In a strategic move to strengthen their bowling arsenal, the West Indies cricket team has enlisted left-arm spinner Khary Pierre for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Bangladesh. Pierre’s inclusion comes as a response to injuries sustained by fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were initially part of the squad. Joseph experienced shoulder discomfort during the first training session ahead of the opening ODI against Bangladesh, while Blades was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back, necessitating his return home for rehabilitation. Cricket West Indies officially announced Pierre’s addition in a press release on Thursday. The release stated, ‘Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been added to the West Indies T20I squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh in Chattogram, starting on Monday, October 27. Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades, who were originally included in the squad, were ruled out due to injuries.’ The West Indies T20 squad, led by captain Shai Hope, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, including Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, and Rovman Powell. The series, set to commence in Chattogram, will be a crucial test for the West Indies as they aim to fine-tune their T20 strategy ahead of future international fixtures.
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NBA coach, player arrested amidst ‘mind-boggling’ gambling scheme
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the NBA, Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were arrested on Thursday for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling schemes. The arrests, part of a broader federal investigation, have exposed a complex web of fraud and corruption tied to organized crime and sports betting.
Billups, a celebrated former Detroit Pistons star and NBA Hall of Famer, is accused of facilitating rigged poker games linked to mafia crime families. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, these high-stakes games utilized advanced cheating technologies, including card-reading shuffling machines and hidden cameras. Meanwhile, Rozier, along with former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones, was implicated in a separate sports betting case involving insider information on player injuries and game performances.
The scope of the alleged fraud is staggering, with tens of millions of dollars reportedly siphoned through these schemes over several years. Both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave by the NBA, which emphasized its commitment to preserving the integrity of the game. The league stated, ‘We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.’
Rozier appeared in federal court in Orlando, Florida, where he was ordered to post bond and surrender his passport. He is scheduled to appear in New York on December 8. Billups, released on bond after his court appearance in Portland, Oregon, is set to face charges in New York on November 24. Both have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
The investigation has also revealed connections to other NBA teams, including the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. One notable incident cited in the indictment involved Rozier allegedly informing co-conspirators of his early exit from a game due to a supposed injury, enabling them to place over $200,000 in wagers and reap substantial profits.
Rozier’s attorney, James Trusty, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that prosecutors are relying on ‘spectacularly incredible sources’ rather than concrete evidence. The National Basketball Players Association has also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
This scandal underscores the ongoing challenges the NBA faces in combating corruption and maintaining the trust of its fans. As the legal proceedings unfold, the league’s reputation hangs in the balance, with the integrity of the sport at stake.
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Isak-less Liverpool look to hit stride in Premier LeagueMan City ‘back’ to their best
As the Premier League heats up, Liverpool faces a critical challenge to end their three-game losing streak when they visit Brentford this Saturday. The Reds must secure a win to stay within reach of league leaders Arsenal and the in-form Manchester City. Meanwhile, City’s nine-game unbeaten run will be put to the test against Aston Villa, while Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United, buoyed by their recent victory at Anfield, aim to continue their resurgence against Brighton, a team that has consistently troubled them at Old Trafford in recent seasons. The weekend’s fixtures could prove pivotal in shaping the title race and European qualification battles. Liverpool’s fortunes may hinge on the absence of Alexander Isak, their record signing, who sustained a groin injury. His absence could allow Arne Slot to experiment with new formations, potentially reigniting the team’s form. Manchester United’s revival under Ruben Amorim faces a stern test against Brighton, who have dominated recent encounters. For Manchester City, the match at Villa Park will be a litmus test of their title credentials, with Erling Haaland’s prolific form driving their resurgence.
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PM declares Jamaica a threatened area
In response to the impending threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared the entire island a ‘threatened area.’ This decisive action, enacted under Section 26(2) of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA), empowers the government to implement urgent protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure. The declaration follows a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch as Melissa lingers off Jamaica’s southeastern coast. The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety, urging citizens to take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly.
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Fransiva lands LAFW spot
Fransiva, the brainchild of Jamaican designer Carcell Fransiva, has achieved a significant milestone by showcasing its collection at The Bureau Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW). Held from October 17-18 at the Lot Studios in Hollywood, the event marked a pivotal moment for the brand, which has been steadily gaining traction since its launch in 2014. A total of 18 meticulously crafted looks were displayed, each embodying the brand’s signature blend of structure, movement, and luxury detailing. Fransiva’s participation not only amplified its global presence but also garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, paving the way for future collaborations and retail opportunities. Born in Pedro District, St. Catherine, Carcell Fransiva’s journey into fashion began during his high school years, where he remixed clothing for social events. His passion for design flourished as he worked with dancehall artists and later pursued a degree in Marketing. Today, Fransiva stands out for its unique fusion of elegance, luxury, and comfort, offering timeless pieces that tell a story. With aspirations to become an international fashion house, Fransiva is now targeting global markets, offering its designs through its official website and select pop-up experiences.
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‘A judgement fi we inna this’
Residents of New Haven in St. Andrew, Jamaica, are bracing for Tropical Storm Melissa with growing anxiety over potential flooding and the threat of crocodiles invading their homes. The community’s concerns stem from the inadequate maintenance of local waterways, including a river, gully, and drainage systems, which they believe exacerbate their vulnerability during heavy rains.
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Help is here!
In a proactive move to bolster disaster response capabilities, 59 skilled linesmen from the United States and Canada arrived in Jamaica on Friday. Their mission: to assist the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in swiftly restoring electricity services should Tropical Storm Melissa cause significant damage to the island’s power infrastructure. This deployment brings the total number of professionals—comprising Jamaicans, Vincentians, and North Americans—to approximately 650, all trained in the construction, maintenance, and repair of high-voltage electrical and telecommunications lines. The majority of the newly arrived team hails from the U.S.-based Sovereign Line Group. Roger Campbell, a general foreman with the group, expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the recovery efforts, stating, ‘We are just here to bring the power back on, whatever happens.’ Caleb Young, another general foreman, emphasized the importance of arriving early, noting that pre-storm deployment ensures readiness to act immediately after the storm passes. Jeff Files, also a general foreman, described the decision to assist Jamaica as a ‘no-brainer,’ highlighting the collaborative effort between Sovereign Line Group and JPS. Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, JPS’s director of people operations, underscored the strategic planning behind the initiative, which was informed by lessons learned from last year’s Hurricane Beryl. The linesmen, who work under challenging conditions to restore power, are critical to ensuring reliable electricity delivery in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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THE BEAT GOES ON!
Despite the looming threat of Tropical Storm Melissa, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has confirmed that the scheduled racing event at Caymanas Park will proceed as planned this Saturday. Solomon Sharpe, SVREL’s executive chairman, emphasized that the race card remains on schedule, with teams working diligently to prepare the track for optimal conditions. However, Sharpe acknowledged that the weather could pose challenges, particularly if the storm intensifies later in the weekend.
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New Clinic Model to Feature Full-Time Doctors and Expanded Services
In a landmark announcement, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph has introduced a transformative healthcare model for Antigua and Barbuda, aiming to revolutionize primary healthcare delivery. The new system will assign full-time doctors to community clinics, ensuring they operate five days a week and offer expanded, consistent services. Joseph made the announcement during a town hall meeting in Seaview Farm, hosted by All Saints West MP Hon. Anthony Smith Jr. Currently, clinics provide essential services such as antenatal, postnatal, wound care, and diabetic care. However, the revamped model will introduce daily physician availability from Monday to Friday and incorporate full-time eye care services. Joseph highlighted the success of the Medical Benefits Scheme, which has facilitated over 2,000 free cataract surgeries, showcasing the impact of accessible healthcare. Additionally, the All Saints Clinic will be upgraded to a full polyclinic, offering free dental care, nephrology, gynecology, radiology, and basic lab testing. This upgrade will eliminate the need for patients to travel to the Celeste Bird Medical Centre for services like pap smears and blood tests. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to decentralize health services, ensuring major clinics cater to nearby communities such as Seaview Farm, Buckley’s, and Freemans Village. Joseph also provided updates on national projects, including a new dialysis center at the Old Holberton Hospital, set to open within 12 to 18 months. The facility will expand dialysis capacity from 27 to 45 stations and include a surgical theatre for kidney transplants. Antigua and Barbuda has already completed 15 successful kidney transplants, a first in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The new center will serve both residents and returning nationals reliant on dialysis. Joseph concluded by emphasizing the government’s commitment to establishing polyclinics rather than pop-up clinics, ensuring consistent, community-based healthcare across the nation.
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Belize Out of Danger as TS Melissa Moves North
Tropical Storm Melissa has emerged as a significant threat to several Caribbean nations, with Jamaica and Haiti bearing the brunt of its impact. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of prolonged severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, torrential rains, and landslides, as the storm moves slowly across the region. Belize, however, remains out of harm’s way as the storm’s trajectory shifts northward. In Jamaica, the storm’s sluggish pace has heightened concerns of extended exposure to hazardous conditions. Residents are advised to complete emergency preparations promptly, as strong winds and heavy rainfall are expected to intensify by late Friday or Saturday. Haiti faces an even graver situation, with the NHC predicting catastrophic flash flooding and landslides in the southwestern regions. The storm’s prolonged presence could lead to extensive infrastructure damage, isolating communities for days. Authorities have described the situation as life-threatening, urging immediate action to safeguard lives and property. Meanwhile, Belize has been spared from Melissa’s path, as forecast models indicate a northward movement, keeping the nation safe for now. The NHC continues to monitor the storm’s progression, emphasizing the need for vigilance in affected areas.