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West Indies Women’s vice-captain Chinelle Henry is still undergoing treatment from the injury she sustained during Wednesday’s warmup match against Australia.

The 30-year-old was stretchered off the field after falling awkwardly while attempting to take a catch at long-on in the ninth over of Australia’s innings. In a statement issued by Cricket West Indies on Friday, it said Henry was still being treated.

‘Chinelle Henry experienced an exacerbation of a previous injury and is currently being managed by the team’s medical staff. Further updates will be provided as appropriate,’ the statement read.

West Indies begin their T20 World Cup campaign against defending champions New Zealand on Saturday in Southampton.

Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team are set to take on United Soccer League Championship outfit Louisville City FC in an international friendly next month.

The fixture on July 25 at the Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, will mark Louisville City FC’s first-ever match against a senior men’s national team and forms part of T and Ts ongoing build-up towards upcoming Concacaf competitions and the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

T and T head coach Derek King believes the encounter will provide another valuable opportunity for the national team to continue its preparations for the Concacaf Nations League in September.

‘We welcome every opportunity to test ourselves against solid opposition as we continue building this team. ‘Matches like these allow us to expose our players to different styles of play, strengthen our chemistry and continue our preparations for the challenges ahead. We are looking forward to this and would like to thank Louisville for hosting us,’ King said.

Louisville City FC president James O’Connor also welcomed the opportunity.

‘With the 2026 FIFA World Cup being partially hosted in the United States, American sports fans will be fully immersed in international soccer this summer.

‘We’re thrilled to bring Louisville City fans a taste of the international game with this historic friendly between our club and the Trinidad and Tobago national team,’ O’Connor said.

T and T remains one of only 12 Concacaf nations to have qualified for a FIFA World Cup, earning its historic appearance at Germany 2006.

The country has produced internationally recognised players such as Dwight Yorke and Shaka Hislop.

Representatives from Jamaica and Barbados, the remaining two Caribbean countries currently competing at the international WorldSkills level, are participating in a global Studica Robotics Training Camp here ahead of the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 to be held from September 23-25 in Shanghai.

The camp being held at Runaway Bay in St. Ann on the island’s north coast, is being hosted by WorldSkills Jamaica, HEART/NSTA Trust and Studica Robotics and has brought together participants from Jamaica, Barbados, China, Brazil and Singapore to strengthen their capabilities in Autonomous Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), two of the fastest-growing technological fields worldwide. The organisers said that the camp has already provided participants with intensive hands-on training, exposing competitors and experts to international standards, emerging technologies and the realities of competing on the global stage.

Director of Training Infrastructure Development at HEART/NSTA Trust and Technical Delegate for WorldSkills Jamaica, Dwayne Bent, believes the initiative is a critical step in preparing Jamaica and the wider Caribbean for future technological advancement.

He noted that both the UAS and autonomous mobile robotics disciplines rank among the most significant skills featured in WorldSkills International competitions and are increasingly important in modern industries driven by automation and advanced technologies.

‘To be able to medal and do our very best, we have to be among the best, learn from the best and see how much we can improve,’ Bent said.

But the camp offers more than technical instruction. Participants are learning to interpret competition standards, understand test projects and work with advanced robotic and drone systems using programming languages and software platforms that mirror those used in international competition environments.

The camp offers more than technical instruction. Participants are learning to interpret competition standards, understand test projects and work with advanced robotic and drone systems using programming languages and software platforms that mirror those used in international competition environments.

Bent said that competitors are also being prepared for one of the most demanding aspects of elite competition, performing under pressure, adding that technical competence alone does not determine success.

‘Everyone will have the same technical descriptions, everyone will understand the standards and everyone will have access to the same equipment. What sets competitors apart is how they perform under pressure,’ he said.

The organisers said the camp is expected to transition into a simulated competition environment, allowing participants to experience the intensity, time constraints and scrutiny they are likely to face in Shanghai in September.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Official Delegate for WorldSkills Jamaica, Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, who is also and the managing director of HEART/NSTA Trust, said hosting the training camp in Jamaica is a significant achievement for the region.

‘It is a deliberate effort to ensure that our participants and our Caribbean neighbours experience what is happening with other nations so that we can improve in the areas necessary to compete globally.’

Ingleton said that Jamaica and Barbados remain the only Caribbean countries currently competing at the international WorldSkills level, making regional collaboration especially important.

She also highlighted the growing relevance of robotics and unmanned aerial systems in addressing challenges across the Caribbean, including climate resilience, infrastructure development and economic growth.

‘These are critical skill sets that are going to be needed to grow our Caribbean,’ she emphasised.

The international nature of the camp has also created valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. General Manager of Studica Robotics in Canada, Derek Murphy, said the training environment is designed to prepare both competitors and experts for the realities of WorldSkills competition.

‘What we’ll do first is take them through training and then put them through the competition environment, which prepares them for the pressure of getting things done within a specific time,’ Murphy said.

He added that WorldSkills competitors are often considered among the highest-performing skilled professionals in their fields and that participation itself represents a globally recognised standard of excellence.

Beyond competition, Murphy believes the skills being developed have direct, real-world applications in sectors such as engineering, agriculture, mapping, search and rescue operations and emerging drone-based industries.

Among those benefiting from the camp are participants from Barbados, who have welcomed the opportunity to test equipment, refine techniques and learn from their international counterparts.

UAS expert, Jelani Payne, described the experience as both ‘challenging’ and ‘rewarding’ adding ‘it showed us a lot of the issues in terms of preparation and highlighted things we need to improve’.

Payne said that the training has allowed his team to gain a deeper understanding of equipment and operations, while receiving valuable support from participants from Jamaica and China.

For competitor, Samiya Allen of Barbados, the camp has already provided important lessons that will shape future preparation.

‘It’s been a learning experience. We’ve learned a lot and [we] now know the areas that we need to work on,’ she said, noting that one of the greatest benefits has been the opportunity to collaborate with participants from other countries.

‘Working with my Jamaican counterparts has been awesome. I feel I learned a lot from them,’ she added.

Education stakeholders have also welcomed the initiative. Assistant Chief Education Officer in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Unit of Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Shereen Davy-Stubbs, described skills competitions as a vital component of technical and vocational education.

‘Skills competitions give students an opportunity to demonstrate competence and identify areas where they need improvement,’ Davy-Stubbs said, adding that as industries increasingly embrace automation and technology-driven solutions, practical exposure through initiatives such as the training camp becomes even more important.

Scoreboard of the opening T20I between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sabina Park here on Thursday.

SRI LANKA

Pathum Nissanka b Holder 18

*+ Kusal Mendis c Chase b Joseph 36

Lasith Croospulle lbw b Holder 0

Pavan Rathnayake c Hetmyer b Joseph 4

Kamindu Mendis run out 51

Dasun Shanaka c Forde b Chase 22

Wanindu Hasaranga c +Hope b Joseph 3

Maheesh Theekshana c Powell b Holder 1

Dushmantha Chameera run out 1

Eshan Malinga not out 3

Extras (lb4, w4) 8

TOTAL (nine wickets; 20 overs) 147

Did not bat: Dilshan Madushanka.

Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-43, 3-49, 4-65, 5-124, 6-138, 7-139, 8-144, 9-147.

Bowling: Hosein 3-0-28-0, Forde 3-0-32-0, Holder 4-0-18-3, Joseph 4-0-29-3, Shepherd 2-0-17-0, Chase 4-0-19-1.

WEST INDIES

Brandon King b Hasaranga 37

*+Shai Hope not out 65

Shimron Hetmyer c Rathnayake b Hasaranga 17

Roston Chase b Malinga 16

Rovman Powell not out 10

Extras (nb1, w3) 4

TOTAL (three wickets; 19.2 overs) 149

Did not bat: Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph.

Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-95, 3-128.

Bowling: Madushanka 3.2-39-0, Chameera 4-0-32-0, Theekshana 4-0-20-0, Malinga 4-0-26-1, Hasaranga 4-0-32-2.

Toss: Sri Lanka elected to bat.

Player-of-the-Match: Jason Holder.

Result: West Indies won by seven wickets to lead the three-match series 1-0.

Umpires: Deighton Butler, Zahid Bassarath.

TV Umpire: Christopher Taylor.

Reserve Umpire: Leslie Reifer.

Match Referee: Richie Richardson.

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) says it will introduce a new initiative aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises get access into foreign markets.

The TTMA said that in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) it will launch launch Cohort 3 of its Export Action Programme (EAP), dismantling the financial, logistical and regulatory barriers that traditionally keep local brands confined to domestic shelves. ‘Cohort 1 saw approximately 35 per cent of participating businesses secure new export opportunities, while Cohort 2 companies have reported new opportunities in markets including Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, and the United States.

‘Other participating businesses have strengthened their domestic market presence through placements in major retailers such as Massy Stores and SuperPharm,’ the TTMA said, adding that export readiness scored among participating SMEs and also improved significantly under the EAP framework, with businesses progressing from an average readiness level of approximately 42 to 87 per cent.

TTMA chief executive officer, Mahindra Ramdeen, said many SMEs have strong products and strong ambition, but they often need guidance to navigate the realities of exporting,

‘The Export Action Programme continues to demonstrate that with the right structure, support and accountability, our SMEs can compete regionally and internationally while contributing to economic diversification and foreign exchange generation,’ Ramdeen said.

Eximbank manager, marketing and business development officer Sheldon Thomas, highlighted the importance of accessible export development initiatives for SMEs.

‘The collaboration between Eximbank and TTMA continues to create meaningful opportunities for businesses seeking to grow beyond Trinidad and Tobago’s borders. The results achieved by the EAP demonstrate the value of practical support systems that help SMEs translate potential into measurable outcomes,’ he said.

The lead consultant of the EAP, Kevin Tang Nian said the programme is built around practical intervention and sustained accountability.

‘Exporting is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every business faces different hurdles, resource limitations, and opportunities. The EAP was built to help SMEs identify their gaps, prioritise practical solutions, and take meaningful steps towards market entry and sustainable growth.’

The TTMA said that to meet growing demand for business and export guidance, it has also introduced an export readiness scan (ERS), a focused assessment designed to help SMEs identify export gaps, opportunities, and practical next steps towards growth and international expansion, particularly where spaces in the full EAP are limited.

Minister for Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Miriam Blanchard, has resigned, Speaker of the Dominica Parliament, Joseph Isaac announced on Friday.

In a statement, announcing her resignation, Isaac said he had received a June 9, 2026 letter from Blanchard on Friday ‘advising of her resignation as the Member of Parliament for the Roseau North Constituency. ‘In her correspondence, Hon. Blanchard indicated hat er decision to resign was made on medical grounds’.

Last August, Blanchard, who had been a member of the cabinet since 2016, had sought medical treatment overseas for an undisclosed illness. She had also served as Minister for Public Workers and Ports as well as Planning and Economic Development in successive Dominica Labour Party (DLP) administrations headed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Skerrit has made no public statement regarding the resignation of Blanchard, with the Speaker indicating that Section 119. (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica provides that the resignation of a Member of the House of Assembly takes effect upon the Speaker’s receipt of the letter.

Isaac thanked Blanchard ‘for her service to her constituents and to the people of Dominica and wishes her the very best’

A by-election is scheduled to be held within 90 days.

Meanwhile, the executive committee of the minority Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) said it has accepted the resignation letter of Bernard Hurtault, who had served as interim political leader of the party for more than five years.

In a statement, the DFP, which formed the government here between 1980- 1995, said that it wanted to thank Hurtault ‘for his service to the party’ which was ‘formed in 1968 ‘on democratic principles and the rule of law to advance good, accountable, and responsible governance in Dominica.

‘The party has served the people of Dominica well and faithfully while in opposition, as well as in government, and has always fostered that of good governance, aimed at uplifting the standard of political discourse, as well as fostering a high level of participatory engagement in forging a clear path to develop the country democratically and economically for all citizens,’ it added.

The party said that it wishes to assure its members and the pubic ‘that it remains resolute in its pursuit of a better Dominica…while at the same time building a stronger Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) going forward’.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne Friday described as ‘reckless’ a statement by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Clement Joseph that ‘his constitutional authority does not obligate him to explain the exercise of prosecutorial discretion’.

The Observer newspaper quoted Joseph as saying that the Constitution grants him discretion over criminal charges without requiring him to justify his decisions to the public. His comments follow the dismissal of two cases by his office, including one earlier this month where Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel dismissed a case against a Jamaican-born businessman on drug related charges after the prosecution indicated that it would no longer pursue the matter..

No reasons were given for the action of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) against Jamaican Francis Young, who had been jointly charged with Nadeem Brandon Doumith following the on May 9, 2025 discovery of 62 pounds of cannabis concealed in a cargo shipment at the Deep Water Harbour.

The drugs had a street value of EC$372,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents).

While the charges against Young have been dropped, the case against Doumith remains active and will resume on August 8, 2026.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Prime Minister Browne expressed surprise at the statement alluded to the DPP writing ‘Really Mr DPP ? You are El supremo – Beyond reproach ? As a public servant, you are not accountable to the public who pays your bill and at whose ultimate discretion and pleasure you serve ?

‘I believe that this reckless statement, which has the potential to erode public confidence and trust in the DPP, is perhaps a misquotation,’ Browne wrote, adding ‘for any avoidance of doubt, no one is above the law and no one is beyond reproach; tout, moun, sam and bagay are accountable’.

Joseph in his interview with the Observer newspaper, Joseph said that his decisions can be challenged in court only if they are deemed unreasonable or an abuse of authority, but not on the basis of public demand for disclosure.

Joseph challenged critics who have questioned his office to approach him directly for clarification, questioning whether any journalist in Antigua and Barbuda has asked him for an explanation, or whether critics have instead relied on social media posts and public commentary without seeking direct engagement with his office.

But the newspaper quoted former police commissioner Wendell Alexander, who is also an attorney, as saying ‘in the interest of transparency, I would say that the public has a right to know because the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is a public office.

‘When certain major decisions are taken, especially if the matter has become a cause célébre, or a matter with potential of much public consternation, to give a proper explanation before the general public is good for the justice system.’

Alexander said the DPP, though he holds wide powers under the Constitution, his actions can be challenged if it is deemed to be unreasonable, or if it is deemed to be an abuse of authority.

Joseph told the newspaper that certain matters must remain confidential and on a need-to-know basis. He said he will not breach confidentiality for political gain or to satisfy those making public accusations against him.