Tropica

[jamescfm]

Final eight teams confirmed ahead of T20 Cricket World Cup in Mordusia

[jamescfm]

Vascania beat host country Mordusia to win first T20 World Cup

[Hogak25]

Tropica welcomes Luthorian Prime Minister for historic visit
Prime Minister Tane Tawhiri and her Luthorian counterpart signed several agreements concerning trade, defense cooperation as well as an economic development agreement. The Tropican government also agreed to join the Commonwealth.

Nikutabi, Tropica - The Prime Minister of the Holy Luthorian Empire, Sir Sewards Asters, along with his delegation, arrived in Tropica yesterday for a three-day state visit that aims to strengthen the ties between the two Luthorian-speaking nations. The visit as stated by the Luthorian press, is part of the Luthorian government's policy of reaching out to its "forgotten brothers" in Temania and Dovani. The visit also entails the expansion of the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations, an organization that promotes cultural, economic and diplomatic cooperation among Luthorian-speaking countries.

The Luthorian Prime Minister was recieved by the Katiaki (Monarch), Te Ariki Kahu Williams and Prime Minister Tane Tawhiri at the Whare Paremata (Royal Palace) where he recieved a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour. The two leaders then held a bilateral meeting, where they discussed various issues of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, security, infrastructure and regional stability. They also signed agreements, such as:

1. A free trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs and barriers on goods and services between Luthoria and Tropica, and facilitate the movement of capital and labour.
2. A defense cooperation agreement that will provide for the training and modernization of the Tropican Defense Force by Luthorian military experts, the participation of Tropican forces in Luthorian-led military exercises, and the transfer of Luthorian weapons and equipment to Tropica.
3. An economic development agreement that will grant Tropica a low-interest loan of 1 billion pounds from the Luthorian Foreign Investment Bank, and an investment plan of 15 billion pounds by Luthorian companies in various sectors of the Tropican economy, such as agriculture, high-tech industry and technology

Prime Minister Tawhiri also confirmed Tropica's candicacy for joining the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations stating that she will "immediately" initiate the neccessary procedures to do so, starting from the Tropican Parliament. The Luthorian Prime Minister then addressed the Tropican Parliament today, where he praised the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and expressed his hope for a closer and more prosperous partnership in the future. He emphasized on Tropica's entry into the Commonwealth, pledging that Tropica will always have the backing of Luthori in the international arena.

Neverthless, the state visit was hailed by both sides as a success and a milestone for the Luthori-Tropica relations. Prime Minister Tawhiri in her own words said:

This visit has opened a new chapter in our relations with Luthori. We are grateful for the generous and comprehensive assistance that Luthori has offered us, and we look forward to working with them on various fields of cooperation.

The Luthorian Prime Minister will conclude his visit tomorrow by visiting key sites such as the National Museum of Science, the University of Nikutabi among others. He will also meet with the Luthorian Diaspora at the Luthorian Embassy before departing back for Luthori.

[Hogak25]

Prime Minister Tane Tawhiri steps down as TFP leader and head of government
June 5400 - The Prime Minister of Tropica Tane Tawhiri quits after more than 30 years in power.
More from Tropica Village:
- TFP introduces bill in Parliament to officially join the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations.


Prime Minister Tane Tawhiri (wearing blue) leaving TFP party headquarters after announcing her resignation. Picture: Supplied.

Nikutabi, Tropica - Prime Minister Tane Tawhiri announced her resignation as the leader of the Tropica First Party (TFP) and the head of the government today, citing health reasons and the need for a fresh leadership. Tawhiri, who is 84 years old, has been suffering from a chronic heart condition and has been advised by her doctors to reduce her workload and stress. Tawhiri made the announcement at a press conference at the Tropica First Party headquarters, where she was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister, Leani Tofiga. She thanked the people of Tropica for their support and trust in her and her party.

In her address, Prime Minister Tawhiri stated:

It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve as Prime Minister of Tropica for the past 30+ years. I have served my country with pride and dedication for many years, and now it is time for me to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served our people and contributed to Tropica's progress and development.

Tawhiri also expressed her confidence in her party and her successor, who will be elected by the TFP members in a special convention next week. She said she will remain as a member of parliament and will support the new leader and the government. The Deputy Prime Minister, Leani Tofiga, who is also the Minister for Education, Research and Innovation and the TFP deputy leader, thanked Tawhiri for her mentorship and guidance, and said she was proud to work with her. She added that she will be runnning for the TFP leadership and the Prime Ministership, and promised to continue the legacy and vision of Tawhiri. She also said she will focus on preparing for the next general election, which is due in February 5404.

Tane Tawhiri has been the Prime Minister of Tropica since March 5359, when she led the TFP to a landslide victory in the general election, ending the Socialist Party’s long-standing rule. Prime Minister Tawhiri is one of the longest serving Prime Minister in Tropican history.

[Hogak25]

Parliament passes bill to join the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations
September 5400 - TFP fulfills its promise and secures Tropica’s entry into the Luthorian-led organization.
More from Tropica Village:
- Department of Infrastructure and Transport to announce a major infrastructure project.


Tropican Parliament in Nikutabi, Tropica. Picture: Supplied.

Nikutabi, Tropica - The National Assembly voted today approve the bill that will officially admit Tropica as a member of the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations, an organization that promotes cultural, economic and diplomatic cooperation among Luthorian-speaking countries. The bill was introduced by the new Prime Minister and Tropica First Party (TFP) leader, Leani Tofiga who succeeded Tane Tawhiri in June after she resigned due to health reasons.

The bill received 301 votes in favor, 143 votes against and 6 abstentions, incorporating the majority from the TFP and support of some opposition parties, such as the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party. The main opposition party, the Socialist Party led by Hemi Te Kura opposed the bill, arguing that it will compromise Tropica’s sovereignty and identity, and align Tropica with the "imperialist and neo-colonialist agenda" of Luthori. That statement was later withdrawn after an intervention by the Speaker.

Prime Minister Tofiga hailed the the passage of the bill as a historic and momentous occasion for Tropica, and said that joining the Commonwealth will bring many benefits and opportunities for the country. The Prime Minister said that Tropica will be able to access the Commonwealth’s resources and networks which will be "very beneficial" for the country. "We will also be able to enhance our cultural and diplomatic ties with members of the Commonwealth," she added.

Nonetheless, the bill will now be sent to the Kaitiaki (Monarch), Te Ariki Kahu Williams, for his assent. The Kaitiaki, who is also the head of state of Tropica, has expressed his support for the bill, hinting at a possible invitation to the Luthorian Monarch for an official visit to the country sometime in the future.

[jamescfm]

New Kosmos Renegades fight back to win first Hundred Ball Bonanza
15 February 5416

New Kosmos Renegades fought back from 32-4 to beat Eastern Storm in the final of the inaugural Hundred Ball Bonanza. Three early wickets from experienced Vascanian spinner C. Maavalan, including the in-form Renegades captain Rana Arepata, had given the Storm an early advantage in the contest. Leon Gardner and Akeakami Leapai led the Renegades recovery with a partnership of 86. Saridani all-rounder Marick Engelbrecht then contributed 28 to help his side achieve a defensible total.

In their semi-final match, Eastern Storm had chased down the highest total in the competition. Despite their strong performance batting second throughout the tournament, the early signs were not positive when captain Pakanga Wikiriwhi was dismissed for a duck.

Wikiriwhi was the first of a succession of cheap wickets. As their innings progressed, the match appeared to be slipping away from the Storm. Mason Harper worked hard to rescue his side but the rapidly increasing required rate drew a rash shot from the young Mordusian opener. A spirited effort from bowlers Maavalan and Martel Graham was not enough to salvage the game. In the end, the Renegades won by 15 runs.

The final of the Hundred Ball Bonanza drew a sold out crowd in Tropica City. In its inaugural edition, the competition has attracted both praise and criticism. After trials at amateur level in the last decade, the Bonanza is the first professional cricket league to use the 100-ball format. The new format was devised by Cricket Tropica as a novel way of competing with established T20 competitions, especially the Luthorian Super League.

Due to strong investment from the governing body, the Bonanza was able to attract international talent. Preparations are already underway for the second edition of the competition. Cricket traditionalists are not convinced though. Fans of local cricket have suggested it undermines Tropica’s historic semi-professional competitions, while former Tropican test captain Dennis Bennett has controversially claimed the format “dumbs down” the sport.

The Tropican Daily Dispatch is an independent daily newspaper that covers topics including politics, economics, culture and sport

[Zanz]

     Vascanian coup: Tropica "will aid in whatever way necessary"
               6 February 5421

The office of Prime Minister Paiti Enoka (Labour and Co-operative Union, LCU) has condemned the coup in Vascania following the declaration of martial law by General Vinay Talavalakar and a subsequent endorsement of Talavalakar, apparently under duress, by members of the ruling Vascanian National Alliance.

The government and people of Tropica condemn, in the strongest terms, the illegal seizure of power undertaken two days ago by General Vinay Talavalakar and the military of Vascania. Though reports of corruption in the Vascanian government are worrisome and the assassination of [Vascanian Trade] Minister [Ramaeshwara] Ayyar is of course a heinous crime, that is no justification for the overthrow of a duly elected government. Tropica stands prepared to render assistance to those seeking it.

The Enoka administration, comprised of the PM's LCU and the Tropica First party, is a notably left-wing bastion in a region of Terra otherwise replete with paternalist right-wing states. Reports that Vascanian Trade Minister Ayyar was murdered by communists have complicated the response from Nikutabi, which has historically maintained cool but vital ties with Tropica's eastern neighbor even in spite of Vascania's fraught relationship with its own left. Tropica's energy grid is reliant on Vascanian oil imports and Vascanians traveling to Tropica account for a sizeable portion of Tropica's tourism industry.

Tropica's ambassador to Vascania has been instructed to demand of General Talavalakar an explanation for the justification for the coup and to request the immediate reinstatement of democratic order in Vascania, or Tropica will sever ties with Kamalata.
     Nikutabi Today is an independent local newspaper in the Tropican capital that covers news, culture, politics, economics and sport

[Zanz]

Emerara Islands Ferry Cooperative releases plan to electrify fleet over 20 years; local activists express concern over impact on energy prices
7 July 5421

The Emerara Islands will soon embark upon a monumental effort to reduce the carbon footprint of its single largest emissions source: its heavily utilized ferry system. An announcement from the Emerara Islands Ferry Cooperative (EIFC) had been teased for weeks before occurring yesterday at a ceremony in the regional capital Uluvai.

The EIFC statement noted that the Cooperative has a social responsibility to contribute as little as possible to the disturbance of the islands' fragile environmental balance, and that electrifying the fleet is an important step to reduce carbon emissions which contribute to climate change and rising seas. Sea level changes are of extreme concern to the Emerara Islands as the majority of land territory in the region is only 1 to 2 meters above sea level.

As announced, the program would begin with the immediate conversion of five existing ferries which currently run on diesel fuel to hybrid electric-diesel power systems. This conversion will be accompanied by the installation of Rapid Charging Stations (RCS) at the four most heavily used ferry terminals served by EIFC, Uluvai, Tonleleleka, Taratta and Solosi. These electrifications will be followed by further efforts over the medium and long term, with the aim being zero carbon emissions from the fleet in 25 years.

The announcement led to concern from local antipoverty activists who worry about the impact of electrification on energy prices. Particularly in Uluvai and Tarrata where population densities are highest, local power cooperatives already struggle to provide consistent power during surge periods, and price restraint regulations were written decades ago without the expectation of the proposed EIFC project. EIFC spokespeople have sought to assuage concerns, noting that they are working in close coordination with power cooperatives to ensure the impacts for regional power pricing are kept to a minimum. Critics also point out that particularly in the long term, calls for electrification of terminal stations in the central Emerara Islands at Karikasi, Teneketi, and Navunamo will likely require a major overhaul for power infrastructure there, as local demand has historically been low, and development therefore lags behind the more populous islands. The EIFC responds to this concern by noting that increased investment in infrastructure will be necessary eventually one way or another, and that the cost of doing nothing is too high. The Central Emerara Islands Power Cooperative (CEIPC), asked to comment by the EIFC board, noted that it believes a significant untapped source of clean energy exists in the form of oceanic wind turbines. Critics note that this hypothetical means further costs for Emerara Islanders to bear.

The project's costs are significant, with estimates ranging into the billions for the full project over the next 25 years. The EIFC says it has secured a significant portion of the funding through grants from the central Tropican government, through cooperative membership dues, and through private loans. Future costs will be funded through municipal bonds in serviced cities, further grants and membership dues, and offset at least in part by gains made through reduced fuel costs. Procurement of diesel is expensive in the Emerara Islands due to the region's remoteness.


The Tropican Daily Dispatch is an independent daily newspaper that covers topics including politics, economics, culture and sport

OOC note: images and story are my own but heavily inspired by Washington state ferry system electrification

[jamescfm]

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Qualification concludes ahead of 5422 T20 Cricket World Cup
12 March 5422

Qualification for this year’s T20 Cricket World Cup has concluded. The sixteenth edition of the tournament is being held in Tropica. In addition to the host country, Beiteynu qualified automatically as the “invited guest” country. World Cricket were reportedly delighted when the Beiteynuese governing body agreed to participate. Officials hope it will encourage the growth of the sport in a major economic power.

In addition to marking over a hundred years since the first edition of the tournament, the latest edition is set to be the most open contest for half a decade. In the history of the tournament, only four national teams have lifted the trophy: Luthori, Mordusia, Saridan, and Vascania. In a shocking turn of events, Mordusia failed to qualify for the 5422 edition due to a disappointing defeat to Rutania. The other three previous winners will be present in Tropica though. Luthori are aiming to complete an unprecedented third successive victory.

The two other teams that progressed through the qualifying process were Alduria and Malivia. The recent success of the Malivia T20 Trophy has raised expectations for the Malivian national team. Over the past five years, the competition has become a major fixture in the cricket calendar and provided a platform for a new generation of Malivian white ball cricketers. Malivia have reached the final twice before but were comfortably beaten on both occasions.

“Luthori remain the favourites but this might be the most exciting T20 World Cup we have ever seen,” writes Sachveer Chhabra of cricket website no-run.lut, “and there is no reason why any of the qualified teams cannot reach the final.” In the absence of Mordusia and playing in home conditions, Tropica will be hoping to finally win a trophy that has consistently eluded them. In the history of the tournament, they have only reached the final once. The venue for this year’s event will be the 50,000-capacity New Kosmos Oval.

[jamescfm]

     Malivia secure first T20 World Cup triumph with victory over Vascania
               1 November 5422

Malivia have won the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time after comfortably beating Vascania in the final in New Kosmos. Malivian captain Rahul Shrivastava led by example with a decisive 55 runs from 33 balls. Shrivastava’s strong finish helped his side set a target of 185 and built upon opener Navin Chadda’s unbeaten 80. Chadda’s position has been questioned at times during the tournament. In the final, he showed his quality despite strong Vascanian bowling.

The required rate put early pressure on Vascania’s batters. Experienced opener S. Muthuvijayan was playing his final T20 match for his country but was bowled through the gate in the first over. The dismissal should have been a warning to the Vascanian side but they failed to heed it. Vinay Khatmode top scored with a total of 36 but his dismissal sparked a lower order collapse. Vascania lost their final five wickets in the space of thirteen balls.

Though the final was a one-sided affair, the rest of the tournament provided plenty of drama. Luthori dominated their group as many had expected, with their only loss coming after they had guaranteed progression to the knockout stages. In the semi-final though, they were blown away by an aggressive batting display from the Malivian top order. Chasing a total of 196, the Luthorian batters wilted in the Tropican sun.

T20 Cricket World Cup Final – New Kosmos Oval
Malivia 185-3 (20 overs): Chadda 80*, Shrivastava 55; Hamid 2-38
Vascania 117 (14.4 overs): Khatmode 36, Dhebar 29; Mukhtar 3-19

     Nikutabi Today is an independent local newspaper in the Tropican capital that covers news, culture, politics, economics and sport