Carib Scope

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  • Emancipation Watchnight 2026 Planned for Friday, July 31

    Emancipation Watchnight 2026 Planned for Friday, July 31

    Preparations are underway for a meaningful annual commemoration of the end of chattel slavery in Antigua and Barbuda, as the national Reparations Support Commission has formally announced details for the 2026 Emancipation Watchnight. Scheduled to take place on the evening of Friday, July 31 at the scenic Botanical Gardens, the free-to-attend community gathering will kick off at 8 p.m., welcoming residents and visitors alike to join in a collective reflection on freedom and heritage.

    Marking the 192nd anniversary of full emancipation across the region, this year’s event will blend performance, historical storytelling, and cultural expression to honor the legacy of enslaved people who fought for liberation. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of local and regional talent, including traditional drumming from the Nyabinghi Drummers, energetic contemporary sounds from the Wadadli Vybez Band, choreographed dance pieces from the Antigua Dance Academy, melodic pan music from both Da Vibz Steel Band and Point Iron Band, alongside soulful calypso performances, spoken word reflections, and the beloved traditional oral tradition of Anansi storytelling.

    Adding global and academic context to the commemoration, internationally recognized performing artist and educator Kim Pole will take the stage, while guests will also hear a special recorded and written address from one of the Caribbean’s leading voices on reparations and emancipation history: Professor Hilary Beckles. As Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Beckles’ address will anchor the event in the ongoing work of acknowledging historical injustice and advancing reparative justice across the region.

    Organizers emphasize that the 2026 Emancipation Watchnight is far more than a cultural event—it is a chance for the public to come together for an immersive journey through history, culture, and community pride. The annual watchnight serves as the official opening observance leading into Emancipation Day on August 1, a national holiday that celebrates the enduring resilience, rich cultural heritage, and vital contributions of African descendants to the identity and development of Antigua and Barbuda. With free admission for all, the commission hopes to draw a broad cross-section of the community to participate in this moment of collective reflection and celebration.

  • U.S. Development Finance Delegation Explores Investment Opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda

    U.S. Development Finance Delegation Explores Investment Opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda

    Diplomatic discussions between representatives of the United States and Antigua and Barbuda have centered on mapping out strategic sectors where targeted American investment can drive inclusive economic expansion for the Caribbean nation, while simultaneously deepening the long-standing bilateral partnership between the two countries.

    According to official statements released by the U.S. Embassy based in the region, this latest diplomatic visit is not an isolated engagement, but rather a core component of a broader, long-term U.S. strategy designed to advance both regional security and shared economic prosperity across the entire Caribbean basin and the broader Western Hemisphere.

    The embassy further emphasized that sustained, collaborative work between the U.S. and its Caribbean partner nations is rooted in a shared vision: to build a more resilient, secure, and economically vibrant region, while consistently reinforcing the close diplomatic and people-to-people bonds that connect the United States to its neighboring countries across the Americas.

  • LETTER: Sammy and his staff must be sacked

    LETTER: Sammy and his staff must be sacked

    A frustrated cricket fan from Trinidad has penned an open letter demanding sweeping changes to West Indies cricket’s senior leadership, following the team’s failure to secure qualification for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Kendell Karan, a resident of Chaguanas, has called for the immediate removal of head coach Daren Sammy and batting coach Floyd Reifer, arguing that their questionable selection decisions derailed a promising campaign and derailed progress the side had begun to make.

    Karan points specifically to the team’s most recent series, where West Indies held a 1-0 advantage early on, only to collapse and lose the overall contest. The fan says the leadership’s choice to alter a winning combination makes no logical sense, questioning why management opted to drop in-form domestic players like Keacy Carty (Jangoo) and Khary Pierre to make room for Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, who were flown in directly from the United States’ Major League Cricket competition to take starting spots after just one match.

    In Karan’s view, this last-minute shuffle was a direct insult to experienced players who have consistently prioritized representing the West Indies over franchise commitments elsewhere. The fan also raises questions over the omission of all-rounder Romario Shepherd, asking what the player did to lose his place in the matchday squad despite solid recent form.

    Much of Karan’s criticism is directed at batting coach Floyd Reifer, whose continued employment the fan says is unjustifiable, given the team’s persistent struggles with batting collapse. Throughout the qualifying campaign, West Indies has rarely managed to bat for a full 40 overs in key matches, a failure Karan attributes directly to poor coaching and mismanagement. He argues that every time the side begins to show signs of improvement, Sammy and Reifer interfere with the squad to justify their own positions, rather than letting the team build momentum.

    Karan also takes aim at Sammy’s lingering mindset as a former World Cup-winning captain, noting that the head coach has not played for the national side in years and needs to adapt to his new role rather than clinging to past glories. He rejects the common post-loss narrative pushed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) media officials that seek to spin defeat into small positives, arguing that this constant downplaying of failure prevents the organization from addressing serious structural issues. Karan does concede that bowling coach Ravi Rampaul has delivered solid results, pointing to standout performances from pacer Vitel Laing as proof that Rampaul is doing his job effectively.

    At the core of the fan’s argument is a demand for CWI management to return to basic selection principles: pick the best available players based on recent domestic form, give consistent performers an extended run of matches to build confidence, and reward players who earn spots through strong performances in the domestic Super 50 competition. Karan concludes that removing Sammy and Reifer is the first critical step to letting the current crop of players breathe, rebuild, and return West Indies cricket to competitiveness on the global stage.

  • Electoral Office rebuts voter confirmation allegation; remains silent about invalid address concerns in Roseau North

    Electoral Office rebuts voter confirmation allegation; remains silent about invalid address concerns in Roseau North

    A pre-election controversy has emerged in Dominica’s Roseau North constituency, where United Workers Party (UWP) candidate Danny Lugay has raised formal alarm over multiple perceived flaws in the ongoing electoral confirmation process, triggering a partial denial from the island’s national Electoral Office.

    In an official letter dated July 19, Lugay outlined two key sets of concerns to the Chief Elections Officer. First, he pointed out that the latest published supplementary voter list includes dozens of entries for registered electors that lack complete, valid residential addresses. The candidate framed this oversight as an unprecedented deviation from the country’s formal electoral statute, saying the issue must be fully corrected before any constituency-wide vote proceeds to prevent potential electoral irregularities.

    Second, Lugay called attention to serious, unconfirmed allegations he had received regarding confirmation center operations in Roseau North. These claims hold that center staff have been processing voter registration and confirmation requests submitted by third parties on behalf of absent applicants, many of whom are alleged to not even be residents of the Roseau North constituency. If verified, Lugay noted, this practice would amount to a direct violation of Dominica’s electoral law, and he requested an urgent official investigation and response to both issues.

    Within 24 hours of Lugay’s letter being made public, the Electoral Office issued a public statement on July 20 pushing back against the absentee confirmation claims. The office framed the allegations as false claims that had been spreading widely across local social media platforms. It issued a categorical denial, noting that the official confirmation process has non-negotiable requirements: every elector must appear in person to have a new official photograph taken and provide an electronic signature to complete their application. The system’s integrated software will not finalize any confirmation unless both biometric and biographic data points are captured, the office explained, making third-party confirmation of absent electors technically impossible. The statement also reaffirmed the Electoral Office’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of the voter confirmation process through consistent supervision and robust oversight of all local confirmation centers.

    Notably, while the Electoral Office directly addressed the claims of absentee confirmation processing, its official response did not touch on Lugay’s separate, distinct concern over the lack of valid residential addresses for electors listed on the latest supplementary voter list, leaving that part of the controversy unresolved ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

  • ‘No complaints’ at 100: Eunice Kirton celebrates century of faith, resilience

    ‘No complaints’ at 100: Eunice Kirton celebrates century of faith, resilience

    Against a backdrop of a lifetime marked by extraordinary hardship, extreme weather, and profound personal loss, Eunice Lenora Kirton of Eastlyn, St George, Barbados, has entered her second century with a perspective on life that has warmed the hearts of everyone who meets her. At 100 years old, the newly minted centenarian sums up her decades of experience in just two simple words: “No complaints.”

    Kirton’s milestone birthday was formally celebrated on Monday at her family home, where Barbadian President Jeffrey Bostic made a personal visit to extend official congratulations on behalf of the entire nation. When the President asked how it felt to reach the rare 100-year mark, Kirton smiled and offered her characteristic response: “Very good… Nothing to worry about… I have no trouble.” When Bostic replied that he was relieved and happy to hear she remained in good health, she reiterated her mantra twice more: “No complaints. No complaints.”

    The conversation soon turned to one of the most devastating events in modern Barbadian history: Hurricane Janet, which tore across the island on September 22, 1955. While most Barbadians who survived the storm remember it for the widespread destruction and loss of life it caused, Kirton recalled the experience with characteristic calm. When asked what she remembered of the deadly cyclone, she simply said: “It was very nice. I had no problems.” Bostic suggested her peaceful perspective likely stemmed from her deep religious faith, a observation Kirton quickly confirmed with a quiet “Yes, please.”

    Throughout the official visit, Bostic encouraged Kirton to share any thoughts or concerns, noting that the day was entirely hers. “Today is your day. I want you to just talk to us. Anything else you want to say? This is your time,” he said. Once again, her response reflected the profound contentment that has defined her long life: “No problems. All are good. No complaints.” A smiling Bostic replied that this positive outlook was a welcome change from many of his centenarian visits: “That is very good to hear, because that is not always the case when I visit. I’m glad to hear that.”

    As a gift to mark the occasion, Bostic presented Kirton with a bouquet of fresh flowers, a personalized birthday card from the presidency, and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. Reading the card aloud to the gathered crowd, he wrote: “Reaching the remarkable age of 100 years makes you a national treasure. It’s cause for celebration… Accept my heartfelt congratulations and those of the people of Barbados on this most significant day in your life. Happy birthday, and may God continue to shower His blessings on you.”

    Kirton’s eldest daughter, Cordell Price, shared that her mother has maintained this cheerful, grateful attitude through every health challenge she has faced, including the amputation of her leg due to complications from diabetes. “She lost a leg, but she’s in good spirits. She eats heartily… her hearing has started deteriorating, but she’s still good. She talks a lot and she asks a lot of questions,” Price explained.

    Before retiring to focus on raising her family, Kirton attended St Luke’s Girls School and worked as a housekeeper at Jordan’s Plantation. Over decades of full-time homemaking, she raised 10 children; one daughter has since passed away, leaving eight daughters and one son who now help care for their mother. The Kirton family now spans four generations, including roughly 17 grandchildren and more than 15 great-grandchildren.

    Price credits her mother’s strict personal discipline and deep-rooted Christian faith for shaping the close-knit family she built. “Every one of us had to go to church, St George Parish Church, every Sunday. As fast as we got maturity, she put us in the church,” Price said. She also recalled her mother’s relentless determination to provide for her children, even when resources were scarce: “She always liked to go and get food… dig yam, potato. Sometimes we got so much yam we were selling all. She did well, you know, made sure we were okay.”

    Kirton’s only son, Jefferson Kirton, opened the family celebration by thanking everyone who gathered to mark the milestone, including extended family members, reporters, and President Bostic. “I want to thank you all for coming this morning… I want to thank you, Mr President, for taking the time. I know you have a busy schedule… We are certainly honoured by your presence,” he said. He added that the celebration began the previous day with a service of thanksgiving at the family church, and would continue with private festivities for the whole family after the official visit.

    The public portion of the celebration included a short blessing ceremony led by Senator Canon John Rogers, rector of St George Parish Church, where Kirton has been a member for decades. Congregants sang traditional hymns and offered prayers of thanksgiving for Kirton’s long and meaningful life. Addressing the gathered crowd, Rogers praised Kirton’s unwavering faith and lifelong commitment to her church community: “As we celebrate the birthday of our beloved Eunice, a longstanding member of St George Parish Church, we are very, very happy that she reached this milestone. We give thanks to Almighty God for blessing her with the gift of longevity and helping her to see this ripe age of 100. Eunice, congratulations again on 100 years from the parish of St George.”

    Dwight Sutherland, Member of Parliament for St George South, also offered official tribute to Kirton, saying that it was “indeed a privilege and an honour” to take part in marking her 100th birthday.

    As Kirton adds her name to the growing list of Barbadian centenarians, she leaves a simple but powerful message for people of all ages, one that has not changed through a century of triumph and trial: “No problems. All are good. No complaints.”

  • APNU demands full disclosure of MV Barima’s documents, compensation

    APNU demands full disclosure of MV Barima’s documents, compensation

    On 21 July 2026, Guyana’s main opposition coalition, the Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has laid out strict, far-reaching demands for a full and accountable investigation into the sinking of the MV Barima, a decades-old ferry disaster that has already left 27 people dead and dozens unaccounted for.

    In a public statement posted to Facebook, APNU parliamentarian Saiku Andrews pushed for the inclusion of independent outside experts in the probe, a break from the government’s plan to have the local Maritime Administration (MARAD) lead the inquiry. He also called for the full, unredacted disclosure of every official document related to the 87-year-old, Scotland-built vessel. “Every manifest, cargo record, maintenance and dry dock file, inspection certificate, crew testing record and emergency response log must be made public,” Andrews said, adding that public transparency is non-negotiable for delivering answers to grieving families.

    Andrews specifically targeted Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar, whose portfolio covers the country’s maritime sector. He noted that Indar has previously warned that substandard vessel inspections put lives at risk by allowing unseaworthy ships to sail, and now the minister must turn over all of the MV Barima’s official safety documentation. “He must now produce the MV Barima’s inspection, seaworthiness, safety certification, crew fitness and emergency readiness records,” Andrews said.

    Beyond the investigative demands, the opposition lawmaker called on the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government to deliver full support, fair compensation, and access to independent legal representation to the families of those killed and missing in the disaster. “Victims and their families deserve truth, justice and reform, not excuse, spins or scapegoats,” Andrews emphasized, adding that ministerial responsibility means senior leadership must be held accountable for systemic failures that led to the tragedy.

    The disaster has already exposed major gaps in the government’s initial passenger counting and regulatory oversight. Shortly after the sinking, officials discovered that multiple rescued passengers were not listed on the official passenger manifest. A subsequent review of security camera footage from Georgetown’s Kingston Goods Wharf revised the total number of people on board to 179, including 18 crew members – a sharp jump from the initial government count of 133 people (17 crew), meaning 45 unregistered passengers were on the vessel. The government also confirmed that the ferry’s captain and one crew member tested positive for marijuana. As of Tuesday morning, official updates put the number of rescued people at 69, recovered bodies at 27, and 83 people still reported missing.

    In a move ahead of the official investigation, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill announced Monday that the entire management team overseeing the MV Barima’s loading, departure and daily operations had been placed on administrative leave. But Andrews pushed back against this step, warning the government against attempting to shift blame to low-level workers while protecting senior political officials who oversaw the country’s maritime regulatory system. “The PPPC government must not scapegoat junior workers while shielding the ministers who supervise the system,” Andrews said. He added that MARAD, the government agency responsible for maritime regulation, cannot credibly investigate its own failures without independent external oversight.

  • Hypasounds riding the wave of a strong Crop Over season

    Hypasounds riding the wave of a strong Crop Over season

    Barbadian international soca star Hypasounds is experiencing one of the most high-demand Crop Over festival seasons of his entire career, riding a wave of overwhelming fan support for his new releases and selling out nearly every scheduled event before he kicks off the next chapter of his global touring circuit. In an exclusive interview with Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the popular Tipsy All White Party held at Bridgetown’s National Botanical Gardens, the entertainer opened up about the overwhelmingly positive response he has received from attendees this year, calling the 2024 season a return to the festival’s iconic vibrant roots. “This season has been absolutely incredible,” Hypasounds shared. “Fans are connecting deeply with the new music, and the energy across every event has been unmatched. Every party is packed to capacity, and Crop Over is finally getting back to the beloved, lively form that it’s been known for for decades.” For the 2024 Crop Over festival, Hypasounds dropped four original tracks crafted specifically for the event, with two records standing out as breakout fan favorites. “It’s a dead heat between *Too Like* and *Mirror Mirror Baddest By Far* – female fans in particular can’t get enough of those two,” he explained. With the festival drawing to a close in the coming weeks, Hypasounds has a full lineup of remaining performances on his schedule, including the iconic Soca on the Hill and Bacchanal Time events, plus a supporting slot for fellow Barbadian artist Mikey Mercer’s upcoming headlining concert. He urged fans to continue turning out to support local soca talent throughout the remainder of the season, adding, “Just come out, enjoy the music, support your favorite artists, and of course, come cheer on Soca For Her and Hypasounds.” Though the annual Crop Over celebration put his international touring plans on a temporary hiatus, Hypasounds confirmed that he will resume his global performance schedule immediately after the festival wraps, with confirmed stops already locked in for Toronto, Canada, and St. Kitts. “Touring has been going so well – we just hit pause for this final stretch of Crop Over, and then we’re back on the road right away,” he said. “First up is Toronto, then St. Kitts, and it just keeps going. It’s all about flying the flag for my fans and my beautiful home country, Barbados, everywhere we go.” Before he jumps back into full-time touring, Hypasounds will make a quick stop in Saint Lucia this Tuesday to perform at the highly anticipated Big Bad Soca event, before returning to Barbados to close out his Crop Over commitments. Looking back on the first two legs of his 2024 international tour, the artist highlighted shows across the United States and the Caribbean as standout moments, with packed crowds in New York, Boston, Atlanta, and Grenada standing out as career highlights. “The first two legs of the tour were absolutely amazing,” he said. “We took a short break to be here for Crop Over, but now we’re gearing up to hit the road again, drop more new music, and head down to Trinidad for radio promotion – we never stop working, that’s just how we do it.”

  • Film showcases Taiwan’s journey to global tech heavyweight

    Film showcases Taiwan’s journey to global tech heavyweight

    On July 16, a special screening of the documentary *A Chip Odyssey* — a film tracing Taiwan’s transformation from an emerging economy to a global leader in advanced semiconductor and technological innovation — was hosted by Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, Taiwan’s ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The event, held to mark the 45th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and SVG, drew a diverse audience including senior SVG government officials, STEM program students, scholarship recipients, and local media representatives, and was organized in partnership with SVG’s National Centre of Technological Innovation, with additional participation from the Information Technology Services Division and National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

    Among the high-level attendees were Phillip Jackson, SVG’s Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information; Lavern King, Minister of State within the education and innovation ministry; and Chieftain Neptune, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister. Following the screening, an interactive discussion was held to deepen audience understanding of Taiwan’s tech development trajectory and its role in global supply chains.

    In her opening remarks, Ambassador Fan emphasized that Taiwan’s current status as a global tech powerhouse is the product of decades of consistent investment in technological research and manufacturing capacity, the development of distinct industry business models, and forward-looking government policy frameworks. She outlined Taiwan’s current diplomatic initiative, branded “Trusted Technology Taiwan”, which leverages the island’s mature industry ecosystem and skilled talent pool to build secure, reliable semiconductor and tech supply chains alongside like-minded democratic international partners under the framework of “Integrated Diplomacy”.

    Fan also highlighted that deep, multifaceted bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and SVG has already brought tangible benefits to SVG’s national development, with technology serving as a core pillar of the partnership. From rolling out smart surveillance systems to strengthen public safety to deploying digital tools for smart agriculture and improved telehealth services, the two sides have collaborated on projects that boost SVG’s national development and overall resilience.

    Beyond technology, youth capacity building and educational exchange have long formed a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Over the past 20 years, Taiwan has awarded scholarships to 321 Vincentian students to pursue higher education in Taiwan, with 2026 seeing a record high number of new scholarship recipients. “This growing commitment to educational exchange demonstrates the continuously deepening people-to-people bond between Taiwan and SVG,” Fan noted.

    Speaking at the event, Minister Jackson shared his perspective on Taiwan’s development experience in the context of today’s shifting global geopolitical environment. As a small island nation itself, Jackson noted that Taiwan’s success in carving out a leading niche in the global high-tech sector offers a valuable case study for SVG’s own development planning. He also encouraged Vincentian youth studying abroad to return to their home country after completing their degrees to contribute their new skills and knowledge to SVG’s long-term growth.

    As 2026 marks four and a half decades of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration and deepening bilateral relations, building on their existing foundation of shared values and mutual trust. Organizers of the screening noted that the event successfully advanced its core goal: helping SVG government stakeholders, young students, and the general public gain a clearer understanding of Taiwan’s critical role in the global advanced technology supply chain.

  • Antigua-Based Nicolas Geleyns Claims Second Place at FIA Euro RX3 in Ireland

    Antigua-Based Nicolas Geleyns Claims Second Place at FIA Euro RX3 in Ireland

    After back-to-back disappointing semi-final exits in the FIA European Rallycross Championship’s Euro RX3 division, Belgian driver Nicolas Geleyns orchestrated a dramatic comeback at Ireland’s iconic Mondello Park circuit, clinching his second podium finish of the 2024 season and jumping into fourth place in the overall championship rankings.

    Geleyns, an Antigua-based RACB competitor piloting an Audi A1 for Volland Racing, arrived at the Irish round hungry to reverse his early-season slump. Two consecutive events had seen the talented driver fail to reach the main race, leaving him unable to showcase the full speed his car and team had worked to build. However, a valuable advantage came from an appearance at Mondello Park just one month prior, competing in the British Rallycross Championship. That track time, plus additional testing in a Suzuki Swift at the circuit, gave Geleyns critical insights he was determined to leverage.

    From the opening moments of qualifying, it was clear Geleyns’ preparation had paid off. The Audi driver consistently locked himself in among the event’s front-runners, never slipping outside the top three across all four qualifying sessions. He claimed third in both Q1 and Q2, moved up to second in Q3, and closed out the qualifying phase with another third-place result in Q4. When all points were tallied, Geleyns sat third overall with 171 points out of a maximum 200, just three points adrift of second-placed Julien Meunier, while pole sitter Rytis Gurklys claimed a perfect 200-point qualifying score. The Irish round saw Geleyns deliver one of the standout qualifying laps of his season: he set the fastest overall lap of Q4 with a time of 45.937 seconds, edging out Gurklys by just 0.035 seconds.

    “I’m really pleased with our pace this weekend,” Geleyns said after qualifying. “We managed to step up our performance in every session, and that proves we can run with the very best in this category. For the first time this season, everything just clicked for us. Outside of one costly mistake in the final, I couldn’t be happier with how the weekend went.”

    Geleyns carried his strong form into the semi-final, where he was drawn into the same heat as pole qualifier Gurklys. Once again, he delivered a consistent, solid drive that earned him a spot in the final race, confirming his comeback was no fluke. “The approach we took to this weekend really paid off,” he noted. “We made progress every single day, and it’s so satisfying to see all that hard work get rewarded with a spot in the final.”

    The final saw Geleyns stay locked in battle with the race’s leading drivers for every lap, staying within striking distance of the top spots. But on the final corner of the very last lap, a split-second mistake opened the door for Gurklys to overtake and drop Geleyns down the order. “I don’t like to dwell on ‘what ifs’ after a race,” Geleyns reflected post-race. “Starting from the front row might have changed the outcome, but that wasn’t where we started. My biggest regret is that mistake on the final corner. I thought I could force Rytis wide on the outside and hold second, but he was further back than I expected, which let him cut back to the inside and pass me. That was all my error, and he took full advantage – congratulations to him on the win.”

    Initially classified in third place, Geleyns was eventually promoted to runner-up after Julien Meunier was handed a three-second time penalty for a rules infringement. Geleyns’ total race time of 5 minutes 10.002 seconds put him just 0.318 seconds behind winner Gurklys. He also posted the second-fastest lap of the final at 46.578 seconds – 0.233 seconds slower than Meunier, but 0.015 seconds quicker than Gurklys – and recorded the second-fastest Joker Lap of the race at 49.833 seconds.

    The 25 points Geleyns scored at Mondello Park marked his highest single-round points haul of the season so far, lifting him to fourth in the overall championship standings with 51 total points. He now sits just four points behind third-placed Sámuel Kovács, putting him firmly in contention for a top-three championship finish.

    “This podium means so much to me and the team,” Geleyns said. “It confirms that we have the speed to fight at the front, and that we’re still very much in the fight for a good championship position. After two tough weekends, this result is a massive boost mentally. I know there’s still a lot of work to do – I can improve at certain tracks, and there are bits of my driving I want to refine – but this proves we’re heading in the right direction.”

    The FIA European Rallycross Championship will now take a short break before heading to Lohéac for its next round at the end of August. Despite re-entering contention for a top-three overall finish, Geleyns said he plans to stick to the same approach that delivered his comeback in Ireland, rather than getting caught up in championship calculations.

    “Of course I’m keeping an eye on the standings, but I don’t want to get bogged down in counting points,” he explained. “That doesn’t help me perform better. My only goal is to keep giving 100% at every round we enter. If we do our job right, the results and the championship position will take care of themselves.”

  • Barbados U19s extend winning streak

    Barbados U19s extend winning streak

    The Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 Championship has seen Barbados emerge as an undisputed early force, after the side locked in its fifth straight win on Monday with a dominant seven-wicket triumph over Jamaica. Held at the Bethesda Ground in Antigua, the 50-over match got off to a brutal start for Jamaica, who won the toss and opted to bat first. The Caribbean side collapsed far earlier than expected, being bowled out for just 107 runs in 27.5 overs, with Geovanni Grey posting the highest individual score of just 27.

    Barbados’ bowling attack was unstoppable throughout the innings, with young paceman Zarell Harding delivering the most devastating performance, claiming four key wickets for only 24 runs. Supporting Harding, Justin Parris chipped in with three wickets for just 17 runs, leaving Jamaica’s batting lineup unable to build any meaningful momentum.

    In response, Barbados’s batting unit made light work of the modest target, reaching the required 108 runs in just the 15th over for the loss of three wickets to seal the victory. Jordan Graham anchored the chase with a quickfire 29 runs, while captain Gadson Bowens contributed a solid 21 and Kemar Dixon added 19 runs to close out the win without any late drama.

    This unbeaten run extends Barbados’s perfect start to the 2024 campaign, which kicked off on July 11 with a commanding 114-run win over the Windward Islands. Two days later, they delivered an even more lopsided result, beating the Leeward Islands by 258 runs, before securing a 63-run victory over Guyana in the third round on July 15. They followed that up with a six-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago just three days ago on July 18 to carry their momentum into Monday’s clash.

    In the other Championship fixture held on the same day, the Windward Islands bounced back from their opening round defeat to Barbados to claim a resounding 219-run win over Guyana. Batting first, the Windward Islands posted a competitive total of 315 for 9 in their allocated 50 overs, before bowling Guyana out for a paltry 96 runs to wrap up the massive victory.