Another Break-In Attempt

    A local commercial establishment at the center of a previous high-profile robbery incident has once again become the target of criminal intruders, according to a public community post. In the early hours of the incident around 3:30 a.m., multiple individuals tried to force entry into the All Saints-based business, but their plan fell apart when the shop owner woke up to the loud sounds of their break-in attempt. As the owner stirred inside the building, the would-be intruders panicked and fled the scene before they could gain access to the property. Before making their escape, however, the suspects spotted a installed security camera and deliberately disabled it, in what investigators believe was a calculated move to cover their identities and leave no visual evidence of their involvement. What makes this incident particularly notable is that the same business was targeted in a separate, more violent attack in the past, when the owner successfully fought off an armed robber who was carrying a cutlass. Law enforcement sources and community organizers have noted that they believe the perpetrators behind this latest attempted break-in are completely different individuals from those involved in the earlier robbery, ruling out a repeat attack by the same offender. The community post that first shared details of the incident has issued a public appeal for information, asking any local residents or passersby who noticed any out-of-the-ordinary or suspicious activity in the area near the shop around the 3:30 a.m. time frame to reach out to local police immediately. The post emphasized that even seemingly trivial details could end up being critical to helping officers identify and apprehend the suspects. At the time of this reporting, the claims laid out in the community post have not been independently confirmed by third-party journalists or official law enforcement sources. Local police departments have also not yet released any official statement or comment on the alleged attempted break-in.

  • Motorists Advised of Diversions as Major Works Begin on All Saints Road

    Motorists Advised of Diversions as Major Works Begin on All Saints Road

    Residents and commuters in Antigua and Barbuda are being notified of upcoming major infrastructure upgrades along a busy section of All Saints Road, with significant temporary traffic adjustments set to take effect next July. The works, which are being overseen by the nation’s Ministry of Works, will be concentrated in the area surrounding the Midway Service Station, a high-traffic stop for local and through travelers along the route.

    The full traffic diversion order will go into effect starting at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and will remain in place through approximately midnight the following day, according to official government announcements. During this window, all vehicles traveling to and from three key local communities — Sea View Farm, Freemans Village, and All Saints — will be required to follow a re-routed path marked on an official map distributed alongside the advisory.

    To help ease congestion and prevent navigation confusion, project organizers have confirmed that trained flag persons will be stationed at key points along the diversion route to direct vehicle flow. Clear, permanent signage will also be posted along both directions of travel to guide commuters to their destinations. Importantly, local residents who live in immediate proximity to the work zone will retain full access to their properties throughout the construction period, with no planned access restrictions for local homeowners.

    Officials are stressing that all existing businesses along the affected stretch of All Saints Road will remain open for regular operations during the works, so residents and customers can still access local goods and services as usual. This upgrade forms a core segment of the larger government-led All Saints Road Project, a long-term infrastructure initiative designed to improve road conditions, safety, and connectivity across the region.

    With heavy-duty construction equipment operating in close proximity to the travel route, authorities are urging all motorists to strictly follow posted signage and instructions from on-site personnel to maintain safe passage through the area. Stakeholders and regular commuters who use this corridor are asked to proactively adjust their travel schedules ahead of time to account for expected minor delays, as construction work progresses.

    For anyone with questions or concerns about the upcoming roadworks or traffic adjustments, project representatives can be reached via telephone through the Project Implementation Management Unit at 562-9173 during regular business hours.

  • DOMINICA: Port Worker Killed in Cargo Handling Accident at Woodbridge Bay

    DOMINICA: Port Worker Killed in Cargo Handling Accident at Woodbridge Bay

    A deadly workplace accident at Dominica’s Woodbridge Bay Port has claimed the life of a veteran stevedore, leaving the local port community reeling and triggering an official investigation into potential safety failures.

    Law enforcement officials have identified the victim as 47-year-old Otis Francis, a resident of Tarish Pit. The tragic incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Friday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., as Francis carried out routine cargo handling duties aboard the commercial cargo vessel Tropic Opal, which was docked at the Fond Colé section of the port.

    According to official updates from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Francis sustained catastrophic, fatal injuries when a shipping container collided with him during operations. An on-call medical practitioner responded quickly to the emergency scene but pronounced the worker dead shortly after arrival.

    Members of the police’s specialized Crime Scene Unit have already processed the accident site to collect physical evidence, as a team of investigators works to piece together the full sequence of events that led to Francis’s death. Following the incident, the victim’s remains were transported to Lyndhurst Funeral Home, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to confirm the official cause of death.

    In an official statement released after the accident, the police force extended its deepest condolences to Francis’s family, close friends, and fellow port workers, calling the incident an devastating and irreversible tragic loss for the local community.

    The fatal accident has sent shockwaves through Dominica’s tight-knit port working community, and has caused temporary disruptions to regular cargo operations at the Woodbridge Bay facility. Port and law enforcement authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with investigators working to clarify exactly what led to the collision, and determine whether any violations of mandatory workplace safety protocols contributed to the stevedore’s death.

  • COMMENTARY: Dominicans excelling overseas -The remarkable journey of Kertiste A. Augustus

    COMMENTARY: Dominicans excelling overseas -The remarkable journey of Kertiste A. Augustus

    Against all odds, a child growing up in the vibrant coastal capital of Roseau, Dominica, has climbed to a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the United States’ national defense apparatus, proving that grit, relentless dedication, and commitment to service can transcend geographic and socioeconomic boundaries. Kertiste A. Augustus, who now serves as Director of Sustainment Data under the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Materiel Readiness at the Pentagon, occupies a critical role that directly shapes the operational readiness of the U.S. Joint Force. His core work centers on delivering verified, actionable sustainment data, harnessing cutting-edge analytical tools, and integrating next-generation digital capabilities to keep military forces prepared, resilient, and strategically informed — outcomes that directly accelerate improvements to weapons system readiness and drive the adoption of innovative sustainment technologies across the U.S. Department of Defense.

    Augustus’ path to the Pentagon was built over decades of intentional service and incremental achievement. He launched his military career in February 1998, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a young immigrant. Through consistent excellence and unwavering determination, he earned a commission as a Warrant Officer in 2006, kicking off a 23-year distinguished military career that spanned tactical, operational, and strategic assignments. His early service included a posting as a Property Accounting Technician with the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in Germany, followed by a role as Lead Functional Analyst for the Global Combat Support System in Virginia. Augustus also completed multiple combat and peacekeeping deployments to Bosnia, Kuwait, and Iraq, before receiving one of the military’s most prestigious assignments: a five-year posting to the White House Communications Agency, where he provided direct support to the U.S. President, Vice President, and First Lady from 2016 to 2021.

    After retiring from active service in October 2021 as a promotable Chief Warrant Officer Four, Augustus continued to advance the mission of U.S. defense logistics. Prior to taking up his current role at the Pentagon, he held two key positions on the Joint Staff J4: Deputy Director for Logistics Data, Visualization, and Cyber, and Deputy Director for Strategic Logistics. In these roles, he led transformative innovation within the Joint Logistics Enterprise (JLEnt), rolling out new strategies that significantly strengthened the readiness, resilience, and global operational reach of the Joint Force. His work integrating cross-cutting strategic logistics planning and developing robust defense cyber policies has had a lasting impact on the evolution of modern military logistics.

    Beyond his professional and military achievements, Augustus has long prioritized academic growth, currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership and Learning at Vanderbilt University. His academic credentials include a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, a Bachelor of Science in Multi-Disciplinary Studies and Criminal Justice from Grantham University (Magna Cum Laude), and an Associate of Arts in General Studies from the University of Maryland University College. He also completed the competitive Strategic Studies Program at the University of California, Berkeley. In recognition of his decades of exceptional service, Augustus has been honored with some of the U.S. military and government’s highest awards, including the Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, the Army Legion of Merit, and the coveted Presidential Service Badge.

    Far from forgetting his roots, Augustus has channelled his success into opening doors for the next generation of young Dominicans, carrying forward the legacy of his late father, Kertist Alphoncous Augustus, a beloved labor leader in Dominica. Born in Roseau in 1947, the elder Augustus dedicated his life to advocating for working people. He took on the role of General Secretary of the Waterfront and Allied Worker’s Union (WAWU) in 1970, leading successful campaigns that secured higher wages, safer working conditions, and improved benefits for more than 500 waterfront workers, fundamentally transforming labor standards across Dominica. In 1998, he was elected President of WAWU, where he continued to defend workers’ rights, stabilize union operations, and advance the principle of free collective bargaining. His lifelong advocacy for working communities remains a cornerstone of his legacy in Dominica.

    Inspired by his father’s lifelong commitment to service and community empowerment, Augustus partnered with WAWU to launch the Kertist A. Augustus Foundation, named in his father’s honor. The foundation centers on the belief that higher education is the most powerful catalyst for individual and national advancement, working to build a local culture that celebrates educational achievement and expands access to opportunity for young people from all economic backgrounds. Through need-based scholarships and one-on-one mentorship programming, the foundation empowers Dominican youth to pursue their educational goals, upholding the elder Augustus’ legacy of lifting up marginalized communities.

    Today, the foundation supports five high school students and one recent graduate of Dominica State College, Nadjae-Ann Shillingford, who earned First Class Honors in Paralegal Studies with the foundation’s support. As it expands its reach, the foundation continues to advance its core mission of expanding opportunity for future generations, giving back to the community and country that shaped Augustus’ early years. More information about the foundation’s work and application processes can be found on its official website, www.kertistaugustusfoundation.org.

    Augustus’ story stands as a powerful testament to the exceptional potential of Dominican talent on the global stage, and a reminder that consistent dedication to excellence and service can create lasting impact, both in global security and in local communities. For Dominica, his journey from the streets of Roseau to the senior leadership of the Pentagon is a source of immense national pride, and an inspiring blueprint for young people seeking to turn ambition into meaningful contribution.

  • London meet record for Alfred

    London meet record for Alfred

    On a sun-drenched, mild Saturday afternoon at London’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Saint Lucia’s sprinting sensation Julien Alfred cemented her status as the world’s most dominant women’s sprinter, claiming top honors in the 200m event at the Novuna London Athletics Meet, a stop on the prestigious Wanda Diamond League circuit.

    Fresh off capturing Paris 2024 Olympic silver in the 200m, Alfred continued her unstoppable streak of top form this season. Crossing the finish line in 21.66 seconds under near-perfect wind conditions – just a 0.1 m/s tailwind – the sprinter shattered her own 2023 meet record of 21.71 seconds, delivering yet another career-defining performance.

    Her win came against a star-studded field of the sport’s biggest names, leaving elite competitors far behind her. American Gabby Thomas, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, took second place with a time of 21.81 seconds, while Bahamian double Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, a renowned 400m specialist, secured third in 22.24 seconds. Host nation favorite Dina Asher-Smith, a former world champion, clocked a 2024 season-best 22.28 seconds to finish fourth.

    This dominant run came just seven days after Alfred blazed to a 21.51-second 200m win at the Monaco Diamond League, a result that pushed her to third place on the all-time women’s 200m rankings and made her the second-fastest sprinter over the distance in almost 40 years. Saturday’s race marked Alfred’s third competition in seven days, and her seventh win from seven starts in the 2024 season. It also leveled her head-to-head all-time 200m record against Thomas at three wins apiece.

    Beyond the title and record, Alfred’s London time stands as the joint 15th-fastest 200m run in women’s history. She is now one of only eight female sprinters in the world to have ever run the distance faster than 21.7 seconds, underscoring her place among the sport’s all-time greats as she continues her historic run ahead of future global competitions.

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Gebroken en teleurgesteld: Frankrijk en Engeland in troostfinale

    Derde helft WK 2026: Gebroken en teleurgesteld: Frankrijk en Engeland in troostfinale

    A day before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, two fallen semi-final heavyweights France and England will take the pitch on Saturday to contest the tournament’s third-place bronze medal, a match neither side envisioned themselves playing after their recent crushing knockout stage exits.

    Both nations entered the North American World Cup with title ambitions, but saw their championship dreams dashed in the semi-final round. France, widely tipped as favorites to claim a third world crown, were outclassed in a clear defeat by Spain. For England, the loss stung even deeper: a late, heart-breaking defeat to Argentina extended their six-decade-long wait for a major international trophy. Now, with the final out of reach, both sides will look to end their campaigns on a rare positive note at Miami Stadium in Florida.

    While third-place matches are often written off as low-stakes, uninspired affairs, Saturday’s clash carries extra significance for France. This will be the final international match in charge for head coach Didier Deschamps, who steps down after 14 years at the helm of Les Bleus. Deschamps, who suffered the personal loss of his mother during the group stage, leaves a legendary legacy: he guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, a runners-up finish at the 2022 tournament, and another deep run to the semi-finals in 2026. Under his leadership, France emerged as one of the most consistently dominant top national teams in global soccer. A third-place finish would serve as a fitting send-off for the departing coach.

    Beyond Deschamps’ farewell, the match also carries a historic individual milestone for French superstar Kylian Mbappé. Entering the clash with eight tournament goals, Mbappé is level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot race, with Messi holding a narrow lead on assists. He is also just one goal away from equaling or breaking the all-time record for most World Cup career goals, which currently stands at 21. If Mbappé holds onto his lead to claim the Golden Boot, he will make history as the first player ever to win the award twice.

    For both footballing powerhouses, however, the third-place match remains an unwanted fixture. Unlike third-place podiums in individual sports, the bronze medal match of the World Cup often leaves players with a hollow feeling: a reminder of how close they came to a shot at the title, only to fall short. “None of our players, and none of France’s players, want to play this game,” England head coach Thomas Tuchel said after his side’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. “They want to be playing in the final. We gave everything to get there. Everyone competes to win the World Cup, but this is where we are now.”

    Deschamps echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the disappointment hanging over his side: “We are not where we wanted to be. The disappointment matches our ambitions, but we have to accept it.”

    Entering the clash, France hold clear recent form against England. This will be the fourth World Cup meeting between the two nations: England claimed wins in their first two encounters (2-0 in 1966, 3-1 in 1982), but France grabbed a 2-1 quarter-final win over England in the 2022 World Cup. Overall, England have won just once in their last nine matches against France, a 2-0 friendly win back in November 2015.

    In team news, France will be without defender William Saliba (back injury) and goalkeeper Brice Samba (calf injury), while England are missing midfielder Jordan Henderson (wrist fracture) and face a late fitness test for full-back Reece James (muscle injury). With the title out of reach, both sides are expected to make sweeping changes to their starting lineups, giving minutes to squad players who have seen limited game time throughout the tournament. The exception is Mbappé, who is all but guaranteed to start as he chases the Golden Boot and the all-time scoring record. For England, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both on six goals for the tournament, are also expected to start to make a late push for the individual award.

    The 2026 World Cup third-place match between France and England kicks off at 16:00 local time at Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida.

  • STATEMENT: CPL’S CEO on passing of Sir Garfield Sobers

    STATEMENT: CPL’S CEO on passing of Sir Garfield Sobers

    The cricketing world across the Caribbean is engulfed in sadness this week, as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) joins global sports communities in mourning the passing of one of cricket’s most iconic figures, Sir Garfield Sobers.

    Widely celebrated as one of the greatest all-rounders to ever step onto a cricket pitch, Sir Garfield — affectionately known to fans and peers as Sir Gary — left an indelible mark on West Indies cricket that extends far beyond the boundary rope. His exceptional proficiency across every discipline of the game made him a generational talent, and his contributions in the mid-20th century were foundational to building the West Indies cricket team into the dominant global powerhouse it became for decades.

    But for the people of the Caribbean, Sir Gary’s legacy stretches far beyond his on-field statistics. A figure of relentless grace, approachability and quiet humility, he stood as a unifying beacon for the region throughout his life. Even after cementing his status as a global sporting legend, he remained connected to grassroots cricket, never turning away from fans seeking a conversation or young aspiring cricketers hoping for guidance. He was a regular, beloved presence at Barbados’ Kensington Oval, where he often attended matches alongside his wife Jackie, maintaining an unwavering passion for the sport he helped elevate.

    This year, the CPL was scheduled to host its season final at Kensington Oval — a moment the CPL organization confirms Sir Gary was eagerly anticipating. His absence from the landmark event has left the tournament community devastated, but organizers have moved forward with plans to honor his extraordinary life and enduring legacy across the entire 2026 season. The season’s final will be framed as a dedicated tribute to Sir Gary, celebrating his transformative impact on Caribbean cricket and the countless lives he touched throughout his decades in the sport.