CNN) Five women from Afghanistan’s renowned robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, following the country’s takeover by the Taliban.

The five women, along with one of their partners, were transported on a commercial flight to Mexico on Monday, funded by different organizations, Martha Delgado, undersecretary for multilateral affairs and human rights at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press conference on Tuesday.

A frantic Western evacuation operation at Kabul airport has picked up pace after the Taliban said Tuesday that they were no longer allowing the evacuation of Afghans. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden made clear he aims to stick with his August 31 deadline to withdraw troops from the country.

Many of those fleeing the country since the Taliban took over have been educated people, especially women. The last time the Taliban ruled, women were banned from working and forbidden to attend schools and universities.

Evacuation flights out of Kabul are picking up. Here’s what it’s like at the airport.

“Following the tradition of solidarity and with the feminist foreign policy of the Mexican government, we have carried out many diplomatic efforts to create a safe passage that would allow us to bring them to Mexico,” Delgado said, “We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico.”

The women will have a humanitarian visa for up to 180 days, after which they may have the option of an extension, Delgado said.

An institution based in Mexico, which was not named for security purposes, offered accommodation, food, and basic services at no cost for the team members, Delgado said.

Five women from the renowned robotics team arrived in Mexico, officials said.

“We are very happy to be here and it is an honor that the government of Mexico has honored us with being here and having saved our lives,” team member Fatemah Qaderyan said in the press conference.

“From now on forward we will have opportunities for many more achievements in our lives, and thus be part of the fight for a better life,” Qaderyan said. “Although we are far from our homes, we will always be united and thanks to your help we will achieve it, thank you very much, we really appreciate having all our things here in Mexico with us.”

Several other members of the team had previously been evacuated to Qatar, according to the country’s government.

The team received worldwide attention in 2017 after they were twice denied entry to the United States for a robotics competition, until former President Donald Trump intervened.

The team received further recognition for creating ventilators made from used car parts to care for Covid-19 patients.

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Through four wars, toll mounts on a Gaza neighborhood

BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip (AP) — The electricity is out again tonight in what’s left of Zaki and Jawaher Nassir’s neighborhood. But from the shell of their sitting room, its wall blown open by Israeli missiles, twilight and a neighbor’s fire are enough…Read More

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Cleanup begins of Haiti town’s earthquake-crumbled homes

MANICHE, Haiti (AP) — At the edge of a pile of rubble, Michael Jules plunged an iron bar over and over into the crumbling concrete of his grandmother’s home. A younger cousin squatted at his feet, pulling away debris with a trowel. …Read More

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Duterte confirms he’ll run for Philippines VP next year

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines’ tough-talking President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed rumblings that he will run next year for vice president, in what critics say is an attempt at an end-run around constitutional term limits. …Read More

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Biden holds to Kabul Aug. 31 deadline despite criticism

U.S. President Joe Biden declared Tuesday he is sticking to his Aug. 31 deadline for completing a risky airlift of Americans, endangered Afghans and others seeking to escape Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The decision defies allied leaders who want …Read More

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Giant rubber ducky takes flight; where will it land next?

BELFAST, Maine (AP) — A 25-foot inflatable duck named Joy disappeared over the weekend, as mysteriously as it arrived, after bringing days of delight to a seaside Maine community. …Read More

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NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (August 24, 2021) — Three Nevisians were among eight persons who were formally invested with Queen Elizabeth II New Year Honours, at an investiture ceremony at Government House in St. Kitts on August 19, 2021.

Sir Tapley Seaton, Governor General, who is the Queen’s representative in the Federation, presented Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Miranda Liburd, Deputy Governor General for Nevis with the award of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contribution to public service; Mr. Collin D.A Tyrell, with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to community service; and Mr. Hilroy Patrick Brandy, Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for his contribution to policing and leadership.

The Deputy Governor General, who was born in Gingerland, was described as an educator whose career spanned 39 years of experience in her field. A former Principal Education Officer, Headteacher and classroom teacher who regardless of her job title three things were always clear – her love for people especially children, her passion for teaching and her commitment in ensuring the success of all her students.

“She is a firm believer that there is good and potential in every child and no child should ever be left behind. This is evident in her commitment to tutoring children in reading and math, after working hours throughout her career and during her retirement and in the programmes she instituted within the Education System during her career.

“She has also conducted many workshops on various topics associated with Education and Parenting,” was said in her profile.

Some of her achievements during her career include:  Long, medium and short-term planning for education, Programme planning for schools for more effective management, the establishment of the Teacher Resource Centre, and the establishment of counselling for primary school students.

In 2005, she was awarded the St. Christopher and Nevis Medal of Honour, and in 2014 she was awarded the Nevis Island Administration Independence Award for her sterling contribution in the field of Education.

In September of 2018, she assumed the role of Deputy Governor General for Nevis which she said she accepted with humility and pride, a position which gave her the opportunity to serve the people of her beloved island Nevis more diligently, utilizing her leadership, counselling and teaching skills.

The second awardee, Mr. Tyrell who was born and raised in Hermitage became known for his contribution to the political sphere in Nevis. Prior to his involvement in politics, he exhibited a deep love for all things Nevis from an early age.

He was educated at the Gingerland Infant School, Gingerland Junior School and Charlestown Secondary School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Toronto’s York University.

According to his profile, in 1983 Mr. Tyrell returned to Nevis to join the newly established Nevis Island Administration (NIA).  As a member of the Civil Service, he was able to combine his love of people and his island Nevis, to help foster and administer the policies of a newly independent country.

He was responsible for directing the affairs of the Ministry of Culture.  As an Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry, he pioneered the development of a vibrant Youth Skills Programme that resulted in economic benefits for the participants and the island.

He later moved to the private sector only to return to the political sphere in 1987.

Mr. Tyrell became an early member of the fledging Concerned Citizens Movement, becoming a nominated member after five years.  During the period 1992 to 1999 he served as a Junior Minister with responsibility for Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, Culture and Women’s Affairs.

In 1999 he returned to Canada and graduated from the University of Windsor Law School in 2002 before venturing back to Nevis to open a private law firm.  Ten years later he resumed his contribution to Nevis’ political, cultural and social arenas when he was appointed Legal Advisor to the Nevis Island Administration.  Presently he serves as Advisor to the Minister of Culture.

In 2019, his life-long efforts on Nevis’ behalf were recognized with the Independence Award for his stellar contribution to community service and government.

In his profile, Commissioner Brandy was said to be a member of Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for more than 40 years.

He graduated from his initial Police Training in 1981 and worked at several departments, units and stations doing general policing. In 1988 he was awarded as Constable of the Year in the first and only Constable Awards in the Federation.

He was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and while there distinguished himself and made a name for himself in policing.

During his 18-year tenure at CID he moved up the ranks from Corporal to Inspector of Police. As the officer in charge of the department he received extensive training from agencies including the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Programme, Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, and the National Drug Intelligence Center in Canada.

Mr. Brandy left the department in 2010 when he assumed the Command position of the Nevis Division. In 2002 he became a member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Financial Investigation Unit and the Financial Intelligence Unit and conducted sensitive financial investigations on behalf of foreign countries and agencies. As a result of the assistance he rendered, St. Kitts and Nevis was removed from the OECD FSF and FATF blacklist.

Also present at the ceremony was Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and His Excellency Vance Amory, Ambassador in the Office of the Prime Minister.

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LES CAYES, Haiti, Aug 24 (Reuters) – After a devastating earthquake leveled tens of thousands of homes in Haiti, some residents have started to pick up the pieces, collecting scrap metal from the rubble to resell and make ends meet.

Djedson Hypolite deftly coiled severed electrical wires at a collapsed home in the southern Haitian city of Les Cayes on Monday afternoon, as he scanned the debris for more metal.

The 13-year-old boy and his brother Dawenson, 9, have been extracting and reselling wires and cables found in the wreckage since the quake struck on Aug. 14, killing over 2,000 people across Haiti.

“We are fatherless and our home collapsed, so we’re just trying to survive somehow,” said Hypolite, explaining the two brothers earned about $5 a day collecting the electrical wires.

The earthquake occurred just over a month after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, deepening the political turmoil in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, where violent gangs run rampant, hunger is on the rise and healthcare services were already buckling under COVID-19.

Though official efforts to clear the rubble have been slow in hard-hit cities and towns across Haiti’s southern peninsula, scrap metal collectors and recycling enterprises are busier than ever, providing much-needed cash for hundreds of residents, and extra hands for clearing debris.

All across the city, residents carried the scrap metal to collection sites on motorbikes, pickup trucks, or balanced on top of their heads. Those who could shoulder the weight hauled aluminum sheeting, which netted 25 Haitian gourdes (25 cents) per kilo, or iron rods, which went for 10 gourdes at a recycling collection site in downtown Les Cayes.

Holmes Germain, the owner of a downtown recycling enterprise, said the amount of iron and aluminum he was receiving had doubled or tripled since the quake.

Trucks flowed in and out of his scrap yard, taking the loads of twisted iron, warped aluminum sheeting, tangled wires and the occasional battery to the capital city, Port-au-Prince. From there, he said, it was recycled for domestic use, or packed onto shipping containers and exported.

Germain sees his business as both an economic opportunity and a public service at this time of crisis.

“If we don’t buy the iron they will throw it away or just leave it lying there, so this is our way of trying to clean up downtown,” he said.

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An autopsy was performed on the body of 24-year-old Ziron Roberts on August 20, 2021, by Resident Pathologist, Dr. Adrian Nuñez. Dr. Nuñez concluded that death was due to hypovolemic shock and multiple traumatic injuries as a result of a motor vehicular accident.

The fatal traffic accident occurred at Douglas Estate on August 18, 2021. Investigations so far have revealed that sometime before midday, motor pickup PA7453 which is registered to the CABLE Company, but was being driven by Ronnel Fyfield of Cardin Avenue, was traveling from north to south on the main road at Douglas Estate. When he reached the vicinity of the mango tree, he was making a right turn into Carifesta Village, Phase 1. A second vehicle was coming from the opposite direction along the Main Road and slowed down to give way to PA7453. Ziron Roberts of Newtown was riding motorcycle PA1426. Roberts overtook the vehicle that slowed down and collided with the pickup. The District Medical Doctor arrived and pronounced Roberts dead at the scene.

This is the second road fatality being investigated by the Police to date. Also being investigated is a fatal accident that occurred in Cayon on July 29, 2021. That accident involved motorcycle PA5745 which is owned by Chesen Glasgow of Challengers, but was being ridden by Gavin Herbert of Lime Kiln. Investigations so far have revealed that sometime after 3 p.m. PA5745 was travelling from Basseterre to Cayon. When he got in the vicinity of the junction at Spooners, he lost control of the motorcycle and collided with the curb wall. In the process, Herbert hit a tree and the curb wall. He was transported to the JNF General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on July 31, 2021.

An autopsy was performed on the body of 37-year-old Gavin Herbert on August 04, 2021, by Resident Pathologist, Dr. Adrian Nuñez. Dr. Nuñez concluded that death was due to intracerebral haemorrhage by severe head injury.

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CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, August 24, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — The Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU), the oldest such society in the Federation, on Monday August 23 paid glowing tribute to its stalwart pioneer, Mr Arthur Lionel Evelyn, at a funeral service that was held at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park in Charlestown, Nevis.

“The Credit Union fraternity in Nevis, Saint Kitts and the wider Caribbean mourns the loss of a pioneer whose contribution to the advancement of the co-operative business model and the upliftment of the Nevisian people will forever be remembered and appreciated,” said General Manager of the NCCU, Mr Sydney Newton, as he paid tribute to Mr Arthur Evelyn who died on Friday August 13 at the age of 93.

Heartfelt condolences to the Evelyn’s family at the time of their bereavement were expressed by the Nevis Credit Union family that was represented by its President Mrs Vernesia Walters, the St. Kitts and Nevis National Co-operative League that was represented by its President, Mr Peter Jenkins, and the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) through its General Manager, Ms Denise Garfield.

“Mr Arthur Lionel Evelyn stands out as a stalwart pioneer of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited (NCCU), having earned this distinction by his unparalleled contribution to the stability, growth and development of the credit union in its formative years,” said Mr Newton.

After the registration of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited on July 25, 1972, as the successor to the Charlestown Co-operative Credit Union Limited, Mr Evelyn worked along with many other pioneers to lay a strong foundation for the cherished institution that has become a financial pillar in the Nevisian society.

According to Mr Newton, his colleague co-operators were: Ingle Blackett – OBE, Anthony Horner, Spencer Byron, Father John Wagland, Harry Maynard, Ann-Marie Caines, Cicely Grell-Hull, Eileen Blackett – MBE, and others (who preceded him in death), and Hon Joseph Parry, Olvis Dyer, Eugenie Hector, Warner Riviere, Pastor Eversley Pemberton, Carmella Hanley, and many others (who are still alive).

Mr Evelyn served the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union selflessly as a Director from the early-1970s through early-1980s, espousing the principles and values of co-operativism, volunteerism, and ethical business practices.

“But his most significant contribution was the provision of free office space for the fledgling credit union, upstairs his private business on Main Street in Charlestown for over ten (10) years,” said Mr Newton. “During that period, Mr Evelyn allowed an employee of his business – the youthful, energetic Warner Riviere (who himself had become a Director of Nevis Co-operative Credit Union), a measure of freedom to assist the young society during normal business hours.”

According to the General Manager, Mr Evelyn was also instrumental in securing grant funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in the early 1980s, through the assistance of Mr Melvin Edwards, then an employee of the Barbados-based Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU), for the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union to erect its own office building on Chapel Street in 1984, on lands leased from the Nevis Island Administration.

“Mr Arthur L. Evelyn was the epitome of humility, integrity and service, and a role model worthy of emulation,” pointed out Mr Newton. “In recognition of his sterling contribution to the development of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union, the society’s Board Room was named in his honour in 2007 as ‘The Arthur L. Evelyn Board Room’.”

Mr Arthur Evelyn was accorded an official funeral, and in attendance at the service which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Christopher Archibald were the Deputy Governor General for Nevis, Her Honour Mrs Hyleeta Liburd and Mr Elmo Liburd, Governor General’s Deputy His Excellency Michael Morton, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, and Premier of Nevis and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Mark Brantley among others.

“We trust that you will find great satisfaction in Mr Evelyn’s exemplary service to God, Country and Humanity, and pray that you will be comforted by the God of All Comfort,” said Mr Newton in his tribute. “May his gentle soul rest peacefully in the arms of his Creator and Lord.”

Interment was at the Bath Cemetery where Mr Newton laid a wreath on behalf of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union and the Credit Union fraternity in St. Kitts.

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The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has been working even harder
since the start of this pandemic. The Police Force has been working hard to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by enforcing the laws supporting the COVID-19 protocols.

There has been an increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 over the past few days. TheRSCNPF, therefore, recognizes that it must be more vigilant and proactive. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force thanks the law-abiding citizens who have been compliant with the regulations and supportive of its efforts.

While The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force respect the rights of individuals,
including the right to demonstrate, the actions that are in violation of the laws and health
protocols will not be tolerated. Based on intelligence, the Police became aware of an illegal
march and protest that was being planned for Friday, August 20, 2021. No application to host such an activity was submitted to the Commissioner of Police. The Police took proactive action and warned against participation in such an illegal activity on several grounds given the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations and the Public Order Act.

Individuals who participated in the illegal activity did so in breach of the regulations that prohibit public gatherings. The protocols that speak to social distancing and the wearing of masks were also breached during the illegal activity. Several arrests were made and charges are being laid.

The RSCNPF continues to request the support and cooperation of the public.

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CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, August 24, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Charlestown was awash with colour Monday afternoon August 23, as the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis bade goodbye to Nevisian icon, the Late Arthur Lionel Evelyn JP, CSM, OBE, at an official funeral that was held at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park. Interment was at the Bath Cemetery.

Mr Evelyn, who was born in Butlers Village on June 25, 1928, became the first Chairman of the Nevis Local Council when it was formed in 1967. When the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) was officially inaugurated in 1983, the New Premier Dr Simeon Daniel (now deceased and a National Hero) appointed Mr Evelyn the first Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Labour and Tourism, positions he held between 1983 and 1987.

Apart from his political activities, Mr Evelyn was a pioneer in establishing a pharmacy in Charlestown – Evelyn Drug Store. His other contributions to the Nevisian society include the Nevis Turf and Jockey Club, the Mental Health Association, Culturama Committee, the Lions Club, the Blind Light and Visually Impaired Society, and the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Vestry.

Mr Evelyn who died on Friday August 13, was a founding member of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS), and the oldest co-operative credit union society in the Federation – the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU).

Present at the funeral service, which was officiated by Rev. Fr. Christopher Archibald, were the Deputy Governor General for Nevis, Her Honour Mrs Hyleeta Liburd and Mr Elmo Liburd, Governor General’s Deputy His Excellency Michael Morton, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, and Premier of Nevis and Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Mark Brantley.

Also present were Speaker of the National Assembly the Hon Michael Perkins, President of the Nevis Island Assembly the Hon Farrel Smithen, and members of the Nevis Island Administration Cabinet – Deputy Premier the Hon Alexis Jeffers, the Hon Eric Evelyn, the Hon Spencer Brand, and the Hon Troy Liburd.

Others were former Premiers of Nevis, Ambassador His Excellency Vance Amory, and Mr Joseph Parry, former President of the Nevis Island Assembly and Acting Deputy Governor General for Nevis Mrs Marjorie Morton, Commander of the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force Lt Col J. Anthony Comrie, Commissioner of Police Mr Hilroy Brandy, and Commissioner of Corrections Mr Terrence James.

Leading in paying tributes was Premier of Nevis the Hon Mark Brantley, who was followed by a granddaughter of the late Mr Evelyn, Mrs Chevelle Willett. Others were Mr Llewellyn Parris a representative of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), General Manager of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Mr Sydney Newton, the Hon Spencer Brand for the St. Paul’s Choir, and a representative of Gulf Insurance. The eulogy was read by Mr Joseph Parry.

In paying tribute on behalf of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), Premier the Hon Mark Brantley said that Mr Arthur Evelyn lived a life of service to others. He added that Mr Evelyn was a patriot, a teacher, an entrepreneur and a great soul of matchless integrity.

“On behalf of the Nevis Island Administration and the people of Nevis, I wish to extend sincere condolences to the loved ones of Mr Evelyn,” said Premier Brantley. “The entire Federation mourns with you and celebrates the extraordinary life of a remarkable son of the soil who devoted his life to the service and development of the Federation.”

After the funeral service at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park which was led by Rev. Fr. Christopher Archibald, the casket which was draped with the National Flag was carried by members of armed bodies and put on a carriage that was drawn by a government-owned pick-up truck to the Bath Cemetery.

After the graveside sermon, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris placed the first wreath on the grave, and was followed by Deputy Governor General for Nevis Her Honour Mrs Hyleeta Liburd, family members, and friends.

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The CDC also added to its “Level 3: Covid-19 High” list. Albania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Brunei and Liechtenstein were moved to Level 3 from Level 1. Bulgaria and Serbia were moved up to Level 3 from Level 2. Greenland and Guernsey were previously “level unknown” and are now Level 3. Paraguay is considered less risky and was moved down from Level 4 to Level 3.

The CDC advises travelers who are unvaccinated to avoid nonessential travel to Level 3 destinations.

The CDC also discourages people who are unvaccinated from traveling.

“Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants,” said the agency.

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