Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • BVTB doubles down on culinary training

    BVTB doubles down on culinary training

    Barbados’ public vocational training sector is seeing explosive growth in interest for culinary arts education, prompting the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) to rapidly scale its international cuisine programming and explore new industry partnerships to meet unmet demand. That is according to top BVTB officials, who shared new enrollment details during the agency’s 2026 orientation rally, where more than 350 aspiring learners registered for courses in the current semester.

    Gerard Prescod, BVTB’s Director of Training, revealed that the board’s flagship international cuisine programme has already tripled in size in just a few years, growing from an initial two classes to six full sections today. With application volumes continuing to far outpace available spots, Prescod confirmed that agency leaders are already planning a further doubling of capacity to 12 classes once current expansion work is completed.

    “The response to culinary training, particularly for core specializations like professional cooking and pastry arts, has been absolutely overwhelming,” Prescod told attendees at the orientation rally. “Every segment of the learner population is eager to develop skills in cooking, baking, and pastry production, leading to the unprecedented demand we are seeing for these programs.”

    Sophia Moore, Assistant Director of Training Operations at BVTB, added that strong demand for culinary training extends beyond traditional young trainee cohorts, with mature learners also driving growth in the board’s specialized evening programming. Moore noted that the board offers three evening class sessions per year specifically designed for working adults and older learners, and every session hits full capacity well before the registration deadline.

    “We consistently see a high volume of qualified applicants for international cuisine, commercial cooking, and baking programs across all our offerings,” Moore explained. “These trade areas consistently maintain one of the highest demand profiles of any program we run, regardless of the learner demographic we are serving.”

    Beyond expanding in-class capacity, BVTB is also working to boost career opportunities for its culinary trainees by deepening ties with Barbados’ thriving tourism and hospitality sector. Prescod announced that the agency is developing a new three-year apprenticeship program that will place trainees directly with corporate and hospitality partners across the island to gain on-the-job experience. The board also offers a flexible implant training model, where BVTB’s expert instructors travel directly to partner workplaces to deliver customized skills training for staff.

    Already, BVTB’s culinary training program has built a strong reputation with Barbados’ leading hotel brands, with trainees regularly getting hands-on experience at top properties. Prescod cited a recent example where six BVTB trainees supported kitchen operations at the island’s Girlfriend’s Expo, and following the event, executives at Wyndham Sam Lord’s Castle Castle Resort immediately invited the group back for further work opportunities. Prescod added that BVTB’s two lead culinary instructors bring decades of industry experience and extensive professional connections to the program, helping open doors for trainees seeking work in Barbados’ competitive hospitality sector.

  • Police Seize Gun, Suspected Ecstasy and Cannabis in Operation Restore Confidence; Six Arrested

    Police Seize Gun, Suspected Ecstasy and Cannabis in Operation Restore Confidence; Six Arrested

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – August 21, 2026 – The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s sustained anti-crime campaign, Operation Restore Confidence, has announced a fresh wave of successful law enforcement actions this week, marking significant progress in the country’s fight against illicit weapons and controlled substance trafficking.

    The week of targeted operations closed out with a high-stakes raid on Thursday, August 20, when officers executed multiple court-authorized search warrants across Potters Village. During a systematic search of the local business Magic City Enterprise, law enforcement teams recovered a cache of illegal contraband: multiple rounds of unregistered ammunition, plant material field-tested and confirmed to be cannabis, tablets believed to be the party drug ecstasy, a ski mask linked to potential criminal use, and an undisclosed sum of Eastern Caribbean currency. Three individuals were taken into custody immediately following the raid, facing preliminary charges of unlawful ammunition possession and controlled substances trafficking.

    Just one day prior, on August 19, a routine stop-and-search operation on Nut Grove Main Road led to three more criminal charges. 35-year-old Lester Dyer, 24-year-old Gaitre Jairaj, and 28-year-old Isaiah Nicholas were found in possession of a loaded Taurus G3C 9mm pistol and 11 rounds of live ammunition, all unlicensed under national law. All three have been formally charged with firearms and ammunition possession violations.

    Additional charges stemming from the week’s operations include two more high-profile cannabis-related cases. 49-year-old Omarie Johnson of Liberta faces charges connected to 24.2 pounds of trafficked cannabis, as well as the illegal cultivation and storage of cannabis plants. Separately, 49-year-old Peggy Warner of Jennings New Extension has been charged with a series of cannabis-related offenses, the details of which are still being compiled as the case moves through the court system.

    Beyond targeted raids and traffic stops, law enforcement deployed widespread stop-and-screen checkpoints across 10 high-traffic and high-crime areas, including Cashew Hill, Friars Hill Road, Bendals Road, All Saints Road, American Road, Swetes, Liberta, and Buckleys. During Thursday’s checkpoint operation alone, officers stopped and inspected roughly 60 civilian vehicles. In line with national traffic safety regulations, officers ordered the immediate removal of illegally excessive window tints from multiple non-compliant vehicles, and seized two unregistered, unlicensed vehicles that were being operated illegally on public roads.

    In a formal statement Friday, Police Administration confirmed that Operation Restore Confidence will remain an active, ongoing priority across both islands of Antigua and Barbuda. The campaign was launched with four core goals: removing illegal firearms and illicit drugs from public circulation, dismantling organized criminal networks, upholding the country’s legislative framework, and rebuilding public trust in local law enforcement. As the operation continues, officials are urging members of the public to maintain their active cooperation with police, encouraging anyone with information about suspicious or illegal activity to submit tips to the Central Investigation Department at 462-3913 or 462-3914, or to the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).

  • Zamoni Heads to London for Notting Hill Carnival to Launch “What We Drinking?” European Tour

    Zamoni Heads to London for Notting Hill Carnival to Launch “What We Drinking?” European Tour

    One of Antigua’s most vibrant soca performers, Zamoni, is preparing to cross the Atlantic this month to bring the infectious rhythm of Caribbean culture to European audiences, kicking off his much-anticipated “What We Drinking?” (WWD) European Tour at London’s iconic Notting Hill Carnival. As one of the largest Caribbean cultural celebrations outside of the region, Notting Hill Carnival will serve as the perfect launching pad for Zamoni’s tour, with a full slate of performances scheduled throughout the event starting August 26. During his sets, the artiste will channel the unmatched energy and joyful spirit of his home nation Antigua and Barbuda, introducing new crowds to the authentic sound of Antiguan soca. After wrapping up his run of shows in London, Zamoni will continue his continental tour, heading to central Europe to perform at the Swiss Soca Festival in Switzerland on September 5. This 10-stop tour across multiple European countries is more than just a series of performances for the soca star — it doubles as a global promotional campaign for the upcoming 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival, one of the Caribbean’s most beloved annual cultural events. Leveraging his international platform and growing fanbase across Europe, Zamoni aims to showcase the depth of Antigua’s rich musical heritage, vibrant cultural traditions, and one-of-a-kind carnival experience to European audiences who may have never experienced Caribbean carnival first-hand. With his hit track “What We Drinking?” serving as the official tour anthem, Zamoni is not just bringing Antigua’s signature positive vibes to European stages — he is also extending a warm invitation to people across the continent and around the world to join in celebrating the milestone 70th Antigua Carnival, experiencing the Caribbean joy and cultural richness that makes the event legendary. For soca fans and cultural enthusiasts across Europe, this tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with authentic Antiguan culture ahead of the landmark anniversary celebration.

  • MSC World Asia to Call at Antigua During 2027-2028 Caribbean Season

    MSC World Asia to Call at Antigua During 2027-2028 Caribbean Season

    Global cruise giant MSC Cruises has unveiled major updates to its 2027/2028 winter cruise program, shifting its deployment strategy to strengthen its presence in two of the industry’s most popular warm-weather destinations: the South Caribbean and the Western Mediterranean.

    Under the new plan, the line’s newest flagship vessel, MSC World Asia, will leave its previously scheduled Mediterranean assignments to base its operations in the South Caribbean for the 2027/2028 winter season. The ship will deliver both 7-night and 14-night curated itineraries, offering passengers flexible embarkation options across three regional ports: Fort-de-France in Martinique, Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, and Bridgetown in Barbados.

    These itineraries are crafted to showcase the very best of the South Caribbean, guiding passengers through eight of the region’s most postcard-perfect and culturally vibrant island destinations. The route includes stops at Castries (Saint Lucia), St. George’s (Grenada), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Roseau (Dominica), and Kingstown (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).

    As MSC Cruises’ next-generation flagship, MSC World Asia brings a suite of industry-leading onboard amenities tailored for tropical cruising. Standout attractions include the heart-pounding Cliffhanger over-water swing, the largest Venchi chocolate experience available at sea, purpose-built family-focused activities, world-class entertainment venues, and sprawling open-air spaces designed to capitalize on the region’s warm sunny climate.

    In a corresponding adjustment to the deployment schedule, MSC World Europa — which was originally slated to operate winter sailings in the Middle East — will remain in the Western Mediterranean for the 2027/2028 winter season. The vessel will continue to run 7-night itineraries, with convenient embarkation access through multiple ports across the region. Its route will cover some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations, blending dramatic coastal scenery with lively cultural hubs: Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Messina (Italy), and Valletta (Malta).

    MSC World Europa offers a refined onboard experience for travelers of all ages, with a diverse selection of dining concepts, entertainment programming, and family-oriented offerings complemented by expansive indoor and outdoor public spaces. Highlights include the open-air World Promenade, the high-end World Galleria shopping district, a range of specialty restaurants, and intimate bars and lounges. The vessel’s layout and amenities are perfectly suited for Mediterranean winter cruising, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic European coastal holiday experience.

    MSC Cruises has confirmed that it is proactively reaching out to all guests affected by the deployment changes to update their travel arrangements. Travelers who originally booked MSC World Asia sailings in the Mediterranean or MSC Meraviglia sailings in the South Caribbean for the 2027/2028 winter season will have their bookings automatically adjusted and will receive direct communication about any changes to their itinerary. For guests who booked MSC World Europa’s original Middle East sailings, the line is contacting both passengers and their travel partners directly to outline available options, which include the flexibility to transfer bookings to an alternative sailing or request a full 100% refund.

    Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, privately owned MSC Cruises ranks as the third largest cruise line globally. It holds the position of market leader in Europe and maintains a fast-growing footprint across the North American market. As a global cruise brand with a fleet of 23 modern vessels, MSC Cruises operates voyages across five continents, giving guests access to more than 300 destinations across over 100 countries, paired with its signature premium hospitality designed to create lasting travel memories.

    For additional details on the new 2027/2028 winter itineraries and booking information, travelers can visit the official MSC Cruises website.

  • Vocational training board turns away trainees as demand outstrips capacity

    Vocational training board turns away trainees as demand outstrips capacity

    The Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) is grappling with a critical capacity shortage as overall demand for hands-on vocational training continues to outpace available spots, even as the organization struggles to draw younger participants into core construction trade programs. As more than 350 new prospective trainees gathered for an orientation rally at the C. Lomer Alleyne Skills Training Centre in Sayes Court, Christ Church this Thursday, BVTB Training Director Gerard Prescod confirmed that nearly all courses for the upcoming semester have already reached their maximum enrollment limits.

    One of the most striking mismatches between demand and demographic participation centers on the board’s popular Construction Gateway initiative, which was designed to prepare a new workforce for Barbados’ growing construction sector. With 1,500 total applicants vying for spots across BVTB programs this intake cycle, Prescod noted that Construction Gateway is overwhelmingly drawing mid-career and older learners, while younger aspiring trainees show little interest in entering construction trades. Instead, younger applicants are gravitating toward other technical fields, including air conditioning repair, refrigeration technology, and general mechanical work.

    “Right now, we do not offer electric vehicle (EV) training at BVTB, so interested learners are heading to the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute for that training,” Prescod explained. “Once we update our curriculum to add EV training, we expect we will be able to attract more of those young applicants to our programs.”

    Even as the board works to adapt to shifting industry demand, outdated legal restrictions and limited infrastructure continue to cap how many learners it can serve. A long-standing provision in BVTB’s founding legislation limits class sizes to a maximum of 16 trainees per course, a rule that has not been updated to match current demand. To work around this cap, the organization has partnered with local schools to share underutilized campus facilities, and expanded Construction Gateway classes to off-site satellite locations, allowing it to double enrollment in high-demand trades including masonry, plumbing, and tiling.

    BVTB Assistant Director of Training Operations Sophia Moore noted that the organization has operated at full enrollment for years, with only minor shifts in demand for specific programs from year to year tied to broader industry trends. “Some of our most in-demand programs now run multiple sections a year,” she explained. “For example, we now train 32 masonry students annually instead of the original 16. But we still face hard limits from our available facility space, the number of certified trainers we can employ, and our authorized training sites. Even with the satellite sites for Construction Gateway, we still can’t keep up with total demand.”

    This semester, the board is reintroducing automotive training and autobody repair programs after a period of adjustment, and the response from applicants has already overwhelmed available spots: 20 learners expressed interest, but only 16 can be accommodated under the existing class size rule. BVTB is also working to update its automotive curriculum to match changes in the regional vehicle market, sending current instructor demonstrators to receive specialized EV training ahead of launching a full program. The organization is also seeking corporate donations of diesel engines to expand training, as its current fleet of training engines is almost entirely gasoline-powered.

    Registrar Dr. Cheryl Gibson outlined additional new programs the board has launched to meet evolving industry needs, including a new mini excavator operation program, alongside the recently added autobody repair, painting, and finishing courses. She added that BVTB is also exploring the use of training simulators to enhance the learning experience for trainees across all programs. The board also plans to bring back small-engine repair training in the near future to fill another gap in the local skilled labor market.

    Even with these adaptive measures, high demand means hundreds of qualified applicants are turned away each intake cycle. Clerk-typist Shelly-Ann Alexander confirmed that popular programs including skid-steer operation, cosmetology, and international cuisine all had to reject qualified applicants this semester due to lack of space and training capacity.

    Prescod emphasized that the most impactful long-term change to address the capacity crunch would be updating the outdated legislation that caps class sizes at 16 learners. “The 16-person limit has been in place since long before I joined BVTB, and it no longer matches the current demand for skilled workers across Barbados,” he said. “Adjusting that rule would let us expand access to the training that so many Barbadians are seeking, and help meet the labor needs of our growing key industries.”

  • CDEMA Strengthens Emergency Operations Centre Capacity in Antigua and Barbuda

    CDEMA Strengthens Emergency Operations Centre Capacity in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has launched a specialized Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Management Training program at the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) headquarters in Antigua and Barbuda, marking a key milestone in the agency’s regional disaster preparedness strategy. Organized through CDEMA’s Regional Training Centre, the five-day program brings together 33 emergency management professionals drawn from seven different member territories across the CDEMA coordination system, creating a collaborative space for cross-regional knowledge sharing and skill building. Unlike traditional theoretical training programs, this initiative prioritizes hands-on, practical learning that directly translates to real-world disaster scenarios. The core goal of the program is to elevate participants’ core competencies in operating and coordinating EOCs across all phases of disaster management: pre-disaster preparation, active response during a crisis, and post-disaster recovery operations. Curricular focus areas include maintaining operational continuity during large-scale events, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and building the capacity for rapid, effective decision-making under high-pressure conditions. To deliver on these learning objectives, organizers have structured the program around a mix of interactive discussion sessions, small-group problem-solving exercises, and a full-scale capstone simulation that replicates a major regional disaster event. Beyond upskilling frontline emergency personnel, the training also serves a second strategic purpose: cultivating a regional pool of certified instructors who can go on to deliver CDEMA’s newly upgraded EOC Management Course across member territories in the coming months, expanding the program’s reach and impact. This capacity-building initiative is directly aligned with CDEMA’s 2022–2027 Strategic Programme, the agency’s overarching framework for improving regional disaster resilience. It also advances CDEMA’s long-term commitment to strengthening the Next Level Regional Response Mechanism, a coordinated system designed to speed up and improve the effectiveness of cross-border disaster assistance across the Caribbean. In closing out the opening session, CDEMA representatives extended formal thanks to NODS for its work hosting the training program, as well as to representatives from all participating territories and the lead facilitators whose contributions have made the regional initiative possible. Stakeholders note that as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and other natural hazards in the Caribbean, investments like this training are critical to ensuring regional agencies are prepared to protect communities and coordinate rapid response when disasters strike.

  • UPDATE:Port officer charged with two counts of cannabis possession

    UPDATE:Port officer charged with two counts of cannabis possession

    A serving port officer from Madrelle Loubiere, Alistair Bert Riviere-Alfred, is facing two criminal counts of cannabis possession following a law enforcement operation at the Woodbridge Bay Port on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Local law enforcement authorities confirmed that the arrest followed the discovery of contraband in two separate locations. The first cache of the prohibited substance was uncovered during a search of a shipping barrel stored within the Woodbridge Bay Port facility. Acting on evidence gathered during the port search, investigators then executed a warrant at Riviere-Alfred’s private residence, where they found a second quantity of cannabis. Following the completion of initial evidence processing, official charges were formally filed against the port employee. Riviere-Alfred has been scheduled to make his first court appearance on Friday, August 21, 2026, when he will answer to the possession charges before a magistrate. As of the latest update, no additional details about the quantity of cannabis seized or potential connections to broader drug trafficking operations have been released by authorities.

  • DOMINICA: Woman arrested in Jerbiah Paul murder investigation

    DOMINICA: Woman arrested in Jerbiah Paul murder investigation

    Law enforcement officials in the Caribbean nation of Dominica have taken a female adult resident of Marigot into custody as part of the active investigation into the killing of Jerbiah Paul. According to official police statements, the arrest took place on Thursday, August 20, with the suspect facing accusations of attempting to obstruct the course of justice. At the time of this report, investigating authorities have chosen not to disclose any additional information about the specific details of the allegation against the woman, nor have they released further context surrounding the circumstances that led to her arrest. The probe into Jerbiah Paul’s murder continues to move forward, with investigators yet to announce any final conclusions or additional charges related to the case.

  • DNA dringt aan op restitutie bij te hoge EBS-rekeningen

    DNA dringt aan op restitutie bij te hoge EBS-rekeningen

    A growing public and political controversy over unfair billing practices by Suriname’s state-owned energy utility Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) has reached the country’s National Assembly, with lawmakers pushing for sweeping policy changes to protect consumers from unfair overcharging and delayed refunds.

    Rossellie Cotino, a member of the National Assembly representing the National Democratic Party (NDP), is leading the call for reform, demanding that EBS issue immediate cash refunds to customers who have been overcharged or incorrectly billed, rather than forcing consumers to wait months for the excess amount to be gradually credited against future electricity bills. Cotino’s criticism has been echoed by multiple fellow lawmakers, who have also raised broad concerns about the utility’s handling of unexpectedly high energy bills and called for clearer, more consumer-friendly regulations for installment payment plans.

    In a parliamentary address, Cotino emphasized that the core of the crisis is not a refusal by consumers to pay for the electricity they actually use — frustration stems from EBS’s practice of withholding overcharged funds instead of returning them promptly. She cited a striking example to illustrate the issue: one customer had 10,000 Surinamese dollars automatically withdrawn from their account, when their actual energy bill only came to roughly 1,000 Surinamese dollars. Under current EBS policy, the customer would have to wait months for the 9,000 Surinamese dollar excess to be credited through future bills, a practice Cotino called indefensible.

    “That is your money, and you have a legal right to it,” Cotino told the assembly, repeatedly pressing for an immediate shift in policy. She argued that customers must be given an explicit choice to receive an immediate cash refund when overcharged, rather than being forced to leave the excess funds on deposit with EBS indefinitely.

    Responding to the parliamentary questions, Minister of Natural Resources David Abiamofo stated that he had reviewed the official policies of both EBS and Suriname Water Company (SWM) ahead of the debate. He confirmed that consumers with accumulated, outstanding energy bills should qualify for flexible installment payment plans, acknowledging that reports from lawmakers indicated this policy is not consistently enforced by EBS frontline staff at customer service desks. Abiamofo clarified that requiring customers to pay the full outstanding amount in one lump sum contradicts official company policy, and said the utility must intervene when staff incorrectly impose this requirement on consumers. “Consumers in that situation have the right to an installment payment plan, where the debt is paid off in gradual portions,” Abiamofo explained.

    Addressing the specific demand for immediate refunds, the minister added that when an error in the billing process has occurred, customers who request a refund should not be automatically denied. He committed to discussing the full set of concerns raised by lawmakers with EBS leadership to push for necessary changes.

    The debate went beyond refunds and payment plans, with lawmakers also raising the question of interest on customer credits held by the utility. Ronny Asabina, leader of the Basic Party for Renewal (BEP) parliamentary faction, argued that utilities must apply the principle of reciprocity to consumer interactions. If consumers are charged fees and penalties for late bill payments, Asabina reasoned, EBS and SWM should similarly pay interest or compensation when they hold excess customer funds for extended periods. He asked Minister Abiamofo whether he would commit to requiring utilities to not only notify customers promptly of outstanding credits, but also treat consumers equally when the company holds their money.

    Other lawmakers added that consumers are often blindsided by sudden bills totaling tens of thousands of Surinamese dollars, which commonly arise after months of billing based on estimated energy use rather than actual meter readings. They stressed that willing consumers who want to resolve their debt should not be turned away when they request installment payment plans.

    Minister Abiamofo noted that many billing issues can be avoided if consumers regularly submit their actual meter readings to the utility. Without actual meter data, he explained, utilities rely on historical usage estimates, which often leads to overbilling and resulting customer credits once actual readings are taken. He noted that improved communication and consistent meter reading submissions would resolve a large share of existing problems.

    Lawmakers countered that systemic backlogs in meter installation and new service connections are also a major contributing factor. Abiamofo confirmed that SWM has faced substantial backlogs in meter deployment in recent years, but added that the backlog is now being actively cleared. He acknowledged that customer service communication at utility counters needs urgent improvement, and pledged to revisit all of the issues raised in parliamentary debate with leadership from both EBS and SWM to implement actionable changes.

  • Falcons Edge Patriots by Three Wickets to Climb to Fourth in CPL Standings

    Falcons Edge Patriots by Three Wickets to Climb to Fourth in CPL Standings

    In a thrilling, last-over battle of the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons pulled off a dramatic three-wicket victory over the bottom-placed St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, catapulting them into the top four of the seven-team tournament standings. With the match hanging in the balance until the final three deliveries, the Falcons chased down a challenging 188-run target to finish 191 for seven, securing a crucial win that boosts their playoff qualification hopes.

    The Falcons got off to a disastrous start, losing opening batter Amir Jangoo in the very first over of their chase. Left-hander Evin Lewis stepped up to steady the innings, building two critical partnerships to keep the Falcons in the game: a 34-run stand with Karima Gore, followed by a 78-run collaboration with Hasan Nawaz. Lewis led the scoring for the Falcons with a 38-ball 48, while Nawaz contributed a solid 33 to the chase.

    The match turned tense once again when Lewis and Nawaz departed back-to-back in consecutive overs, leaving the Falcons needing 74 runs from fewer than six overs – a target that seemed well out of reach for most sides. But Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan changed the course of the game with a blistering, match-winning innings, cracking an unbeaten 30 runs off just 12 deliveries to reignite the Falcons’ run chase. When Shadab fell late in the innings, captain Moeen Ali picked up the momentum, finishing not out on 25 from 12 balls, while all-rounder Shamar Springer added a quickfire 15 off just six deliveries to close out the chase with three balls to spare.

    Earlier in the day, Falcons captain Moeen Ali won the toss and sent the Patriots in to bat, a decision that ultimately paid off despite a late middle-order assault from the Patriots. The Patriots got off to a steady start, with Kyle Mayers scoring 34, but lost four wickets to slip to 80 for four after the first 11 overs, struggling to build consistent momentum through the middle stages of their innings.

    Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka turned the Patriots’ innings around with a devastating late hitting display, smashing an unbeaten 49 off just 17 deliveries that included five fours and four massive sixes. Shanaka joined forces with fellow Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga for a rapid 40-run final-over partnership that lifted the Patriots to a competitive 187 for six from their 20 overs, a total that many expected would be enough to secure them a win.

    On the bowling side, Springer led the Falcons’ attack with impressive figures of two wickets for 42 runs, while for the Patriots, Jason Holder claimed two wickets for 39 runs in a disciplined bowling display. The result reshapes the CPL standings: the Falcons now sit fourth, the final playoff qualification spot in the seven-team competition, while the Patriots remain rooted to the bottom of the table after the defeat.