Day: July 6, 2022

Posted on

Chinese investors buy up more land in Laos

Chinese businesses investing in Laos are quickly buying up land for factories, hotels and other development projects, as China’s influence continues to grow in the impoverished, landlocked country to its south.

“A lot of Chinese are buying land for future investments,” a real estate agent in the Lao capital Vientiane told RFA on Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

“The price of land near the Vientiane railway station is 2,500 Thai baht ($70) per square meter, and the land listed with my company has now almost all been sold to the Chinese.”

Foreign investors looking to buy land in Laos are required for now to make the purchase in the name of a Lao citizen with legal residency in the country, Lao sources told RFA, also asking for anonymity in order to speak freely.

“One Chinese businessman came to Dan Xang Village in Vientiane’s Xaythany District and legally married a Lao woman there,” another real estate agent in the capital said.

“Later, the Chinese bought 10 hectares of land in the name of his wife and then built a hotel resort, karaoke bar and restaurant there that are now patronized mostly by other Chinese,” he said.

A landowner in the Phon Hong District of Vientiane Province said that he has already sold one hectare of a 9 –hectare plot, but is refusing Chinese offers of 300,000 baht ($8,337) per hectare to buy the rest.

“This price is too low, so I’m not going to sell it, and I’m waiting for other offers to come in,” he said.

Also speaking to RFA, a landowner in Vang Vieng, a popular tourist town in Vientiane Province, said that he had been approached by Chinese investors asking to buy or lease his land for use in storing minerals waiting to be transported by train to China.

“Apart from my land, there is no more land left for sale in the area surrounding the Vang Vieng Railway Station because the Chinese companies have bought it all,” he said.

Chinese businesses are now looking to buy land in Vientiane close to a station of the new $6 billion high-speed railway linking Laos with China, a real estate expert told RFA, also declining to be named.

“They want to build hotels, apartments and restaurants on the land within a radius of 200 meters from the station, which will be the center of a new and modern city planned by the Lao government,” he said.

“It’s expected that a lot of Chinese businesspeople will be coming to work and live in that new city,” he added.

Reports have increased in recent years of growing resentment in Laos over Chinese business presence in the country, over Chinese casinos and special economic zones linked to human trafficking and crime, and over the often high-handed treatment of Lao workers by their Chinese bosses.

China is Laos’ largest foreign investor and aid provider, and its second-largest trade partner after Thailand.

Translated by Max Avary for RFA Lao. Written in English by Richard Finney.

Posted on

Jailed Chinese NGO worker ‘tortured’ in Hunan’s Chishan Prison, according to letters

Jailed Chinese NGO worker Cheng Yuan has been subjected to torture in a ‘high security’ sector of Hunan province’s Chishan Prison, according to his family.

Cheng, who founded the Changsha Funeng NGO, was tried in secret at the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court in September 2020 for “subversion of state power” alongside two colleagues, after being held incommunicado for nearly 18 months, according to Cheng’s wife Shi Minglei, who arrived in the U.S. with the couple’s daughter on April 7, 2021.

Since his transfer to Chishan Prison on Jan. 18, 2022, he has been detained in the high-security wing in a tiny cell and subjected to bright lights and chronic sleep deprivation, according to three handwritten letters received by Cheng’s family on July 5, Shi told RFA.

“We’re talking about a tiny cell with room only for a single bed, no room to move around, and no windows, with very strong lights on 24 hours a day,” Shi said. “They don’t let you sleep under a quilt … and you’re not allowed to sleep on your side.”

She cited Taiwanese democracy activist Lee Ming-cheh — who also served time in Chishan Prison — as saying that high-security detainees suffer from extreme constipation due to reduced rations.

“We think it’s very likely that they are trying to get Cheng Yuan to implicate other people, but that he is very unwilling to do so,” Shi said. “So they used this very cruel form of torture to force him … locking him in there for three months.”

Weight loss, white hair

Shi said Cheng’s hair had turned white in prison, and he had lost a large amount of weight, reading out a section from one of the letters:

“You may be sad and upset to see me: I have lost 12 pounds now, and my hair is nearly totally white,” she quoted Cheng’s letter as saying.

“My husband used to weigh more than 120 pounds, so basically he’s a little over 100 pounds now … actually, very, very thin,” Shi said. “Our family all cried for a long time when they read those two sentences.”

Patrick Poon, a visiting researcher at the Institute of Comparative Law at Japan’s Meiji University, believes that the confinement has likely caused significant physical and psychological harm to Cheng Yuan.

“He can’t even see a lawyer, so they can’t help him file a complaint,” Poon said. “Being locked up in such conditions for several months will have long-term effects and cause damage to his mind and body.”

Poon said Chinese law bans torture and cruel or degrading treatment of prisoners and detainees — in theory, at least.

“In actual fact, [prisons] are able to get away without any regulation, basically,” Poon said. “It’s a very serious violation of detainees’ rights.”

Lawyers fired

Cheng, Liu Dazhi, and Wuge Jianxiong all stood trial sometime between Aug. 31 and Sept. 4, 2020, according to the overseas-based rights group Front Line Defenders. Their families weren’t informed of the trial, and were therefore unable to attend.

Wu’s father, the Zhejiang-based lawyer Wu Youshui, said his son had been handed a three-year jail term, while Liu was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in a judgment handed down on July 20, 2021.

But there was no information given on the sentence handed down to Cheng, he said.

The three defendants have been denied meetings with attorneys hired by their families since being detained on July 22, 2019.

The lawyers were told in March 2020 that the defenders had “dismissed” them and that the government had assigned them government-funded lawyers.

But the families said they believe that the lawyers were fired under duress, and said they have had no contact with the government-appointed lawyers.

Changsha Funeng co-founder Yang Zhanqing, who now lives in the U.S., has previously said that the three men were targeted because their rights work had received overseas funding, which the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regards as “collusion with hostile foreign forces,” and a threat to its national security.

In a statement co-signed by the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) network, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) and the Rights Practice, Front Line Defenders said the three men had “advocated for the rights of marginalized groups and worked to protect the rights of the most vulnerable people in society.”

Changsha Funeng sought to prevent discrimination and ensure equality in line with Chinese law by using the courts to strengthen protections for individuals living with disabilities and with HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, it said.

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Posted on

Feedzai Recognized as a Top Anti-Money Laundering Solution by Leading Analyst Firm

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Feedzai, the world’s first RiskOps platform for financial risk management, has been ranked among the top vendors in anti-money laundering (AML) in a Forrester report released today, “The Forrester WaveTM: Anti-Money-Laundering Solutions, Q3 2022”.

“Feedzai leverages machine learning and automation to overcome the difficulty many institutions have with legacy AML programs which operate with siloed, disparate systems creating a pixelated view of risk,” said Pedro Barata, CPO at Feedzai. “We believe our continued investment in R&D alongside our unified RiskOps-based approach across AML is why we are consistently endorsed by customers and are a strong performer in the Forrester Wave report.”

In the last year, Feedzai’s AML suite has helped customers monitor over 200 territories with over 90% precision for high-priority alerts.

Findings in The Forrester WaveTM Anti-Money-Laundering Solutions report
Feedzai received the highest possible scores in the following criteria:

  • Internationalization, currencies and reporting
  • Execution roadmap
  • Enhancements: Watchlist management
  • Supporting services: Developers
  • Supporting services: Professional services

The Wave report cited “disproportionately strong development and support staffing” and also notes, “In its current AML offering, the vendor’s rule threshold, processing, and recommendation capabilities are strong.”

The analysis goes on to state, “Feedzai is a good fit for organizations looking to automate and streamline the AML model development using workflow templates and third-party risk scoring models.”

The Forrester Wave Anti-Money-Laundering Solutions, Q3 2022, reviewed 15 vendors in its assessment in a rigorous evaluation process that includes a detailed questionnaire, demos/briefings, and customer reference surveys/interviews. The resulting report is a trusted, unbiased analyst resource for organizations looking to invest in an AML solution.

Feedzai AML Suite manages AML risk across all stages of the customer lifecycle, creating a cohesive picture of risk across siloed internal and external systems. The suite includes four AML solutions in a single, unified AML compliance system:

  • Know Your Customer/Customer Due Diligence with continuous risk profiling,
  • Watchlist Management Customer Screening with automated watchlist monitoring,
  • Watchlist Management Payment Screening with fuzzy matching to reduce false positives, and
  • AML Transaction Monitoring that uses machine learning for precise risk scoring and prioritization.

About Feedzai:
Feedzai is the world’s first RiskOps platform for financial risk management, and the market leader in safeguarding global commerce with today’s most advanced cloud-based risk management platform, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence. Feedzai is securing the transition to a cashless world while enabling digital trust in every transaction and payment type. The world’s largest banks, processors, and retailers trust Feedzai to protect trillions of dollars and manage risk while improving the customer experience for everyday users, without compromising privacy. Feedzai is a Series D company and has raised $282M to date with a current valuation of $1.5B. Its technology protects 900 million people in 190 countries. For more information, visit feedzai.com

For more information, please reach out to pr@feedzai.com

Posted on

Hong Kong leader wants ‘more effective’ security laws, as soon as possible

Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee vowed on Wednesday to press ahead with more “effective” security laws that could draw on security forces in mainland China to implement them.

“The National Security Law for Hong Kong currently deals with the most pressing risks to national security,” Lee said of a law that has criminalized public criticism of the authorities anywhere in the world.

But further laws will be need “to deal with any conceivable serious security risk … and the timing needs to be as soon as possible,” he told the city’s Legislative Council (LegCo).

“The cities in the Greater Bay Area [of the Pearl River delta] are like brothers and sisters to us … so what kind of help will they provide, if we need it?” Lee said. “That’s what we need to figure out.”

Lee’s comments to LegCo came after he reiterated his commitment to enacting further security laws under Article 23 of the city’s Basic Law, a move that prompted mass protests in 2003.

“We will legislate as soon as possible, but … we must also consider whether the laws we make can really deal with the most serious national security risks we can imagine,” Lee said.

Current affairs commentator Johnny Lau said the new laws are part of a package of four requirements given to Lee by ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping when he visited the city last week to mark the 25th anniversary of its handover to Chinese rule.

“Xi Jinping came to Hong Kong to put forward four requirements, the first of which was to improve governance,” Lau said. “I don’t think it will be long [before they act on Article 23].”

“They want this legislation to cover anything and be infinitely expandable,” Lau said. “It will definitely be stricter than the initial draft [that was shelved] back in 2003.”

Singapore as model?

Current affairs commentator Sang Pu said Lee may be considering far tighter controls on the internet, looking to Singapore as a model.

“Singapore passed a law last year that allows the government to order social media sites and Internet providers to disclose users’ personal data or block content they deem hostile or risky, which you could call [the power to] shut down the internet, and enhanced use of AI,” Sang told RFA. “It’s like 24/7 monitoring.”

“As long as the government thinks there is hostile intent, and it has the absolute right to decide this, it can block something,” he said.

Lee’s comments came as five speech therapists stood trial for “conspiracy to print, publish, distribute, display or reproduce seditious publications” in connection with a series of children’s books about a village of sheep defending itself against wolves.

The defendants — all of whom are members of the Hong Kong Speech Therapists General Union — were arrested in connection with three children’s picture books titled “The Guardians of Sheep Village,” “The Garbage Collectors of Sheep Village” and “The 12 Heroes of Sheep Village.”

Police said the sheep were intended to represent protesters who fought back against riot police in 2019, and depicted the authorities as wolves, “beautifying bad behavior” and “poisoning” children’s impressionable minds.

One book characterizes the wolves as dirty and the sheep as clean, while another lauds the actions of heroic sheep who use their horns to fight back despite being naturally peaceful, police said at the time of the therapists’ arrests.

The indictment alleges that the books were intended to “provoke hatred or contempt for, betrayal of, or to incite violence against the government … and judiciary.”

The defense said its arguments would seek to disprove any violent or disruptive intent, and draw on the constitutional right to freedom of expression in the Basic Law.

Back to pre-reform era

Dozens of former members of the pro-democracy camp in LegCo have been arrested in recent months, either for public order offenses linked to peaceful protests during the 2019 anti-extradition and pro-democracy movement, or under the national security law.

Observers have told RFA that changes to Hong Kong’s election system imposed on the city by the CCP since the law took effect have set the city’s political life back by decades, to the pre-reform colonial era in the mid-20th century.

The rule changes mean that opposition candidates are highly unlikely to be allowed to run, but even when candidates make it into the race, they will now be chosen by a tiny number of voters compared with the previous system.

Under the “one country, two systems” terms of the 1997 handover agreement, Hong Kong was promised the continuation of its traditional freedoms of speech, association, and expression, as well as progress towards fully democratic elections and a separate legal jurisdiction.

But plans to allow extradition to mainland China sparked a city-wide mass movement in 2019 that broadened to demand fully democratic elections and an independent inquiry into police violence.

Rights groups and foreign governments have hit out at the rapid deterioration of human rights protections since the national security law was imposed.

Chinese and Hong Kong officials say the law was needed to deal with an attempt by foreign powers to foment a “color revolution” in Hong Kong.

Its sweeping provisions allowed China’s feared state security police to set up a headquarters in Hong Kong, granted sweeping powers to police to search private property and require the deletion of public content, and criminalized criticism of the city government and the authorities in Beijing.

Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Posted on

Junshi Biosciences and Coherus Announce FDA Acceptance of Resubmission of BLA for Toripalimab for the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

– FDA has set a target action date of December 23, 2022 for the toripalimab BLA –

– Toripalimab will be the first and only immuno-oncology agent for NPC in U.S., if approved –

SHANGHAI, China and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Junshi Biosciences”, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) and Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (“Coherus”) announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has accepted for review the Biologics License Application (“BLA”) resubmission for toripalimab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as first-line treatment for patients with advanced recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (“NPC”) and for toripalimab monotherapy for the second-line or later treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC after platinum-containing chemotherapy.

The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) action date for December 23, 2022. The Agency earlier communicated that the review timeline for the BLA resubmission would be six months, as onsite inspections in China would be required. Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic previously hindered the FDA’s ability to complete required inspections. Coherus plans to launch toripalimab in the United States in the first quarter of 2023, if approved.

“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous challenges for everyone, our dedication to bring better treatment options to patients around the world remains steadfast,” said Dr. Patricia Keegan, Chief Medical Officer of Junshi Biosciences. “Through our concerted efforts with our partner, Coherus, we have made continual progress towards obtaining toripalimab’s first marketing authorization outside of China. Over the next several months, we will work closely with the FDA to facilitate the review of this novel drug.”

“Toripalimab would address a critical unmet medical need for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an aggressive cancer for which there are currently no FDA-approved immunotherapy treatments. We collaborated closely with our partner, Junshi Biosciences, to complete the quality process changes requested by the FDA and facilitate the rapid resubmission of the toripalimab BLA,” said Dr. Theresa LaVallee, Chief Development Officer of Coherus.

“For Coherus, the toripalimab resubmission is one of several key development and commercialization milestones we are sharply focusing on over the next twelve months, and we are pleased with the Company’s execution and progress on all of them,” said Denny Lanfear, CEO of Coherus. “We now look forward to the August 2, 2022 target action date for our BLA for CIMERLI™, our Lucentis® biosimilar, followed by product launch which we are confident will be very successful. The toripalimab December 2022 PDUFA date follows directly, and the projected toripalimab launch in Q1 2023 will formally mark our entry into immuno-oncology, where Coherus will be one of just a handful of companies with a proprietary PD-1 as a foundation stone to build its oncology franchise upon. Lastly, twelve months from now, in July 2023, we expect to begin marketing our Humira® biosimilar, YUSIMRY®, which was approved by the FDA in December 2021. Preparations for that commercial launch are going very well. Biosimilar market execution is a demonstrated Coherus competency, and we believe that our commercialization strategy provides a robust framework against which we can successfully execute to meet our market expectations and share projections.”

Following approval of toripalimab for NPC, Coherus’ strategy in the US includes evaluating toripalimab’s ability to deliver substantial clinical benefit in significant indications, in combination with other cancer drugs and immunotherapies, through co-development agreements.

About Toripalimab in NPC
NPC is a type of aggressive cancer that starts in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat behind the nose and near the base of skull. Due to the location of the primary tumor, surgery is rarely an option, and patients with localized disease are treated primarily with radiation and chemotherapy. In the United States, there are presently no immunotherapies approved for the treatment of NPC.

The toripalimab BLA is supported by the results from JUPITER-02, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, international multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial, as well as POLARIS-02, a multi-center, open-label, pivotal Phase 2 clinical study. The JUPITER-02 results were first presented in June 2021 in a plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (“ASCO”) annual meeting (#LBA2) and subsequently published in detail as the cover article of the September 2021 issue of Nature Medicine. The POLARIS-02 results were published online in January 2021 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation (“BTD”) for toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) for the 1st line treatment of recurrent, locally advanced or primary metastatic non-keratinizing NPC and for toripalimab monotherapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic non-keratinizing NPC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Additionally, the FDA has granted Orphan Drug designation for toripalimab for NPC.

In China, the National Medical Products Administration (“NMPA”) in 2021 approved toripalimab for two NPC indications.

About Toripalimab
Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed for its ability to block PD-1 interactions with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and for enhanced receptor internalization (endocytosis function). Blocking PD-1 interactions with PD-L1 and PD-L2 promotes the immune system’s ability to attack and kill tumor cells. In China, toripalimab was the first domestic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for marketing (approved in China as TUOYI®). Currently, there are five approved indications for toripalimab in China.

About Junshi Biosciences
Founded in December 2012, Junshi Biosciences (HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics. The company has established a diversified R&D pipeline comprising over 50 drug candidates, with five therapeutic focus areas covering cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. Junshi Biosciences was the first Chinese pharmaceutical company that obtained marketing approval for anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in China. Its first-in-human anti-BTLA monoclonal antibody for the treatment of various cancers is the first in the world to be approved for clinical trials by the FDA and NMPA and has since entered Phase Ib/II trials in both China and the US. Its anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody was the first in China to be approved for clinical trials by the NMPA. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Junshi Biosciences responded swiftly and strongly, joining forces with Chinese and international scientific research institutions and enterprises to develop an arsenal of drug candidates to combat COVID-19, taking the initiative to shoulder the social responsibility of Chinese pharmaceutical companies by prioritizing and accelerating COVID-19 R&D. Among the many drug candidates is JS016 (etesevimab), China’s first neutralizing fully human monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2 and the result of the combined efforts of Junshi Biosciences, the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Science and Lilly. JS016 administered with bamlanivimab has been granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) in over 15 countries and regions worldwide. Meanwhile, VV116, a new oral nucleoside analog anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug designed to hinder virus replication, is in global Phase III clinical trials. The JS016 and VV116 programs are a part of the company’s continuous innovation for disease control and prevention of the global pandemic.

Junshi Biosciences has more than 2,800 employees in the United States (San Francisco and Maryland) and China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing and Guangzhou). For more information, please visit: http://junshipharma.com.

About Coherus BioSciences
Coherus is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company building a leading immuno-oncology franchise funded with cash generated by its FDA-approved products. In 2021, Coherus in-licensed toripalimab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in the United States and Canada. The resubmission of the BLA for toripalimab for the treatment of NPC was accepted by the FDA in July 2022. Toripalimab is also being evaluated in pivotal clinical trials for the treatment of rare and highly prevalent cancers. Coherus markets UDENYCA® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv), a biosimilar of Neulasta® in the United States, and expects to launch the FDA-approved Humira® biosimilar YUSIMRY™ (adalimumab-aqvh) in the United States in 2023. The FDA is currently reviewing the biologics license application for CIMERLI™, a biosimilar of Lucentis® (ranibizumab injection), with a target action date of August 2022.

Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding Coherus’ ability to build its immuno-oncology franchise to achieve a leading market position; Coherus’ ability to generate cash; Coherus’ investment plans; Coherus’ expectations for the launch dates of toripalimab, CIMERL™ and YUSIMRY™; Coherus’ plans to file additional BLAs for toripalimab and pursue co-development agreements for other indications; beliefs about toripalimab’s ability to address an unmet need for patients; expectations about the success and timing of the FDA review of toripalimab and CIMERLI™; and Coherus’ ability to meet market expectations and share projections in the future.

Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Coherus’ actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical drug development process; risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to our existing and potential collaboration partners; risks of the drug development position of Coherus’ competitors; the risks and uncertainties of the regulatory approval process, including the speed of regulatory review, international aspects of Coherus’ business, and the need to have the FDA finish inspections in China during a COVID-19 pandemic; the risk of FDA review issues; the risk of Coherus’ execution of its change in strategy from a focus on biosimilars to a strategy using cash from its portfolio to fund an immuno-oncology franchise; the risk that Coherus is unable to complete commercial transactions and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Coherus’ drug candidates; and the risks and uncertainties of possible litigation. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Coherus undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Coherus’ business in general, see Coherus’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2022, including the section therein captioned “Risk Factors” and in other documents Coherus files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

UDENYCA®, CIMERLI™ and YUSIMRY™, whether or not appearing in large print or with the trademark symbol, are trademarks of Coherus, its affiliates, related companies or its licensors or joint venture partners, unless otherwise noted. Trademarks and trade names of other companies appearing in this press release are, to the knowledge of Coherus, the property of their respective owners.

Junshi Biosciences Contact Information:
IR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
info@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-6105 8800

PR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
Zhi Li
zhi_li@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-6105 8800

Coherus Contact Information:
IR Contact:
McDavid Stilwell
Chief Financial Officer
Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
IR@coherus.com

Media Contact:
Kelli Perkins
Red House
kelli@redhousecomms.com

Posted on

Dominica Proudly Hosts Cricket T20 International Matches at Windsor Park Sports Stadium

Roseau, July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Commonwealth of Dominica has proudly hosted cricket T20 international matches at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium a five-year hiatus. The nation hosted two back-to-back games which were held on 2 and 3 July 2022.

The Windsor Park Sports Stadium, situated in the capital city Roseau, is one of the official venues for the T20I Bangladesh tour of the West Indies. Prior to these matches, the stadium witnessed four international matches; the first was a One Day International (ODI) played between West Indies and Bangladesh in the year 2009, and the second was also ODI, which was played between West Indies and South Africa in 2010.

Followed by the third match (first T20I), which was played by the West Indies and New Zealand in 2014, and the fourth was a Test Match between West Indies and Pakistan in the year 2017.

During the match, the authorities took special care of the audience’s entertainment and provided a “Carnival-like” atmosphere to the fans and patrons in the interim with the local Dominican cultural presentation.

The Director of Tourism of Dominica, Colin Piper praised the government for the successful hosting of the international matches. He outlined, “The Discover Dominica Authority would like to express its gratitude to the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Cricket West Indies for their efforts and assistance in bringing international cricket back to the country after a five-year absence.”

He further expressed pleasure that the two T20I matches in Dominica on July 2nd and 3rd were fantastic and witnessed a strong turnout of local, regional, and international cricket fans to enjoy the fixtures.

Events Management Executive of Cricket West Indies, Joneé Charles, also lauded Dominica for welcoming international cricket with such enthusiasm. She stated, “We are delighted that Dominica was chosen as the host of two matches, and we also hope to host more in the future. After a challenging two years owing to the pandemic, we must express our gratitude to the local organizing committee and Cricket West Indies for staging these T20I matches.”

Dominica has been able to host international matches on its land because of the efforts of the government. The government has been continuously making efforts to uplift the sports infrastructure in the country.

Recently, the Sports Division of Dominica upgraded the Windsor Park Sports Stadium; the authorities contributed to the refurbishment of the lawn. Earlier, new electronic scoreboards were installed at the Windsor Stadium. Prior to the installation, a protective structure was constructed to ensure the safety of the scoreboard, ensuring a more resilient system. The cost of the scoreboard was near ECD 1 million. The previous board was destroyed during Hurricane Maria hit the country in 2017.

Dominica has been creating stronger sporting bodies such as clubs and sports committees and has also been formalizing the National Sports Council, which is in progress as the documents have been drafted. The government has also been working to put the task force in place and has assigned a coordinator.

The government of Dominica has been uplifting the sports infrastructure through the funds generated through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme of the country.

Citizenship by Investment of Dominica:

The programme is known to be one of the longest-running, safe and most secure in the world. Launched in 1993, Dominica has been providing alternative citizenship for around three decades.

The funds generated with the help of the programme largely contribute to the development and rehabilitation of resilient infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, healthcare centres, bridges and more. The government has been heavily investing in building the world’s first climate-resilient country which can withstand natural calamities such as Tropical Storms, Hurricanes as well as Cyclones.

Interested investors may apply for alternative citizenship of Dominica through two investment options – Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) and Real Estate Fund Option.

The Economic Diversification Fund (EDF) is a government-supported initiative which contributes toward socio-economic development and helps in the upliftment of the country. The fund generated with the EDF goes towards improving projects in the public and private sectors. To date, the funds generated have assisted in the development of schools, hospitals, sports stadiums and numerous sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

The minimum investment required to apply for the alternative citizenship of Dominica is USD 100,000.

To apply under the Real Estate Investment Option, the applicant has to apply for government-approved properties. The minimum investment required is USD 200,000.

About Dominica:
The magical island of the Caribbean, Dominica is a beautiful destination for anyone who wants to explore and discover exquisite volcanic landscapes, jungles, and tropical beaches.

Dominica is home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake and comprises of nine volcanoes that are entirely safe to visit.

Due to so many volcanoes on the small island country, many beaches in Dominica naturally have greyish-black sand. Mero Beach is one of the famous beaches of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Besides the magnificent volcanoes and beaches, Dominica also has an extraordinary number of rivers. Some of these rivers are cool and clear blue, while others are fast and cloudy, but almost all rivers are surrounded by exotic flora. The Indian River on the island is the widest of all.

Dominica is popularly known as the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’. The island also has the largest settlement of indigenous people in the whole Caribbean region.  

PR Dominica
Commonwealth of Dominica
001 (767) 266 3919
cbiusecretary@dominica.gov.dm