Villafae brings more than 25 years of experience in building and driving revenue growth for global brands

Westford, MA July 22, 2020 Ribbon Communications Inc.(Nasdaq: RBBN), a global provider of real time communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors, today announced that Julio Villafae has joined the company as Vice President of Sales for the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region. Villafae will be responsible for leading and driving Ribbons revenue growth and business development efforts in the CALA region.

Julio is highly regarded in the industry and brings a strong track record of building high performance go-to-market organizations and delivering excellent sales results in CALA for world-class brands, said Steven Bruny, Executive Vice President of Sales of the Americas Region for Ribbon. Julios strategic relationships with service provider executives in CALA, his value-selling approach and proven ability to merge and lead sales teams will greatly benefit our customers in the region. We are excited to welcome Julio to the Ribbon family.

I am looking forward to leveraging my experience, relationships, and overall background to help Ribbon continue to build its brand awareness and growth in the region, said Villafae. Ribbon is in a great position to capitalize on the numerous market opportunities the dynamic CALA region presents, and I am excited to be a part of the team.

Mr. Villafae has more than 25 years of international business experience, which includes leading sales and business development efforts for world-class organizations like Motorola, Cisco, Harris, SES and Inmarsat in the CALA region. His experience also includes opening offices in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico as well as leading the establishment of manufacturing facilities in Brazil.

About RibbonRibbon Communications (Nasdaq: RBBN), which recently merged with ECI Telecom Group, delivers global communications software and network solutions to service providers, enterprises and critical infrastructure sectors. We engage deeply with our customers, helping them modernize their networks for improved competitive positioning and business outcomes in todays smart, always-on and data-hungry world. Our innovative, end-to-end solutions portfolio delivers unparalleled scale, performance, and agility, including core to edge IP solutions, UCaaS/ CPaaS cloud offers, leading-edge software security and analytics tools, as well as packet and optical networking leveraging ECIs Elastic Network technology. To learn more about Ribbon visitrbbn.comand for more information about our packet and optical networking portfolio visitecitele.com.

Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements. The actual results of Ribbon Communications may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Ribbon Communications business, please refer to the Risk Factors section of Ribbon Communications most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements represent Ribbon Communications views only as of the date on which such statement is made and should not be relied upon as representing Ribbon Communications views as of any subsequent date. While Ribbon Communications may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Ribbon Communications specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Here is the original post:

Julio Villafae Joins Ribbon as Vice President of Sales for the Caribbean and Latin America Region - Telecom Reseller

Parts of the US and Caribbean are in for a triple threat of extreme weather this weekend.

A hurricane and tropical storm were churning toward Hawaii and Texas, respectively, Friday as a cyclone also was set to strike the Caribbean.

Tropical Storm Douglas is expected to wallop the southern coast of Texas on Saturday afternoon with 4 to 8 inches of rain and up to a foot in some isolated areas, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm was roughly 260 miles east of Corpus Christi, swirling northwest with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, by Friday afternoon, the agency said in a public advisory.

This rain may result in life-threatening flash flooding, rapid rises on small streams and isolated minor to moderate river flooding, it warned.

Meanwhile, Hawaii was bracing for Hurricane Douglas, which was roughly 900 miles from the city of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of up to 120 mph on Friday, according to AccuWeather.

The hurricane is expected to hit the Aloha State on Sunday, bringing powerful winds and prompting Hawaii Gov. David Ige to declare a state of emergency.

NOAA

NOAA

Following LeBron James first NBA game in more than four...

In the Caribbean, Tropical Storm Gonzalo was picking up speed Friday as experts warned it could could strengthen into a hurricane.

The storm, which had a maximum speed of 50 mph Friday, was moving west toward the islands of Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and was expected to hit Saturday, according to AccuWeather. A hurricane watch is in effect for the islands, along with St. Lucia.

Gonzalo is the earliest ever G-named storm since the 1960s beating out Tropical Storm Gert, which formed July 24, 2005.

New York City wont see much impact from the storms, with weekend weather expected to be mostly sunny and hot. Temperatures are forecast reach up to 88 degrees on Saturday and 94 degrees on Sunday, according to AccuWeather.

More here:

2 tropical storms, 1 hurricane set to hit US and Caribbean this weekend - New York Post

Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez offloaded 55 bales of seized cocaine - U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ricardo Castrodad

By The Maritime Executive 07-22-2020 08:04:28

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Heriberto Hernandez returned to its homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico on July 22 to offload approximately 1,375 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value of more than $38.5 million seized when the cutter came upon a go-fast in the Caribbean Sea. The interdiction was the result of multi-agency efforts in support of U.S. Southern Command's enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere, and during Operation CASTNET II, in coordination with Joint Task Force East.

Im extremely proud of my crew as well as the performance and reliability of the Coast Guard fast response cutter, said Lt. Russo, cutter Heriberto Hernandez commanding officer. The crews proficiency in using all of the cutters systems and capabilities throughout our patrol, gave us the ability to effectively operate deep inside the Caribbean Sea which led to this successful outcome and prevented over a ton of cocaine from ever reaching the streets.

Crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez offloading in San Juan July 22, 2020 - U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hightower

On the afternoon of July 16, the cutter during its patrol came up on the suspected drug smuggling operation. As the cutter Heriberto Hernandez closed-in to interdict the go-fast vessel, the smugglers began to jettison multiple bales of the suspected contraband while fleeing the area at high speed. The crew of the Heriberto Hernandez conducted a thorough sweep of the area where the jettison occurred, and they were able to recover 55 bales which later tested positive for cocaine.

On April 1, the U.S. Southern Command began enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics in the region. The cuter was working as part of the Joint Task Forces East at the time of the apprehension. Operation CASTNET coordinates interagency operations within Puerto Rico with the intent to disrupt and degrade vulnerabilities and increase the overall security of the island. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, are all participating in the counter-drug operations.

See original here:

US Coast Guard Seizes $38.5 Million in Cocaine in the Caribbean - The Maritime Executive

By U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

CARIBBEAN SEA The Cyclone-class patrol ship USS Shamal (PC 13) with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) recovered more than 3,900 pounds of suspected marijuana, July 4.

While on routine patrol in the Caribbean Sea, Shamal spotted the go-fast vessel (GVF). Once detected, the crew observed suspected drug smugglers aboard jettisoning packages overboard.

In a coordinated effort, Shamal launched their small boat and the LEDET was deployed to the scene to further investigate.

Upon arriving on scene, the Shamal and the embarked LEDET recovered a total of 708 bales of suspected marijuana, totaling more than 3,940 pounds worth over an estimated wholesale value of $6.9 million.

"The Shamal Team performed very well during the interdiction and safely boarded the vessel," said Shamal Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Daniel O'Neill. "We received outstanding training in preparation for this patrol, and it really motivates the Shamal team when we're able to demonstrate our abilities with a successful bust.

USS Shamal is deployed to the U.S. Fourth Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. Southern Commands enhanced counter drug operations mission in the Caribbean.

On April 1, U.S. Southern Command began enhanced counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to disrupt the flow of drugs in support of Presidential National Security Objectives. Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice and Homeland Security cooperated in the effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, play a role in counter-drug operations.

The fight against drug cartels in the Caribbean Sea requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys in districts across the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea is conducted under the authority of the 7th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

Go here to read the rest:

USS Shamal Shows Fury in Interdicting Go Fast - U.S. Southern Command

As the Central Massachusetts economy cautiously reopens in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, WBJ has started a frequent series called COVID Stories, talking one-on-one with local businesses owners about how they are adjusting. Read other COVID Stories: More Information

Luckily for Jermaine Smith, owner of the Caribbean Press food truck of Worcester, the food truck industry was easily adaptable for COVID-19 operations.

Food trucks were one of the lucky businesses, said Smith, our food is all take-out, and all we had to do was set up in a location; and we were able to have people come, be six feet apart, and pick up meals that way.

Smiths food truck does a Caribbean twist on the panini and first opened in September.

The Caribbean Press was open throughout the pandemic, with its main location being at White Eagle parking lot in Worcester.

At first, he was not that busy because of COVID restrictions and the fact that people were not leaving their homes, but recently business has picked up.

People werent really going out, so everyone in the food truck business was trying to get out there and hustle as much as possible until people were feeling more comfortable and the restrictions in Massachusetts opened up, said Smith.

In late April, the food truck began visiting a second location at the Austin Liquors parking lot on Park Avenue.

The Caribbean Press offers some catering services to customers and local businesses as well.

Smith did not have to change most of the ways he operates because of COVID, but he does now focus more on cleaning, sanitizing, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Were really trying to follow the letters of the law of how to carry on our business, said Smith.

He obtained a ServSafe Takeout: COVID-19 Precautions training certification.

Smith was the only one working the food truck until business picked up in the last few months, and he hired an employee to be outside of the food truck handling payment.

One of the biggest challenges for Smiths food truck and other food trucks is the absence of festivals.At festivals, you can get up to several thousand customers, said Smith.

Though there are not festivals to go to, breweries and wineries offer a unique opportunity for food trucks like Smiths.

A lot of people are venturing out to breweries because they have a lot of open space and are more spread out, so people can grab their food and then have their table to themselves outside and far apart from one another, said Smith.

The Caribbean Press food truck has been to Greater Good Imperial Brewing Co. in Worcester, Sail to Trail WineWorks in Worcester, and Oakholm Brewing Co. in Brookfield.

For breweries and wineries without kitchens, food trucks offer an easy and COVID adaptable way to add that food element to their space.

Though the business opportunity of serving large crowds at festivals might not exist for a while, the Caribbean Press food truck continues to find other ways to reach customers safely.

Go here to see the original:

COVID Stories: Worcester's Caribbean food truck easily adapted to pandemic restrictions - Worcester Business Journal

'); } else { $(".fotorama-caption").addClass("remove_caption"); } }) .fotorama();

KINGSTON, Jamaica Fans in over 14 Caribbean markets will be able to tune in to watch Reggae Sumfest tonight and tomorrow from the comfort of their homes.

The 2020 staging of the event was moved online following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak earlier this year. The event will be powered by Flow Jamaica, which will provide all technology support required for the virtual staging of the annual festival.

Reggae Sumfest is a premier event with a solid reputation of stellar performances and world-class production. With the impact of COVID-19, we've gone virtual but will still be delivering the event at the high standard that our supporters expect. To this end, our partnership with Flow is a no brainer, Joe Bogdanovich, chairman and CEO of Downsound Entertainment, the producers of Reggae Sumfest, said.

The success of our first ever virtual staging is heavily dependent on the technology backbone that supports it and so we've opted to go with Flow as the provider of choice for these kinds of executions. The Sumfest team is encouraging our fans all over the world to enjoy our gift of music as we take a respite from the challenges of COVID-19, he added.

Night One kicks off on Friday, July 24 at 8:00 pm and will feature acts such as Agent Sasco, Ding Dong Shenseea, Teejay, Konshens, Ishawna, D'yani, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Chronic Law, Marcy Chin, Frisco Kid, Daddy 1 and Chakka Demus & Pliers.

Night Two will follow on Saturday, July 25, at 8:00 pm and will feature acts such as Tarrus Riley, Freddie McGregor, Sizzla, Gyptian, Maxi Priest, Koffee plus some special performances.

The company said supporters can watch the virtual performances for free at @ReggaeSumfest on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well as @Musicians on Facebook.

A delayed broadcast of the event will be played across the Caribbean on Flow 100, the company's cable TV channel.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaperlive

Original post:

Over 14 Caribbean markets will have access to Reggae Sumfest 2020 Flow - Jamaica Observer

There are three systems from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean that could threaten the U.S. and Caribbean with tropical rain and wind.

The most imminent storm is tropical depression eight, which is forecast to become Tropical Storm Hanna. It is forecast to bring heavy rain and flash flooding to Texas.

Because this storm is expected to become Tropical Storm Hanna in the next 24 hours, a tropical storm watch has been issued from Houston to Corpus Christi, Texas, and down to near the Mexican coast.

The system will be slow moving, so flash flooding will be the biggest threat in Texas and the western Gulf Coast. However, this weak tropical cyclone is not expected to be particularly strong and winds wont be the biggest threat.

More than 6 inches of rain is possible in some areas.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo is currently packing winds at 65 mph as it heads east toward the eastern Caribbean islands.

It is expected to become a hurricane later Thursday and continue strengthening as it nears Grenada, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago by Saturday afternoon.

Hurricane force winds will reach near 80 mph with higher gusts possible. Flash flooding will be the biggest threat on these eastern Caribbean islands this weekend.

After that, it is still uncertain where Gonzalo will go from there and how strong it will be, but the latest path takes it south of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic Sunday night into Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Douglas, a major Category 3 storm, is packing winds of 120 mph.

This is the first major hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific.

It is expected to strengthen somewhat in the next 24 hours and then weaken as it heads for Hawaii.

The current Hurricane Douglas track takes the storms path toward Hawaii by Saturday night.

The biggest threat in Hawaii will be flash flooding and mudslides this weekend.

Read the original:

3 systems to threaten US, Caribbean with tropical rain and wind - KPQ

The newest rum brand to hit the market is Rude Bwoy, a collection of rums born out of a deep family connection to the Caribbean.

The brand is the brainchild of Patrick Mitchell and James Larson, who have cultivated both white, gold and flavored rums (along with a vodka, too), celebrating Mitchells familys centuries-long roots in both Jamaica and Cuba.

To learn more, Caribbean Journal talked to Mitchell and Larson about Rude Bwoy and whats next for the company.

Patrick, can you talk about your familys connection to the Caribbean?

Our story begins on the Caribbean island of Jamaica, in the West Indies, back in the 1600s with the Wright family. The Wrights were living on the south side of the island in the parish of St. Elizabeth in a town named after the family. At the time, Wright Town stretched from the hills of Spur Tree to the beaches of Treasure Beach and Newell. The Wrights were serial entrepreneurs selling cattle and grew peanuts, onions, melons and scallion and of course sugar.

Our more recent Jamaican family was livestock famers. My grandfather was a cattleman and sold crops from his property as one of the best salesmen in the area. It was here that the ideas to start producing rum formed.

The Wrights were humble people who worked the sugar and cattle for their family. When opportunities for better pay came to Jamaicans by the building of Cubas railroads, some of the elder Wrights headed off to Cuba taking the opportunity.

The Wrights that went to Cuba tried hard to stay in connection with their Jamaican family, however back then communication was very thin.

Over time, the family spread out, some going to other countries such as England, and Costa Rica and to America. It wasnt for over a century later that Cubas revolution was the forefront of the world bringing rum right along with it.

What is a Rude Bwoy?

Rude Bwoy, sometimes also called Rudie is an endearing term for ones bredrin, friend, mate, and also sometimes used to identify a youth or child that is a cool yute. The term was born after the emergence of the Ska Music scene when Reggae music was on its way in Jamaica.

RudeBwoyhas four spirits. What are they?

All our spirits are 100% natural.

Ultra Premium Rude Bwoy Vodka

Ultra Premium Rude Bwoy Irie Gold Rum

Ultra Premium Rude Bwoy Irie White Rum

Ultra Premium Rude Bwoy Coconut Rum

Where is the rum made?

Our rum is made at The Point Distillery in the Tampa, FL area

The coconut rum is particularly unique what makes it special?

Our award-winning Ultra Premium Coconut Rum is a real game changer in the marketplace. Unlike most flavored rums on the market, it is made with 100% natural ingredients-nothing artificial. We like to say its literally made from the ground up. At 70 proof, its also stronger than most flavored rums in the market place and its exceptionally smooth with just the right tropical aromatic finish.

Whats the best way to drink Rude Bwoy?

Weve found most people truly enjoy our coconut rum on the rocks with a lime or with just a splash of your favorite mixer. Our mixologist, Bree Draughon, is constantly creating exciting new Rude Bwoy cocktails with our full lineup as we roll out the product across the nation.

Our very unique sugar cane Vodka has also become very popular with the Bloody Mary crowd with its very smooth and exciting twist versus the traditional vodka offerings.

RudeBwoyalso has apparel for sale. Do you foresee Rude Bwoy being a brand beyond the rum?

With our Caribbean-focused brand, as well as both partners background in the surfing, beach volleyball and reggae scenes, our apparel is a unique island inspired lifestyle brand that we intend to leverage along with our spirits.

Rum as a spirit has come a long way. What do you see as the future for rum?

We believe the future is very bright for high quality, ultra premium rum offerings. Consumers are interested in enjoying the content, quality, and the story behind brands. At Rude Bwoy, our story is quite unique and we encourage our customers to Taste the Experience which transcends most cost hurdles. Consumers are also gravitating very robustly to the all natural and organic components of high quality rums which also elevates the future of the rum sector.

For more, visit Rude Bwoy.

Read the original:

Rum Journal: Rude Bwoy and the Spirit of the Caribbean - Caribbean Journal

This Quarterly Mixed Migration Update (QMMU) covers the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. The core countries of focus for this region are the countries currently affected by the Venezuelan crisis, including Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador, in addition to the Caribbean islands. Concerning northern movements to the United Sates, this QMMU covers Mexico and Central American countries. Depending on the quarterly trends and migration-related updates, more attention may be given to some of the countries over the rest.

The QMMUs offer a quarterly update on new trends and dynamics related to mixed migration and relevant policy developments in the region. These updates are based on a compilation of a wide range of secondary (data) sources, brought together within a regional framework and applying a mixed migration analytical lens. Similar QMMUs are available for all MMC regions.

Key Updates

Returns of refugees and migrants to Venezuela in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 2020, more than 5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants had left their country of origin; however, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused small return flows of Venezuelans from across the Andean region toward Venezuela since March, reaching approximately 75,000 to date. Serious concerns about stigmatization of returnees and lack of food and healthcare in Venezuela persist.

Restrictive stay-at-home orders in the North of Central America (NCA), including El Salvador,Honduras and Guatemala, limit mobility, while deportations continue. Border closures across Central America, along with restrictive quarantine measures, have limited mobility within and between countries. Despite these border closures, deportations and forced returns from the United States and Mexico to NCA countries continued, including of COVID-positive individuals.

More than 40,000 summary expulsions of refugees and migrants from the U.S. to Mexico under public health order. A public health order issued on March 21 by the U.S. government in light of COVID-19 permits the summary expulsion of people on the move from the U.S. to northern Mexico, with virtually no screening for international protection needs; since then, more than 40,000 incidents of expulsion have taken place. Meanwhile, refugees and migrants subject to the Remain in Mexico policy face extended wait times for resumptions of immigration court hearings in the U.S.

Thousands of African, Haitian and Cuban people on the move stuck in Panama during the COVID-19 pandemic. Border closures across Central America due to COVID-19 have paused movements on migration routes from the Caribbean and from other continents; at least 1,900 refugees and migrants from African and Caribbean countries remain in reception centers in the Darin province, Panama, and hundreds of refugees and migrants in southern Honduras attempted onward travel towards North America in late June.

Read more:

Quarterly Mixed Migration Update Latin America and the Caribbean, Quarter 2, 2020 - World - ReliefWeb

Hurricanes can deal massive damage to homes. Here are a few tips that can help minimize the damage. Accuweather

Though the typical peak of hurricane season is still several weeks away, forecasters Monday were monitoring a trio of weak tropical systems in the Gulf, Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean.

The first system, a weak low-pressure area, formed over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico Monday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. "The associated shower and thunderstorm activity is currently disorganized, and little additional development is expected before the system moves inland over Texas tonight or Tuesday," the hurricane center said.

Although this system is not a significant concern, Weather.com said "it could enhance rainfall near parts of the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts."

The second system is a tropical wave now spinning over the Bahamas and Cuba, the hurricane center said. Once the wave moves into the Gulf of Mexico late Tuesday, more favorable conditions for tropical development are forecast, AccuWeather said.

Forecasters were keeping watch on three separate tropical disturbances in the Gulf, Caribbean and Atlantic on Monday, July 20, 2020.(Photo: National Hurricane Center)

However, at this time, meteorologists believe the system will not have time to ramp up to a hurricane and the chance of a tropical storm developing from it is 10-20% and for a tropical depression to evolve from it is between 20-30%, according to AccuWeather.

Just like the first system, parts of the Texas and Louisiana Gulf coasts could see enhanced showers and thunderstorms from this system late in the week, Weather.com warned.

The third disturbance is a tropical wave in the central Atlantic Ocean that's has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, the hurricane center said.

If any of the systems become a named tropical storm, it would get the name Gonzalo.

So far this year, six tropical storms have formed in the Atlantic Basin, with the most recent being Tropical Storm Fay 10 days ago. Fay soaked portions of the northeastern U.S. with heavy rain.

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/07/20/tropical-systems-developing-gulf-caribbean-atlantic/5472028002/

Follow this link:

Forecasters monitoring weak tropical systems in Gulf, Caribbean and Atlantic - USA TODAY

The investigation into a fatal military helicopter crash off the Caribbean island of Aruba has been hampered after the aircraft sank into the ocean.

The Ministry of Defence said two of the four plastic balloons keeping the wreckage afloat had burst, making recovery much more difficult.

The NH-90 helicopter ditched in the sea at around 8.30pm Dutch time on Sunday. killing 34-year-old pilot Christine Martens and 33-year-old tactical coordinator Erwin Warnies. The two other crew members were not seriously hurt, a spokesman for the ministry said.

Director of operations Boudewijn Boots said the flight recorder had been recovered and was in good condition. So far the navy has not speculated on possible reasons for the crash or why two of the four crew died.

The only thing I can say is that the two military personnel who died were sitting in the front and the others were more towards the middle of the aircraft, Boots said.

The Netherlands has grounded its other 20 NH-90 helicopters. Other countries, including Australia, Belgium, Sweden and Norway have restricted or suspended their use of the aircraft because of technical or maintenance issues.

The DutchNews.nl team would like to thank all the generous readers who have made a donation in recent weeks. Your financial support has helped us to expand our coverage of the coronavirus crisis into the evenings and weekends and make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments.

DutchNews.nl has been free for 14 years, but without the financial backing of our readers, we would not be able to provide you with fair and accurate news and features about all things Dutch. Your contributions make this possible.

If you have not yet made a donation, but would like to, you can do so via Ideal, credit card or Paypal.

Continue reading here:

Setback for Caribbean crash investigation as ditched helicopter sinks - DutchNews.nl

A new bill proposed in the United States Senate titled, Cut Profits to the Cuban Regime Act of 2020, has put Caribbean states in the line of fire as lawmakers look to advance U.S. policy toward Cuba during the COVID-19 pandemic; a move that has the potential to strain U.S. relations with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

The bill, introduced by Republican Senators Rick Scott (Florida), Marco Rubio (Florida), and Ted Cruz (Texas), would require the U.S. Department of State to release the list of countries that contract with Cuba for their medical missions program, and ensures that such contracts are considered in the annual U.S. Trafficking in Persons report rankings.

In short, the bill would effectively stifle the revenue received by Cuba from its medical missions and punish recipient countries to appease President Donald Trumps key South Florida base as the 2020 U.S. presidential election gets closer. While the bill focuses on Cuba, its contents have extraterritorial and harmful effects on countries in the Caribbean, who without Cubas medical support, are unlikely to have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic as swiftly as they have.

The decision of CARICOM states to invite, at one point, more than 500 Cuban medical personnel into their respective countries, was pragmatic. At the time, this was against the backdrop of insufficient support from richer countries, such as the United States. Given the recent rhetoric of U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who earlier in the year stated that its time for a deeper relationship between the United States and Caribbean nations, one would think the United States would have been more forthcoming in its support for the region during the pandemic. The support never came, and so the Caribbean turned to its longtime partner, Cuba, for support.

CARICOM countries faced a potentially dire situation as their public health systems neared collapse due to the increase in COVID-19 patients. This led governments to impose travel restrictions, effectively shutting down the regions most important economic sector: tourism. With tourism a crucial sector in the economies of many island nations, it was imperative that states quickly manage COVID-19 in an effort to reopen and revive the economy.

The Caribbeans economic dependency on tourism is not unknown to the U.S. Senatorswho routinely influence U.S. policy on Latin America and the Caribbean. This means that they either unintentionally overlooked the effects the bills contents would have on Caribbean states or have simply disregarded the sovereign right of Caribbean nations to do what they must to protect the livelihoods of their people. With this bill, the senators are punishing CARICOM states and others whove depended on Cuban medical professionals to assist in their COVID-19 strategies, when ironically, the senators own states have seen dramatic spikes in COVID-19 patients and deathsFlorida is now the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States.

If the bill is enacted, one of its stipulations, that the State Department factor in countries that receive Cuban medical personnel into their annual Trafficking in Persons report, will have consequential effects on several CARICOM states.

In the State Departments Trafficking in Persons reportwhich ranks states in terms of how well a government meets the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Acts (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, with Tier 1 being the best and Tier 3 the worstcountries placed in the Tier 2 Watch List for three consecutive years are automatically moved to Tier 3.

If the acceptance of Cuban medical personnel becomes a factor in the ranking system, it would place Tier 2 Watch List CARICOM states, such as Belize and Barbados, in Tier 3 for the 2021 report. Furthermore, it could put seven additional CARICOM states that are currently ranked as Tier 2 on the same trajectory as Barbados and Belize.

Placement in Tier 3 comes not only with funding restrictions from the United States, but gives the U.S president the authority to direct U.S. based multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund to vote against and use their best efforts to deny any loans or other uses of the institutions funds.

Given the economic impact of COVID-19 on CARICOM states, especially those potentially at risk of the senators bill, such as Barbados and Belize whose 2020 real GDP is forecasted to experience a 7.6 percent and 12 percent contraction respectively, the implications of the bill would serve as an unnecessary contribution to the challenges of these countries.

Numerous CARICOM heads of government have individually and collectively, for example through the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, opposed the senators bill. In their words, they repudiate its contents and argue that there is no evidence that the Cuban medical professionals in their country are part of forced labor, as the senators claim. If the bill moves forward, more heads of state are likely to speak out against it, and the contents will weaken U.S.-Caribbean relations at a time when global and hemispheric solidarity will be vital in a post-COVID environment.

U.S. actors routinely caution CARICOM states on their engagements with states such as China, Cuba, and Venezuela, as well as lobby for their support in regard to U.S.-led initiatives against them, but the United States rarely provides the Caribbean with a mutually beneficial alternative. Instead, the bill reflects a unilateral and contradictory U.S. foreign policy toward the Americas that has consistently put partner nations at risk to advance its outdated Cuba policy.

Not only does the bill strain U.S.-Caribbean relations, but contradicts U.S. efforts to isolate Cuba from its Caribbean allies. CARICOM states routinely argue that the U.S. embargo on Cuba breaks international law and is unhumanitarian in its application. They have used international forums, such as the United Nations General Assembly as well as the communiques that follow each CARICOM intersessional meeting to voice these concerns. Thus, although not a member of CARICOM, Cuba remains a valued partner of the Community since Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad established diplomatic relations with the country in 1972.

The contents of the senators bill seek to infringe the good will enjoyed between the United States and CARICOM members. To pass such a move would be a grave mistake, further isolating the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Wazim Mowla is a Guyanese American graduate student at American University, a researcher for the African & African Diaspora Studies program at Florida International University, and an intern for the Permanent Mission of Antigua & Barbuda to the United States and the OAS.

Read more here:

New Cuba bill puts a strain on US-Caribbean relations - Global Americans

Less than three weeks after reopening to international travelers, the Bahamas is closing its borders to U.S. residents after a rise of coronavirus infections on the island nation.

In a national address on July 19, Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced that airports and seaports would close to all travelers except those coming from Canada, the U.K. and EU starting July 22 at midnight. While he did not specifically single out American tourists, that country has accounted for most of the Bahamas' stopover visitors more than 78% as of 2016.

"I understand the frustration and disappointment of many Bahamians and residents that may ensue as we reimplement certain restrictions," Minnis said. "But as a country ... we have to do what is right and we have to do what is necessary."

He said Bahamasair, the Bahamas national airline, will immediately cease all flights to the U.S. too.

(The situation) deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.

Hubert Minnis

prime minister of the Bahamas

A record-breaking 7.2 million tourists visited the Bahamas in 2019, despite the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Dorian last year. Most of those visitors were from the United States.

The Bahamas is the closest Caribbean island to U.S. shores. One of its islands, Bimini, lies about 50 miles east of Miami and is reachable via charter boat or a two-hour fast ferry departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The travel reversal is a new blow to American travelers, who after being locked out of the EU, were welcomed by many Caribbean islands earlier this summer.

As of July 19, the Bahamas' Ministry of Health confirmed 49 new cases of Covid-19 since the country reopened its borders to international travelers on July 1. Of these, 31 were on the popular island of Grand Bahama, which had gone more than two months without any cases before the borders reopened.

Three islands New Providence (shown here), Grand Bahama and Bimini account nearly all coronavirus infections in the Bahamas.

Justin Crowder / EyeEm | EyeEm | Getty Images

In total, the Bahamas, which has nearly 400,000 people, has confirmed 153 cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic began.

"Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy," said Minnis, adding that it "deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders."

Minnis announced additional measures to help curb the spread of Covid-19:

Beaches and parks on New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama and other locations have been closed.

Restaurants at Arawak Cay and Potter's Cay will also be closed until better social distancing can be practiced and enforced.

Grenada stands apart for its cautious reopening approach.

Buena Vista Images

Grand Bahama only: A daily curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. is in effect, and international and domestic borders will be closed effective July 22. Indoor dining is not allowed and bars are closed. Church services, weddings, funerals and sports activities are no longer permitted, and fines will be issued for flouting social distancing and mask rules.

Minnis warned that if cases continue to rise, the Bahamas could go on lockdown as early as July 24.

Many Caribbean nations such as Antigua, Aruba, Bermuda, Jamaica and St. Lucia had either already reopened, or were on the precipice of reopening, when U.S. coronavirus cases started to surge in mid-to-late June. Caribbean countries quickly began adding stricter measures, such as negative Covid-19 tests, to enter.

Grenada, however, took a different approach. Citing an increase in infection rates, especially in the U.S., it delayed reopening. On July 10, Grenada announced a three-tiered approach to begin on August 1:

Low-risk countries, such as other Caribbean nations, can take a rapid test upon arrival. Those testing positive must take a Covid-19 PCR test, which if positive would require a 14-day quarantine or two negative test results.

These Caribbean nations will not be the last to react in this manner.

Mark Cameron

epidemiologist, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Medium-risk countries where "there is active, but manageable transmission," such as Canada, the U.K. and EU nations, must present a negative Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival and undergo a rapid test upon entry, which if negative would allow "limited movement" thereafter.

High-risk countries where "there is active and widespread transmission" (arriving mainly via charter flights and yachts) must arrive with negative PCR tests in hand, undergo rapid tests and, even if negative, must quarantine for 14 days in accommodations approved by the Ministry of Health.

To date, Grenada has only had 23 confirmed Covid-19 cases, all of whom have recovered.

Whether the Bahamas closing to Americans is a one-off incident or a sign of things to come is unknown.

Mark Cameron, an epidemiologist at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine said the U.S. is in uncharted territory in terms of its epidemiological curve, and has no global peers setting such "disturbing new trends."

"These Caribbean nations will not be the last to react in this manner," he said. "I think any country that has learned how to truly bend its curve down, learned how to truly resolve its first wave rather than be satisfied with an unstable plateau, will close or remain closed to U.S. resident travel until our numbers reflect that we've learned how to do the same thing."

Read the original post:

A sign of things to come? Bahamas welcomed, then shut out U.S. travelers - CNBC

SOUTH FLORIDA With more than three months after tourism ground to a standstill due to COVID-19, the Caribbean is opening and beginning to welcome visitors again.

As of July 17th, here is a list of hotels and attractions in the Caribbean that are re-opening courtesy of the Caribbean Tourism Organization:

Oct. 25 Dec. 31 New York JFK Saturdays only

Mid Dec. Charlotte NC Saturdays only

See also: What Visitors Need to Know Before Going to The Bahamas

Country: Belize Reopening Date: August 15th

Reopening of the Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE) for leisure travel and limited reopening of hotels using a Tourism Safe Corridor approach.

A list of the Gold Standard approved hotels will be available atwww.travelbelize.orgin the coming weeks.

Click this link for more information on our re-opening:https://belizetourismboard.org/news-and-gallery/belize-covid-19-update/

To make things easy, the Curaao Tourist Board created an infographicwith all of the details in one place.

Theyve also consolidatedall pertinent reopening information for visitors in a new mobile application called Dushi Stay, which is currently available for download using the platform SmartCom in the App Store or Google Play.

Dushi Stay gives travellers access to entry requirements, new island-wide protocols, emergency contact numbers and health tips, as well as open restaurants, attractions, beaches, personal care services, etc. all at the touch of their fingertips.

More info can also be found atCuracao.com.

Accommodations

*Opens in November / **Opens soon

Montego Bay

See also: Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay Jamaica to Reopen July 8th

Ocho Rios

Negril

South Coast

Kingston

(Those without dates have already reopened)

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino July 10

Go here to see the original:

The Caribbean is Re-Opening and Welcoming Visitors - South Florida Caribbean News

The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the greatest health and economic challenges that the global community has faced in modern times. As entire countries and regions restrict travel and order their populations to stay at home, the global travel and tourism (T&T) industry has been effectively shut down. In Latin America and the Caribbean region, where according to the World Travel and Tourism Council the industry accounts for 10.2%1 of GDP, this has generated dire consequences. Accordingly, it is more important than ever for regional stakeholders to work together to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on T&T and set the industry on course for recovery.

That is why the World Economic Forum has published the Latin America and Caribbean Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Landscape Report. Part of the Forums long-running Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report series, this publication takes a regional look at the set of factors and policies that enable sustainable development of the T&T sector, which in turn, contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country. By better understanding the factors that affect T&T competitiveness, public-private cooperation can be calibrated to maximize the industrys potential to boost economic development and the growth of small and medium businesses, reduce poverty and encourage greater gender parity in the labor force. Moreover, appropriately developed competitiveness strategies can be used to take advantage of opportunities presented by the current crisis to create a more sustainable and resilient T&T industry that will be better prepared for future headwinds. For this reason, the theme of this report is Assessing Regional Opportunities and Challenges in the Context of COVID-19.

Originally posted here:

Latin America and Caribbean Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Landscape Report: Assessing Regional Opportunities and Challenges in the Context of...

(Press Association) Amber Heard has described a three-day hostage situation with Johnny Depp where he allegedly went on a drug binge, attacked her, urinated in front of people and hid raw meat in a wardrobe.

She said she went to visit him in Australia in March 2015 while he was filming Pirates Of The Caribbean and they were due to be alone for three days. Heard said she feared for her life and described it as the worst thing I have ever been through.

In a witness statement filed as part of Depps High Court libel case against The Sun over allegations of domestic violence, Heard said her ex-husband was making all kinds of nonsensical accusations about her as well as having strange, paranoid hallucinations.

She said: The best way I can describe what happened in Australia is that it was like a three-day hostage situation. We were due to be there for three days on our own, but it was only when I arrived that I realized I was trapped in this remote place without any means to leave and that Johnny had already been using and had a bag of drugs.

I was in a remote house, at least 20 minutes from help; where I could not leave; was trapped and isolated with a violent person suffering from manic depression, bipolar disorder and a pattern of repeated, drug-induced psychosis and violence, who was on a multiple-day drug and alcohol binge.

Over the course of those three days, there were extreme acts of psychological, physical, emotional and other forms of violence. It is the worst thing I have ever been through. I was left with an injured lip and nose and cuts on my arms.

Heard alleged that at one point Depp grabbed her by the neck, shoved her against the fridge and said he could crush her neck. She said there was broken glass everywhere, and alleged that he ripped off her nightgown so that she was naked.

At some point he pulled me around by my neck and pushed me down against the bar, I was against the bar, naked, bent over backwards, my back against the marble. He was pressing so hard on my neck I couldnt breathe. I was trying to tell him that I couldnt breathe. I remember thinking he was going to kill me in that moment, she said.

The next day, she said she noticed that Depps finger had been cut off, explaining in her statement: I didnt actually see the finger being cut off, but I was worried that it had happened the night before. I figured it might have happened when he was smashing the phone on the wall by the fridge.

In her statement, Heard goes on to say that security arrived and asked Depp were his finger was.

He went out the front door, though security tried to stop him. He took out his penis and they asked him what hes doing. He answered as if he was asleep: I need to take a f***ing piss, its my house.

He peed just outside the front door; then he went back in and did it right in front of them, to nervous laughter. He said he was trying to write my name, peeing on the walls and carpet, walking through the house.

Heard said that Depp was taken to hospital, and at some point that day she found the nightgown she had been wearing.

There were pieces of it wrapped round something and I realized it was the steak I had planned to cook. He had ripped the gown into pieces and put raw meat in it. He had also gone around and painted on all my clothes in the closet. He had taken a lot out of them and put them in the tub and smeared paint on them. And he had hidden more bits of raw meat in places, like in the bedroom closet. It was really messed up, she said.

The trial has previously heard that Depp said his finger was severed after Heard threw a vodka bottle at him.

Excerpt from:

Amber Heard Describes Three-Day Hostage Situation With Johnny Depp During Pirates Of The Caribbean Shoot - Deadline

In 2003,Pirates of the Caribbean was an unprecedented success for Disney, allowing the production of four sequels over the years. Not all have been as successful in terms of criticisms as the first, but a new release is expected to meet the demands of critics and fans of the franchise.The franchise has seenmany changes in recent years, which could now include the end of Jack Sparrow.

RELATED: 15 Movies To Watch If You Love Pirates Of The Caribbean

Disney has considered the possibilities and is expected to soon start working on two reboots starting from the original premise, but rewriting the story and adding new characters. Although the work has already been advanced, it is not yet known if the productions will be completed, if they will modify more elements or if these new plots will work or not. Here are five ways this reboot will work and five it won't.

Right now, Disney is working on two films, and apparently neither is a continuation of the story. This effort to make the franchise work can make positive changes that will lead to success.

One of the reboots would potentially star Margot Robbie and the script would be written by Christina Hodson. Another story would be made by the writer of the first fourPirates of the Caribbeanfilms, Ted Elliot, and by Craig Mazin from the acclaimedChernobyl series. Details have not been fully disclosed but so far, it is believed that Jack Sparrow will not be back. These decisions may change in the coming months.

Like him or not,Johnny Depp has been one of the main reasons why the franchise has been successful. When the first film was released, it was not clear whether the audience would like it, but Jack Sparrow was able to charm the audience and bring it to theaters again and again.

People might think that a version without Jack Sparrow won't work, he is the main attraction of the story. His character is one of the most famous in Disney and has a lot of fans who are demanding Depp's return to the franchise.

Although many fans want Johnny Depp to return to the franchise, it must be taken into account that the character of Jack Sparrow may be depleted, and for that reason, the latest films have not had the same creative and critical success.

RELATED: Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Worst Thing About Each Main Character

A reboot can help the franchise gain greater strength, because new characters can offer a fresh face. The new story could generate sequels that will position Pirates of the Caribbeanas one of the longest-lasting and most successful franchises in cinema.

Although Pirates of The Caribbean is a highly successful franchise at the box office, so farnone of the films have ever surpassed The Curse of the Black Pearl. The first movie's excellent box office and good reviews allowed it to return four times, but these sequels did not manage to equal the first one.

This may suggest that a reboot will also be in the shadow of The Curse of the Black Pearland without certain elements and by changing the creative direction, a new story may follow a downhill path.

While nothing has been confirmed just yet, it seems that Disney is looking to some of Hollywood's biggest names to carry the franchise forwards. Some of these actresses include:Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, Karen Gillan and Emma Watson. Besides, Disney has not confirmed yet if Johnny Depp will be totally absent or will be part of the reboots, so the possibilities are still open.

The fact that the production company is looking for recognized actresses means that they are trying to bet big, to guarantee that the film will work. This suggests that the release will have an excellent reception.

Johnny Depp's removal is the product of controversy generated by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. She claimed to have been a victim of domestic violence, but after a few months it was proven that the accusations were false.

Now with Depp seemingly on the comeback, his fans are very upset with the situation and his dismissal from the franchise. They are demanding through internet campaigns and hashtags on social media that the actor be reinstated. If Depp doesn't reprise his role, there is a chance that the fans of the franchise and Depp will boycott the next Pirates of The Caribbean,dealing it a significant financial blow.

Pirates of The Caribbean has had strong female characters throughout its films. The most important is Elizabeth Swann, who became a heroine and had some of the best dialogue in the film. But this time, rumors indicate that it would be the opportunity for a version with a larger female cast.

Related: 10 Things That Make No Sense About Pirates Of The Caribbean

There is now a greater interest in supporting feminist causes, and Hollywood has joined in. These opportunities offer actresses the chance to play stellar and more in-depth characters that were previously more dedicated to men. Audiences have responded positively to these efforts, and it is hoped that this will be reflected in the cinema box office.

In the past, viewers went to these movies to enjoy the adventures of Jack Sparrow, knowing what to expect. A film without the character could put the franchise in a similar spot at the beginning, where it was not known if it would be successful.

While this creative risk may be exciting for some, it's undeniable that the risks could outweigh the gains.Piratesas a franchise is in a precarious stage, and an all out reboot may not be the best course of action.

It's pretty obvious thatPirates of The Caribbean is a fantasy franchise, and, movies of this genre are a trend at the moment. Viewers love going to the theater to see adventure films where it is possible to appreciate a great creativity.

This type of film is not afraid of experimentation, and that guarantees success most of the time, because in them the story can be oriented towards unexplored corners, but at the same time it can fascinate the audience.

Few franchises manage to stay active after a few years, because time takes its toll. Even the most popular franchises begin to lose momentum at some point, andPirates of the Caribbeanis no exception. Even during the time ofAt World's End,some critics and fans cited that the franchise should end soon.

Holding the interest of the audience after such a long time can be difficult, so, a sixth movie that's following a previously concluded trilogy and a pair of lackluster sequels has less chances to work.

NEXT: Which Pirates Of The Caribbean Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac

Next 5 Of The Best CGI Moments In The MCU (& 5 Of The Worst)

Edgary Rodrguez R. is a writer, video producer and journalist. She writes in different publications about films, TV, politics, human rights, travel, art, environment, social justice, among others. Can also be found in Siena Post.

Link:

5 Reasons The New Pirates Of The Caribbean Reboot Will Work (& 5 It Won't) - Screen Rant

There be no pirates among these dishes, just a treasure of wonderful flavor! The Islands of the Caribbean marketplace is making its fifth festival appearance at this years Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.

The Patagonia Booth from 2017 (and previous years) didnt return for 2018, which left a festival staple without a home. Thankfully, Islands of the Caribbean stepped up to foster the beloved Empanada. This year, its a Ropa Vieja Empanada that tastes exquisite. Sure, a little pricey for the single fried meat pocket, but therere a few great bites of tender and flavorful ropa vieja inside of the crispy dough. Recommended!

In 2018, this dishwas presented as a Jerk Chicken Lollipop and we absolutely loved it. Then they changed the chicken up and it was met with mixed reviews. We all agreed that the jerk chicken wasreallygood jerk chicken. The mango chutney, however, was not good. The texture was off and didnt seem to compliment the chicken well at all.

This flancocho was fabulous. It was light, fruity, and the sprinkle of toasted coconut on top was perfect. The cake held up against the flan. It was sweet, but not too sweet. The mango flavor was natural and complimented the vanilla cake.

We would place this in our top three dishes of the festival, and the best dessert overall.

Red Stripedescribes their Lager as a beautiful amber lager with low butterscotch flavour, full bodied and a smooth post palate sensation.

FromOpici Wines: White wine made from the Airen grape is blended with all-natural citrus fruit essences and spice extract. Subtle tropical fruit flavors of banana and pineapple meet crisp aromas of orange, grapefruit, and a hint of peppermint. The vibrant and clean palate is accented by notes of ginger and nutmeg on the finish.

The frozen slushy machines always have issues at the EPCOT festivals, especially Food & Wine in the direct heat. Frozen is a relative term, and if you get a frozen version of any drink at the festival consider yourself lucky. Dont waste your time on this mojito that tastes like artificial mint and sadness.

The Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace Booth is located in World Showcase Plaza, just to the left as you enter via the main walkway from Future World.

You wont have to travel too far to try these flavors from the islands! Which one are you eager to try first?

Related

View post:

REVIEW: Islands of the Caribbean Brings a Delicious New Flan to the Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2020 - wdwnt.com

MANCHESTER, England Head coach Phil Simmons on Monday chided West Indies batting as disappointing, once again lamenting the absence of hundreds and calling on batsmen to stand up, following a comprehensive 113-run defeat in the second Test at Old Trafford.

In the face of a massive first innings score of 469 for nine declared by England, West Indies under-performed in reply, crashing from 242 for four to 287 all out to lose their last six wickets for 45 runs on Sundays penultimate day.

And set 312 for victory on Mondays final day after England declared their second innings on 129 for three, West Indies declined to 37 for four and following a brief recovery, lost their last six wickets for 61 runs to perish for 198.

I think it was disappointing, the way we started chasing 300. If we had batted normally between when we started and tea time [we would have been in a better position], Simmons told media afterwards.

The plan was to see what was happening at tea and what we had left to chase, and decide if we were going to go at it or if we were going to bat out the day. But the way we started the inning, it didnt augur well for us and we had to be fighting to save the game.

He continued: You had five, maybe six half-centuries and no conversion [to triple figures]. Its something that weve been talking about a lot and no one has taken up that opportunity in this game yet again so it is disappointing.

I think thats where things lie because had we continued from [242 for four] yesterday and one of the guys in got a hundred another hundred-run partnership because weve had two for three fifty-run partnerships [things could have been different].

These are the little things that help you control a Test match. We had things under control up to that point.

Rookie Shamarh Brooks hit a half-century in each inning while opener Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood all added fifties but failed to carry on.

In contrast, Ben Stokes struck a superb 176 in the first innings while opener Dom Sibley got 120, to underpin Englands large total.

Simmons, who had underscored the need for hundreds prior to the game, said this area was one of the major concerns for the Caribbean side heading into Fridays start of the third and deciding Test here.

I think we have to do something different we just lost a Test match. We have to add to things weve done in the first Test match and subtract from some of the things weve done in this Test match, and I think it is critical that our batsmen carry on and make big hundreds, he reiterated.

Stokes [made] 176, [Sibley made] 120-odd. Our batsmen need to make hundreds because our bowlers are doing their jobs and now the batsmen need to stand up and do what they have to do for West Indies cricket.

Simmons also stressed it was important batsmen were tuned into team plans, warning that individualism would not be tolerated.

If I find that out and I think that youre more concerned about your current form rather than what you can do for the team then you can think about your current form on the sidelines, Simmons asserted.

Because so far everyone has been looking to work hard for the team and if someone changes that train of thought, then theyre not there for the team so wed have to think about that very, very seriously.

CMC

Read the rest here:

Simmons Beseeches Batsmen to 'Stand Up' in Wake of Defeat - caribbeannationalweekly.com

Pirates of the Caribbean star Zoe Saldana explains why she left the franchise after the first film, and how the experience almost ended her career.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearlwas a box-office smash for Disney, skyrocketing its cast to global-stardom but actress Zoe Saldana neglected to return for any of its many sequels, citing her treatment off-screen as the reason why. Though she later made waves starring in James Camerons Avatar, and the J.J. Abrams-led Star Trek reboot, Saldanas earlier experience with the then-fledgling Pirates franchise left a sour taste in her mouth and almost led her to quit Hollywood filmmaking altogether.

In The Curse of the Black Pearl, Saldana plays Anamaria: a no-nonsense pirate from Jack Sparrows past. She hunts him down for stealing her boat, and after dealing out a few deserved slaps ends up joining his crew. By the end of the film, having crossed blades with undead pirates, Anamaria and Jack (Johnny Depp) appear to be on better terms; skeleton battles clearly at the heart of any good relationship.

Related:Zoe Saldaa's 5 Best & 5 Worst Movies (According to IMDb)

Unfortunately, in Saldanas experience, this on-screen camaraderie wasnt reflected in the films production though she insists that the cast were not to blame. Talking with THR in 2014, Saldana said, Those weren't the right people for me. I'm not talking about the cast. The cast was great. I'm talking about the political stuff that went on behind closed doors. It was a lot of above-the-line versus below-the-line, extras versus actors, producers versus PAs. It was very elitist. She then went on to discuss the films impact on her career, saying: I almost quit the business. I was 23 years old, and I was like, F this! I am never putting myself in this situation again. People disrespecting me because they look at my number on a call sheet and they think I'm not important. F you.

These statements expanded on previous comments from a 2011 interview with The Independent, in which Saldana said, I didn't like the experience of working on Pirates and I feel that it is my job to be completely honest. To me, that's what a Hollywood movie felt like. If that's what I have to witness, and have to go through, to do a Hollywood movie, I'd rather do something else." Saldana's frustrations were also felt by star Johnny Depp, who revealed in a 2018 interview with GQ that, "The trouble with working with these big studios is they can get uncomfortable about certain creative decisions you make. That happened withPirates." Depp went on to clarify: "Disney hated me. [They were] thinking of every way they could to get rid of me, to fire me."

Clearly, Disney's approach left a lot to be desired, and while Depp signed on forPirates of the Caribbean sequels Saldana questioned whether she would continue in an industry with such allegedly toxic working practices. Thankfully, Saldana stuck around, going on to star as Gamora in the hugely-successful Guardians of the Galaxy a role she has returned to readily across several films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That the MCU andAvatarare both Disney-owned brands doesn't appear to phase Saldana, suggesting that her negative experience working onThe Curse of the Black Pearlwas specific to the company at the time (under then-CEO Michael Eisner), and not reflective of Disney's current workplace culture.While thePirates franchise continued, Saldana remained absent though her character, Anamaria, did go on to appear in various spin-off materials, including a short-lived comic book series and a Lego-themed video game.

After a string of critical failures, and diminishing box-office returns of late, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is in deep water, and reports abound that Disney are attempting to revive the property with fresh blood. Only time will tell whether Zoe Saldanas Anamaria will regain her sea-legs and re-join the franchise, but the actresss ongoing relationship with Disney via Marvel, along with reports that the new Pirates film will be female-driven, certainly lend credence to such a possibility.

Next:Disney's TWO New Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Movies Explained

Tenet Is Nolans Doctor Strange In Time-Bending Fan Art

Joe Simpson is a writer, filmmaker, and cynic based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He likes pia coladas, getting caught in the rain, and hates referring to himself in the third person. Alas, them's the breaks.

Originally posted here:

Pirates of the Caribbean: Why Zoe Saldanas Anamaria Didnt Return - Screen Rant