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With a win over Bangladesh in their last T20I series, West Indies white-ball captain, Shai Hope says his troops are bursting with confidence ahead of their matchup with New Zealand.

The Windies, who are coming off an impressive 3-0 series win over Bangladesh, will take on the fourth ranked New Zealand in the first of five T20Is on Wednesday.

It was just their second bilateral T20I series win in nine outings and halted a losing slide following defeats to Nepal, Pakistan and Australia.

The regional side has not defeated New Zealand in a T20I series since 2012 and has lost three consecutive series to the Black Caps.

However, speaking in a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Hope said the West Indies were still on a high and were hoping to carry that momentum into the New Zealand series.

‘Coming off that 3-0 victory that we had in Bangladesh is a great confidence booster for us as a team, so it’s just to keep challenging ourselves and testing ourselves to see where we’re at as a team and building to that World Cup.

‘.You have to take a lot [of pride], especially going into conditions that you may not have faced ever in your career and getting the success that we’ve had says a lot about the unit, the strength of the unit and like I said it’s a great confidence booster going into this series,’ Hope said.

‘It’s a place I’m sure the batters and even the bowlers will be much happier to be playing on these surfaces, but yes, confidence booster from Bangladesh, and hopefully we can turn things around in New Zealand and get a lot more success here.’

Hope acknowledged that the conditions in New Zealand were expected to be much different than the ones they faced on the Asian subcontinent.

Therefore, he said it would be important for the players to adapt to those conditions as quickly as possible.

‘Slightly different conditions, maybe totally different conditions, but as we all know it’s one of the biggest things of being a professional cricketer; you have to be able to adapt to the conditions you go into.

‘Like I always speak about, conditions, dimensions, adaptability, and in this particular situation you have to understand that I don’t just expect the New Zealand bowlers to put it in the slot for the shorter straight boundaries either, so it’s about understanding what you’re going to get and formulating those plans to be as successful as possible, whether with bat in hand or ball in hand,’ Hope explained.

‘On the back of that success in Bangladesh it’s about trying to repeat. We want to be a very good team and it’s about consistency and if you want to be the best you have to beat the best in their home territories, so it’s something else we need to tick off our boxes.’

Several Caribbean politicians are seeking election to the City Council as New Yorkers head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new mayor.

Haitian-born Brooklyn Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who is seeking re-election, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that she’s ‘proud to be running for re-election to continue delivering real results for the people of the 46th District.

Farah N. Louis

‘As a nurse, small business owner, and immigrant from Haiti, I know what hard work looks like, and I’ve spent every day fighting to bring resources, services, and respect back to our community,’ she said.

‘While others seek to divide or roll back the progress we’ve made, I’m focused on building up our neighborhoods, investing in our schools, improving healthcare access, and standing up for working families, immigrants, and seniors,’ she added.

‘Our community knows what’s at stake, We’ve come too far to let those who align with extremism that attacks immigrants, undermines healthcare, and works to weaken public education represent us.’

Narcisse’s City Council colleague and compatriot, Rita Joseph, also told CMC that she had no opponent in the Primary Elections in June and will also have none in the general elections for the 40th Council District in Brooklyn.

‘I’m walking back to my seat. Previously, incumbents always have opponents. I’m honestly humbled by it. When nobody steps up to challenge you, that means something. It means the community trusts you. And I don’t take that lightly-I’m going to keep showing up for our schools, our kids, and our families the way I have been.’

Mercedes Narcisse

When asked what she’s most proud of, Joseph, a former public school teacher in Brooklyn, responded that it was the first AIMS programme in September, a specialised early education setup for kids with autism and other developmental needs at the P.S. 6 Annex on Flatbush Avenue.

Joseph, who taught at Public School 6 in Flatbush, Brooklyn, for more than 20 years before getting into politics, said ‘this one hit close to home. ‘

City Council member Farah N. Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, is seeking her final term in representing the 45th District in Brooklyn.

‘It has been the honour of my life to serve the people of Council District 45,’ she told CMC. ‘As I seek my final term, I am more energized than ever to continue delivering real results for our neighbors.

‘The work we’ve accomplished together is just the beginning, and I will not stop until we’ve built a foundation for lasting change in our district. Throughout my tenure, I have been a tireless champion for the most vulnerable members of our community and New York City, while fighting relentlessly to improve quality of life for all District 45 residents.’

As she runs for my final term in the New York City Council, Louis said she remains ‘laser-focused’ on the priorities that she said matter most to District 45.

New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said: ‘No matter how you vote, or who you vote for – make sure your voice is heard.’

In addition to candidates for elected office, there are six questions on the ballot this year.

New York City Board of Elections (BOE) said that ballot proposals are ‘suggested changes to the state and city’s governing documents, the State Constitution and the City Charter.

‘Voters get to decide on the changes they want to see passed,’ it said.

Several key players are missing from New Zealand’s squad which will face West Indies in a five-match T20I series beginning Wednesday.

Injuries have ruled out Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring), while former skipper Kane Williamson is also missing after he announced his retirement from the shortest format on Sunday.

Fast bowler Matt Henry has also been left out with an eye on the ODI and Test series with the Caribbean side.

Glenn Phillips will miss the series against West Indies with a groin injury.

Mitchell Santner will captain the side once again, that includes fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and spinner Ish Sodhi, while uncapped pacer Nathan Smith is in line to earn a T20I debut.

New Zealand coach Rob Walter is looking forward to the series against the West Indies, which will be the side’s final series prior to the T20 World Cup that is scheduled to take place early next year.

‘It’s great to have five opportunities to take on a dangerous side like the West Indies.

‘I know the team is looking forward to getting into the rhythm of a full series and building some momentum following the rain-affected series to start the summer,’ Walter said.

‘The T20 World Cup is coming closer and I know it will be on people’s minds, but we need to make sure our focus is on this series at home and playing well in front of our fans.’

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Tuesday expressed ‘deep concern’ regarding it described as ‘recent reports of intensified military operations by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea’.

The sub-regional grouping of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts and Nevis , said they were also concerned over reports of the ‘destruction of vessels alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking without interception or verification in contravention of international law.

‘While our governments remain firmly committed to regional and international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, including drug trafficking, we are equally committed to the preservation of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace – a principle solemnly affirmed by the Heads of Government of our region and supported by the United Nations General Assembly’

The OECS countries said that they are ‘therefore concerned that heightened military activities in and around the Southern Caribbean risk escalating tensions and misunderstandings in a region whose stability and security are essential to the well-being of our peoples.

‘Actions undertaken without adequate consultation or communication with regional partners risk creating misunderstandings and tensions and may inadvertently embroil the entire Caribbean in a wider confrontation, undermining decades of careful diplomacy and peaceful coexistence.

‘We are deeply concerned about the indisputable impact of any potential military action on our small, vulnerable societies and economies and the erosion of the hard-won gains over the past decades,’ the OECS countries said.

In recent weeks, the Donald Trump administration has been building up a military presence off the coast of Venezuela allegedly as part of its fight against the illegal shipment of drugs to the United States. Washington has confirmed that it has bombed several vessels, killing all but two people, in recent times as it puts its policy into action.

But Caracas says the action is part of the plan to oust President Nicolas Maduro from office.

The United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also strongly condemned airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Volker Trk said in a statement that the strikes ‘violate international human rights law’, demanding that they be stopped immediately.

Among those reportedly killed are two Trinidad and Tobago nationals, but Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has reiterated her full support for President Donald Trump’s move to violently kill drug traffickers.

In their statement, the OECS countries said they were reaffirming that ‘peace and dialogue must remain the cornerstone of regional and hemispheric relations’ as well as ‘respect for sovereignty and non-interference are essential to maintaining trust and stability.’

They are also insisting that ‘collective security and cooperation are the most effective means of combating organised crime and ensuring the safety of our maritime space.

‘We therefore urge all partners to engage in open consultation with the Caribbean Community and the OECS before any initiative that could alter the regional security balance. The Caribbean’s greatest strength has always been its unity, its diplomacy, and its steadfast commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means,’ the OECS countries added.

The United Nations Tuesday said that at least 30 people have died as a result of Hurricane Melissa when it caused widespread damage in Haiti last week.

The UN Deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told the daily UN briefing that the UN and its partners ‘continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up our efforts to reach people in need.

‘According to the authorities, at least 30 people have died,’ he said, adding that joint assessments by the Haitian government, the UN and ‘our humanitarian partners continue in the Grand ‘Anse department and will expand to other affected departments in the coming days.

‘Despite a severe lack of funding, access challenges and logistical conditions, we and our partners remain committed to stay and deliver life-saving assistance to those most in need,’ Haq said, adding that United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to work closely with authorities and partners to ensure ‘a coherent, efficient and well-coordinated response, facilitating information sharing and supporting collective efforts to reach affected populations’

He said that the US$908 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is just over 21 per cent funded, with US$195 million received so far.

Haq said with regards to Jamaica, OCHA reports that more than 1.5 million people – over half of the country’s population – have been affected, facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

‘OCHA tells us that infrastructure has been severely damaged. More than 130 roads have been blocked, while power and communication networks have been disrupted. Access to some western parishes remains difficult due to roads being blocked by debris as well as fuel shortages.

‘We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the government’s efforts to restore access, strengthen health surveillance and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.’

Haq said that health services are under heavy strain and that several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, including the hospital in the town of Black River.

He said this has prompted the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with further support planned.

‘PAHO has also deployed a mental health and psychosocial support specialist to support children and health workers. Hospitals report having only a few days’ worth of food supplies, as well as critical shortages of water and fuel for electricity, which are affecting their ability to deliver care.’

Haq said that the World Food Programme estimates that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance. Meanwhile, UNICEF and its partners are working to restore safe water and sanitation services, particularly in shelters and affected communities.

-Prime Minister Phillip Davis, says he is ‘heartbroken’ after 16 year-old Saint Augustine’s College student, Madeline Thompson, plunged to her death after she fell from the 27th floor of a hotel while attending an international robotics competition in Central America over the last weekend.

‘Ann and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Madeline Thompson, a bright and beloved student of St. Augustine’s College, whose life ended far too soon while representing her school and country in Panama,’ Davis said in a statement posted on social media.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Jerome and Shenique Thompson, her family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire St. Augustine’s College community.

We can only imagine the pain and grief they are enduring in this unimaginable moment.’

The St Augustine’s College had confirmed the death of the student during a school trip to Panama City, where the school was participating in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.

‘It is with the deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that St Augustine’s College confirms the tragic passing of one of our students in Panama City,’ the school said in a statement, adding that the delegation was accompanied by a parent, a chaperone, the principal, and members of the faculty..

‘The loss is felt profoundly by our entire school family. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with the student’s family, loved ones, classmates, teachers, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time,’ the statement added.

The school said it is in close communication with Panamanian authorities and is providing support where needed.

The media in Panama said that the incident occurred last Friday when the teenager fell from the 27th floor to the 12th landing in the hotel’s social area where the pool is located. Local reports said she was sharing a room with two classmates at the time.

Prime Minister Davis said the student was known for her kindness, her faith, and her spirit of service qualities that shone through in her volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Parish Soup Kitchen and in every space she touched.

‘Her light brought warmth to many and will be deeply missed. Ann and I pray that God grants her family strength and comfort in the days ahead, and that her memory lives on as a reminder of the goodness, promise, and hope that define the best of our Bahamian youth.’

Director General of Foreign Affairs, Jerusa Ali, said that Bahamian officials are in touch with government officials in Panama.

‘It’s really a tragedy. We are in contact with the organizers of the event, it was a robotics event for school-age children. We’re also in contact with our honorary council in Panama who’s spoken with Panamanian officials and who’s spoken with the family of Ms. Thompson,’ Ali said.

‘We have a network of honorary councils, including one in Panama, who we rely on for consular assistance when we have a death of a Bahamian national or somebody who’s

The St Joseph’s Parish here described the student as a ‘cherished member of our parish family who served faithfully at the St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen every Saturday.

‘Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help others reflected the love of Christ in all she did,’ the St. Joseph Parish said in a statement, adding ‘we join her parents.loved ones, and the entire St Augustine’s College community in mourning this heartbreaking loss’.

The United Nations says an estimated six million people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa, the category 5 storm which swept across the Caribbean last week, prompting UN agencies to scale up relief operations to safeguard livelihoods and reduce further losses.

The UN said Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica all suffered extensive damage and loss of life as a result of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking from the Jamaican capital, Kingston, the UN’s World Food Programme’s (WFP) Alexis Masciarelli said the immediate priority is ‘to reach the most isolated communities’.

Communities in Jamaica are cleaning up following the passage of the hurricane last week

Masciarelli said WFP has launched emergency food distributions for the hardest-hit families, and that additional relief supplies are scheduled to arrive in the coming days.

WFP said the parish of St. Elizabeth – long regarded as the country’s breadbasket -has been particularly hard hit, with homes, farms, and livelihoods destroyed, and many communities still cut off and without power.

The UN said, so far, 1,500 people have received food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish and meat, and vegetable oil, while an additional 2,000 kits were airlifted from Barbados to support ongoing relief efforts.

The UN said WFP plans to assist up to 200,000 people in Jamaica to meet urgent food needs.

In Cuba, the UN said Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding, power outages, and significant damage.

Food distributions have already reached 181,000 people evacuated to shelters, with the WFP aiming to assist a total of 900,000 people, the UN said, adding that in Haiti, homes and infrastructure along the southern coast – the hardest hit area – have been washed away.

The UN said emergency food distributions have reached 12,700 people across the Grand Sud region.

WFP said it plans to assist 190,000 people, offering a two-week food ration followed by a month of cash assistance to support recovery.

Masciarelli emphasised that the main challenge ahead is reaching people ‘in the last mile – those who need help the most in areas that remain inaccessible’.

In addition, he highlighted the ongoing communication breakdown, with many areas still cut off after the hurricane, making it difficult to assess people’s needs and track the situation day by day.

Reiterating WFP’s commitment to meeting people’s food needs and supporting relief efforts, the WFP spokesperson recognized that the recovery period would most likely be a ‘very long marathon recovery period’.

Last Wednesday, WFP launched an urgent appeal for US$74 million to deliver life-saving assistance to up to 1.1 million people across the Caribbean.