Carib Scope

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  • Berger Paints ex‑workers win pay increase, reparations

    Berger Paints ex‑workers win pay increase, reparations

    A years-long fight for workplace justice has wrapped up with a landmark win for 44 laid-off workers at Berger Paints Barbados, who will receive long-overdue reparations for proven anti-union discrimination plus a retroactive 12% salary increase set to take effect in January 2025. The resolution was finalized this week after weeks of tense three-party negotiations between the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), the island’s Department of Labour, and ANSA McAL Group — the Trinidad-based conglomerate that owns Berger Paints Barbados.

    BWU General Secretary Toni Moore made the victory public during the union’s annual Family and Picnic Affair, hosted Friday at Barbados’ National Botanical Gardens. Moore outlined that beyond the agreed 12% pay raise starting 2025, the former workers will also receive 16 months of backpay adjusted to reflect the new wage scale, plus reparations that close the financial gap created by the company’s discriminatory policy. All existing severance packages will also be recalculated to incorporate the higher wage, boosting the final payouts for every affected worker.

    Moore emphasized that this outcome was only possible through the union’s unwavering persistence on behalf of its members, most of whom spent an average of two decades as employees of Berger Paints before the facility shut down. The discriminatory practice at the center of the dispute was first uncovered by BWU organizers in 2022: a company-wide performance incentive scheme that approved bonuses for non-union staff who passed performance reviews, but explicitly excluded all workers who were registered members of the BWU.

    The urgency of resolving the claim ramped up after Berger Paints Barbados ceased operations, leaving the former workers without access to workplace remedies while they waited for negotiations to conclude. After multiple weeks of meetings and a formal audit of company financial records conducted by the Department of Labour to verify the union’s claim, ANSA McAL finally conceded to the BWU’s demands.

    “Yesterday at our meeting, we were able to get the company to agree that wherever the discrimination was meted out to the workers at Berger on account of them being union members, that reparation will be done and they will close that gap,” Moore told attendees at the picnic.

    Unfortunately, the win was not replicated in parallel negotiations with another recently closed ANSA McAL subsidiary, Standards Distributors Limited. Moore noted that the BWU’s membership at the distribution firm was extremely small, and the union’s efforts to secure improved severance terms for workers as the company shut its doors ultimately failed.

    Despite that setback, Moore used the announcement to urge all union members across Barbados to remain vocal and hold both employers and union leadership accountable when they suspect unfair treatment in the workplace, emphasizing that collective persistence is the only path to securing working justice.

  • Chevaughn Burton Represents Antigua and Barbuda at UN Education Summit

    Chevaughn Burton Represents Antigua and Barbuda at UN Education Summit

    A small Caribbean nation, Antigua and Barbuda, has brought its ongoing work to build disaster risk resilience into the global spotlight after sending an official education delegate to a landmark United Nations education gathering in New York.

    Chevaughn Burton, who serves as Assistant to the Focal Point for Safe Schools within Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Education, represented the country at the high-profile Transforming Global Education Summit. The event convened on 1 May 2026 at UN Headquarters in Manhattan, drawing a diverse cross-section of education stakeholders from every region of the world.

    The core mission of the summit was to facilitate collaborative dialogue between governments, international agencies, civil society groups and education practitioners. Attendees joined together to brainstorm and refine actionable strategies that can strengthen education systems worldwide, and boost their ability to adapt and persist amid a growing range of complex global challenges, from climate shocks to public health crises.

    A central theme that shaped much of the summit’s discussion was the critical urgency of embedding disaster risk resilience into national education planning. During the proceedings, delegates highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s sustained national efforts to expand institutional and community capacity for disaster-resilient education as a notable case study within broader regional and international capacity-building initiatives.

    Following the summit, government officials emphasized that participation in this kind of global forum aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding national commitment to protecting its education infrastructure and learning communities. By engaging with global partners and sharing local progress, the country advances its goal of building education systems that are better equipped to withstand disaster impacts, and recover more quickly when crises do occur.

  • SVG Sailing Week earns gold certification for sustainability

    SVG Sailing Week earns gold certification for sustainability

    St Vincent and the Grenadines has solidified its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s top-tier sailing destinations following the successful conclusion of SVG Sailing Week 2026, an eight-day gathering that masterfully combines high-stakes competitive racing, immersive local cultural experiences, and groundbreaking environmental sustainability work.

    This year’s event set itself apart through the expanded and refined implementation of the Sail Green SVG initiative, a program built around global best practices for sustainable event management. The commitment to environmental leadership did not go unnoticed: SVG Sailing Week 2026 has been honored with the Clean Regattas Gold Certificate from Sailors for the Sea’s global Clean Regattas program, an award that places the competition among the most environmentally responsible sailing regattas on the planet. The certification is only granted to events that meet strict, internationally recognized benchmarks for environmental protection, waste reduction, and long-term ocean conservation.

    Held across the waters of St Vincent, Bequia, and Canouan, the week-long event attracted competitive sailors from across the Caribbean and as far as other continents, who competed in a diverse slate of races ranging from high-speed yacht contests to leisurely cruising classes and traditional double-ender races. Beyond the on-water competition, the event prioritized celebrating vibrant local culture, fostering community connection, and embedding environmental stewardship into every aspect of its operations.

    The Sail Green SVG campaign was the core of this year’s transformative success, rolling out targeted, actionable measures to cut the event’s overall environmental footprint. Organizers made significant cuts to single-use plastic distribution across all event sites, and forged partnerships with local groups Action Bequia and All Island Recycling Inc to install clearly labeled recycling stations at all venues, with enhanced waste sorting protocols for any plastic that could not be eliminated entirely. To cut paper waste, all race schedules, participant information, and event updates were moved to digital platforms, eliminating the need for thousands of printed handouts. Even event awards aligned with sustainability goals: all trophies were either handcrafted by local artisans using sustainable materials or repurposed from existing items.

    Sustainability efforts extended far beyond the event’s race courses and host venues. More than 40 volunteers from over a dozen local and regional organizations came together to host a large-scale community beach cleanup at Big Sands, Sandy Bay, collecting roughly 20 full bags of marine and coastal waste to prevent it from entering the ocean. The event also hosted a series of free educational outreach sessions for participants and local residents alike, focused on raising awareness of regional marine conservation challenges, with a particular focus on protecting endangered native leatherback turtle populations.

    Amber Glasgow, lead coordinator for the Sail Green SVG campaign, emphasized that the gold certification marks a major turning point not just for the event, but for sustainable tourism across the region. “This achievement goes far beyond sailing,” Glasgow explained. “It’s about building a new kind of event—one that honors our unique local culture, protects the natural environment that sustains us, and sets a new standard for what sustainable tourism can look like across the Caribbean.”

    Looking ahead, event organizers have already set their next ambitious goal: earning the Clean Regattas Platinum certification by the 2027 iteration of SVG Sailing Week. The team aims to continue refining their sustainability practices and further strengthen St Vincent and the Grenadines’ position as a global leader in environmentally responsible coastal and sailing tourism. By weaving together world-class competitive racing, meaningful local community engagement, and proactive environmental action, SVG Sailing Week is establishing a new benchmark for sustainable large-scale events across the entire Caribbean region.

  • Fond D’Or Jazz returns with headliner Duane Stephenson

    Fond D’Or Jazz returns with headliner Duane Stephenson

    One of Saint Lucia’s most beloved community-centered jazz celebrations is stepping back into the spotlight this year, bringing with it a renewed sense of cultural connection and shared joy after a temporary pause in programming. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 3 at the scenic Fond D’Or Heritage Park, this year’s iteration of the iconic Fond D’Or Jazz event has been crafted as an all-ages, family-friendly cultural showcase that blends world-class musical performance with authentic local heritage.

    Unlike many exclusive music festivals, this community-rooted gathering prioritizes accessibility and inclusion, building an experience that welcomes long-time local residents, island visitors, and multi-generational family groups alike. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of performances that weaves together global artistry, regional talent, and distinctly Saint Lucian cultural expression, all set against the backdrop of the island’s historic heritage park.

    Headlining this year’s revival is Jamaican reggae and soul icon Duane Stephenson, whose soulful sound is set to anchor the event’s main stage. Stephenson will share the spotlight with an impressive roster of Saint Lucia’s most celebrated homegrown performers, including legendary guitarist Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson, versatile vocalist Teddyson John, innovative collective Surbance, beloved artist Carl Gustave, and rising talent Avot Sevis. Rounding out the local lineup are the Dennery North and South Steel Bands, whose high-energy, syncopated performances will infuse the day with the iconic rhythmic flair of Caribbean steelpan culture, adding an unmistakeable local heart to the showcase.

    For event organizers, the return of Fond D’Or Jazz goes far beyond a simple concert. Cornelius Edmund, chairperson of the Fond D’Or Jazz Committee, framed the revival as a powerful moment of renewal for both the local community and the island’s cultural scene. “Fond D’Or Jazz has always been about bringing people together through music, culture, and community,” Edmund explained in a statement ahead of the event. “After the break, we’re excited to return bigger and better, with a lineup that truly reflects the richness of Saint Lucian talent alongside regional excellence and world-class performances.”

    Emphasizing the event’s core mission of inclusion, Edmund noted that every element of this year’s staging was designed to welcome groups of all ages and backgrounds. “This is not just a show; it’s a full cultural and family experience. We want families to come out, enjoy the music, the setting, and reconnect with our heritage in a safe and welcoming environment,” he said.

    Organizers project that the 2025 event will draw a mixed crowd of hundreds of local attendees and international visitors, boosting the profile of the Dennery district as a growing cultural destination on Saint Lucia’s east coast. The event’s revival is expected to not only celebrate local and regional jazz and roots music but also strengthen community bonds and reinforce the island’s reputation as a leading hub for Caribbean cultural arts.

  • Ex-NY mayor Giuliani hospitalized in ‘critical’ condition – spokesman

    Ex-NY mayor Giuliani hospitalized in ‘critical’ condition – spokesman

    Eighty-one-year-old Rudy Giuliani, one of the most polarizing former American politicians and ex-New York City mayor, has been admitted to hospital and remains in critical but stable condition, his spokesperson confirmed in a public statement over the weekend. No further details about his specific medical condition, the location of his treatment facility, or the length of his hospital stay have been released to the public.

    In a post shared on X by communications director Ted Goodman, Giuliani was framed as a lifelong battler who has confronted every obstacle he has faced with unshakable resolve. “Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak,” Goodman wrote.

    Giuliani’s decades-long public career has been marked by dramatic peaks and an equally dramatic, well-documented downfall that has unfolded over the last several years. Early in his professional life, he built a national reputation as a tough, uncompromising federal prosecutor, who pioneered the aggressive application of federal racketeering laws to dismantle powerful organized crime syndicates that had long held sway over New York City. That success catapulted him to the mayor’s office in 1993.

    His highest public acclaim came in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. His steady, visible leadership during the city’s darkest hours after the attacks earned him the widely recognized nickname “America’s Mayor”, cementing his place in national political lore for years after.

    That legacy has been all but erased in recent years, however, amid a series of controversies tied to his close ties to former President Donald Trump and his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In 2023, a federal civil jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to two Georgia election workers, after he spread proven false claims that the pair had engaged in voter fraud to tip the election to Joe Biden. He has since been permanently disbarred from practicing law in both his home state of New York and Washington D.C., stripping him of the professional credentials that shaped much of his early career.

  • United Airlines plane hits lamppost, truck before landing at Newark

    United Airlines plane hits lamppost, truck before landing at Newark

    On a Sunday afternoon in early May, a routine commercial flight landing at one of the busiest East Coast airports ended in an unexpected collision that closed sections of a major highway and left one person with minor injuries. The incident, which unfolded around 2 p.m. local time on May 3, involved United Airlines Flight 169, which was completing a transatlantic journey from Venice, Italy, to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

    As the jetliner, a Boeing 767 carrying 221 passengers and 10 crew members, made its final approach to the runway, its wing made contact with a stationary lamppost along the adjacent New Jersey Turnpike, according to official statements from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The impact sent debris from the light pole into the path of a moving southbound tractor-trailer, operated by H&S Bakery, resulting in a secondary collision. The plane sustained only minor damage from the incident, and the aircraft managed to complete its landing safely without further incident on the runway.

    No passengers or crew members on board the commercial jet suffered any injuries, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials confirmed in an official update. For the delivery truck driver, the encounter resulted in small cuts when the plane’s wheel crashed through the driver’s side window, company senior vice president Chuck Paterakis shared in a statement. Though the driver was transported to a local hospital for evaluation of his minor injuries, he was quickly released and has since recovered from the incident. Paterakis added that the delivery truck itself remained largely undamaged despite the collision.

    In the wake of the incident, United Airlines announced it would launch a full, rigorous internal investigation into flight safety protocols surrounding the event. As a standard procedural step during ongoing inquiries, the full crew operating Flight 169 has been temporarily removed from active service. The FAA, the federal body responsible for overseeing civil aviation safety in the United States, has also confirmed it will launch its own independent investigation into how the collision occurred.

    Emergency response teams including New Jersey State Police were dispatched to the highway to clear debris, secure the scene, and manage traffic disruptions following the incident. As of the initial reporting, neither New Jersey State Police nor aircraft manufacturer Boeing have issued an official statement in response to requests for comment from Agence France-Presse.

  • Bury Boring: Mystique director says safe marketing costing some Jamaican brands

    Bury Boring: Mystique director says safe marketing costing some Jamaican brands

    On a Thursday morning at Kingston’s AC Hotel, attendees of the IMPACT x Mystique marketing conference fell silent as a full-sized casket was rolled to the front of the stage before the opening of Matthew Mitchell’s presentation. The creative director of Mystique Integrated Services used this shocking, unconventional opening to frame a stark message: the greatest death a brand can face is being erased from consumers’ collective memory.

    What followed over 40 minutes was a sharp, data-backed critique of the Jamaican marketing ecosystem and a forceful argument for disruptive, convention-challenging branding that cuts through digital noise. Mitchell drove home his core thesis by the end of his talk: playing it safe with generic marketing is the costliest mistake a brand can make. He posed a provocative question to the silent room: “What’s more expensive, a bold campaign or a forgotten brand?”

    Mitchell argued that the Jamaican marketing landscape is suffering from what he terms a “distinctiveness crisis” and a “memory crisis”, rather than a shortage of creative talent. Industry-wide, brands are churning out more content, launching more campaigns and producing more marketing assets than ever before, yet the lasting impact of that work is steadily declining. Too many brands rely on recycled, generic concepts—he called out overused stock imagery of families on underperforming billboards as a prime example of this uncreative cycle.

    This crisis of memorability is unfolding against an increasingly challenging backdrop: shrinking consumer attention spans. Mitchell cited independent research from multiple leading institutions to back his claim. A study from the University of California found that average screen attention has plummeted to just 40 to 47 seconds, down from 2.5 minutes a little over two decades ago. Microsoft research places average attention on digital content even lower, at just six to 10 seconds. Meanwhile, research from Amplified Intelligence confirms that consumers need a minimum of 2.5 seconds of active attention for content to leave any lasting memory.

    Beyond generic creative, Mitchell pointed to a widespread misallocation of marketing budgets across Jamaican brands. Industry best practice for effective marketing leans toward a 60:40 split between long-term brand building and short-term brand activation, which prioritizes immediate customer engagement and quick sales. But in Jamaica, Mitchell noted, most brands pour far too much investment into short-term activation at the expense of building the emotional connections that drive long-term growth.

    He held up Jamaican Campari as a standout example of how bold, purpose-driven brand building can deliver tangible results. The global premium spirit brand faced a unique local challenge: its on-the-ground consumer base in Jamaica centered on community bar patrons, while its global identity leaned into high-end sophistication. To bridge this gap, Campari conducted deep local research that identified “desire” as the core emotional driver for its Jamaican consumers.

    The brand rebuilt its entire local storytelling around this core emotion, launching the viral “Red Passion” advertising campaign headlined by popular dancehall artist Valiant. The campaign also included a consumer promotion called “Win Your Passion”, which gives customers who purchase Campari a chance to win desire-aligned prizes, including a couples’ vacation and carnival costumes. Mitchell reported that the strategy has delivered overwhelming success: Campari has recorded a significant jump in sales following the brand refresh, proving that aligning bold creative with local emotional resonance delivers results.

    Mitchell also highlighted U.S. canned water brand Liquid Death, famous for its edgy “Murder Your Thirst” tagline, as a second example of how unapologetically bold branding drives sales growth.

    Beyond being forgotten, Mitchell outlined multiple hidden costs of sticking to safe, generic marketing: increased price sensitivity among consumers, internal institutional mediocrity, failure to connect with local cultural contexts, and persistent unnecessary marketing spend. He closed by reinforcing the core chain that drives brand growth: “The data is clear, emotion drives growth, distinctiveness drives memory, and memory, once I remember you, we’re going to grow together. So, when we choose safe work, we’re not just reducing risk, we’re reducing impact.”

  • Anchored in truth: A declaration for World Press Freedom Day

    Anchored in truth: A declaration for World Press Freedom Day

    On World Press Freedom Day, Jamaica’s collective media community is not just observing a commemorative date on the global calendar – it is reaffirming a long-standing covenant that defines the very purpose of independent journalism, a profession dedicated not to market demands, but to serving the public good.

    This core promise stretches far earlier than the rise of the digital age and algorithmic content curation, and media leaders emphasize it will outlast any future industry upheaval. At its heart, the covenant holds three non-negotiable commitments: journalists will bear witness when power is exercised, they will ask the tough questions that others are unwilling or unable to raise, and every Jamaican – regardless of their parish of residence, line of work, or political leaning – will have equal access to the facts needed to live freely, make informed choices, and participate fully in democratic life.

    Upholding this promise has never come without cost.

    Decades of intentional investment in accountability journalism across Jamaica’s newsrooms, broadcast studios, digital platforms and community-focused outlets have built a solid foundation for the sector’s public mission. Media organizations have prioritized ongoing training to help reporters navigate complex issues and verify facts under intense deadline pressure. They have established strict editorial standards focused on empowering the public with accurate information, not pleasing powerful interests or driving viral clicks. Journalists are deployed to every corner of national life – from remote rural communities to corporate boardrooms, from public courthouses to the closed corridors of government power – not to create sensational spectacle, but to uncover verifiable truth.

    This work has never been for the risk-averse or faint of heart. Holding institutional and individual authority to account, pursuing investigations into information that powerful actors prefer to keep hidden, and delivering fair, factual reporting that gives audiences an unvarnished view of events often draws pushback and resistance. Jamaica’s media community acknowledges this reality openly – and has committed to pressing forward regardless.

    Media leaders do not shy away from the significant headwinds currently facing the sector. The global shift to digital has fundamentally reshaped the media landscape, upending long-standing industry economic models that once sustained independent reporting. Major digital platforms that now host most public discourse are engineered to prioritize user engagement over editorial responsibility, a design that has created fertile ground for falsehoods to spread faster than verified reporting.

    Misinformation and disinformation are not abstract hypothetical threats to Jamaican democracy – they are daily challenges that journalists must navigate while doing their jobs, and that audiences must sort through every time they open their social media feeds. When fabricated stories outpace on-the-record reporting, and unsubstantiated rumours spread more quickly than verified facts, the damage extends far beyond individual reputations: it undermines the very foundation of civic life. It erodes the informed public consent that any functioning democratic society depends on to operate.

    Even amid these challenges, Jamaica’s media sector remains undaunted. What anchors the community through constant change is not nostalgia for a less complex, pre-digital era – it is the tangible impact of their work on the Jamaican public. It is the reader who reaches out to share that an investigative story changed their circumstances for the better. It is the ordinary citizen who takes action on information that journalists brought to light. It is the policy shift that happens only after journalists shone a light on hidden, unaccountable practices. These are not abstract wins: they are daily proof that journalistic credibility still holds value, and that reliable, fact-based reporting remains one of the most essential services a society can rely on.

    Resilience, for Jamaica’s media, is not just a buzzword or empty slogan – it is an active, daily practice. It is not passive endurance through hard times; it is deliberate, intentional discipline renewed every time a reporter pauses to double-check facts before publishing, every time an editor rejects an unsubstantiated claim that would drive clicks, every time a media outlet chooses to prioritize integrity over short-term convenience or profit. Media organizations trade in credibility, and they understand that once that credibility is carelessly lost, it is nearly impossible to rebuild. This unglamorous, often thankless discipline is the sector’s core contribution to Jamaica’s national fabric.

    Media leaders acknowledge that adaptation to new technologies and audience habits has been necessary. They have followed audiences to new digital platforms, experimented with innovative content formats, and reimagined how journalism is delivered to the public, and they will continue to evolve with changing technology. For Jamaican media, the medium of delivery is not sacred – the core mission is. That mission, to inform the public, investigate wrongdoing, elevate the voices of marginalized communities, and hold the powerful accountable, does not change just because the device people use to access news has gotten smaller, faster, and more connected.

    What will never adapt, the community emphasizes, are their core principles. The commitment to accuracy, fairness, editorial independence, and public-interest journalism is non-negotiable. It is not an outdated holdover from a bygone era, nor is it an optional add-on to modern media. It is the entire reason independent journalism exists.

    As they mark World Press Freedom Day, Jamaica’s media community speaks from a place of unshakable conviction, not comfort. The sector faces very real pressures on multiple fronts: financial, technological, and societal. Media leaders do not pretend these challenges do not exist. But they remain steadfast in their core belief that an informed citizenry is the foundation of a functioning democracy, and that the work of ethical journalism is one of the most honorable and necessary contributions any professional group can make to national life.

    To the Jamaican public they serve: we see you, we stand with you, and we are not going anywhere.

    To any actor who seeks to diminish, discredit, or obstruct the work of independent journalism: we have taken note, and we will continue our work undeterred.

    The press is not free simply because freedom is granted to it. It remains free because every single day, journalists choose to practice that freedom, no matter the cost.

  • Man Utd beat Liverpool to secure Champions League place

    Man Utd beat Liverpool to secure Champions League place

    In a pulsating Premier League derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, Manchester United claimed a dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool that locked in their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, capping a stunning mid-season turnaround under interim manager Michael Carrick. The hosts got off to a blistering start, netting twice inside the opening 15 minutes to put Liverpool on the back foot early. Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock first, his strike from the edge of the box deflecting off Liverpool’s Alexis MacAllister and leaving third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman with no chance to save. Just moments later, Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko bundled Bruno Fernandes’ redirected header over the goal line to double United’s advantage, capping a wave of relentless early attacking pressure from the home side. Fernandes came inches from putting the game out of reach before half-time, blasting a cross from Bryan Mbeumo just wide of the post, but warning signs were already emerging for United: Liverpool had repeatedly carved through the Red Devils’ midfield, with Cody Gakpo curling a clear chance just wide of the target. The game flipped on its head immediately after the interval, when a series of unforced United mistakes handed Arne Slot’s injury-hit side a route back into the match. Liverpool arrived at Old Trafford missing three key first-team forwards — Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak — all sidelined with injury, and had been forced to field a depleted attacking unit. Just moments into the second half, substitute Amad Diallo, who had replaced Sesko at the break, gave away possession with a loose pass. Dominik Szoboszlai pounced on the mistake, breaking unopposed from his own half before slotting calmly into the bottom corner to cut United’s lead in half. The equalizer came soon after, another gift from the home side: goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ poorly judged pass was intercepted by MacAllister, who slipped a pass through to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder teed up Gakpo for an easy tap-in, leveling the score at 2-2 after an hour of play. With both sides throwing caution to the wind in search of a decisive late goal, the packed Old Trafford crowd got a finish worthy of the historic rivalry. A poor clearance from MacAllister fell perfectly into the path of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who charged onto the ball and steered a cool finish from the edge of the box into the bottom corner of the net, putting United back in front in the 78th minute. The result seals United’s return to Europe’s elite club competition after a two-year absence, and extends their lead over fourth-placed Liverpool to six points with just a handful of matches remaining. Carrick’s side are guaranteed a top-five finish in the Premier League, and the top-four finish that brings Champions League qualification now confirms their place in next season’s tournament. For Liverpool, the defeat marks their 11th league loss of the campaign, but Slot’s side remain in a strong position to also claim a Champions League spot, needing just three points from their final three matches to secure qualification. The victory is United’s first league double over Liverpool since the 2015-16 season, and completes a staggering reversal of fortune between the two clubs from 12 months prior. Last season, Liverpool won their 20th English top-flight title, equaling United’s historic record, and finished 14 places and 42 points ahead of Sunday’s winners. Mainoo, the homegrown England midfielder who has been at the heart of United’s resurgence since Carrick took charge in January, marked a landmark week with his winning goal. Overlooked by former manager Ruben Amorim earlier this season, Mainoo signed a new five-year contract with the club earlier this week, and paid tribute to Carrick’s role in transforming United’s season after the final whistle. “He’s played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players,” Mainoo said of Carrick. “You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch.” Since taking over in January, Carrick has not only turned United’s season around to secure Champions League football, but has also picked up signature wins against the league’s top sides, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. With the primary target of qualification achieved, the result has strengthened Carrick’s claims to take the manager’s job on a permanent basis next season, with the financial windfall of Champions League participation making his case increasingly hard for the United board to ignore.

  • Two die in ‘respiratory illness’ outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

    Two die in ‘respiratory illness’ outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

    An outbreak of severe acute respiratory illness has shaken a polar cruise ship traveling through the Atlantic Ocean, leaving at least two people confirmed dead and one patient in intensive care in Johannesburg, South Africa’s health ministry confirmed to Agence France-Presse on Sunday.

    The incident unfolded aboard the MV Hondius, a polar exploration vessel operated by Dutch tour firm Oceanwide Expeditions, which was carrying out a voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, bound for Cape Verde. The ship, which holds capacity for roughly 170 passengers and 70 crew members, was positioned just off Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, as of Sunday, according to multiple online vessel tracking platforms.

    South African health department spokesperson Foster Mohale confirmed that one patient evacuated to Johannesburg for treatment has tested positive for hantavirus, a group of pathogens most commonly spread to humans via rodent populations. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected rodents’ urine, fecal matter or saliva, through bites, or via inhalation of dust contaminated with viral particles, guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes. Different strains of hantavirus circulate across different global regions, and they can trigger a range of severe symptoms including life-threatening hemorrhagic fever.

    According to Mohale, the first fatality was a 70-year-old passenger who first developed symptoms and died while the vessel was still at sea. His remains are currently held on Saint Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic that was one of the ship’s scheduled stops. The passenger’s 69-year-old spouse was also infected and evacuated to South Africa for urgent care, and she later died in a Johannesburg hospital. Mohale added that official confirmation of the victims’ nationalities was still pending as of Sunday, though an anonymous source close to the investigation told AFP the two deceased are a Dutch couple, bringing the provisional death toll to three.

    A third infected passenger, a 69-year-old British national, was also evacuated to Johannesburg and remains in intensive care as public health teams continue to monitor his condition. Discussions are ongoing between international health authorities about whether two additional sick passengers should be admitted to hospitals in Cape Verde for isolation, the anonymous source said. After the ship completes its stop in Cape Verde, it is scheduled to continue its voyage to the Spanish Canary Islands.

    The World Health Organization confirmed Sunday that it is aware of the outbreak, and that a coordinated international public health investigation and response is already underway. “We will share more information as it becomes available,” the organization said from its Geneva headquarters. AFP reached out to Oceanwide Expeditions, the ship’s operator, for comment on the outbreak as of Sunday, but had not received a response by the time of reporting.