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Derby glory on the line

by Lindon Yarde The Barbados Turf Club will stage the Visit Barbados Derby Race Day today at the Garrison Savannah for the climax of the third jewel of the Barbados Triple Crown.

Nine horses, spearheaded by a renewal clash between Midsummer Creole Classic winner Flying Jenny and Barbados Guineas winner Ultrasound, will be seeking to capture race six, the Grade 1-87 Visit Barbados Derby, over 2 000 metres at about 6:50 p.m.

The action is not to be missed as it will serve as part of a cultural potpourri on the grounds where late National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II 41 years ago.

Sir Garry was a lover of horse racing. The speedy Cruise Missile represented him and West Indies teammate Sir Wes Hall and gave them their first Stakes win back in 1987, with trainer Hayden Nicholls.

The card of eight day/night races, which runs off at 4 p.m., will be boiling hot when Bulldoze, already carrying the title as the best horse in the country following a pair of impressive victories, tackles dual Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup

winners Public Sector and Portfolio Company, who won the marquee event in 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The William Clarke-trained Bulldoze carries level weights of 128 pounds with the above-mentioned pair in the 6:10 p.m. running of the 1 570-metres Bridgetown Heritage Condition Race.

The Billy-Jean Acham-owned four-year-colt Bulldoze has racked up two consecutive wins, including getting the better of Public Sector and Deccan Prince at the distance.

Going the shorter distance of 1 100 metres, Bulldoze passed his competition in So Suave, War Beat, Caspian Sea and Zazzy, who are all going to find it difficult once he hits the front leaving the chute.

The nine-year-old So Suave ran huge to be a closing runner-up to Bulldoze.

Portfolio Company, since his unplaced effort in the Gold Cup, needs to be at his best if he is going to stop a Bulldoze repeat win.

The first race will see the debut of five sophomores going 1 000 metres in the Kadooment Sprint for West Indian-bred two-year-old maidens.

Three of them were bred at Hopefield Stables by Sir David Seale – No. 2 Dancingleo, No. 3 Perseverance and No. 4 Miss Ela. (LY)

Midsummer Creole Classic winner Flying Jenny will be seeking victory in the Barbados Derby tomorrow. (File)

Fauci could face contempt charges

A United States Senate committee chairman has warned ex-White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci could be held contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions at a combative hearing into his handling of the Covid pandemic.

The former top infectious disease expert invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination during testimony more than 100 times.

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said afterwards: “I think there is a very real chance that he could be prosecuted for that.”

Paul has long accused Fauci of trying to cover up the origin of the coronavirus, and of funding research at a lab in Wuhan in China, where some theories say the pandemic began. Fauci has denied wrongdoing.

It remains unclear whether he could face any charges.

The former head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases was grilled on Wednesday by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

He told the panel he was invoking the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution under the advice of his attorneys.

Invoking the Fifth in itself is not a crime, and is routinely used by defendants in criminal investigations at every level of the US judicial system.

President Donald Trump invoked the Fifth repeatedly in a deposition for a civil case against the Trump Organization in New York back in 2022, before he returned to the White House.

Paul, a Kentucky senator, said the committee would vote next week on holding Fauci in criminal contempt of Congress.

If approved, the resolution would go to the Senate floor, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS. But it would need 60 votes to pass – a longshot since that would require Democrats to side with Republicans.

If it were passed through the Senate, it would be referred to the top prosecutor for the District of Columbia for possible prosecution.

Before leaving office, President Joe Biden issued a pre-emptive pardon to Fauci covering his actions between 2014 and 2025.

But Fauci could still face charges for anything after that date, including in his actions towards the Senate committee.

Fauci has faced death threats during and after the coronavirus pandemic. Trump last year removed his security protection.

The former top health official was one of the most trusted members of the US government during its response to the pandemic as scientists were trying to learn about the virus as quickly as possible.

He was not always at loggerheads with Trump. In 2021, Trump awarded Fauci a presidential commendation for his work on the US Covid vaccine project, known as Operation Warp Speed. (BBC)

Barbados and the cricketing world bid farewell to Sir Garfield Sobers

With heavy hearts, Barbados and the cricketing world bid farewell to the greatest player to ever grace the sport as the late Right Excellent Sir Garfield St Auburn Sobers was given a state funeral at Kensington Oval yesterday.

Under blue skies, the legendary all-rounder, who was buried one day after what would have been his 90th birthday, was also given a procession which began at Lyndhurst Funeral Home and concluded at the Mecca. Stopping first at Parliament Buildings before making its way along Broad Street and Cheapside, there was a pause at the Harold Hoyte and Fred Gollop Media Complex in Fontabelle where Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and members of the Cabinet joined the parade.

A stone’s throw way in front of Cricket Legends of Barbados Sir Garry’s children – Matthew, Daniel and Genevieve Sobers – and other members of the family, took their place in the procession just behind their father.

Brian Lara was one of many to give praise and express admiration for the legendary all-rounder who played 93 Test matches for West Indies between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8 032 runs at an average of 57.78 and taking 235 wickets at an average of 34.03.

Speaking about his mentor, the Trinidadian left-handed batsman said “For me, Sir Garry was not just a West Indian sporting hero whose records inspired me and millions of sportsmen and sportswomen. He became a personal mentor, a friend, and someone whose belief in me shaped my own journey. I was fortunate enough to break one of his records, but that’s where the similarities ended. He was so much more. A lot of the disciplines that make up the game of cricket, that 99 per cent of us cricketers did not consider part of our DNA, Sir Garfield Sobers did it with ease and grace. No one did it better.”

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Lara, who would break his world record for the highest individual test score (365 not out against Pakistan in 1958) when he hit 375 against England in 1994, reminded the audience that it was important to celebrate his life and legacy.

He continued, “This is not a sad moment. This is a moment for us to celebrate, and I hope you feel the same. Today we celebrate the remarkable life of the greatest all-rounder cricketer. We celebrate a man who gave so much to his family, to Barbados, to the West Indies and all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Lara was one of many high-profile former West Indian legends spanning several generations to say farewell to Sir Garry. Former West Indies captains Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards were joined by Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts, The Most Honourable Joel Garner as well as the most devastating opening partnership in test cricket in Sir Gordon Greenidge and The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes.

Modern-day cricketing heroes such as former Barbados and West Indies captain Jason Holder and West Indies T20 World Cup winner Carlos Brathwaite were joined by the Barbadian contingent who flew home from Trinidad after concluding their 90-run victory over Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday. Test captain Roston Chase, vice captain Jomel Warrican, Shai Hope, Kemar Roach, Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop were all present to pay their respects to the icon.

Sir Garfield Sobers was laid to rest at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens. (JC)

Old sex cases brought forward

Justice Pamela Beckles has declared that she will be prioritising the trial of two sexual offence matters later this year because of their age.

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Police seeking person of interest

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The Barbados Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying and locating a person of interest who is wanted for questioning in connection with a serious criminal matter.

The incident occurred on July 12, 2026 at Cave Hill, St Michael.

Anyone who may know the whereabouts of this person is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the District ‘A’ Police Station at telephone numbers 430-7242 or 430-7270, Police Emergency 211, Crime Stoppers at 1 800-8477 or the nearest Police Station.

Members of the public are also reminded that it is a serious offence to harbour or assist wanted people and anyone caught committing this offence can be prosecuted. (PR/SAT)

Oval set for send-off

National Hero The Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers will receive a standing ovation today like no other, as a thankful Barbados gathers at the historic Kensington Oval to bid farewell to one of its greatest sons in a state funeral expected to draw cricket legends, dignitaries, members of the international sporting community and media from around the world.

The procession will begin with Sir Garry’s casket being taken from Lyndhurst Funeral Home on Passage Road, St Michael, at 8:15 a.m. to Parliament.

There it will be transferred to a military gun carriage and escorted down Broad Street via slow march, along Cheapside and Fontabelle, on the way to the Oval.

Before reaching the historic ground known as “The Mecca”, the carriage will pause along Fontabelle to be joined by Sir Garry’s family and members of Cabinet, and then move off again in the midst of a 19-gun salute by members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF).

The route will mark a symbolic connection between the seat of national Government and the cricket ground where Sir Garry proudly represented Barbados and West Indies until he retired in 1974 at the age of 38, playing his final Test against England in March that year.

Organisers are providing seating for more than 10 000 people expected to flood the Oval to be part of the historic occasion.

Chairman of Kensington Oval Management Inc., Damien Gaskin, said yesterday they were 95 per cent ready with their preparations.

A who’s who of regional and international names associated with the gentleman’s game are expected to attend the second state funeral for a former living National Hero, the other being Sir Frank Walcott’s in 1999.

The service, being held under the theme Barbados’ Standing Ovation, will feature full ceremonial honours as the country pays tribute to the lefthanded batting genius, brilliant all-rounder and former West Indies captain whose career placed this little island at the centre of world cricket.

Sir Garry’s body lay in state in the House of Assembly on Monday and at Kensington Oval yesterday. There were also condolence books available for mourners to sign on both days.

Today’s state funeral, to climax with the interment at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in Christ Church, will be a final passage for a National Hero who carried Barbados’ name across the world and returned home to receive the country’s gratitude. (BA)

West Indies’ big win over Pakistan dedicated to Sir Garfield Sobers

West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs to record a magnificent Test match win in honour of the late great Sir Garfield Sobers, National Hero of Barbados.

Jayden Seales took five wickets for 20 runs from 14.2 overs to wreck the Pakistan second innings as the visitors were bowled out for 120 on the fourth day of the inaugural Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in south Trinidad.

It was at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon when Seales trapped Pakistan last man Mohammad Abbas leg-before wicket to record the win. Umpire Richard Kettleborough gave an “out” verdict but it was reviewed by Abbas. However, the television umpire upheld the decision and West Indies celebrated as they took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Justin Greaves was named Man-of-the-Match for his magnificent performances. The Barbadian allrounder had scores of 15 and 20 and took seven wickets – including career-best five for 27 in the first innings.

As part of the celebrations, the West Indies team dedicated the performances and result to Sir Garry – who died on July 17. He would have celebrated his 90th birthday today. There will be a service of thanksgiving for his life and legacy at Kensington Oval tomorrow at 10 a.m.

 “It was a remarkable win and we are extremely delighted. Before the match we spoke about winning for Sir Garry and to come out here and win in this style we want to dedicate it to the great man – on what would have been his birthday and we did for him,” said captain Roston Chase after the match ended.

The second Test match will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, starting on Sunday. (PS)

Plot to assassinate T&T PM and other officials spans multiple jurisdictions

Port of Spain – Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the alleged plot to assassinate her and senior members of her government has widened significantly and now involves multiple foreign agencies.

“I would not have any specific details on the ongoing local and foreign investigations. As Minister Roger Alexander stated in his press release, the investigation has widened beyond the original scope to new areas and across multiple jurisdictions,” Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar told the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, adding that she cannot comment on the specifics of the ongoing investigation.

“I am advised that multiple foreign intelligence and investigative agencies are involved and that new persons, financial institutions and businesses have been identified in the expanding investigation. I am also advised by local and foreign authorities that these investigations have increased in complexity and will take some time,” she added.

Last week, Alexander, the Homeland Security Minister  revoked the Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs) issued against prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife Genevieve, leading to their release while investigations into the conspiracy to murder allegations against them continue.

The Hadeeds were arrested on June 24 as part of a Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate Persad-Bissessar and Attorney General, John Jeremie.

In revoking the PDO’s, Alexander said  their continued detention was no longer proportionate after considering legal, medical and constitutional issues, as well as a recommendation from the Constitution Review Tribunal. The Hadeeds were not charged with any offence.

On Monday, High Court Judge, Vigel Paul, Monday ordered the release of 69-year-old Star Sabga, a  relative of Genevieve Hadeed, after a month in prison and placed her under house arrest.

The judge had earlier ruled that Sabga should be released from prison pending the hearing of her constitutional challenge to the PDO. He also found that Sabga had raised a serious issue to be tried and that the balance of convenience favoured granting interim relief.

Under the interim order, Sabga must remain confined to her residence under police supervision. She is required to surrender her passport and electronic devices, cannot leave her home except in the event of a medical emergency, and is prohibited from communicating with persons outside the residence except for her attorneys, medical personnel and approved family members.

Police officers are also permitted to enter the premises at reasonable times to ensure compliance with the order. (CMC)

MISSING: Kemera Murray

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Thirteen-year-old Kemera Murray has been reported missing, last seen on Tuesday, July 21 in the area of North Close Wildey, St Michael.

Murray, who lives at Blackman Field, The Pine, is about 5’7” in height, slimly built with a dark complexion. She long arms and legs, a round face, flat forehead as well as small eyes, nose, mouth and ears. She has a small scar on her right temple, walks with an erect appearance and speaks with a soft voice.

Murray is known to frequent the Oistins and Sayes Court in Christ Church.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Kemera Murray, is asked to contact the District ‘A’ Police Station at 430-7242 or 430-7246, Police Emergency at 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), or any police station. (PR/SAT)