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Kane stars as England rally to beat DR Congo

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Kane stars as England rally to beat DR Congo

ATLANTA – Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to see England through to the World Cup round of ‌16 as they left it late to fight back and overcome a dogged Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

Kane produced another match-winning performance for his country as the captain equalised with a 75th-minute header before thrashing home a stunning winner four minutes from time after England had trailed for more than an hour of an ​absorbing match.

Brian Cipenga gave the Congolese a shock seventh-minute lead before Kane delivered his heroics to save his team from an ​ignominious defeat.

England, who enjoyed overwhelming support in the 68,239-strong crowd, needed all the patience and perseverance they could muster ⁠to avoid what would have been one of the tournament’s biggest upsets and now head to Mexico City to play co-hosts Mexico on ​Sunday.

“First shot, first goal. Then, it became even more difficult,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said.

“After the first water break, we were on top of ​the game. The substitutes came on, and put the effort in, and we won it. It was well deserved, but we had to work a lot.”

Cipenga struck home a powerful right-footed shot from a tight angle after being unmarked on the left, beating Jordan Pickford at the near post. It came from a long ball from ​Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba that went over the head of Noah Sadiki and defender Djed Spence to allow the 28-year-old to put the Congolese ​ahead with his first international goal. (Reuters)

Schools to close for summer vacation

Nationnews Desk
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Schools to close for summer vacation

Public schools will close for summer break this week.

The last day of school for students will be tomorrow, Thursday, July 2, while teachers will proceed on vacation after Friday, July 3.

Eight weeks have been allocated for the 2026 summer holidays. The new school year 2026-2027 will begin with a planning week for teachers from Tuesday, September 1 to Friday, September 4. Students will return to the classroom on Monday, September 7. 

Paul warns of possible further industrial action at BNECL

Sherrylyn Clarke
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Paul warns of possible further industrial action at BNECL

Deputy general secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Dwaine Paul, warned there was still the possibility of further industrial action if longstanding health and safety issues at the Barbados National Energy Co. Ltd (BNECL) were not addressed.

Paul was speaking outside the BNECL’s Woodbourne, St Philip plant this morning where workers were off the job.

“Their services were withdrawn in support of their colleagues who work in the gas plant area of this operation. The gas plant is responsible for the circulation of all natural gas across the country,” Paul explained.

“It is regrettable that we had to reach this stage where the workers had to collectively withdrew their labour and that was done because there are several issues relating primarily to health and safety concerns raised by the workers in that section that have gone unresolved.”

The trade unionist said after receiving a commitment from management that corrective action would be taken, workers would be back on the job. In the short term, there is to be a meeting and an assessment of the issues. A wider plan is to be drafted over the next 24 hours.

“Note well that failure to address the issues reported by the staff will result in the workers returning to the street in support of their colleagues because when it comes to the matter of health and safety, there is no room to negotiate. It is the onus on every employer to make sure that their workers are fully protected. If you are interested in people’s well-being then you have to be interested in their safety,” Paul said.

As a result, the protest action was on pause, he said, not ended, and they were prepared to return today, if necessary.

Paul told members of the public this could also impact on their supply of natural gas.

“While the matter of gas supply is critical to the nation, we will not sacrifice anybody to meet that objective. Therefore, if the workers have to withdraw their services again, they will do so with the full support of the Barbados Workers’ Union and if that means the plant will have to be closed and there will have to be disruption in natural gas and natural gas supply, that will be the case.”

Paul said when workers repeatedly raised issues over time, they should not me bet with deafness. (SAT)

Judge slams prison authorities over late bus arrival

Heather-Lynn Evanson
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Judge slams prison authorities over late bus arrival

A Hight Court judge has called out prison authorities as she declared courts have been made to wait from ten minutes to an hour for the arrival of prisoners.

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Jamaica to ask King Charles to refer reparations questions to Privy Council

Nationnews Desk
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Jamaica to ask King Charles to refer reparations questions to Privy Council

KINGSTON – Jamaica says it will formally petition Charles III on September 6 to refer key legal questions on slavery reparations to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the Caribbean country advances its campaign for reparatory justice.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange told Parliament during her contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate on Tuesday that the petition marks another phase in Jamaica’s pursuit of reparations for the enslavement of Africans.

Grange said the petition would ask the King, in his capacity as Jamaica’s head of state, to refer three legal questions to the Privy Council, Jamaica’s final appellate court.

The questions seek legal clarification on whether the forced transportation of Africans from their homelands to Jamaica and their subsequent enslavement were lawful under common law; whether the transatlantic trafficking and enslavement of Africans up to 1838 constituted crimes against humanity under international law for which the United Kingdom bears responsibility; and whether Britain is under an obligation to provide a remedy to the Jamaican people for the unlawful transportation and enslavement of Africans and the continuing consequences of those actions.

Grange said the petition would be presented on September 6, the date marking the departure in 1781 of the slave ship Zong on a voyage to Jamaica during which more than 140 enslaved Africans were killed after being thrown overboard.

She told legislators that Jamaica has the full support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in pursuing the legal initiative.

The move forms part of Jamaica’s broader campaign for reparatory justice, which has also included political advocacy through CARICOM’s reparations agenda. Grange has previously said the legal approach complements, rather than replaces, the political process. (CMC)

‘Queen’ finds her T-spot

Nationnews Desk
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‘Queen’ finds her T-spot

by JOHN BOYCE 

Music and finance played an integral part in her calculations as he assessed the future, and as the Sweetest Summer Festival heats up, Tamara ‘Queen T’ Boyce is again in the thick of things.

No stranger to the big stage over the years, being a semi-finalist and finalist with soca and social commentary, Queen T said finding a balance with her two passions has always been a challenge.

Her attraction to anything finance-related from her days at the Alleyne School signalled a career that was never in dispute.

So, she decided that a marriage of the two – finance and singing – could result in the inextricable bond she so desperately sought.

“Growing up people would say that you cannot do both, but for me life was about fulfilment and I could not sacrifice any of them,” Queen T told the MIDWEEK NATION.

Every year during Crop Over while she was still pursuing studies, the temptation to redirect her focus exclusively to music was great, but she had set her priorities and intended to stick to them.

True to her deep conviction in a dream she did not intend to sacrifice, today the mother of two is reaping its benefits.

For the past 13 years Queen T has been working in finance, six as an auditor, while still gracing the Pic O De Crop and the then Soca Royale stage.

Currently reading for her ACCA designation, the holder of a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance has had significant exposure on the local stage singing with live bands on the hotel circuit.

“One of the benefits of singing in a live band is that you sing all year round. So you are training and honing your skills and I could see my development as an artiste.”

As Queen T, who also performed with Ignition and Green Spice on the hotel circuit, grew more confident, especially over the past six years, the transformation emboldened her to step up her game.

So, as she performed with the Heritage Band, she was in her element as a more mature artiste.

Known for her infectious soca beats, Queen T, of Glebe, St George, who graced the stage about 16 years ago, has a special place in her heart for the Chrissy D- written Keep Up and last year’s social commentary Cross Fire, written by Billboard.

This year, the artiste has penned Showmeh, which is a sweet soca entrant, and represents women who are prepared to let men lead “if they step up to the plate”, and Lacking Intelligence, surrounding the upsurge in crime and violence.

Queen T said personal and professional readjustments caused her to curtail her “party animal” habits, especially since the birth of her now two-year-old daughter. Those circumstances also restricted her love for writing her own songs, but she intends to reignite the flame.

Committed, organised and mindful of time and her brand, Queen T said she leaves no task incomplete, adding: “I must always finish what I start because I love what I do.”

She thanked for sister, Denise, for introducing her to church at a young age and her parents for being her biggest supporters saying: “They don’t miss a beat or an event”.

In relation to artistes performing on the hotel circuit, she gave high marks to some hotels for their treatment of them, though adding that she is aware of several complaints from entertainers about issues that leave a lot to be desired.

“I cannot imagine what it is like for those who are doing it full-time, but for me it was slightly different because I do it on the side as I have a full-time job.”

She noted the consistent praise from guests who are always appreciative of her work.

With the airwaves inundated with new music, the artiste said she is pleased with the offerings across the board.

“There is enough music for everybody. I know there are a lot of criticisms as it relates to bashment, and yes, we can censure it somewhat, but I think the music [generally] is great . . . . I am very satisfied.”

Acknowledging that crowd taste has changed over the years, she said songs structured around “a beat and two words and erotic lyrics” are more appealing to today’s crowds.

With the reintroduction of Cohobblopot to the festival, Queen T, who performed there in earlier times, though welcoming its return, said she has to wait and see if it generates the same authentic Cohobblopot vibe.

“I am hoping for a safe Crop Over for everyone and asking people to let them be the last person the cycle of anger and violence stop at. Don’t continue it . . . break that cycle.”

Barbados National Energy Company Limited workers off the job

Nationnews Desk
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Barbados National Energy Company Limited workers off the job

Workers at the Barbados National Energy Company Limited are off the job this morning.

More details as they come to hand.

Paul handed surprise recall, no word yet on Hope

Philip Spooner
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Paul handed surprise recall, no word yet on Hope

Keemo Paul has earned a surprise recall to the West Indies Test squad of 16 players, marking a significant opportunity for the Guyanese all-rounder to revive his red-ball international career ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Antigua.

Paul, who has not featured in a Test match since 2019, was drafted into the squad following West Indies’ emphatic innings-and-217-run victory in the opening Test. His inclusion has generated interest, with the 28-year-old viewed as a player capable of adding valuable balance through his lively seam bowling and aggressive lower-order batting. He was among the leading allrounders in the regional four-day first-class competition for Guyana Harpy Eagles in April and May, helping them reach the final.

Paul has played three Test matches, taking six wickets while also showing glimpses of his batting ability. His first-class record is encouraging, with more than 100 wickets and over 1 000 runs, highlighting his value as a genuine all-round option. 

Meanwhile there has been no update on the fitness of Shai Hope who missed the first Test with a shoulder injury. It was announced last week that he suffered damage during training two days prior to the opening contest. It is not sure if he will be fit and available for the second Test which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday at 10 a.m.

‘Strong year’ for AffinityPlus

Shawn Cumberbatch
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‘Strong year’ for AffinityPlus

Another leading credit union is reporting a strong financial year.

AffinityPlus Credit Union Limited, which held its 42nd annual general meeting on Saturday, said the 2025/2026 financial year which ended March 31 was one of growth.

Dalton Medford, who served as president during the year, said the financial cooperative “recorded yet another strong year-end performance with a net surplus of $2.7 million”.

“Our capital adequacy remains well above the regulatory benchmark, and liquidity also stands at 13.22 per cent,” he stated in the 2026 annual report.

The board report, also shared in that publication, said the 2025/2026 financial year “reflects a period of steady, [and] intentional progress for AffinityPlus, where growth has been guided not only by strategy, but by purpose, structure, and disciplined execution”.

“AffinityPlus achieved another strong financial performance during the year, surpassing $293 million in total assets,” the board reported.

“The loan portfolio grew by 12 per cent to $217 million, while deposits increased by 13 per cent to $261 million, reflecting continued confidence in the credit union among members and the wider public.

“The organisation also recorded a net surplus of $2.7 million, exceeding projected performance for the year. These results underscore the credit union’s continued ability to generate sustainable growth, maintain financial stability, and strengthen its overall position for the future.”

The board report mentioned “exceptional deposit growth during the financial year, resulting in total growth of $29.1 million, significantly exceeding projections”, and also highlighted “outstanding loan portfolio performance”.

“Total loan approvals reached $67.78 million during the financial year, reflecting strong growth across key lending portfolios,” the report said.

The credit union’s member also expanded.

“Membership grew to 36 165 members during the financial year, representing growth of 7.68 per cent and exceeding annual targets,” the board said.

In his message in the annual report, Medford said the cooperative’s delinquency rate “is among the lowest in the industry – a direct result of you, the members, honouring your commitments so that your brothers and sisters can have the same opportunity to borrow as you did”.

“It is this action that shows what the cooperative spirit is all about. Let me also thank the team in the Collections Department who at times remind members when necessary to repay their loans,” he said.

“Our loan portfolio continues to grow, and we are actively rebalancing it to position the credit union for the years ahead.”

Medford encouraged members who “may from time to time have challenges repaying their loans to reach out to the office as soon as possible. While we cannot remove the obligation, we can find an arrangement to assist you in repaying your loans”.

The cost of technology, he said, continued to be a challenge but “we remain committed to equipping the institution responsibly and within
our means”.

Medford said: “This year has seen the purchasing of software for the internal audit department, to improve the management of the auditing process. Likewise, we have invested in software for the human resources department, and we are actively evaluating options for the loans department.” (SC)

Stage set for Party Monarch

Natanga Smith
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Stage set for Party Monarch

A woman will set the pace in the Power Soca competition, while reigning Pic O De Crop monarch Mr Blood will open the Sweet Soca showdown, when the curtain rises on the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) brand new Banks Party Monarch Powered By Hitz 106.7 FM Competition on July 12, at the National Botanical Gardens.

It will be one stage and two competitions with both carrying the top prize of $100 000 for each winner.

With no competitor opting to switch the running order following yesterday’s draw at Golden Square Freedom Park, The City, the stage is now set for what organisers say is an entirely new competition, not a revival of Soca Royale, featuring separate Sweet Soca and Power Soca contests under one banner.

Music officer at the NCF, Kevin Moore, pointed out that while Barbados has seen a two-competition format before, Party Monarch represents a fresh start.

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