Latest news with #Joseph
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cultivating A Brighter Future In Maka: A Story Of Resilience And Revitalization In West Sepik, Papua New Guinea
Press Release – EU STREIT PNG Once struggling with low agricultural productivity and limited market access, an isolated rural community in West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea has been transformed into a centre for valuable commodity production, thanks to the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. This shift is not only enhancing the villagers' living conditions but also paving the way for growth and prosperity of future generations. Vanimo, Papua New Guinea – In the remote stretches of Vanimo Green River, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the Maka community lived for years with a very limited agricultural commodity production. Rugged terrain and poorly maintained roads coupled with lack of any established market in the region also heavily impacted the daily life and livelihood leading to a state of seclusion. Basic amenities like education, healthcare, and transportation were often out of reach which left local families to face constant hardship. Generations grew up with these challenges, with little hope of unlocking their community's potential. Joseph, the Chairman of the Fugumi Cocoa Business Group, recalls those difficult times: 'We wanted to start a business but had less opportunity to sell our produce,' which was of low volume and quality. Referring to challenge they face due to lack of income, he adds, 'finding school fees was difficult [for us], and even [nutritious, protein-rich] food was hard to afford.' His words highlight the struggle in Maka, a place where promising crops, such as cocoa and vanilla, were lost due to low productivity, and infestation. Even if there were the quality products, they were suffered from the absence of accessible markets. For many, this isolation was equal to missed opportunities for economic progress. For Damia, the spouse of Joseph, life had been equally challenging. Interrupted by illness during her early schooling: 'I became very sick and had to leave school in Grade 5', because they had not enough money for treatment. She experienced firsthand the long-term impact of an education cut short. Now, every morning as she feeds their fish at the family ponds, she reminds her children of the importance of seizing every opportunity: 'I tell my children, 'You must do well to have a good future.'' Her determined voice, tempered by past hardships, fuels the hope that her children will break free of the limitations that once defined her lives. A Transformative Partnership Change began with the arrival of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, an initiative aimed at reviving key agricultural value chains such as cocoa, fisheries, and vanilla. Funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP, the Programme is designed to improve these sectors by addressing gaps from production to market. The Programme provided vital technical training, agricultural inputs, and cocoa value chain support that had long been unaffordable or inaccessible to the villagers. Maka's farmers gained access to pest-tolerant seedlings, polybags, shed cloth, essential farming tools, nursery materials, and fermentary kits, alongside training in cocoa budding, block management, harvesting, post-harvesting as well as business development and management. Through this support, 40 farmers from the community were enabled to plant 4,033 pest-tolerant cloned cocoa seedlings, which transformed their rundown block fields into productive plots. These resources were more than just physical tools, they symbolized a renewed hope. Reflecting on support received, Joseph recalls, 'When I saw these things, I was very happy.' Building on the Programme's agricultural initiatives in cocoa, support was also extended to aquaculture within the community. In June 2024, the Programme supported Joseph and Damia to stock 400 fingerlings in their only fishpond, initiating aquaculture freshwater fish farming. Within 6–7 months, the fish matured quickly, leading to a high fingerling production rate, allowing the family to expand their fishpond from one to three, and to distribute 50–100 fingerlings to cluster groups and individuals in surrounding area. This expansion, driven by Programme intervention, is strengthening fish farming in Maka, increasing profitability and nutrition for involved households. This blend of expertise and resources empowered Maka's farmers to adopt sustainable, climate-smart practices, setting them on a path toward long-term prosperity. Revitalizing Production and Market Access One of the Programme's greatest achievements was restoring market access for Maka's agricultural produce. Previously, isolation and lack of reliable trading point meant that even the best harvests were left to perish in the fields with no buyer. With the EU-STREIT PNG support, a Cocoa Trade and Depot Facility was constructed and established in Vanimo, the provincial capital, serving as a robust outlet for local produce. Trucks now make regular trips from Vanimo to Maka, transporting much-needed supplies and returning with cocoa beans. The arrival of these trucks has brought great relief and confidence to the villagers. Damia smiles with gratitude: 'Trucks finally reach our village. They help us sell cocoa, and I am happy.' This improved cocoa market infrastructure has not only revitalized the local economy but also inspired farmers to venture in better pot-harvest processing. Supported by the Programme, they constructed a cocoa fermentary in Maka, so that beans can be processed on-site and fetch higher market prices. Empowering Families Through Self-Reliance Beyond the tangible economic benefits, the Programme's impact is deeply personal. For Damia and Joseph, the changes go hand in hand with a renewed sense of independence. Every day, Damia tends to their fishponds with unwavering commitment, a task that often requires her to wake before dawn and go into the bush to secure extra nourishment for the fish. 'No one helps me, only my husband and I,' she says, capturing the spirit of self-reliance that now defines their daily life. This newfound independence plays a crucial role in shaping their future. Damia is determined to ensure her children, who attend schools in both Maka and Vanimo, have educational opportunities she never had. Meanwhile, Joseph dreams of a future where his children can break free of the legacy of missed opportunities. 'I dream of my children achieving their goals,' he confesses. Toward a Brighter Future Today, Maka is well on its way to emerging from its long history of seclusion. The the adoption of efficient agricultural techniques coupled with the restoration of market linkages have set the stage for sustainable development. As Damia reflects on the journey, her gratitude is evident: 'Thank you for everything, thank you for the fish and cocoa you provided, and thank you for all the support. We now have these things, and we feel very happy.' Her heartfelt words echo the sentiment of a community poised for change. Together, Joseph, Damia, and their neighbours are not only rewriting the story of Maka—they are forging a collective path toward a future defined by resilience, cooperation, and hope. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Sustainability is at the heart of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme's vision for lasting change. While the Programme rehabilitated a cocoa nursery to support local farmers in Maka to revitalize their cocoa blocks, long-term success depends on continued government ownership and investment. Recognizing this, the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea has now stepped in to oversee and support the nursery, ensuring its continued operation and benefit to the community. In parallel, the Cocoa Tarde and Depot Facility is handed over to be run by West Sepik Investment Limited, the business arm of the Provincial Government. The This transition reflects the Programme's core objective which is empowering institutions to take ownership so that these advancements endure beyond Programme interventions, and to foster a sustainable cocoa business in for Maka. A Flagship under the EU's Global Gateway EU-STREIT PNG contributes to the EU's Global Gateway Strategy by driving rural transformation through climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovation. As the first articulation of the Strategy in Papua New Guinea, the Programme enhances market access for remote farmers by improving transport links, expanding digital tools for real-time farming advice and weather alerts, and promoting clean energy use. These 'smart, clean, and secure' solutions reduce transaction costs, boost productivity, and strengthen food security and incomes, delivering tangible impact in line with the EU's global development vision. About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by FAO's support in enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and digital financial services by UNCDF. ILO also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient roads and other transport infrastructures while UNDP provides renewable energy solutions. The Programme directly benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Cultivating A Brighter Future In Maka: A Story Of Resilience And Revitalization In West Sepik, Papua New Guinea
Press Release – EU STREIT PNG Once struggling with low agricultural productivity and limited market access, an isolated rural community in West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea has been transformed into a centre for valuable commodity production, thanks to the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. This shift is not only enhancing the villagers' living conditions but also paving the way for growth and prosperity of future generations. Vanimo, Papua New Guinea – In the remote stretches of Vanimo Green River, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the Maka community lived for years with a very limited agricultural commodity production. Rugged terrain and poorly maintained roads coupled with lack of any established market in the region also heavily impacted the daily life and livelihood leading to a state of seclusion. Basic amenities like education, healthcare, and transportation were often out of reach which left local families to face constant hardship. Generations grew up with these challenges, with little hope of unlocking their community's potential. Joseph, the Chairman of the Fugumi Cocoa Business Group, recalls those difficult times: 'We wanted to start a business but had less opportunity to sell our produce,' which was of low volume and quality. Referring to challenge they face due to lack of income, he adds, 'finding school fees was difficult [for us], and even [nutritious, protein-rich] food was hard to afford.' His words highlight the struggle in Maka, a place where promising crops, such as cocoa and vanilla, were lost due to low productivity, and infestation. Even if there were the quality products, they were suffered from the absence of accessible markets. For many, this isolation was equal to missed opportunities for economic progress. For Damia, the spouse of Joseph, life had been equally challenging. Interrupted by illness during her early schooling: 'I became very sick and had to leave school in Grade 5', because they had not enough money for treatment. She experienced firsthand the long-term impact of an education cut short. Now, every morning as she feeds their fish at the family ponds, she reminds her children of the importance of seizing every opportunity: 'I tell my children, 'You must do well to have a good future.'' Her determined voice, tempered by past hardships, fuels the hope that her children will break free of the limitations that once defined her lives. A Transformative Partnership Change began with the arrival of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, an initiative aimed at reviving key agricultural value chains such as cocoa, fisheries, and vanilla. Funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP, the Programme is designed to improve these sectors by addressing gaps from production to market. The Programme provided vital technical training, agricultural inputs, and cocoa value chain support that had long been unaffordable or inaccessible to the villagers. Maka's farmers gained access to pest-tolerant seedlings, polybags, shed cloth, essential farming tools, nursery materials, and fermentary kits, alongside training in cocoa budding, block management, harvesting, post-harvesting as well as business development and management. Through this support, 40 farmers from the community were enabled to plant 4,033 pest-tolerant cloned cocoa seedlings, which transformed their rundown block fields into productive plots. These resources were more than just physical tools, they symbolized a renewed hope. Reflecting on support received, Joseph recalls, 'When I saw these things, I was very happy.' Building on the Programme's agricultural initiatives in cocoa, support was also extended to aquaculture within the community. In June 2024, the Programme supported Joseph and Damia to stock 400 fingerlings in their only fishpond, initiating aquaculture freshwater fish farming. Within 6–7 months, the fish matured quickly, leading to a high fingerling production rate, allowing the family to expand their fishpond from one to three, and to distribute 50–100 fingerlings to cluster groups and individuals in surrounding area. This expansion, driven by Programme intervention, is strengthening fish farming in Maka, increasing profitability and nutrition for involved households. This blend of expertise and resources empowered Maka's farmers to adopt sustainable, climate-smart practices, setting them on a path toward long-term prosperity. Revitalizing Production and Market Access One of the Programme's greatest achievements was restoring market access for Maka's agricultural produce. Previously, isolation and lack of reliable trading point meant that even the best harvests were left to perish in the fields with no buyer. With the EU-STREIT PNG support, a Cocoa Trade and Depot Facility was constructed and established in Vanimo, the provincial capital, serving as a robust outlet for local produce. Trucks now make regular trips from Vanimo to Maka, transporting much-needed supplies and returning with cocoa beans. The arrival of these trucks has brought great relief and confidence to the villagers. Damia smiles with gratitude: 'Trucks finally reach our village. They help us sell cocoa, and I am happy.' This improved cocoa market infrastructure has not only revitalized the local economy but also inspired farmers to venture in better pot-harvest processing. Supported by the Programme, they constructed a cocoa fermentary in Maka, so that beans can be processed on-site and fetch higher market prices. Empowering Families Through Self-Reliance Beyond the tangible economic benefits, the Programme's impact is deeply personal. For Damia and Joseph, the changes go hand in hand with a renewed sense of independence. Every day, Damia tends to their fishponds with unwavering commitment, a task that often requires her to wake before dawn and go into the bush to secure extra nourishment for the fish. 'No one helps me, only my husband and I,' she says, capturing the spirit of self-reliance that now defines their daily life. This newfound independence plays a crucial role in shaping their future. Damia is determined to ensure her children, who attend schools in both Maka and Vanimo, have educational opportunities she never had. Meanwhile, Joseph dreams of a future where his children can break free of the legacy of missed opportunities. 'I dream of my children achieving their goals,' he confesses. Toward a Brighter Future Today, Maka is well on its way to emerging from its long history of seclusion. The the adoption of efficient agricultural techniques coupled with the restoration of market linkages have set the stage for sustainable development. As Damia reflects on the journey, her gratitude is evident: 'Thank you for everything, thank you for the fish and cocoa you provided, and thank you for all the support. We now have these things, and we feel very happy.' Her heartfelt words echo the sentiment of a community poised for change. Together, Joseph, Damia, and their neighbours are not only rewriting the story of Maka—they are forging a collective path toward a future defined by resilience, cooperation, and hope. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Sustainability is at the heart of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme's vision for lasting change. While the Programme rehabilitated a cocoa nursery to support local farmers in Maka to revitalize their cocoa blocks, long-term success depends on continued government ownership and investment. Recognizing this, the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea has now stepped in to oversee and support the nursery, ensuring its continued operation and benefit to the community. In parallel, the Cocoa Tarde and Depot Facility is handed over to be run by West Sepik Investment Limited, the business arm of the Provincial Government. The This transition reflects the Programme's core objective which is empowering institutions to take ownership so that these advancements endure beyond Programme interventions, and to foster a sustainable cocoa business in for Maka. A Flagship under the EU's Global Gateway EU-STREIT PNG contributes to the EU's Global Gateway Strategy by driving rural transformation through climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovation. As the first articulation of the Strategy in Papua New Guinea, the Programme enhances market access for remote farmers by improving transport links, expanding digital tools for real-time farming advice and weather alerts, and promoting clean energy use. These 'smart, clean, and secure' solutions reduce transaction costs, boost productivity, and strengthen food security and incomes, delivering tangible impact in line with the EU's global development vision. About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by FAO's support in enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and digital financial services by UNCDF. ILO also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient roads and other transport infrastructures while UNDP provides renewable energy solutions. The Programme directly benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.
Scoop
14 hours ago
- General
- Scoop
Cultivating A Brighter Future In Maka: A Story Of Resilience And Revitalization In West Sepik, Papua New Guinea
This shift is not only enhancing the villagers' living conditions but also paving the way for growth and prosperity of future generations. Vanimo, Papua New Guinea – In the remote stretches of Vanimo Green River, West Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea, the Maka community lived for years with a very limited agricultural commodity production. Rugged terrain and poorly maintained roads coupled with lack of any established market in the region also heavily impacted the daily life and livelihood leading to a state of seclusion. Basic amenities like education, healthcare, and transportation were often out of reach which left local families to face constant hardship. Generations grew up with these challenges, with little hope of unlocking their community's potential. Joseph, the Chairman of the Fugumi Cocoa Business Group, recalls those difficult times: 'We wanted to start a business but had less opportunity to sell our produce,' which was of low volume and quality. Referring to challenge they face due to lack of income, he adds, 'finding school fees was difficult [for us], and even [nutritious, protein-rich] food was hard to afford.' His words highlight the struggle in Maka, a place where promising crops, such as cocoa and vanilla, were lost due to low productivity, and infestation. Even if there were the quality products, they were suffered from the absence of accessible markets. For many, this isolation was equal to missed opportunities for economic progress. For Damia, the spouse of Joseph, life had been equally challenging. Interrupted by illness during her early schooling: 'I became very sick and had to leave school in Grade 5', because they had not enough money for treatment. She experienced firsthand the long-term impact of an education cut short. Now, every morning as she feeds their fish at the family ponds, she reminds her children of the importance of seizing every opportunity: 'I tell my children, 'You must do well to have a good future.'' Her determined voice, tempered by past hardships, fuels the hope that her children will break free of the limitations that once defined her lives. A Transformative Partnership Change began with the arrival of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, an initiative aimed at reviving key agricultural value chains such as cocoa, fisheries, and vanilla. Funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF, and UNDP, the Programme is designed to improve these sectors by addressing gaps from production to market. The Programme provided vital technical training, agricultural inputs, and cocoa value chain support that had long been unaffordable or inaccessible to the villagers. Maka's farmers gained access to pest-tolerant seedlings, polybags, shed cloth, essential farming tools, nursery materials, and fermentary kits, alongside training in cocoa budding, block management, harvesting, post-harvesting as well as business development and management. Through this support, 40 farmers from the community were enabled to plant 4,033 pest-tolerant cloned cocoa seedlings, which transformed their rundown block fields into productive plots. These resources were more than just physical tools, they symbolized a renewed hope. Reflecting on support received, Joseph recalls, 'When I saw these things, I was very happy.' Building on the Programme's agricultural initiatives in cocoa, support was also extended to aquaculture within the community. In June 2024, the Programme supported Joseph and Damia to stock 400 fingerlings in their only fishpond, initiating aquaculture freshwater fish farming. Within 6–7 months, the fish matured quickly, leading to a high fingerling production rate, allowing the family to expand their fishpond from one to three, and to distribute 50–100 fingerlings to cluster groups and individuals in surrounding area. This expansion, driven by Programme intervention, is strengthening fish farming in Maka, increasing profitability and nutrition for involved households. This blend of expertise and resources empowered Maka's farmers to adopt sustainable, climate-smart practices, setting them on a path toward long-term prosperity. Revitalizing Production and Market Access One of the Programme's greatest achievements was restoring market access for Maka's agricultural produce. Previously, isolation and lack of reliable trading point meant that even the best harvests were left to perish in the fields with no buyer. With the EU-STREIT PNG support, a Cocoa Trade and Depot Facility was constructed and established in Vanimo, the provincial capital, serving as a robust outlet for local produce. Trucks now make regular trips from Vanimo to Maka, transporting much-needed supplies and returning with cocoa beans. The arrival of these trucks has brought great relief and confidence to the villagers. Damia smiles with gratitude: 'Trucks finally reach our village. They help us sell cocoa, and I am happy.' This improved cocoa market infrastructure has not only revitalized the local economy but also inspired farmers to venture in better pot-harvest processing. Supported by the Programme, they constructed a cocoa fermentary in Maka, so that beans can be processed on-site and fetch higher market prices. Empowering Families Through Self-Reliance Beyond the tangible economic benefits, the Programme's impact is deeply personal. For Damia and Joseph, the changes go hand in hand with a renewed sense of independence. Every day, Damia tends to their fishponds with unwavering commitment, a task that often requires her to wake before dawn and go into the bush to secure extra nourishment for the fish. 'No one helps me, only my husband and I,' she says, capturing the spirit of self-reliance that now defines their daily life. This newfound independence plays a crucial role in shaping their future. Damia is determined to ensure her children, who attend schools in both Maka and Vanimo, have educational opportunities she never had. Meanwhile, Joseph dreams of a future where his children can break free of the legacy of missed opportunities. 'I dream of my children achieving their goals,' he confesses. Toward a Brighter Future Today, Maka is well on its way to emerging from its long history of seclusion. The the adoption of efficient agricultural techniques coupled with the restoration of market linkages have set the stage for sustainable development. As Damia reflects on the journey, her gratitude is evident: 'Thank you for everything, thank you for the fish and cocoa you provided, and thank you for all the support. We now have these things, and we feel very happy.' Her heartfelt words echo the sentiment of a community poised for change. Together, Joseph, Damia, and their neighbours are not only rewriting the story of Maka—they are forging a collective path toward a future defined by resilience, cooperation, and hope. Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability Sustainability is at the heart of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme's vision for lasting change. While the Programme rehabilitated a cocoa nursery to support local farmers in Maka to revitalize their cocoa blocks, long-term success depends on continued government ownership and investment. Recognizing this, the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea has now stepped in to oversee and support the nursery, ensuring its continued operation and benefit to the community. In parallel, the Cocoa Tarde and Depot Facility is handed over to be run by West Sepik Investment Limited, the business arm of the Provincial Government. The This transition reflects the Programme's core objective which is empowering institutions to take ownership so that these advancements endure beyond Programme interventions, and to foster a sustainable cocoa business in for Maka. A Flagship under the EU's Global Gateway EU-STREIT PNG contributes to the EU's Global Gateway Strategy by driving rural transformation through climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovation. As the first articulation of the Strategy in Papua New Guinea, the Programme enhances market access for remote farmers by improving transport links, expanding digital tools for real-time farming advice and weather alerts, and promoting clean energy use. These 'smart, clean, and secure' solutions reduce transaction costs, boost productivity, and strengthen food security and incomes, delivering tangible impact in line with the EU's global development vision. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme by FAO, ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by FAO's support in enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and digital financial services by UNCDF. ILO also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient roads and other transport infrastructures while UNDP provides renewable energy solutions. The Programme directly benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.
New Indian Express
19 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
How a Keralite chief engineer clung to life after shipwreck off Japanese coast
KOCHI: As the state is slowly coming to terms with the capsizing of a Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3, retired Merchant Navy chief engineer Joseph Malcolm Oliver recalls how he had a miraculous escape after his container ship split into two off the Japanese coast after being caught in a typhoon and he was left floating in the rough sea for hours before being washed ashore in an island. 'Container ships are the most vulnerable in rough weather. It (the incident) happened in July 2002. I was then the chief engineer of the vessel M/V Co-op Venture, a Panamanian-registered cargo vessel. We were unloading cargo at the port. Then the authorities suddenly gave a tropical storm warning and asked us to take the vessel a little away from the port. We soon anchored near to the bay and there was no time and fuel to move to other safer locations,' recalled 68-year-old Joseph, who had worked in large container ships, including those in the 20,000 TEU. The typhoon 'Fengsten', that ran aground off Shibushi Bay, located off the south west main island of Kyushu, 985 kms south west of Tokyo, soon began to lash the area. There were strong winds from 4 pm onwards. Then the unthinkable happened. The ship was caught in huge waves and split into two by 8 pm. 'As per the captain's direction, we ran to the LifeBoat station and got into it. As the boat was being downed using two cable wires, it began to swing harshly in the high-speed winds, blowing at 165 kmp. It hit the ship hull with a thud several times. I felt like my bones were cracking and was in extreme pain. But then the face of my younger son, who was only one-year-old then, popped up in my mind and I decided to fight till my last breath,' Joseph, who earlier had a stint with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) for 13 long years, added. There were 21 crew in the ship, of which 16 were Filipinos. 'I was the only Malayali. I saw the Filipinos jumping into the sea and I followed suit. We'd all worn life jackets. There was virtually no scope of saving lives as the lifeboat was swinging wildly and repeatedly hitting against the broken ship hull with terrific force.'
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont hit centuries as England dominate West Indies
The visitors' attack had to wait till the 36th over for their first wicket but England set their opponents 346 to win and they made a fist of things through the opening powerplay courtesy of Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph. Quite the day in Derby! Records tumbling as we take the win 👊 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2025 Linsey Smith claimed a five-wicket haul on her ODI debut, with fellow 50-over debutant Em Arlott getting two wickets of her own and, despite Joseph's half-century, the West Indies fell to a heavy defeat. Jones quickly brought up her half-century while Beaumont was holding it up down the other end – she finally smashed the first six of the innings over wide long-on as she passed the 50 mark from 74 balls. The pair were cruising and the visitors had no answer to their superiority. Beaumont began to put the pedal to the metal after her half-century, with Aaliyah Alleyne slapped for two fours and a six in the first over of her second spell as England flew to 200 with 17 overs still to go. Perhaps Jones was feeling the pressure of being in the nervous 90s and she was let off the hook twice in two overs as the West Indies blew the chance to get her back in the shed with a pair of dropped catches from Jahzara Claxton and Karishma Ramharack. Beaumont needed just 22 balls for her next 50 runs and raised the bat after reaching her century, and her partner was not far behind her as she drilled one through the covers to reach her ton from 108 balls. The West Indies finally made their breakthrough as Cherry-Ann Fraser bowled Beaumont, who looked to dance down the track, and one wicket brought another as Emma Lamb lasted just three balls. Through the gate 😮💨 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 30, 2025 Jones' stay at the crease ended in the 39th over and Nat Sciver-Brunt brought up her 23rd ODI fifty before she was caught lbw by Fletcher as England reached 345 at the halfway stage. The West Indies started well with the bat, with Joseph and Matthews finding the boundary regularly in the powerplay to put on an opening partnership of 91 before the latter nicked Arlott into the gloves of Jones. Joseph brought up her second ODI half-century before she was bowled by Alice Capsey and that started a procession of wickets as the West Indies lost their last eight for 98 runs with Linsey slicing through the middle order.
