Latest news with #CapeVerde
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Ivan Almeida and Other BAL Standouts Who Deserve a Summer League Shot
BAL stars shined in 2025, but 36-year-old Ivan Almeida stood out. A leader on and off the court, he proves age doesn't define value. He deserves a spot in NBA Summer League. As the 2025 BAL season concluded, the spotlight on incredible African talent grew brighter. With the NBA Summer League set for July 10–20 in Las Vegas, several BAL athletes — rising stars and seasoned pros — have made a compelling case for inclusion: Jean Jacques Boissy (Al Ahli Tripoli): BAL champion, 2025 MVP, scoring and defensive leader: An elite two-way guard with poise and measurable upside. Babacar Sané (US Monastir): An explosive wing and former Ignite/G-League prospect, named All‑BAL Second Team and reportedly headed to Summer League with Minnesota. Aliou Diarra (APR): Two‑time Defensive Player of the Year, league‑leading rebounder and rim protector with a 55.7% FG rate — ready for higher-level competition. Majok Deng (Al Ittihad Alexandria): A stretch forward with modern versatility — shooting, defense, and clutch play — named to All‑BAL First Team. Taefale Lenard Jr. (MBB): A dynamic, two‑way wing already in All‑BAL First and Defensive Teams — brings energy and athleticism. Mohamed Sadi (Al Ahli Tripoli): Two‑way guard with composure and defensive acumen, earning All‑BAL Second and Defensive Team honors. But standing out most of all is Ivan Almeida, the Cape-Verdian athlete whose impact defies his age. Why Almeida Belongs in Vegas • Ever‑present leader: At 36, he led not only in minutes per game (37.5) — the most in BAL this season — but also anchored Kriol Star on both ends of the floor, defensively and offensively. • He is a statistical all‑rounder: Averaged 17.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, and led the league with 48 free throws made (81.4%). He even notched his first-career triple-double, while juggling four positions in a short‑handed roster. • Almeida's leadership is inspiring: A co‑founder, with his brother and teammate Joel, of Kriol Star — a team rooted in charity and community transformation. That mission-driven foundation underscores leadership beyond the court. • Breaking conventional barriers: Summer League is traditionally a showcase for youth. Almeida's inclusion would send a bold message: performance, heart, and leadership remain valuable, no matter the age. From Boissy's two-way dominance to Diarra's rim protection, and Lenard Jr.'s versatility, the BAL is packed with players deserving of NBA attention. But Almeida isn't just another athlete: He's a symbol of resilience, versatility, and purpose. If the Summer League champions excellence and if it's meant to recognize both potential and performance, then inviting Ivan Almeida would be more than a reward. It would be a statement. Because basketball isn't just about where you're going. It's also about how far you've come and who you uplift along the way.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Watch Eden Blackman's last Celebs Go Dating appearance after star's death announced
Watch the final moment that Celebs Go Dating relationship expert Eden Blackman appeared on the Channel 4 show, following the news of the star's death aged 57. Announcing the news on the dating coach's Instagram page on Tuesday (24 June), his family said he died over the weekend following a 'long illness'. In his final appearance on the hit dating series in 2018, Blackman smiled as he enjoyed a fireworks display with his fellow hosts as well as celebrities in Cape Verde. Tributes have flooded in for the star, with his Celebs Go Dating successor Paul C Brunson saying, 'may he rest in paradise', and co-star Tom Read Wilson describing his 'kindness and generosity of spirit'.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Celebs Go Dating expert dies aged 57
Eden Blackman, the relationship expert from Channel 4 's Celebs Go Dating, has died at the age of 57. His family announced on Tuesday that he passed away over the weekend following a long illness. Tributes have poured in for Blackman, including from his Celebs Go Dating successor Paul C Brunson and co-star Tom Read Wilson. Blackman's final appearance on the hit dating series was in 2018, where he was seen enjoying a fireworks display in Cape Verde. Watch the video in full above.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Watch Eden Blackman's final Celebs Go Dating appearance after star's death announced
Watch the final moment that Celebs Go Dating relationship expert Eden Blackman appeared on the Channel 4 show, following the news of the star's death aged 57. Announcing the news on the dating coach's Instagram page on Tuesday (24 June), his family said he died over the weekend following a 'long illness'. In his final appearance on the hit dating series in 2018, Blackman smiled as he enjoyed a fireworks display with his fellow hosts as well as celebrities in Cape Verde. Tributes have flooded in for the star, with his Celebs Go Dating successor Paul C Brunson saying, 'may he rest in paradise', and co-star Tom Read Wilson describing his 'kindness and generosity of spirit'.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Cabo Verde: Unlocking Inclusive Growth Through Increased Resilience and Equal Opportunities
Cabo Verde's economy continues on a strong recovery path, according to the latest Cabo Verde Economic Update 2025, released today by the World Bank. Real GDP in Cabo Verde grew by 7.3% in 2024, supported by robust tourism activity and a modest recovery in agriculture. However, while the country has made notable strides – particularly in macroeconomic management, debt reduction, and poverty alleviation – key vulnerabilities remain. These include reliance on tourism, exposure to external shocks, and fiscal pressures from state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The report, titled Unlocking Women's Economic Potential, analyses the country's economic growth projections, highlights progress on poverty alleviation, and outlines the structural reforms needed to ensure sustained and inclusive growth. The report also includes a special topic, focused on leveraging women's economic potential. 'Cabo Verde's recovery is a testament to the resilience of its people and institutions. But to transform this rebound into lasting and inclusive prosperity, bold reforms are needed - particularly to improve SOE governance, support women's economic participation, and diversify the economy,' said Indira Campos, World Bank Resident Representative for Cabo Verde. The report notes that inflation dropped to 1% in 2024 – its lowest level in recent years – helping to bring poverty down to 14.4% ($3.65 a day 2017PPP line). Public investment execution increased, debt levels continued to decline, and the current account posted a surplus for the first time in four years. Looking ahead, GDP growth is projected at 5.9% in 2025, with poverty expected to fall further. However, the report warns that global uncertainties, commodity price shocks, and climate risks could affect the pace of growth and reform. Among the recommendations, the report calls for accelerated efforts to improve SOE performance, prudence in creating new ventures, and for maintaining fiscal discipline while investing in high-impact projects. The report highlights the critical need for policies to ensure growth is inclusive. Despite progress in education and health, Cabo Verdean women continue to face labor market barriers. The report finds that closing gender gaps in employment and earnings could boost GDP by up to 12.2% in the long-term. To achieve this, the report recommends: Expanding access to childcare and flexible work arrangements. Promoting women's skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in technical and vocational education and training. Tackling employer discrimination and transforming social norms. ' By aligning reform efforts with inclusive policies, Cabo Verde has a unique opportunity to strengthen resilience, empower more citizens – especially women – and build a more sustainable and equitable future,' said Anna Carlotta Massingue, Senior Country Economist. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
