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West Indies elected to bowl after winning the toss against Nepal in the third T20I of the Unity Cup here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

WEST INDIES Playing XI:

Kyle Mayers, Karima Gore, Ackeem Auguste, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo (wk), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein (Capt), Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Ramon Simmonds

Simmonds and Gore replace Zishan Motara and Jewel Andrew

Debuts: Karima Gore

NEPAL Playing XI:

Rohit Paudel (Capt), Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Lokesh Bam (wk), Mohammad Aadil Alam, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Shahab Alam

Umpires: Buddhi Pradhan, Vinay Kumar

TV Umpire: Akbat Ali

Reserve Umpire: Durga Subedi

Match Referee: Narayanan Kutty

The World Bank Tuesday said it has approved a new project to reduce flood risk in St. Lucia’s most vulnerable communities.

The Washington-based financial institution said that the US$25 million St. Lucia Urban Resilient Flood Investment Project is expected to benefit an estimated 67,000 St. Lucians.

The bank’s International Development Association (IDA), which provides grants and zero to low-interest loans to help countries finance projects that support economic growth, reduce inequalities and improve living conditions, is funding the project.

The World Bank said St. Lucia faces serious risks from hurricanes, storm surges and heavy rainfall and that the country’s steep terrain and densely populated coastal areas make flooding a major concern, particularly as climate change leads to more intense and frequent storms.

It said flood risk is highest in St. Lucia’s low-lying coastal zones, where nearly 60 per cent of the population live and where key infrastructure like airports, the seaport and major roads are located. Castries, the capital, and Anse La Raye, a fishing village, are especially vulnerable to flooding.

‘This project equips St. Lucia with the tools it needs to better manage and reduce the risks of flooding,’ said Lilia Burunciuc, the World Bank’s Director for the Caribbean.

‘By strengthening disaster preparedness and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, Saint Lucia is taking important steps to safeguard its people, economy and vital assets from the growing impacts of climate change,’ she added.

The project aims to reduce flood risk in selected areas and strengthen the government’s ability to manage climate-related risks. Importantly, it will focus on Castries, Anse La Raye and their river basins.

‘Infrastructure investments in Castries and Anse La Raye aim to enhance resilience to flooding and climate hazards. Rather than relying solely on traditional engineering solutions like drainage improvements and flood walls, the approach also incorporates nature-based measures such as green corridors and river restoration.

‘Project investments are designed to establish economic opportunities which enable job creation. By the end of the project, 66,400 people are expected to benefit from climate-resilient infrastructure and improved government capacity for managing climate-related risks.’

The World Bank said that the project will also seek to improve the government’s capacity to manage climate impacts, support engineering designs for flood mitigation and enhancing early warning systems and community coordination.

Preparation for this project benefited from financial support from the European Union, the frame of the EU Resilient Caribbean (EUReCa) Programme, which is managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). This reflects a broader international partnership to build resilience across the Caribbean.

Guyana has officially launched GuyExpo 2025 calling for large and small-scale businesses and entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to showcase their products to local and international customers.

The November 13-16 event will be held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues said this year’s event will have new features to enhance its impact describing GuyExpo as both a legacy and a living platform that must evolve with the country’s rapidly changing economy.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues addressing the launch of GuyExpo 2025.

‘Guyexpo is unmatched in terms of exposure; it offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international investors and partners,’ Rodrigues told the ceremony on Monday night, noting that even with the changes, the exposition will still promote the economy’s dynamism while preserving its core identity.

‘We are creating a dedicated space for businesses and investors to engage in serious conversation about collaboration and expansion.

‘The vision is not only to sustain the legacy but to reimagine and elevate this national showcase, ensuring that it remains relevant to the dynamism of the economy while preserving its core identity,’ she said

She said this networking component will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), whose expertise will be pivotal in linking entrepreneurs with investors.

‘The physical layout of the expo will also undergo a transformation, while the traditional elements that Guyanese have come to cherish, such as the vibrant food courts, the children’s area and tourism village, will remain. These features will be enhanced for greater prominence and impact,’ Rodrigues explained.

The organisers say businesses that have grown with GuyExpo in the past three decades will also be honoured, while illuminated signs and improved directional systems will be introduced.

‘GuyExpo is unmatched in terms of exposure. It offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international partners and investors,’ Rodrigues stressed, encouraging private sector players to seize the opportunity.

Rodriques said that while GuyExpo is being supported by the government, the private sector will be integrally involved in the trade exhibition that was first launched in 1995 and has been the longest-standing trade expo in Guyana, attracting hundreds of exhibitors each year.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme ‘Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,’ followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,’ said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

‘This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,’ he added.

PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.

At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.

It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.

PAHO said that the 2026-2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.

It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.

‘Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,’ Dr Barbosa added.

To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or ‘accelerators,’ to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.

Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.

The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a ‘renewed regional cooperation’ and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.

‘By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.

‘This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,’ said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, incduing nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who ‘demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.’

The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.

The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.

The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values-equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity-and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.

The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett has praised the contributions of young people in the socio-economic development of the region.

‘Across the CARICOM, youth are making waves in every sector. They are championing climate resilience and are at the forefront of promoting social equity. Caribbean youth are driving cultural pride and digital innovation, redefining,’ Barnett said in a message marking Caribbean Youth Day 2025

She said that the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of young people across the region ‘whose energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to the future prosperity of our region’.

She said that in recognition of their evolving realities and aspirations, the Caribbean Youth Development Plan (CYDAP), which acknowledges young people as active agents of change, has been revised to ensure its currency and relevance.

Additionally, a Regional Youth Development Structure is being established to facilitate meaningful ongoing youth engagement and to bridge the intergenerational gap.

The CARICOM Secretary General also applauded ‘the remarkable talent of our young people, including those who represent us with such dignity and pride on the regional, and global stag’ noting their ‘vibrant participation’ at the recent staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) held in Barbados in August this year.

‘Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration.’

Barnett said that she is urging all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and the youth themselves, to renew their commitment to creating an environment where young people can contribute to and participate in decision-making processes, and lead initiatives for positive change.

‘Their voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,’ she added.

President Irfaan Ali Tuesday urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to approach the growing presence of United States naval assets in the Caribbean with ‘eyes wide open,’ emphasising the need for mature and open discussions on security matters affecting the region.

The state-owned Department of Public Information (DPI), quoted Ali as saying that while some Caribbean leaders may view the US military buildup positively, Guyana recognises that the situation requires careful examination

President Irfaan Ali

‘The zone of peace is not only about threats to borders. It’s also about threats that we are now seeing,’ he said, noting concerns such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, and the use of international waterways for transhipment.

The United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels. A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission.

Venezuela has since responded to what it termed the threat posed by the United States and has itself marshalled its troops along its borders.

Late last month, President Donald Trump ordered the US military to strike a boat in the Caribbean Sea, off Venezuela, killing 11, allegedly carrying drugs and earlier this month, he told reporters from the Oval Office that he had strong evidence that the latest boat in which three people were killed, was also carrying drugs.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has come out publicly in support of the United States sending naval and military troops to waters near Venezuela as part of Washington’s crackdown on nacro- trafficking.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar in her address to the UNGA last weekend, said while there have been objections to the US military action against drug cartels from some countries, Port of Spain wanted to remind the international community that, ‘unless forceful and aggressive actions are taken, these evil drug cartels will continue their societal destruction because they believe affected nations will always unreservedly subscribe to morals and ethics which they themselves blatantly flout.

‘That is why we willingly supported the international security alliance announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involving the US and several countries in South America to combat drug-trafficking in the hemisphere,’ she told the UNGA, adding that the notion that the Caribbean is a zone of peace has become a false ideal.

‘The reality is stark, no such peace exists today,’ she added.

President Ali said that Guyana has consistently promoted the region as a zone of peace and has responded to threats with diplomacy and truth rather than hostility.

‘Every single day, the Venezuelan government attacks me personally, attacks this country. They say the worst things about us. But we have never responded in a hostile way. We responded with facts and truth,’ he said, underscoring his country’s commitment to measured and principled diplomacy.

President Ali emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and collaborative discussions among regional partners to understand the implications of military movements fully.

‘What is needed is a meeting of minds, a meeting to share intelligence and to share information, so a fuller understanding of what is at stake here for all of us,’ he said, adding that through open dialogue, transparency, and regional cooperation, Caribbean countries can collectively safeguard peace and stability while addressing emerging security challenges.

A 16-year-old boy will re-appear in court on December 10 after he had been charged on Monday with the deaths of two men and injury to five other people during a mass shooting in August.

The teenager appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder following the August 9 shooting in New Providence resulting in the deaths of Eden Louis and Markentash Saintil and injuries to Hayden Breus, Trish Louis, Widny Saintil, Karib Rodgers and Gregory Jean-Charles.

Polic said that the victims were outside a home when two gunmen emerged from a vehicle and shot them.

The accused was not required to enter pleas to the charges and was remanded into custody. He will return to court in December for the presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The Dominica government says public servants including teachers are to receive millions of dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) in backpay following the conclusion of salary negotiations.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the negotiations were concluded last month with the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) and the Dominica Association of Teachers(DAT) for the period 2021-2024 and 2024-2027.

He said that the agreed-upon salary measures have come info effect starting this September and that public officers will receive an eight per cent salary increase, three per cent in 2024/25, two per cent in 2025/26, and three per cent in 2026/27 over the 2024-2027 period. Skerrit said in addition, back pay totaling EC$2,974,064.23 will be disbursed by November 2025.

He said effective this month teachers will receive salary increases on the same schedule, along with new allowances to support their work.

Skerrit said that the government has committed to the payment of a new resource allowance, and they will receive back pay amounting to EC$1,051,589.57, scheduled for disbursement in October 2025.

He said effective July 2025, the Police Welfare Association (PWA) had also agreed to an eight per cent increase over the 2024-27 Triennium.

According to Prime Minister Skerrit, officers across the board are receiving a monthly risk allowance of EC$250 from July 2025 along with financial support to the PWA. He said back pay of EC$465,334 was also paid to the officers in May, 2025.

‘Our public officers and our teachers are the backbone of national development, and we are happy to have reached this agreement with both parties,’ Skerrit told reporters, adding ‘I thank the leadership of the DPSU and the DAT for their constructive engagement throughout this process, and I salute all public officers and teachers for their service to country’.

Meanwhile, trade unions here have launched a trade union congress (DTUC) under the theme ‘Consolidating Trade Union Power through Unity and Solidarity’

The TUC brings together the DPSU, the DAT, the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union (DAWU) and Waterfront and Allied Workers Union (WAWU).

Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Joni T. Musabayana (DBL), said that the launch of the DTUC ‘is no small achievement,’ saying ‘it is the beginning of a new chapter for the workers of Dominica.

‘This step strengthens workers’ representation in the country. It also strengthens your voice in the Caribbean, and in the wider international labour movement.’.

‘Unity is not only about standing together. It is also about being effective. No single union, however strong, can on its own shape the national agenda. A united congress gives you a stronger seat at the table of social dialogue. It allows you to speak with one voice in defence of workers’ rights. It makes it possible to influence policy, to negotiate better conditions, and to stand firm against injustice.’

The DTUC is headed by Steve Michael Joseph of the DPSU.

In a scathing indictment of the current state of West Indies cricket, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister and ex-CARICOM cricket committee head Dr Keith Rowley has called for a complete and immediate ‘reset,’ labelling the team’s historic 90-run capitulation to Nepal a ‘disaster’ that demands radical action.

Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister and ex-CARICOM cricket committee head Dr Keith Rowley,

Taking to social media in the wake of the humiliating defeat, Dr Rowley expressed emotions shared by millions across the Caribbean: fear, anger, and profound sadness.

He stated that the loss, coming so soon after the team’s 27 all-out collapse against Australia in July, is a ‘gut punch’ from which the sport’s governing body cannot simply shrug off.

‘I fear that someone in Cricket West Indies will try to rationalise this and find ‘positives’!’ Rowley wrote, pre-empting the kind of post-match analysis that has often followed such failures.

His solution was blunt and immediate: ‘My God, keep the bowlers and fire ALL the batsmen, at least for now! We want COMMITMENT and guts and grit and, of course, some talent. We must START OVER!’

The former leader placed the blame squarely on the current administrative structure, identifying the controversial ‘one coach, one selector’ experiment as a primary cause of the team’s decline.

‘Clearly, it has failed spectacularly. It must end NOW!’ he declared, demanding a return to an ‘accountable development model which is based on performance, improvement and progress.’

Rowley warned that patience without tangible results is a ‘giant waste of time’ and that the situation is too dire for minor adjustments.

‘No scalpel will suffice here. A comprehensive RESET is called for,’ he asserted, insisting on the establishment of minimum performance standards.

In his most dramatic prescription for recovery, Dr Rowley issued a clarion call to Cricket West Indies to enlist the help of the region’s most revered legends.

‘Assemble a small team of successful individuals and assign them a role and some authority. Call in Lloyd, Lara, Roberts, Holding, and Ambrose to begin with and start a fishing program with a purpose,’ he urged, referencing icons Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Curtly Ambrose.

‘Given this disaster,’ he concluded, ‘Cricket West Indies needs to CALL IN THE CAVALRY!!!’

The post ended with a stark warning to the administrators, reminding them of their ultimate accountability: ‘You need to talk to Caribbean people; otherwise, they will reject and eject you eventually.’

Nepal reached 122 all out in 19.5 overs against the West Indies in the third T20I of the Unity Cup here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

NEPAL 122 in 19.5 overs (Khushal Bhurtel 39, Sandeep Jora 14; Ramon Simmonds 4-15, Jediah Blades 2-20).