Staff Editor

Maiduguri, Nigeria, (Reuters) – Bomb blasts killed at least 50 people in Maiduguri in Nigeria’s northeast today in the worst attacks there since Islamist militants tried to seize the city in two major assaults earlier this year.

(Jamaica Gleaner) Less than a week after she shared the sad story of how a neighbour made inappropriate passes at her, the home of nine-year-old Abigail Reid was allegedly set ablaze yesterday morning while she and her two older brothers slept.

(Reuters) – Seamer Alex Cusack took two wickets in three balls in the final over as Ireland knocked Zimbabwe out of the World Cup with a thrilling five-run win in their Pool B match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart today.

(Trinidad Express) Caribbean Airlines passengers were left in Boston in the United States for several hours on Thursday after a winter storm prevented CAL flight BW524 from landing at JFK International Airport in New York.

AUCKLAND, (Reuters) – A hostile trio of Pakistan left-arm fast bowlers took full advantage of a pitch freshened by rain to hand pre-tournament favourites South Africa their second defeat in the cricket World Cup at Eden Park today.

President Donald Ramotar (left) and Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo (right) during the Phagwah celebration at the Guyana National Stadium today.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Test players Jermaine Blackwood and Chadwick Walton stroked half-centuries to propel Jamaica Franchise but leaders Guyana Jaguars hit back strongly to take a share of the honours on the opening day of their WICB PCL eighth round match here today.

At about 0600h. today, police say that the body of miner Charles Major, 57 years, of Victoria, ECD, was found along a trail at Dickman Hill, Mahdia, with several lacerations.

The police say that investigations are being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of Shem Padmore, 28 years, of Kaneville, EBD, who was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, EBD, at about 2200h last night by two men who hurriedly left the medical facility in a motor vehicle.

PERTH, (Reuters) – Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a calm unbeaten 45 to guide India to a four-wicket victory over West Indies today which sent the holders into the World Cup quarter-finals.

A jury earlier this afternoon found Jarvis Small and Bibi Sharima-Gopaul guilty of the brutal 2010 murder of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul, Sharima-Gopaul who is the mother of the teen was later sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 106 years in prison.

PERTH, Australia, CMC- Chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd says West Indies are desperately missing the spin heroics of game changer Sunil Narine to strengthen their campaign in the ICC World Cup currently underway in New Zealand and Australia.

MUMBAI, (Reuters) – India’s government censors have said they will not allow the big-screen adaptation of erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” to be shown in Indian cinemas, a decision most had anticipated in the largely conservative country.

(Trinidad Express) St Lucia’s Prime Minister Kenny Anthony says that all the players who quit the tour of India in October last year should have been fired.

PERTH, Australia, CMC – West Indies fast bowling icon Sir Curtly Ambrose has urged discipline from his pace attack when they face reigning World champions India on what is expected to be a lively pitch here tomorrow.

The GRA today said transparency and accountability are at the heart of its operations.

(Trinidad Express) One day after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar called on authorities to wrap up the investigation into emailgate, Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has announced that multinational Internet service provider Google has provided the information that was sourced and the Police Service (TTPS) is analysing it.

A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change say they are appalled at the recent revelations of senior officials, including ministers of the minority PPP government using public funds to the tune of millions for “vanity medical procedures.”

CANBERRA, (Reuters) – South Africa put one foot in the World Cup quarter-finals by batting past the 400-run mark for the second successive match to hand Ireland a thumping defeat by 201 runs with five overs to spare at Manuka Oval today.

Newly-appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ernst Noorman (left) presented his Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar today, and vowed to improve the good relationship between the two governments.