58 minute read
Family of homeless after fire destroys Mabaruma home
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Social worker defies all odds, graduates with distinction
– eyes Master’s, PhD in psychology
Selina poses with her degree in Social Work
By Solomon mcGarrell
There has been a series of hurdles and setbacks for Selina Devika DaSilva during her four-year stint at the University of Guyana (UG) while reading for her degree in Social Work.
The hardest of them all, was having to deal with the sad, distasteful and unfortunate childhood trauma of being groomed and molested as a child.
The 30-year-old who hails from Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), reflected on the rippling effects inflicted on her life due to the community not being equipped with a therapist, especially at a time when she needed the support, but this did not stop her from excelling in life.
She mustered the courage and determination to defy her childhood trauma and every other stumbling block along the way with the aim of being there for other young girls who suffered her fate.
“As I started UG it was really evident that I needed to finish. The thought of how many children I would be failing if I quit was burdensome. I knew the trauma that I had suffered because of the lack of therapy, lack of support and I just needed to be a relief to somebody, even if it’s just one person,” DaSilva told Guyana Times.
The young mother of three wonderful children revealed that her being away, caused her marriage to fail. It meant that she had to be away from home but finding a place to live in the city added to the challenges.
She eventually found a place on the West Bank of Demerara, which resulted in her returning home late at night. Her financial backing was also in shambles.
“Everything took a strain on my marriage, managing my studies, and being a wife and a mother were challenging. My husband had to pick up my role as the mother and yet work, which further brought constant dispute between us and later resulted in us separating.”
No matter how heart-wrenching it was, she knew that she had to complete her studies and not remain stagnant in a community in which at the time being sexually molested was prevalent.
She was, nevertheless, optimistic that her journey
would not be futile, but rather foster change; save lives, provide therapy she was deprived of and restore hope in a child’s life.
When asked how she managed to persevere and navigate the challenges encountered in her journey of becoming ‘one degree hotter’, she said her best friend who was an ardent church-goer was her greatest support system along with the church.
“My best friend stood beside me through those tough years,” the self-proclaimed perfectionist who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a distinction from UG on Saturday said.
Expanding her reach in the Berbice River – sensitisation outreach on child sexual violence
er and a Police report was filed in her hopes for justice to be served.
Just when she thought her life would get better, her wounds were reopened and
Selina poses with two friends who have been her support system throughout UG
Deprived of a normal childhood
As the eldest child of four siblings, she was robbed of the fond moments of leading a normal childhood when she was groomed and molested at a very tender age by one perpetrator who happens to be a family member. She confided in her mothpacked with salt.
“The High Court trial began when I entered secondary school and no counselling, case tracking, were available, since no Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) was available in the community at that time,” she recalled, while adding that due to the trauma of the harsh or raw form of questioning on the Police’s behalf, “family members and my family member lawyer standing in court and telling me I am lying while I’m in the stands. I broke down and the judge did nothing to stop it and I felt like the judicial system failed me as a child,” the despondent DaSilva said.
The jury failed to reach a verdict which ended the case in a ‘hung jury’ which forced the court proceedings to start a fresh.
This was more traumatising and she was at the point where she wished not to relive the trauma.
“I felt like it was me and my mom against everybody and I would not go through with the court proceedings in the first place.”
Coming to grips with what appeared to be an unjust, “failed judicial system”, DaSilva was forced to relive her horrific, inhumane childhood experience by yet another family member.
The matter was again reported and the sexual abuse stopped, but the perpetrator began physically, emotionally and verbally abusing her. This forced her as a teenager to stay with a friend to avoid contact with the perpetrator.
“I was fearful to shower or even be in a towel or sleep since he (the perpetrator) would occasionally force himself upon me.”
“I started self-harming, and was suicidal for most parts of my adolescent and early adulthood years, which is why I say social work saved my life. An abundance of knowledge has been imparted through training and one-on-one sessions with clients,” the once-troubled teenager who later gravitated to social work posited. “I wanted answers for myself, that’s why I choose social work. I needed to know how to better help myself, why I keep hating myself so much, why I couldn’t be as confident as I wanted to be, why I couldn’t believe people when they told me that I was pretty, I was talented, I was brilliant, why I always doubting and second-guessing myself. I was doing well academically. I did poetry, sing, dance, I did a lot of things. I would excel in these things, but was still feeling low of myself. I figured the programme that had all these therapists and everybody would help me understand myself and so it did.”
DaSilva has been impacting lives, particularly, sexually abused and by extension, physically abused children through Blossom Incorporated, where she was employed and served in the capacity of social worker for approximately two years.
Brief background on Blossom Inc
Blossom Inc is a Child Advocacy Centre that focuses primarily on children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse. The centre offers forensic interviews – where the victims only tell their story once and have it recorded so as to not go through the trauma of telling their story more than once; court support; case tracking and also offers counselling – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TFCBT).
The Non-Governmental Organisation CAC works along with the Guyana Police Force to provide these services to abuse victims.
Motivation to abuse victims
DaSilva was awarded a place at President’s College after sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and was awarded a Hinterland Scholarship through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
After five years, she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam where she secured two Grade Ones and six Grade Twos. Now she is a graduate of UG with distinction.
“I was somewhat always a perfectionist and that motivated me to do my best and if I can, you can. Do not give in to distorted thoughts and this is not the end. That one horrific incident does not define you,” she urged.
DaSilva hinted that her success story and her goal to mould and change lives would not end at a degree but she will pursue her Master’s in psychology in 2023, followed by her PhD.
She also sees herself establishing a private practice subsequent to attaining her Master’s in psychology.
She thanked God Almighty, for the support from immediate family members, lecturers and friends who rendered their assistance and words of encouragement in her trying times.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Over 170 Reg 3 squatters to receive land titles by year end
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal hands over a title to a resident on Sunday The staff of the CH&PA attending to residents during the two-day exercise
Over 170 residents at regularised sections of Greenwich Park (Railway Embankment), Tuschen (Railway Embankment); Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam; and De Kinderen (Railway Embankment), Region Three, are expected to start receiving their Certificate of Title before the end of the year.
A team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), including Director of Community Development Gladwin Charles and Head of the Conveyance Unit Esther Stephens processed Agreements of Sale for some of the residents on Saturday and Sunday at the Greenwich Park Primary School.
In addition to this, the residents also registered for their Certificate of Title.
The two-day exercise is in keeping with a commitment made by the Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during a meeting in September. Minister Croal was present at the exercise on Sunday and handed over several of the Agreements of Sale, as he interacted with the residents.
The Minister further committed that the titles will be ready for distribution by the end of the year.
Suresh Sookul, a resident of Tuschen Railway Embankment for over 18 years, was elated to receive his Agreement of Sale, as he stated he can now move forward with plans to extend this home.
“The Minister was here one time and he promised that he was gonna get these documents fixed, the documents for the land, and fuh know he stood to his word and he came back […] I am real happy and real comfortable,” said Sookul.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Amin Bassir and his wife, who have been residing at Uitvlugt for over three decades, expressed, “we happy that we own something […] we waiting long”.
Another resident, Amin Ali, also noted that he was pleased with the work of the Ministry and is excited to receive his Certificate of Title.
Residents have been occupying various areas for 30-50 years. The block and occupational survey were completed by CH&PA, documenting some 82 persons residing at Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam and more than 40 persons at Tuschen Railway Embankment.
Around 40 persons have also been recorded at Greenwich Park Railway Embankment and 17 at De Kinderen.
Police arrest man who assaulted pensioner, reputed husband
Deorattie Nekram
Aman who was on the run for a week after he allegedly beat a pensioner and her reputed husband and threatened to kill them was arrested on Sunday.
He was arrested on the East Bank of Berbice at around 15:30h - a short distance away from his home.
It had been reported that 72-year-old Deorattie Nekram of Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), is living in fear after the suspect, who is her neighbour, attacked her in her home.
He also made threats to beat the elderly woman and end her life because she had reported the incident to the Police.
According to her, after she had a conversation with one of his children, the suspect walked into her home, grabbed her by the throat, choked and slapped her several times.
She said at the time, she was sitting on a bench, and the suspect pulled her by her neck out of her seat and tightened his fingers around her throat.
Not finished, the suspect returned with a piece of wood and injured the woman’s reputed husband, Vernon Cozier, who was lying in a hammock.
Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus said Police have since charged the 38-year-old labourer of Rotterdam, East Bank
Berbice.
The suspect, Pramanand Drepaul, also called “Vishal”, will make his appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court today.
Injured: Vernon Cozier
The suspect Pramanand Drepaul, also called “Vishal”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
HEALTH TIPS
SMELLY FEET – BROMODOSIS
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology, DiabeTes
Feet can take a person from point A to point B, but they are subject to aches, pains, and smells along the way. While most people would, from time to time, experience a case of smelly feet, some people live in fear of taking their shoes off. The medical term for smelly feet is “bromodosis.” have reported a problem with foot odour.
The following should be noted: * Bacteria and moisture are the underlying causes of most cases of smelly feet. * Smelly feet are not usually a medical concern, but they can affect a person’s relationships and cause self-consciousness. * Bacteria naturally live on people’s feet. * When the bacteria rid themselves of wastes from breaking down oils and dead skin cells, bad smells can result.
PREVENTION TIPS
People can take steps to reduce the incidence of smelly feet. Among those steps are: wearing certain footwear, practising good foot hygiene, trying home remedies; and, if necessary, consulting a doctor
The good news is that many treatments are available to reduce the incidence of this condition. According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 16 percent of people aged 21 and older for stronger treatments.
* Wearing socks
Wearing socks can help address smelly feet and reduce the incidence of sweaty feet. Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials, can absorb sweat and reduce odours. Socks are also easy to change, and doing so may reduce the odours that may otherwise linger inside a person’s shoes.
* Certain shoes
Wearing shoes that have some breathability can help reduce the incidence of sweating and moisture. People can look for shoes that have mesh panels, which allow for breathability.
Shoes made from plastic, such as “jellies,” are almost guaranteed to contribute to smelly feet, because they are not breathable, and promote foot sweating.
* Alternating shoes and socks
People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears, to help cut down on particularly smelly feet. Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.
A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.
* Replacing insoles
People can also replace their shoe insoles with odour-reducing or antibacterial insoles.
Another option is to purchase an antibacterial or disinfecting spray to use on the insoles. However, this option is not usually as effective as allowing the insoles of the shoes to dry out fully. A range of insoles is available for purchase online.
* Exfoliating the feet
People can use a scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells, which bacteria like to feed on.
A person who has especially smelly feet may wish to use a pumice stone 2–3 times each week, to avoid buildup. Pumice stones are available for purchase online.
People should also wash their feet every day with antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the areas between the toes.
* Salt soak
Soaks are potentially useful as part of an exfoliating routine, or on their own.
A person can prepare a bowl or tub of warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in it. Soak the feet for 10–20 minutes, and then dry the feet thoroughly.
People may also use additional ingredients such as Listerine foot soak.
* Vinegar soak
Another type of soak is a vinegar soak. A person can add 2 parts warm water and 1 part vinegar (apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both suitable) to a tub, and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes.
However, a person should not use a vinegar soak if they have any cuts, sores, or scratches, as the vinegar may irritate open areas of skin.
* Antiperspirant
Another remedy a person can use is antiperspirant on the feet. Although traditionally used for the underarms, antiperspirant might also reduce the incidence of excessive sweating on the feet. *Iontophoresis
One treatment option for a person with smelly feet is a process called iontophoresis. This approach involves delivering a mild electric current to the skin through water for 15–40 minutes, depending on the device, to reduce the incidence of sweating feet.
*Botox
Another option a person may use in some instances is the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox. A professional will inject this medication into the feet via a means known as plantar injections.
However, these injections can be especially painful, and may not be the most effective option. The results usually last 3–4 months, and a person would require subsequent treatments.
People may also use Botox to address excessive underarm sweating.
If a person suddenly experiences a new onset of smelly feet, they should inspect their feet for signs of sores or cuts that could be infected. They can put a mirror on the floor and examine the bottom of the feet to look for any abnormalities.
A person should see a doctor if they see signs of wounds on their feet. Redness, red streaks, and swelling may be signs of infection. A person should consult a medical professional to address this immediately, especially if they have diabetes, as they may experience complications.
If a person does not have any signs of wounds, overthe-counter and at-home measures should reduce the incidence of smelly feet. A person should not suffer or feel self-conscious as a result of their smelly feet, and they should seek medical advice.
Most people may experience smelly feet from time to time, due to the shoes they wear. Others may have trouble finding a remedy for smelly feet, and in some cases, may experience excessive sweating. However, many home remedies can reduce the incidence of the condition, including exfoliation, soaks, and antiperspirants. A medical professional can also administer treatments, such as Botox, to help reduce foot odour.
Judges to rule on rape convict’s appeal against 40-year sentence on Tuesday
Judges of the Court of Appeal (CoA) will on Tuesday deliver their decision in an appeal lodged by a convicted rapist, Julius Branker, against his 40-year jail sentence. Branker was jailed in 2018 after he was found guilty of breaking into a woman’s house and raping her at knifepoint.
In a bid for freedom, he had moved to the CoA to have the conviction and sentence quashed, arguing, among other things, that his conviction is unsafe and that the sentence
Convicted rapist Julius Branker
is excessive.
After a trial that spanned several days at the Demerara High Court, Branker, who resided at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), prior to his incarceration, was found unanimously guilty of raping the woman on February 15, 2014.
The prison sentence was handed down by Justice Simone MorrisRamlall. The evidence detailed that armed with a knife, Branker broke into the victim’s house while she was lying in bed with her 18-month-old toddler and committed the act in the child’s presence.
But despite the jury’s verdict, Branker maintained his innocence, stating, “I am not guilty of this case.”
The court had heard that the victim was struggling to deal with the trauma which flowed from the horrific ordeal. “Honestly, I forgive him but you can’t be hurting women so. I get nightmares, I am always shaking.
I remember what happened to me and it is a shame. I don’t know how to have relationships. I feel nasty and I cannot get over it. He needs help and he should turn his life over to Christ,” she expressed.
In handing down the sentence, Justice MorrisRamlall considered the serious nature of the offence. She pointed to the fact that Branker broke into the woman’s house in the wee hours and committed the act in full view of her young son while threatening to kill her with a knife.
In the end, she encouraged him to change his life.
The convicted rapist only becomes eligible for parole after serving 35 years of his sentence.
Regional
Peru airport forced to close in deadly unrest
An airport in Peru has been closed and one person has been killed in violent protests, authorities have said.
Pictures on social media showed smoke billowing from Andahuaylas airport in the south of the country.
Fifty Police Officers and workers were surrounded by demonstrators at the airport, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.
Protests erupted after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on Wednesday.
Peru's aviation body Corpac – part of the Ministry – said the airport had been seriously affected since Saturday afternoon, experiencing attacks, vandalism and fires being started.
It said 50 airport workers and Police Officers had been surrounded in the airport terminal, and added that some people had been taken hostage.
Peru's National Police later said officers had been
Protests erupted after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on Wednesday.
to the airport with State Police, and that one officer had been injured.
One protester was killed, Police said, adding that they were taking steps to clarify the situation around the death. Peru's ombudsman said the person killed was an adolescent.
Both Police and the ombudsman appealed for an end to recent violence.
Hundreds of people marched through the capital, Lima, on Thursday and Friday, demanding Castillo's release and the resignation of his successor, Dina Boluarte.
Three thousand people protested in Andahuaylas on Saturday. Some tried to storm a Police Station, according to State media.
At least 16 protesters and four Police Officers were injured in marches in the city, the ombudsman reported.
Castillo had widespread support in the south of the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Brazil’s Economy Ministry rejects Lula transition team's judgement on finances Cruise ship to be named in Barbados
The P&O Cruises ship Arvia, which will be officially named in Barbados next March. This will be the first time a P&O ship will be named outside the homeport of Southampton, England (GP)
P&O Cruises has announced that its newest ship, the 5200-passenger Arvia, will be officially named in Barbados on March 16 next year in “a world-first beachside ceremony”.
In making the announcement recently, P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “We always aim to do things differently, to create standout and memorable moments for our current and future guests. Arvia, which will be delivered in December, will spend her first season sailing in the Caribbean, so it is fitting that we mark her naming in one of our favourite ports of call with a week of celebratory performances and experiences on board.”
The naming ceremony will feature some of Britain’s most modern and renowned performers and presenters. It will also be broadcast live to a global audience.
Ludlow said the naming event, “which has never been done before, will showcase our extraordinary new ship Arvia, the beauty of Barbados, and will include some very special surprises”.
He added: “The ship will be anchored off one of the island’s most stunning beaches, so the audience at home will be able to see both the striking new interior design of the ship as well as the performances and events taking place on the shore. It will be an unmissable event.”
A release from the company stated that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley thanked P&O Cruises for choosing Barbados as the location for “the unique event”.
She noted that “Barbados continues to share a rich relationship with our sea and tourism, and the cruise industry has been of vital importance to our island and our economy”. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Brazil's Economy Ministry on Sunday rejected assertions by President-elect Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's transition team that the outgoing Administration was leaving Government finances "bankrupted".
The Economy Ministry said in a statement that gross debt will reach 74 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of the year, with a primary surplus (excluding debt costs) of 23.4 billion reais, the first since 2013. "This will be the first Government ending its term with debt ratios lower than in its beginning, the debt was 75.3 per cent of GDP in 2018," the statement said.
Last week, the Planning and Budget group in Lula's camp said President Jair Bolsonaro is leaving the Brazilian state "bankrupted", according to former Minister and transition team member Aloizio Mercadante.
Brazil will pay international financial institutions US$1.23 billion next year, 20 per cent below the US$1.56 billion that was due in 2016, the Ministry said.
The Government said expenses to help the most vulnerable part of the population since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented raises to public servants through 2021.
Despite the Ministry's denial of fiscal problems, Senator Marcelo Castro, who is leading budget bill negotiations, said there are no available resources to pay for different Government programmes next year.
Lula's transition team is in talks to approve a bill allowing 145 billion reais in expenses above the current legally allowed ceiling.
Lula takes office on January 1. The leftist ex-President narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in an October 30 runoff election, a political comeback that ended Brazil's most right-wing government in decades. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Chile volcano: Alert issued after Lascar rumbles to life
Chilean officials have put a safety warning in place after a volcano sent an eruptive column 6000 metres (almost 20,000 feet) into the sky.
Lascar volcano, which sits in the Andes, rumbled into action on Saturday, triggering minor earth tremors.
No damage in the surrounding area has so far been reported, but an initial green warning was raised to yellow.
Chile's National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) defines "yellow" as meaning a volcano is unstable.
The classification also means experts are monitoring a site for minor explosions and appearances of smoke, according to Sernageomin.
Residents of Talabre, Antofagasta, a small town less than 12 kilometres (7 miles) from the volcano, first noticed some activity at around midday.
Despite the giant cloud of smoke that Lascar emitted – comprising volcanic ash and hot gases – no homes are thought to have been damaged. Authorities have set up a no-entry perimeter 5km from the volcano's crater.
Lascar, in the north of the country, is 70km from San Pedro de Atacama, a popular tourist destination for trekking and visits to the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. (BBC News)
PNP to launch Portia Simpson Miller Day as former PM celebrates 77th birthday
Former Jamaica Prime Minister and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller is set to be honoured with her very own ‘day’ by the PNP in celebration of her legacy.
The PNP, in a media advisory, said a resolution was passed by the executive of the party, declaring today, December 12, Simpson Miller’s birthday, an annual celebration of “Portia Simpson Miller Day".
Portia Simpson Miller
It will launch the initiative today at the party headquarters on Old Hope Road in St Andrew.
A statuette will also be presented in recognition of Simpson Miller’s contribution to the country's development, the Party said.
Simpson Miller, who retired in June 2017 after 43 years in representational politics, created history as Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister.
She turns 77 today. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)
Earthquake hits Mexico City, no immediate reports of damage
An earthquake hit southwestern Mexico on Sunday causing tremors through parts of the capital, according to residents, but there were no immediate reports of damage.
The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 6.0 quake struck 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) west-northwest of El Ticui in the state of Guerrero at a depth of 19.8 kilometres (12.3 miles).
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said on Twitter a flyover of the city had not yielded reports of damage. (Reuters)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022
19 Around the World
OILNEWS
Kremlin says Minsk deals failure led to Russia's Ukraine offensive
Saudi Energy Minister sees no clear results yet from Russia price cap
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Sunday the impact of European sanctions on Russian crude oil and price cap measures "did not bring clear results yet" and its implementation was still unclear.
The Group of 7 price cap on Russian seaborne oil came into effect Dec 5 as the West tries to limit Moscow's ability to finance its war in the Ukraine.
Russia has said it would not abide by the measure even if it has to cut its production. "What is happening now in terms of sanctions and price caps imposed and all of it really did not bring clear results, including measures implemented on Dec 5, we see a state of uncertainty in implementation," Prince Abdulaziz told a forum held following the country's 2023 budget announcements.
Prince Abdulaziz said Russia's reaction and what actions it would take in response to these tools was another aspect that needed to be taken into consideration when looking at the state of play in global markets. "These tools were created for political purposes and it is not clear yet whether they can achieve these political purposes," he said, referring to the price cap.
Other factors affecting the market going into 2023 include China's COVID-19 policies. The impact on China's economy from easing COVID restrictions still "needs time", he said.
Central banks' actions to tame inflation were also still a factor. "Central banks are still preoccupied with managing inflation, no matter the cost of these measures and their possible negative impact on global economic growth."
The OPEC+ alliance decision to cut production by 2 million barrels per day on Oct 5 was proven to be the correct one when recent developments are taken into consideration, he said.
The alliance, which groups together members of The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, last met on Dec 4 and decided to keep output unchanged amid a weakening economy and uncertainty over how the Russian price cap would affect the market.
Separately on Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told a policy conference in Abu Dhabi that oil prices have "to be fair to consumers and suppliers" to ensure producers invest in building spare output capacity.
The Saudi Energy Minister told the forum in Riyadh that OPEC+ would continue to focus on market stability in the year ahead.
Prince Abdulaziz also said he insisted that OPEC+ involve all members in decisions. "Group action requires agreement and therefore I continue to insist that every OPEC+ member, whether a big or small producer... be a part of decision-making," he said. "Consensus has positive implications on the market." (Reuters)
Russia launched what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine because its concerns around peace accords between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists were ignored, Russian news agencies quoted the Kremlin spokesman as saying on Sunday.
President Vladimir Putin this week bemoaned the failure to implement the Minsk agreements - ceasefire and constitutional reform deals between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine brokered in 2014 and 2015 by Russia, France and
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends an annual endof-year news conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, Russia, December 23, 2021
Germany, at the outset of the conflict with Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the deal.
Asked by a journalist whether Russia understood that it was being "deceived" over the Minsk accords, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Over time, of course, it became obvious. "And, again, President Putin and our other representatives constantly kept saying this," the TASS news agency quoted Peskov as saying. "But this was all ignored by the other participants of the negotiation process. "This is all precisely the precursor to the special military operation."
Putin was asked on Friday about remarks by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the agreements' sponsors, who told the Zeit magazine in an interview published on Wednesday that the 2014 agreement had been "an attempt to give Ukraine time" - which it had used to become more able to defend itself.
Russian media and politicians have quickly construed this as a betrayal on Merkel's part. (Reuters)
Jersey blast toll rises to 5 as hope of finding survivors fades
Jersey Police said on Sunday the death toll from an explosion at an apartment building had risen to five, and that four people remained unaccounted for as emergency services indicated they were unlikely to find any more survivors.
The explosion early on Saturday morning at a block of flats on the island of Jersey, off the coast of northern France, completely destroyed the three-storey building in the island's capital of St Helier. "The number of Islanders confirmed to have been killed in the blast is now 5. There are a number of residents, we're working on the assumption of 4, that are unaccounted for," local Police said on Twitter.
A member of a search crew works at a blast site at a block of flats in Saint Helier, on the island of Jersey, Britain December 10, 2022 in this picture obtained from social media
Jersey is a British Crown Dependency with a resident population of just over 100,000 people.
Fire services had been called to the property on Friday evening after residents had reported the smell of gas. The explosion occurred just before 0400 GMT on Saturday.
In a news conference on Sunday, emergency services said the search and rescue operation had moved to a recovery operation, indicating there was little hope of finding survivors.
Robin Smith, Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police, said the investigation would be independent and he would "rule nothing in and rule nothing out" when asked if he was treating the incident as a possible criminal matter.
He added that the recovery operation and the identification of bodies would take some time. "We are not going to be here for days. We are likely to be here for weeks," he told reporters. (Reuters)
Search under way after people pulled from icy lake near Birmingham
Asearch and rescue operation is under way after Police said a
Base editing: Revolutionary therapy clears girl's incurable cancer
Ateenage girl's incurable cancer has been cleared from her body in the first use of a revolutionary new type of medicine.
All other treatments for Alyssa's leukaemia had failed.
So doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital used "base editing" to perform a feat of biological engineering to build her a new living drug.
Six months later the cancer is undetectable, but Alyssa is still being monitored in case it comes back.
Alyssa, who is 13 and from Leicester, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May last year.
T-cells are supposed to be the body's guardians - seeking out and destroying threats - but for Alyssa they had become the danger and were growing out of control.
Her cancer was aggressive. Chemotherapy, and then a bone-marrow transplant, were unable to rid it from her body.
Without the experimental medicine, the only option left would have been merely to make Alyssa as comfortable as possible.
The team at Great Ormond Street used a technology called base editing, which was invented only six years ago.
Bases are the language of life. The four types of base - adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T) - are the building blocks of our genetic code. Just as letters in the alphabet spell out words that carry meaning, the billions of bases in our DNA spell out the instruction manual for our body.
Base editing allows scientists to zoom to a precise part of the genetic code and then alter the molecular structure of just one base, converting it into another and changing the genetic instructions.
The large team of doctors and scientists used this tool to engineer a new type of T-cell that was capable of hunting down and killing Alyssa's cancerous T-cells. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Temperatures of 1C (34F) were reported in the area at the time the emergency services were called. They are expected to plummet to -3C during the night
number of people pulled from a lake near Birmingham in freezing temperatures are in a critical condition.
Reports suggested people had been playing on the ice at Babbs Mill Park and fell through, according to West Midlands Fire Service.
It said people had received treatment before being taken to hospital.
Specialist teams and equipment are involved in the search.
The fire service said they were called shortly after 14:30 GMT on Sunday. Concerned members of the community gathered near the scene in what is residential area, as emergency services carried out work at the lake. Babbs Mill Park is a local nature reserve with a lake, river, wildflower grasslands and woodlands. Temperatures of 1C (34F) were reported in the area at the time the emergency services were called. They are expected to plummet to -3C during the night. Meanwhile, Police in Cumbria said they were dealing with an "incident" at Siddick Pond in Workington. The Force later confirmed noone was unaccounted for. The Met Office warned of the dangers posed by ice. A spokesperson said: "With temperatures set to struggle to get much above freezing over the coming days across much of the country, stretches of water such as rivers and ponds are at risk of freezing. "While frozen rivers and ponds can be fascinating, they can be dangerous and a hazard to life." (Excerpt from BBC News)
ARCHIE
DILBERT
PEANUTS
CALVIN AND HOBBES
SUDOKU
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE
DAILY HOROSCOPES
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(April 20-May 20)
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(June 21-July 22)
(July 23-Aug. 22)
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(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
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Pick people and projects with care. Be prepared to move forward alone, and you'll quickly discover who has a vested interest in what you are doing and who has something to offer. Don't take a risk.
Show discipline regarding emotional matters and cash flow. Listen more than you speak, and don't make impossible promises. Stick to a routine that you know you can afford.
Discipline, proper preparation and seeing promises through from beginning to end will lead to success. Put your energy where it counts, and you won't be disappointed. Avoid unnecessary changes.
Impulse purchases will fall short of your expectations. Be creative, think outside the box and develop cost-efficient ideas and plans. Don't overdo it. Overindulgence will leave you in a bind.
Emotions will surface. Before you air your grievances, try to fix the problem without asking for help. Do your best to assist others, and you'll win favors and admirers. Love is on the rise.
Keep a low profile and change only what's necessary. Stick close to home and share with the people you trust and love. Don't leave unfinished business in other people's hands.
Keep moving. The less time and energy you give to discussing sensitive issues, the better. Your best breaks will come from what you complete, not from what you talk about doing.
Take the most straightforward route and change what's necessary. Pay attention to detail when you try something new. Keep money matters and plans simple and within reason.
Hard work will pay off. Keep your eye on what's important, and you'll discover the best way to reach your goal without facing emotional setbacks. Don't expect everyone to agree with you.
Get approval before you change something at home or make plans with someone close. If you act in haste, you'll face opposition. Search for a unique way to use your skills.
Don't be so hard on yourself. Whether staying at home or venturing out with someone special, put your peace of mind first and enjoy what life offers. Take responsibility for your happiness.
Don't mix emotions and money, or it will cost you dearly. Don't give in to anyone trying to push you in a direction you don't care to go. Don't overspend to try to win favors or buy someone's love.
World Cup 2022: Who will reach the final in Qatar?
– semi-finals kick off on Tuesday with Argentina and Croatia
Saturday's defeat by France means the World Cup dream is over for England. But four teams – Argentina, Croatia, France, and Morocco – remain in Qatar, each still hoping to lift the trophy in a week's time.
It is a semi-final line-up few could have predicted, but one with plenty of intriguing storylines which could play out over the coming days...
Is this Messi's moment?
The most obvious semifinal subplot surrounds Lionel Messi and whether the Argentina superstar can win the World Cup for the first time.
Messi has had a glittering career, winning 10 Spanish league titles, another in France, four Champions Leagues, the 2021 Copa America and a record seven Ballon d'Or awards – given to the world's best player each year.
But, unlike other all-time greats such as Brazil's Pele or Argentina's Diego Maradona, the 35-year-old has not been able to win the sport's biggest prize.
It is 36 years since Argentina, runners-up in 2014 with Messi, were led by Maradona to their last World Cup win. Could Messi repeat the feat – and in doing so perhaps secure his legacy as the greatest of them all?
Morocco’s?
They are the first African team, and the first Arab side from a country with a Muslim majority, to reach a semi-final of a World Cup.
Despite having an experienced squad with a number of high-profile players, such as Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech and Paris St-Germain's Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions have defied expectation to reach this stage. They topped a group including Croatia and Belgium, before beating Spain in the last 16 and Portugal in the quarter-finals, and will now want to go one further.
Their success has been built around their steely defence and relentless workrate. No opposition player has scored against Morocco so far in Qatar – they have conceded just once, an own goal against Canada. They have also been one of the most passionately supported teams during the tournament.
Organisers have said this World Cup is not just about Qatar, but is for the Middle East region and Muslims as a whole. Could they have more to cheer on Tuesday?
Can France go back to back?
But standing in Morocco's way are another of Europe's best sides, France.
Les Bleus are trying to do what no-one has managed since Brazil 60 years ago in 1962 – successfully defend the men's World Cup.
In fact, in recent years the holders have struggled. Italy, Spain and Germany have all exited early as reigning champions over the past 12 years, but France have banished that curse. Saturday's win over England meant they became the first defending champions since Brazil, in 1998, to reach the semi-final.
Manager Didier Deschamps, though, is concentrating on Morocco. "You're getting ahead of yourself," he said, when asked about the prospects of a second final in a row.
Could Croatia do it again?
We could yet have a repeat of the 2018 final, if France beat Morocco and Croatia can see off Argentina. Croatia are back in the last four after another incredible show of resilience.
They beat Denmark and Russia on penalties en route to the final four years ago and this year have come through shootouts against Japan and Brazil.
It is 24 years since they last won a World Cup knockout game in 90 minutes –- a 3-0 win over Germany in the 1998 quarter-finals.
Croatia's efforts this year have been even more remarkable given their midfield maestro Luka Modric is now 37. Despite the extra minutes, he has looked as good as ever. Argentina, who lost 3-0 to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup group stage, will know not to underestimate them.
France v Morocco kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.
Argentina v Croatia is at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Commentaries on both games will also be on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app, while there will be live text commentary with clips, analysis and social media reaction on the BBC Sport website and app. (BBC Sport)
Ronaldo consoled by Pele and LeBron James as Portugal Captain ends World Cup career
Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell to the World Cup was followed by tributes from sporting superstars Pele, Kylian Mbappé and LeBron James. The Portugal Captain said his dream of winning the trophy was over, after his fifth World Cup ended with a quarter-final defeat to Morocco. Now 37, Ronaldo has conceded the Qatar 2022 tournament was his last World Cup, although he has left the door open for now on playing on in the short term. Ronaldo lost his place in the side and was a second-half substitute in the last-16 win over Switzerland and also the Morocco game. He became the first player to score in five separate World Cups, having netted in each edition since 2006, and is also now the joint most-capped player and highest goalscorer in international football history. However, he never scored in a game in the knockout stages of the World Cup, a blip on an otherwise remarkably successful career. There was a rapid reaction to an emotional message from Ronaldo on Instagram, where he described the goal of World Cup glory as "the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career". NBA great James said Ronaldo was a "LEGEND!!", with the Los Angeles Lakers star adding a salute, thank-you and crown emoji to his message. Three-time World Cup winner Pele, paying close attention to the tournament from his hospital bed in Brazil, wrote: "Thanks for making us smile my friend." Mbappé, who helped France beat England 2-1 on Saturday to reach the semifinals, replied to Ronaldo with three emojis. Those were of a goat, referencing
Ronaldo's 'greatest of all time' credentials, plus hands together to signal his thanks, and a crown. Ronaldo's recent interviewer and cheerleader, British Journalist Piers Morgan sent a message containing six sets of clapping hands. Former Brazil striker Pato wrote to Ronaldo: "You are an example! You inspire people and children around the world. The same ones that criticise you are the ones who want the same success as you. You are a giant! Congratulations." Jesse Lingard, Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mate, seemingly got his acronyms muddled, however, as he posted "GAOT". (Sportsmax)
U-19 players Joseph, Holder selected to injuryhit Windies Women squad
Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder are in the senior Women's squad
Two members of the West Indies Women U-19 squad have been included in a Meanwhile, off-spinner Karishma Ramharack returns to the squad after missing the CG United 14-member squad set to face England Women in the first two T20 Internationals at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on December 11 and at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on December 14.
Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder have been called up as replacements for Shakera Selman, who has been ruled out, and Chedean Nation, who sustained injuries during the CG United OneDay International (ODI) series that the home side lost 3-0.
Joseph and Holder are currently in Antigua for a high-performance camp with the U-19 Rising Stars ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s U-19 World Cup in South Africa in January 2023. ODI series due to injury. “The upcoming T20 series is vitally important as the team continues its preparations for the World Cup in February 2023. With some of the senior players missing out through injury, it is an ideal opportunity for the other players to start cementing a place in the World Cup team,” said lead selector Ann Browne-John. Full squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain); Shemaine Campbelle (Vice Captain); Aaliyah Alleyne; Afy Fletcher; Cherry Ann Fraser; Shabika Gajnabi; Sheneta Grimmond; Chinelle Henry; Trishan Holder; Djenaba Joseph; Kycia Knight; Karishma Ramharack; Kaysia Schultz and Rashada Williams. (Sportsmax)
Goodwill Under-13 series...
Guyana blown away by Trinidad Under-13
Trinidad and Tobago dominated Guyana in the first match of the 40-over Goodwill Under-13 series played at the Guyana National Stadium, at Providence.
The youngsters from the twin-island republic, who looked a far more uniform team, defeated the Guyanese by nine wickets.
Batting first on a rainhit day, Guyana posted 43 all out in 26.5 overs. Lamar Seecharan, Richard Ramdeholl, and Brandon Henry scored seven runs each as all batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Extras contributed 11 to Guyana's total. Shaan Ramthal was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7 from 1.5 overs. In response,
Trinidad and Tobago looked the more uniformed outift
Trinidad and Tobago looked a formidable batting lineup with opener Zakariyya Mohammed top-scoring with a promising 23. He was caught at short mid-wicket when he lost his balance off the left-arm spin of Henry.
Trinidad and Tobago raced to the target in 10.3 overs, ending on 431, with Ramthal scoring an unbeaten 10 to support Mohammed. Guyana's Captain, Henry had 1-6 in four overs.
The teams will return to Providence on Tuesday, December 13 for the second match. The remaining two fixtures will be played on Thursday, December 15 and Saturday, December 17 and will be live-streamed on the Guyana Cricket Board’s Facebook page.
Squads
Guyana Under-13 Team: Brandon Henry (Captain); Richard Ramdeholl (Vice Captain); Ravid Fredericks; Ethan Silas; Lamar Seecharan; Mohamed Balle; Khush Seegobin; Nathaniel Ramsammy; Makai Dowlin; Rayaz Latiff; Tameshwar Deonandan; Raffel Mc Kenzie; Darrius Pearson; Thierry Davis; Leon Ready and Arif Marimutoo. Coach: Lathman Yadram; Manager: Rayon Da Costa
Trinidad and Tobago Under-13 Team: Zakariyya Mohammed (Captain/ Wicketkeeper); Mikaeel Ali (Vice Captain); Brian Harricharan; Shaan Ramtahal; Reyad Jerome; Roberto Badree; Ethan Ramcharan; Ra’ed Ali- Khan; Sameer Ramdath; Zion Phillip; Abdiel Boland; Tyler Ramroop; Aaden Owen and Jordan Julien. Assistant Coach: Brent Francis; Coach: Kenneth Samuel; Assistant Manager: Azard Mohammed; Manager: Peter Padmore.
MVP Sports Futsal… Bent Street, Fruta Conquerors reign supreme
MVP Sports Futsal female champions Fruta Conquerors
Bent Street and Fruta Conquerors were the trending names on a two more goals from Teasdale (19th, 29th), two more from Trim (24th, 29th), one more night when experience prevailed, as the MVP male and female futsal finals were hosted.
The National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue was rocked by exhilarating performances from the aforementioned teams, in order to clinch the $500,000 and $200,000 grand prizes for the male and female categories respectively.
The first final to be staged was the women’s final, featuring Fruta Conquerors’ and Tiger Bay’s ladies. Although Tiger Bay started well, the weaknesses in their defence were soon opened wide and taking advantage were the Conquerors, who went on to win the encounter by a whopping 11-2 margin.
Fruta Conquerors’ rain of goals began as early as the second minute off the boots of Jessica Teasdale. Afena Baptiste, however, equalised soon after in the sixth minute, much to the delight of the boisterous crowd at the Gymnasium.
Jalade Trim had just the response Fruta desired, hammering back-to-back goals in the seventh and 10th minutes, pushing the score to 3-1. Sandra Johnson joined the party for Fruta, adding another two goals in the 13th and 14th for a 5-1 score by halftime.
Upon resumption, Tiger Bay’s Nina John found the back of the net in the 18th minute, but it would be their last celebration of the night as from Johnson (24th) and one from Hasha Holder (22nd) propelled Fruta Conquerors to 11 goals, a score that Tiger Bay could not dream of matching. Fruta Conquerors’ Teasdale was adjudged the female Most Valuable Player (MVP). On the men’s side, Bent Street completely dominate Future Stars to lift the trophy, after an 8-4 encounter. Bent Street had their first goal gifted to them in the fifth minute, by way of a Future Stars’ own goal. However, Tyrese Dennis eliminated Bent Street’s lead quickly, with a goal for Future Stars in the sixth minute. Clive Nobrega had his first strike in the 13th minute, two minutes after William Europe found the back of the net to punch the score to 3-1. Omari Glasgow added one in the 19th, creating a 4-1 lead for Bent Street by the half. The experienced Bent Street continued to score effortlessly as Nobrega scored in the 27th, Daniel Wilson found the back of the net in the 31st and Glasgow added another to his personal tally in the 33rd. Then, Future Stars turned up the game by 10 notches with a Raushawn Ritch double in the 35th and 39th minutes and one from Jamal Cozier in the 36th. Similarly to the women’s final, the deficit was just too big to close in the little time available and a 40th minute goal from Nobrega became the cherry on top for an almost-alarmed Bent Street.
As such, Nobrega was adjudged the male MVP and rode away with a motorcycle, compliments of Luminous Motors.
Meanwhile, two fans also got lucky on Saturday night. The first was Patrick Williams, who won a $10,000 gift voucher to shop at MVP Sports and the second, Sheikh Khudadin, who rode away with a motorcycle, also compliments of Luminous.
Additionally, the thirdplace playoffs were also staged on Saturday night, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women winning by walkover against GT Panthers and Stabroek Ballers thumping Gold is Money 6-1. For Stabroek Ballers, Henry Sampson and Dacosta Aboagye netted doubles while Mark Jhallu and Jamal Bristol added one each.
Dextroy Adams struck Gold is Money’s consolation goal in the 20 thminute. While Bent Street walked away with $500,000, Future Stars pocketed $300,000, Stabroek Ballers $200,000 and Gold is Money $100,000.
In the women’s tournament, Fruta Conquerors took home $200,000, Tiger Bay $100,000, and PGF Women $50,000.
The tournament was sponsored by MVP Sports, Luminous, ANSA McAL through its Lucozade and Magnum brands, and the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry. (Jemima Holmes)
Members of the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club
The Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) was formally the statement, a racing cycle was presented to KARCC’s youngest rider, Ajani Cutting. launched on Friday night in the clubhouse of GMR&SC on Thomas Lands.
During the event, the Club’s President, Gavin Alleyne unveiled the crisp team kit and its riders, and spoke on the Club’s purpose and goals for the 2023 season and beyond.
According to Alleyne, the Club is not new as its history dates back five decades to 1972 when it was first founded by five members. “It was ran out of the AME School in Queenstown,” said Alleyne during his overview speech.
Alleyne, who said that he was humbled for the opportunity to serve and be the President of the Club, added that the launch was an “important day for cycling, sport, and the country”.
Additionally, Alleyne stated that the launch ushered in a new chapter for KARCC and that the Club would look to the community to be an important partner. “Our club seeks to nurture a culture of competitiveness, discipline, athleticism and passion for the sport. In 2023 and beyond, the goal is to foster community collectivism, determination, and good citizenship that supports Guyana’s current development trajectory.”
The Club, Alleyne said, seeks to harness the talent of the young, to achieve their greatest potential. Following Alleyne, who has remigrated from the USA, further stated that one of the aims of the Club is to emerge with competitiveness in 2023 and revealed what cycling enthusiasts could look forward to. “Deliberate, intentional, and systematic approaches to talent management, member retention, training and development that lends to repeated sustainable team success, community and country success.” During his time on the mic, Pastor Nigel London stated that his dream was for at least one of the Club’s riders to become as famous as the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls. “You should be famous and successful and represent us in the biggest races like the Tour de France,” said London, as he wished the team success on the local and international circuit. The Club’s calendar of planned events for 2023 was disclosed by its Secretary, Jonnelle Lim. Lim stated that The Suriname Ride (January 2630); the KARCC Off Road Experience (February 26); the KARCC Highway Race (April 16); the Fireworks Race (October 22) and the Tyson English Mental Health and Cancer Ride (October 29) are all in the planning stages. The Club comprises standout riders like Andre “Padlock” Green, Marcus Keiler, Alex Mendes, Tyson English, Kwame Ridley, Dwayne Gibbs Jr, and Deeraj Garbarran.
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Australia complete series sweep with a crushing 419-run win
Nathan Lyon claimed his 450th Test wicket as Australia completed a 419-run thrashing of a dispirited West Indies early on day four of the second Test in Adelaide.
Lyon became the third Australian bowler after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to reach the landmark by clean bowling Alzarri Joseph to cap Australia's convincing 2-0 series triumph in the Frank Worrell Trophy.
It was their biggest-ever victory by runs against West Indies, whose second-innings total of 77 was their second-lowest total ever against Australia.
A ruthless Australia attack ran through a beleaguered West Indies to wrap up victory 30 minutes before the dinner break having won the first Test in Perth by 164 runs.
Australia stretched their unbeaten record in daynight Tests to 11 matches with seven of them having been at the Adelaide Oval. In contrast, West Indies offered little resistance in an uncompetitive performance to cap a disappointing series – their first against Australia since 2015-16.
Starting at a forlorn 38 for 4, after West Indies' top order was ripped apart under lights on day three by recalled quick Scott Boland, Devon Thomas and Jason Holder tried to prolong an inevitable result.
They were under immediate pressure from Australia's accurate seamers with quick Mitchell Starc hitting the pads of Thomas, but the not-out decision was upheld on review.
It was only a matter of time before a probing Starc removed Thomas, who was caught behind after flashing at a wider delivery. It was a lacklustre end for debutant Thomas, a reserve wicketkeeper in the squad, after showing grit with the bat and surprisingly taking two wickets with his handy seamers.
West Indies' slim chance of getting through the session was left to Holder, who put up a rearguard of 11 off 61 balls. But he could do little against a red-hot Starc, who produced a gem of an inswinger to knock out the off stump and move to 296 Test wickets.
Lyon came into the attack before the drinks break as he eyed his 450th wicket. The offspinner thought he had it when Travis Head took a sharp one-handed catch at leg slip only for the ball to have missed the bat of Joshua Da Silva. But Lyon would savour his milestone shortly after.
Seamer Michael Neser also got among the wickets by removing Roston Chase thanks to a superb juggling catch from wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was up at the stumps.
Neser claimed Da Silva later in the over after another sharp take from Carey, who claimed his fifth catch for the innings. The NeserCarey pairing then dismissed Marquino Mindley to put West Indies out of their misery.
Australia's depth of pace bowlers was underlined by sensational performances from miserly seamers Neser and Boland, who combined for eight wickets in the match – their first Test since last summer's Ashes.
Australia's big victory was set up when stand-in Captain Steven Smith won a crucial toss and elected to bowl on a batting-friendly pitch. Australia's massive first innings of 511 for 7 was highlighted by a 297run fourth-wicket partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and hometown hero Head, who each scored big centuries.
A second-string West Indies attack failed to trouble Australia's batters on a pitch with tennis ball-like bounce and occasional movement.
Their injury woes deepened when debutant quick Mindley broke down on day one with a hamstring injury after two overs. It was heartbreak for him after arriving in Adelaide from the Caribbean just 48 overs before the match. Australia declared in each of their four innings with their batting order dominating listless West Indies bowling, most notably Player of the Series Labuschagne who scored 502 runs with three centuries.
West Indies, obviously, had few bright spots, but their one shining light was the impressive Test start for opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of legendary batter Shivnarine, who defied Australia's attack with 160 runs at an average of 40.
But their 25-year Test drought in Australia continued as West Indies will need to do plenty of soul-searching ahead of returning Down Under next summer. (ESPNcricinfo)
Mitchell Starc celebrating with his teammates Australia won the series 2-0
SCOREBOARD
West Indies 2nd Innings(T: 497 runs)
Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Carey b Boland 3 Tagenarine Chanderpaul c †Carey b Starc 17 Shamarh Brooks lbw b Boland 0 Jermaine Blackwood c Green b Boland 0 Devon Thomas c †Carey b Starc 12 Jason Holder b Starc 11 Joshua Da Silva †c † Carey b Neser 15 Roston Chase c † Carey b Neser 13 Alzarri Joseph b Lyon 3 Anderson Phillip not out 1 Marquino Mindley c †Carey b Neser 0 Extras (lb 2) 2 TOTAL 40.5 Ov (RR: 1.88) 77 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 5.1 ov), 2-15 (Shamarh Brooks, 5.3 ov), 3-15 (Jermaine Blackwood, 5.6 ov), 4-21 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 8.3 ov), 5-42 (Devon Thomas, 24.6 ov), 6-49 (Jason Holder, 28.1 ov), 7-69 (Roston Chase, 38.1 ov), 8-76 (Joshua Da Silva, 38.6 ov), 9-76 (Alzarri Joseph, 39.2 ov), 1077 (Marquino Mindley, 40.5 ov)
BOWLING O-M-R-W
Mitchell Starc 10-4-29-3 Michael Neser 10.5-3-22-3 Scott Boland 10-5-16-3 Nathan Lyon 10-7-8-1
...while he was disappointed at the heavy defeat in Adelaide, he felt West Indies had had an encouraging year in Test cricket
West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite lamented that his team "didn't show any fight" in Adelaide, Australia, but believed that overall they had produced a successful year in Test cricket.
They crashed to a 419run defeat within the opening session of the fourth day, their heaviest runs defeat in Test cricket, having shown heart to take the first Test deep into the penultimate session.
In both matches, West Indies' bowling attack was put to the sword by a combination of Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith and Travis Head. A couple of late wickets for Alzarri Joseph in Adelaide made him their leading bowler with five at 53.00 – highlighting their struggles – amid a string of injuries that left them with a patched-up attack.
Brathwaite produced their standout knock of the series with 110 in the second innings in Perth, but no one passed fifty in Adelaide as they could only make
Kraigg Brathwaite noted that his team lacked fight
214 and 77. "It was very disappointing. The first game, we fought to day five which was a decent effort. Coming here we didn't show any fight at all," Brathwaite said. "Obviously Australia bowled well, but we didn't fight. The pink ball is always different, under lights is always tough. Bad days happen and bad games. This was a bad game for sure, but it's not the end of the world, we have a lot of Test cricket to play next year so we have to look ahead." West Indies came into the series unbeaten in five Tests for the year – including three wins a row – and, before the Adelaide match, were above England and New Zealand on the World Test Championship table. Brathwaite was adamant that viewed as a whole, and given the strength of the opposition they faced in this series, that it had been an encouraging year in the format. "This loss is a little disappointing and how we didn't show the fight," he said. "But I still think it was a good year for us – a very good year – losing one series against probably the number one team in the world is not a bad effort."
West Indies' next Test cricket will come on tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa in early 2023. They are then due back in Australia in a little over 12 months' time due to a quirk of the next World Test Championship cycle, which has seen them paired together again with no other spot on the calendar to try and space out the series a little more. CA had tried to find another window to avoid back-to-back summers with the same opposition, but it was not possible.
Brathwaite hopes that those players who return can use what they have learned from watching the Australians go about their work, with this Test series having been West Indies' first here since 2015-16. "For a lot of the guys it was their first time to Australia," he said. "The experience would help, both as batsmen and bowlers. Seeing how Australia play, how their batsmen started their innings, we can learn from that and then how their bowlers bowled throughout a spell. At times in Perth they bowled for the whole day, but then you see the areas they bowled. Australia will always be a strong team at home, but the key from experiences is learn from them."
One of the encouraging aspects for West Indies was the debut series of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made 51, 45, 47 and 17 at the top of the order alongside the Captain. Such was his occupation of the crease that Australia got very inventive with their fields when they went at him with a short-pitched attack, although Chanderpaul blotted his copybook by running himself out in the first over of the third day. "It showed that he's tough," Brathwaite said. "You've got Mitchell Starc coming in at 90mph and you see a guy fighting like that, says a lot about his character. I thought he had a good start to his career and can see him really blossoming to have a superb career for West Indies."
Brathwaite, himself, meanwhile said he retained the hunger and desire to lead West Indies. "I love Test cricket and [am] thankful for the job. We'll see how it goes. I want to lead this team from the front, especially with the bat, that's my job. As a group we have the talent, we have the ability. It's for us to believe in ourselves and you learn from all the challenges you go through." (ESPNcricinfo)
