$59 million in Vermont bond sales completed on first day
State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding announced today that Vermont successfully sold $20 million of Vermont Citizen bonds and another $38.83 million of general obligation refunding bonds on February 25. The sale was planned as a two-day process; however, the bonds sold out entirely by the middle of the first day.“We are extremely pleased by the response to our bond offering,” said State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding. “We received approximately $90 million of orders for the almost $60 million in bonds that were available. The strong response indicates Vermont investors and brokers are eager to invest in the State and support badly needed capital projects.”The bonds settled, or closed, on March 11, 2010. The State was able to lock in a total interest cost of 2.5 percent. The yield investors received on their bond purchases ranged from 0.25 percent for bonds maturing in one year to 3.08 percent for bonds maturing in twelve years. The Citizen Bonds were offered in amounts as small as $1,000, with maturities ranging from one to ten years and targeted to retail investors.The refunding bond maturities range from one to twelve years, corresponding with the maturity dates of the older bonds that were being refinanced, and were offered in standard $5,000 amounts. The refunding produced cash flow savings of more than $2.6 million from fiscal years 2011 through 2022, with approximately $409,000 in savings for fiscal year 2011 alone. The savings comes from the State securing a lower interest rate through the refinancing process.Demand for the State’s bonds was enhanced by the State’s strong credit ratings. The bonds are rated Aaa by Moody’s Investors Service, and AA+ by both Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service and Fitch Ratings. The Aaa rating reflects the highest rating available to government issuers, and the AA+ ratings the second-highest. High demand for the bonds allowed the State to offer a lower rate of return and consequently, lower the cost to the State for borrowing money for capital projects. Costs to the State would have been higher if Vermont’s bond ratings were lower.Proceeds raised by the sale in February of Vermont Citizen bonds go toward funding projects that were authorized by the State Legislature in the last legislative session. As part of the annual approval of capital bonding projects, the State is expecting to again offer bonds for sale in October and November of 2010.Source: State Treasurer. 3.16.2010
While the school’s spirit week is over, he still plans on making videos to share. BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — With schools closed across the state until April 29, many are resorting to online learning. Teaching lessons of love and light, even when school is closed. “I think it’s super important during this time that they get to see me, they still know that we’re here, that we’re behind them, that we’re supporting them, and it’s a great way for me to stay connected to the kids on a platform that they love and they use,” said Richman. “I had never even honestly heard of TikTok or knew what it was, but I felt like since the kids wanted that to happen, it was my role to do it,” said Richman. Richman posts things from funny videos about being home, to videos tailored to the day of the week. But it’s not all about the academics, Binghamton High School principal Kevin Richman is teaching his own lesson about spreading joy and positivity. Like many educators would say, it’s all for the students. Mr. Richman has even challenged other buildings and staff to hop on TikTok and do the same. Take ‘Workout Wednesday’ for example. For more on the coronavirus, click here. Not only is Mr. Richman spreading joy onto your feed, he’s also sharing the messages students need to hear most. Richman started posting videos on the social media site, TikTok as a part of Binghamton High School’s virtual spirit week. “We do love them. And we do miss them. And if I can use TikTok as an avenue to show everybody that, then I’m going to do that,” he said. “I decided to hop on the treadmill here at the high school holding a cinnamon roll and lip syncing to a song,” said Richman. “The reality is that we all need a laugh, we all need a smile, and again, if I can do a little dance or do a little singing to make that happen then I’m doing a very small part that needs to be done to get us through this time.” “We really were trying to come up with some ideas to keep our kids connected to the building while they’re all home,” he said. While the school community is adjusting to many changes, TikTok was also a learning curve for the principal.
Voters fill out their ballots as they vote at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center polling station on October 21, 2020 in Miami, Florida.Joe Raedle | Getty Images – Advertisement – – Advertisement – – Advertisement –
Since 1964, Florida has backed every winning presidential candidate except once in 1992. The state took center stage in the 2000 election after an intense ballot recount dispute made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Republican George W. Bush ultimately claimed victory in Florida over Democrat Al Gore by a margin of just 0.009% — the closest in any presidential election in U.S. history.This is breaking news. Check back for updates. President Donald Trump is leading in Florida voting returns, but his contest in the Sunshine State against Democratic nominee Joe Biden is still too close to call, NBC News reported.Florida has 29 Electoral College votes. Polling averages had indicated a tight presidential race. Trump won Florida by 1.2% in 2016.As of 9:10 p.m. ET, Trump was leading with 51% of the votes tallied so far, compared to 48% for Biden, the former vice president.- Advertisement –
The company will reposition the Yachtclub restaurant located on the Verudela peninsula, as well as the common areas and rooms in the Park Plaza Histria Pula hotel. The core of the art’otel brand is art itself Hotel Brioni / opening in 2021 Hotel Riviera Pula enjoys an extremely convenient location, in an impressive neo-baroque building from the end of the 19th century. Namely, the Riviera Hotel was a favorite choice of the aristocracy during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. It is the rich history of the Riviera Hotel that will be a great inspiration and link to the arts. However, as each art’otel is associated with the promotion of art through art galleries and various events, certainly the new hotel Riviera will have a much wider dimension for Pula, as a quality cultural content of the destination. The whole deal is worth 36,5 million kuna, and now that the ownership has been resolved, AHG plans to restore this historic hotel to the old splendor and status that this hotel deserves. “The purchase resolves the ownership status of this historic hotel and represents an important step that allows the Company to begin plans to renovate the hotel.”Point out from AHG. The hotel will be transformed into a luxury, branded hotel with 80 rooms, the first in Croatia under the art’otel brand. Namely, these are art hotels and currently five hotels from the Arena Hospitality Group operate under the art’otel brand in Hungary and Germany. The company also ends up arranging the Verudela Beach resort. After the initial renovation of the first 10 accommodation units before the summer season of 2019, construction work began in October, which will completely renovate the remaining 146 units of the tourist resort. Verudela Beach will be the second renovated apartment complex of the Group (with Park Plaza Verudela Pula renovated in 2013), out of a total of four tourist resorts of the Group. Each hotel exhibits a collection of original works designed or specially selected for each individual art’otel, making each of them a unique art gallery. AHG’s investment cycle of HRK 500 million By the way, AHG is currently in an investment cycle of around HRK 500 million, which includes the repositioning of the Brioni hotel, which will be reopened in the summer of 2021, the renovation of the Verudela Beach resort and the final investment cycle in Arena Kažela Campsite. Hotel Riviera The group continues with the second phase of investing in Arena Kažela Campsite, which began in October. The first phase of the investment included 164 new luxury mobile homes, two new swimming pools, a reception desk, new modern poolside bars, the Illy coffee bar and animation facilities. The second phase of investments refers to the replacement of mobile homes, repositioning of plots by the sea (which will include the complete construction of infrastructure, and their average size will be 150 m2), renovation of public areas, restaurants, bars and sports center. Hotel Brioni will be repositioned into a luxury hotel with 227 rooms. The structure of the hotel will have seven floors which will include an indoor, outdoor and infinity pool, a wellness center with saunas and relaxation rooms, a gym, a children’s playground, snack bars, a restaurant, meeting and conference rooms. After being resolved this year a long-running lawsuit , has now been officially confirmed – Arena Hospitality Group (AHG) has bought the Hotel Riviera in Pula from the Ministry of State Property. ART’OTEL BERLIN KUDAMM “In accordance with previous announcements, following the litigation initiated by the Republic of Croatia against the Company for repossession of the facility and payment of the use fee, the Company received a decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia agreeing to a settlement in the aforementioned civil proceedings for Riviera. The company considered the proposed settlement and on 28.04.2020. concluded a settlement with the Republic of Croatia, the AHG informed via the Zagreb Stock Exchange. That is why art’otel has created its own niche in the world of hospitality, which is completely different from traditional hotels. The investment will turn this camp into a modern 4-star camping resort, and upon completion it will be renamed the Grand Kažela Arena. Photo: AHG
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has delayed several qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.Indonesia’s matches to qualify for the soccer fiesta have been rescheduled as follows: · Indonesia versus Thailand is rescheduled to Oct. 8 (initially on March 26)· Indonesia versus United Arab Emirates is rescheduled to Oct. 13 (initially on March 31)· Indonesia versus Vietnam is rescheduled to Nov. 12 (initially on June 4)The AFC decided to postpone the matches after an emergency meeting with representatives from East Asian and Southeast Asian countries in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. “It’s an unexpected and challenging time, but the AFC is working tirelessly to monitor the situation, including all sorts of travel restrictions, while continuously communicating with our members, leagues, and clubs,” AFC secretary-general Dato Windsor John said in a written statement on Tuesday, as reported on the Soccer Association of Indonesia’s (PSSI) website, pssi.org.PSSI chief Mochamad Iriawan said he respected the AFC’s decision to postpone the matches.Read also: World Cup dream fades away as Indonesian soccer team loses againIriawan said he understood the current situation and appreciated the measures taken by the AFC to stem the spread of the coronavirus.”Our national team had done some preparations last month, and they’re planning to meet again [for training] in mid-March. But we understand the latest situation in the world that has affected soccer both directly and indirectly. In any case, humanity stands above everything,” Iriawan said.Aside from the World Cup qualification matches, the AFC has also postponed several qualifying matches for the 2020 Asia Champions League. However, the AFC is still aiming for the league’s final to be played as scheduled in November.Topics :
Comment Advertisement Advertisement Metro Sport ReporterSaturday 23 May 2020 11:28 amShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link525Shares Chris Sutton rates Arsenal transfer target Odsonne Edouard after Thierry Henry backing Former Celtic and England striker Chris Sutton (Picture: Getty)‘Edouard really assumed the mantle of responsibility as Neil Lennon chased the nine last season and delivered in emphatic style for his boss and team.’Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer, is also a huge fan of Edouard, according to former Rangers striker Ally McCoist.‘I spoke to Thierry Henry at the Liverpool vs Leicester City game and he really rates Edouard,’ McCoist told talkSPORT earlier this month.‘He was saying in France in particular [he is highly regarded] and he personally really, really thinks he’s got a chance of going right to the top.’More: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man CityFollow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.For more stories like this, check our sport page.MORE: Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s first kit was Arsenal as Chelsea star loved Thierry HenryMORE: Arsenal and Chelsea keeping tabs on Gladbach teenager Kaan Kurt Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Odsonne Edouard from Celtic (Picture: Getty)Chris Sutton has hailed ‘sensational’ Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard and said the Arsenal transfer target can emulate Virgil van Dijk by cracking the Premier League.French star Edouard has scored 62 goals in 126 matches for Celtic since signing from PSG in 2017, establishing himself as one of the top players in Scotland.The 22-year-old had scored 28 goals this season before the coronavirus pandemic forced the Scottish top-flight to be suspended and eventually cancelled, with Celtic – 13 points clear of rivals Rangers – awarded the title.Premier League club Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Edouard and Celtic legend Sutton says he can ‘do everything’ and even emulate Van Dijk.AdvertisementAdvertisementADVERTISEMENTLiverpool defender Van Dijk left Celtic in 2015 and is now considered one of the best players in world football.‘French striker Edouard is going to the very top just like Van Dijk and he’s been sensational,’ Sutton told the Daily Record.‘The striker can do everything. He links the game, he makes runs, he creates and he is a quality finisher.
RelatedPosts Rohr lists Musa, Ekong, 23 others for Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia friendlies Super Eagles soar on FIFA ranking FIFA ranking: Nigeria moves up by two spots, now world 29th Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has picked in-form Granada of Spain midfielder Ramon Azeez and Czech-based forward Peter Olayinka in Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the prestige friendly with five-time world champions Brazil in Singapore on October 13. Rohr also have defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem back from injury, otherwise the squad is largely unchanged from the side that was forced to a 2-2 draw by Ukraine in Dnipro on September 10. Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Maduka Okoye are retained, but England-based Leon Balogun and Russia-based Bryan Idowu are left out of the defence equation. Former U20 team captain Ramon Azeez is called just as Leicester of England’s Kelechi Iheanacho is left out, while Girondins Bordeaux’s Joshua Maja will sit this one out, his place taken by another new boy, Peter Olayinka. England-based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi also returns after missing the Ukraine encounter with injury. Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Scotland-based Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, who scored on his debut against Ukraine, are all back in midfield, with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Dennis all back in the frontline. Substantive captain Ahmed Musa is still down with injury. All invited players are expected to arrive in Singapore on October 9. Nigeria and Brazil will tango in a much-anticipated encounter at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang, Singapore on October 13, 23 years after Nigeria, on their way to winning Africa’s first Olympic football gold, spanked the Selecao in the semifinals at the Athens Stadium in the State of Georgia, USA.23 EAGLES TO BATTLE BRAZIL Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Emil Maduka Okoye (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany). Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (CD Leganes, Spain); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England). Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Anderson Esiti (PAOK Salonica, Greece); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Ramon Azeez (Granada FC, Spain). Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Lille OSC, France); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic). Tags: Gernot RohrKenneth OmeruoRamon AzeezSuper Eagles
Sunderland recovered from another own goal gaffe to collect their first away league win of the season at the expense of 10-man Crystal Palace, 3-1. Looking to break a hoodoo of 12 years without a Barclays Premier League win on a Monday evening, the Black Cats appeared on course for a much-needed victory when Steven Fletcher notched his third goal of the season. But they made life difficult for themselves once more as substitute Brown scored the sixth Premier League own goal of his distinguished career, and Sunderland’s third in their last three games, only to see Jordi Gomez score from a rare second-half break. A bad night was made worse for the hosts when captain Mile Jedinak was dismissed in the closing stages having collected two yellow cards, before Fletcher completed an impressive display by tucking home a second in the final seconds. The result takes Gus Poyet’s side above Palace in the table and the Eagles are now winless in four, only sitting outside of the bottom three courtesy of a better goal record than Leicester. Poyet stuck with goalkeeper Vito Mannone and the back four which was hammered 8-0 at Southampton for the defeat to Arsenal last weekend but he made two alterations here. Although Mannone and Brown lost their places in the porous Sunderland side, Poyet moved Santiago Vergini into a central role to accommodate debutant Anthony Reveillere. He almost rued the decision to play the man who scored such a memorable own goal in the St Mary’s mauling as the Argentina international was lucky to escape conceding a penalty in the opening seconds. Palace boss Neil Warnock has been outspoken about refereeing decisions costing his side points in recent games and he was left shaking his head having only just taken his place in the dugout when Vergini hacked at Fraizer Campbell. With the home side shading the opening half an hour it was something of a shock when Fletcher rose to nod in Sunderland’s first away league goal since the opening day of the season. Warnock was angered again as Palace saw another legitimate penalty decision go against them but he would have also been upset with the toothlessness of his attack in the opening 45 minutes. But his side turned up the heat in the second half and levelled through a Brown own goal, when the substitute turned Campbell’s backheel over the line. With their recent luck Sunderland could have been forgiven for letting their heads drop but they kept Palace at bay as the hosts looked for a winner before Gomez struck his maiden league goal, with the Eagles losing Jedinak late on after the Australian picked up a second booking. The points were assured for the Wearsiders as Fletcher latched onto Liam Bridcutt’s pass to finish coolly past Speroni in stoppage time. The night could have got off to the worst possible start for Sunderland as a long ball out of the Palace defence was flicked on by Marouane Chamakh to Campbell – and the ex-Sunderland man appeared to be tripped inside the box by a backtracking Vergini inside 30 seconds – but referee Phil Dowd waved away the penalty shouts of the hosts. Former Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon made his league debut for Sunderland but went largely untested in the opening half an hour – with Yannick Bolasie blazing a shot out for a throw-in summing up the early stages. Sunderland proved more accurate with their chances as Patrick van Aanholt just stayed onside to hang up a cross to the back post and Fletcher headed low into the corner of Julian Speroni’s goal to put the visitors ahead. Warnock had his head in his hands as Palace were denied another strong penalty shout as van Aanholt appeared to bring down Zaha – although it looked like initial contact was outside the box – with Dowd again unmoved. Either way the challenge proved to be the end of the game for ex-Chelsea youngster van Aanholt, who was carried off on a stretcher – the club confirmed the Dutch defender was taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder. Brown came on for Sunderland, before Palace fans unfurled a banner on the stroke of the 38th minute campaigning against the proposal of a Premier League game taking place abroad – with the organisation’s chief executive Richard Scudamore in attendance as a guest of the club. Fletcher came close to doubling Sunderland’s advantage as a rasping drive stung the palms of Speroni at his near post, with Palace struggling to come to terms with finding themselves behind. Vergini was the next to test his compatriot as he flashed in a low volley as he sought to prove himself as dangerous in the opposition’s penalty area as he looked in his own a fortnight ago. Zaha forced Pantilimon into a simple low save after a quickly-taken free-kick as Palace started the second half with more urgency. Sunderland’s defence did not learn from Palace’s quick free-kick and were undone from a similar routine from a corner as Zaha collected the ball and wriggled free before crossing to Chamakh, whose shot was brilliantly kept out by Pantilimon. However, he could do nothing as Campbell’s backheel hit Brown and flashed past him to level for Palace. Looking to make amends, Brown did well to cushion a header to Vergini as Sunderland looked to re-establish their lead, although the latter’s second well-struck volley of the night was again kept out by Speroni. Meanwhile Zaha continued his personal duel with Pantilimon, this time bending a wicked effort towards the Romanian’s far post, with the goalkeeper once again coming out on top as he pushed it behind for a corner. Palace started to build up a head of steam in search of the winner but it was Sunderland who stunned Selhurst Park into silence as Gomez angled an accurate low drive past a stationary Speroni to put the visitors back in front. Warnock saw his skipper Jedinak dismissed after picking up a second yellow card after bringing down Gomez in the middle of the park. Fletcher then sealed the win for Sunderland after Bridcutt had robbed Jason Puncheon of possession to leave send the travelling contingent home happy. Press Association
Frank Lampard is ready to hit the ground running in New York after ending his Manchester City career in style. Lampard said: “The only difficult period for me was when we went into the new year level-pegging with Chelsea at the top. I felt I was really contributing to the team but then I had a few months where I hardly started any of the games and that was difficult. “It was a frustrating couple of months but I kept a level head about it because I was just very happy to be here.” Lampard has put that behind him by starting the last six games as City have at least finished the season well after tamely surrendering the title they won last year. He opened the scoring against Southampton by turning in a low cross from James Milner after 31 minutes. Sergio Aguero, who was twice denied by veteran Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis in the first half, added the second with a close-range header after 88 minutes. It was Aguero’s 32nd goal in all competitions and his 26th in the Premier League, underlining his status as golden boot winner. City will now look to rebuild – and the future of a number of players is uncertain – but captain Vincent Kompany believes there is a strong base to build on despite this season’s disappointments. Kompany said: “We finished in the way we wanted to finish to be competitive again next season. “This season was about ups and downs. We had some incredible spells – and I don’t think we had so good moments last season when we won the league. But we had some complete breakdowns and you are not allowed to do that at this level. “There are a lot of lessons to be learned but ultimately we finished second and second best is the closest contender to the title.” For Southampton it was a disappointing end to what has been a highly impressive season. Manager Ronald Koeman has shone in his first year at the club, producing a fluid and attractive team after inheriting a squad shorn of some of last season’s stars. Their final position of seventh could yet be good enough for a Europa League spot if Arsenal win the FA Cup. Koeman accepts he has a lot to live up to next year. He said: “The fans know how good it was this season but next year it will be more difficult. The expectation will he higher and you get always a reaction from the bigger teams. “But we can be proud. We will still believe in our qualities and the philosophy the club wants to bring. We try to bring young players in and play good football.” “It was emotional but I am very proud,” said 36-year-old Lampard, whose contribution to English football was acknowledged with a presentation after the game. “There were loads of emotions – a tiny bit of sadness to finish but much more of a good feel. “The game went well, I scored a goal and what the club did for me at the end and the way the fans reacted – I couldn’t have asked for much more. “I can go away saying it was an absolute pleasure. I still feel fit and I feel like I can play for a couple more years. Maybe I could have done that in the Premier League, my choice is to play in America. “That is my new challenge now. I feel fit and ready to go for it. I don’t want to go and make up the numbers. I want to go there and carry on and do something good.” Lampard, who was released by Chelsea last summer, joined City as a training stop-gap before planning to move to New York for the start of the 2015 MLS season. But the move proved unexpectedly fruitful and – amid much confusion over the exact terms – City reached agreement with their sister US club to retain him until the end of their 2014-15 campaign. Lampard admits there was frustration after that extension was agreed as manager Manuel Pellegrini then stopped playing him regularly. It proved a critical period of the season as City fell behind Chelsea in the title race. Press Association The former England and Chelsea midfielder got on the scoresheet as City beat Southampton 2-0 and wrapped up their Barclays Premier League campaign with a sixth successive win. It was Lampard’s 259th goal in 882 club matches and the perfect send-off as he now joins fledgling Major League Soccer outfit New York City. 
… Pollard, Narine omittedBRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Dynamic all-rounder Andre Russell was yesterday named in West Indies’ 15-man World Cup squad but speculation over the anticipated return of several veteran T20 stars proved pointless, as they were overlooked for the ICC showpiece in England next month.The 30-year-old Russell has played 52 One-Day Internationals but has not suited up for West Indies in almost a year. He was recalled for the recent series against England but did not feature due to injury.Left-handed opener Evin Lewis, who has also been on the sidelines for nearly a year, has been recalled in the squad which retains the core of players who featured in the recent five-match home series against England which finished tied 2-2.Debate had raged over the last week about the possible inclusion of previously marginalised players but there was ultimately no recall for the likes of all-rounders Kieron Pollard and the retired Dwayne Bravo.Off-spinner Sunil Narine, currently campaigning in the Indian Premier League, was not considered for selection due to a finger injury and neither was fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who also pulled out of the cash-rich T20 league with a dislocated shoulder.“Based on the new selection policy approach which allowed us to consider a number of players that have not regularly appeared in the side over the last two years, we had a wide base of talent from which to choose,” said new interim chairman of selectors, Robert Haynes.“There were a number of tough calls we had to make to settle on our squad of 15, including ensuring there was some continuity in the side, but we believe we have chosen a strong squad of players taking into consideration such factors as experience, fitness, team balance, current form and conditions.“In keeping with tournament regulations, we submitted our squad prior to the deadline date of yesterday. All players named for the Tri-Nations Series could, however, stake a claim to be in the final 15-member squad that will be submitted after the Tri-Series and before the final deadline next month.”
Dynamic all-rounder Andre RussellAs expected, veteran left-hander Chris Gayle heads the batting group and is now set to play his fifth World Cup and his final, following his announcement earlier this year that he intends to retire from ODIs after the tournament.If there were lingering doubts about the 39-year-old’s form, he quenched them with a Man-of-the-Series 424 runs against England recently and Haynes backed the talismanic former captain to produce at the May 30 to July 14 World Cup.“To have a player the calibre of Chris in the side to lead the batting with his vast experience and his ability to play match-winning or game-changing innings is a blessing for us and the motivation of becoming the leading scorer for West Indies in ODIs is something which I think he will relish,” said Haynes.“Looking at the condition of pitches in ODIs over the last few years in England and Wales, it appears that big totals will be the order of the day, so we believe we have a line-up that can put big totals on the board or chase them, as we have seen from recent matches.“With players like the captain, Jason Holder, as well as Andre Russell in the lower middle-order, we believe we have good depth to our batting which will allow us to play the brand of cricket that will give us the best chance of winning the World Cup.”Gayle will be surrounded by the youth of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, all in their first-ever World Cup.Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who will also play his first World Cup, will lead the pace attack which includes veteran Kemar Roach, left-armer Sheldon Cottrell and rookie Oshane Thomas.Holder, Russell and fellow all-rounder, Carlos Brathwaite, will all provide additional firepower in conditions expected to be seam-friendly.“We are excited about the pace attack led by Kemar and Shannon, and we are confident that any bowling combination we put on the park is capable of providing a serious challenge to the opposition in any conditions,” Haynes said“It will be a long tournament and it will be important for the bowling attack to stay fit and healthy for us to remain competitive and make a strong push to win the World Cup.”Following the upcoming Tri-Nations Series in Ireland, West Indies will stage a one-week camp in Southampton, May 18-24, before launching their World Cup campaign against Pakistan.SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.