Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • St Mary’s to represent Saint Lucia at Penn Relays

    St Mary’s to represent Saint Lucia at Penn Relays

    For Saint Lucia’s track and field community, a new chapter of athletic ambition is set to unfold this April, as a group of young athletes from St Mary’s College (SMC) prepare to break new ground as the first team from the island nation to compete at the iconic Penn Relay Carnival. Running from April 21 to 25 at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field – a venue that has hosted the prestigious meet since 1895 – the Saint Lucian delegation will compete in the High School Boys division, taking on competitors from across the globe in the 4x100m and 4x400m international relay events.

    The five-member SMC roster brings together some of Saint Lucia’s brightest emerging track talent, anchored by athletes with proven experience at regional competitions. Leading the squad is 17-year-old Terrick Plummer, who already represented Saint Lucia at the 2025 CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad & Tobago. He is joined by 16-year-old Joshua Matthew, the current national Under-17 champion for both the 200m and 400m distances. Rounding out the team are 16-year-olds Ethan Doxerie and Tai La Force, and 15-year-old Zayne Henry, with seasoned local coach Lenyn Leonce leading the group as they prepare for their global debut.

    This historic participation would not have been possible without the full backing of Hamilton Reserve Bank, the Caribbean region’s largest global bank by headquarters, which holds more than US$6 billion in total assets. The financial institution has covered all of the team’s costs and logistical needs, including international airfare, on-the-ground accommodations, daily meals, local transportation, and official competition gear for the delegation.

    In an official statement announcing the sponsorship, the bank framed its support as far more than a one-off contribution to a sports team. “This milestone event for Saint Lucia represents more than participation,” the release read. “It signals a strategic investment in youth development, global exposure, and high-performance sports by the largest global bank in the Caribbean region.”

    Merkisha Desir, a senior relationship banker at Hamilton Reserve Bank and a native of Saint Lucia, expanded on the bank’s commitment to lifting regional Caribbean talent. “At Hamilton Reserve Bank, we unlock Caribbean potential by connecting aspiration with access,” Desir explained. “For our bank, the Caribbean is home. Our corporate commitment to regional development extends beyond offering the fastest bank wires in the world in seconds and enabling new banking customers to be approved 100% online in 20 minutes. We are building bridges between Caribbean talent and global opportunities for years to come.”

    At the Penn Relays, SMC’s athletes will face off against delegations from across the Caribbean, with large contingents expected from regional track powerhouses including Jamaica, as well as other neighboring nations such as Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and St Kitts & Nevis. Each year, the historic meet draws more than 15,000 student-athletes from hundreds of educational institutions across the world, making it one of the most high-profile track and field competitions for young emerging talent globally.

    For the SMC team – nicknamed the Samarians – the competition is viewed as a transformative learning opportunity that will pay dividends in future regional competitions. Local athletic leaders hope the experience gained on the global stage will translate to stronger performances at next year’s Island Champs relays. This year, across five relay events at the competition, the Samarians claimed just a single bronze medal, in the Under-16 4x400m division.

    Saint Lucia’s growing reputation in international track and field has risen sharply in recent years, anchored by the success of Julien Alfred, the island’s first Olympic gold medallist. With this debut appearance at the Penn Relay Carnival, the nation’s next generation of athletes is set to carry that momentum forward, extending Saint Lucia’s footprint on the global track and field landscape.

    The journey for these young athletes began locally at Saint Lucia’s Mindoo Phillip Park, where they have trained and competed for years, before earning the opportunity to take their talents to one of the world’s most iconic track venues. This milestone marks a breakthrough moment for the future of athletics in the small Caribbean nation.

  • Twenty-four athletes to represent Federation at CARIFTA Games

    Twenty-four athletes to represent Federation at CARIFTA Games

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Ahead of the 53rd edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games, the St. Kitts and Nevis Athletics association has officially announced its 24-athlete delegation set to compete at the regional youth track and field championship, hosted this year at Grenada’s Kirani James Athletic Stadium from April 4 to 6, 2026.

    Nicknamed “Team Unstoppable SKN,” this year’s roster balances experience and emerging talent: it includes seasoned returning CARIFTA medalists and veteran competitors, alongside a cohort of ambitious first-time qualifiers who met all selection standards during national qualifying trials. The entire team is scheduled to depart St. Kitts and Nevis for Grenada on April 2, two days ahead of the opening round of competitions.

    In an official statement following the team announcement, SKN Athletics President Wayne Delaney shared his pride in the selected athletes, emphasizing that their spots on the national team are a direct reflection of the relentless effort they have put into their craft. “Their selection is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for athletics,” Delaney said. “We encourage them to continue pushing their limits, knowing that the entire Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis stands behind them.”

    The delegation is split across four age and gender divisions: the Under-17 Girls category features Khylinn Prentice (100m, 200m), Ta-Junique Huggins (100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles), Trishana O’Donoghue (400m Hurdles), Dejhanee Moses (High Jump, Long Jump), Janiah McNeil (High Jump), Miel Pemberton (Long Jump), Ayrian Walters (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kezia Phillip (Shot Put). The Under-17 Boys roster includes Kymarni Newton (800m), Najeeb Kelly (1500m), Shandon Burton (1500m, 3000m), Malik Freeman (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kylan Woods (Javelin). Just one athlete, De’Cheynelle Thomas (200m, 400m), will represent the nation in the Under-20 Girls division. The Under-20 Boys contingent is the largest group on the team, with Chesson Liburd (100m), Jaylen Bennett (400m), Tejuan Webbe (100m Hurdles, Long Jump), Jayden Hendrickson (400m Hurdles), Josano Henderson (Javelin), Akanye Samuel-Francis (400m Hurdles), Dejuaan Pemberton (High Jump), Zackery Nisbett (High Jump), Kialan Morton (Shot Put), Jaheem Clarke (Javelin) and Naseem Gerald (Decathlon).

    A full specialized staff will support the athletes throughout the championship: Shirmon Caines serves as Head Coach and throws coach, Adelvin Philip leads sprints and relays training, Roatter Johnson acts as jumps coach, Royston Queeley handles hurdles coaching, Niketa Isles fills the role of team manager, Alister James is the team physiotherapist, Nicola Huggins Parris serves as safeguarding officer, Corneil Williams and Dwayne Warner are congressional delegates, and Rashid Stanley handles team media operations.

    SKN Athletics also extended formal thanks to the key sponsors that have made the team’s trip and participation possible. Major backers include the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Sports, the Nevis Island Administration, and SKN Athletics itself. As the team makes its final preparations for departure, national sports officials are calling on residents and supporters across St. Kitts and Nevis to rally behind Team Unstoppable SKN as they compete against the Caribbean’s top young track and field talent.

  • International Athletes Head To Antigua And Barbuda As Tourism Authority Backs 12th Aua Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest

    International Athletes Head To Antigua And Barbuda As Tourism Authority Backs 12th Aua Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest

    The 12th iteration of the highly anticipated AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, scheduled to unfold across April 11 and 12, 2026, has secured a continued gold sponsorship from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. This ongoing collaboration reflects a unified strategic goal: to cement the twin-island nation’s reputation as a top-tier global sports tourism destination, leveraging elite endurance competition to highlight the archipelago’s one-of-a-kind natural splendor.

    Even with registration still open to new participants, the 2026 event has already drawn impressive international interest, with more than 100 registered athletes traveling from across the Caribbean, North America, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The largest delegations hail from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and the United States, while additional competitors are set to arrive from a diverse roster of nations including Canada, Guadeloupe, Ireland, the UK, Australia, Poland, Jamaica, and Cuba. This broad geographic turnout underscores the event’s rapidly expanding global footprint and cross-border appeal.

    Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the long-term value of the partnership. “The AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest serves as a critical platform for establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a leading global sports tourism hub,” James explained. “This event showcases the very best our country has to offer, from our jaw-dropping landscapes and crystal-clear, pristine coastal waters to our proven ability to host seamless, high-caliber international events. As athletes travel from every corner of the region and the world to compete, the festival generates tangible, lasting economic benefits for local communities while spreading awareness of our destination across the globe.”

    Rory Butler, Event Director of the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, echoed James’s enthusiasm, noting that sustained institutional support from the tourism authority has allowed organizers to elevate the event to new professional heights. “The ongoing backing from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority enables us to take the AUA Rohrman to the next level,” Butler said. “Not only are we welcoming elite and amateur athletes from across the world, but we can now showcase Antigua and Barbuda in a truly world-class format, through high-resolution video and professional photography that captures the unfiltered essence of our islands.”

    The tourism authority’s sponsorship investment will play a foundational role in boosting the event’s international standing, funding elite video production, professional on-location photography, and expanded global marketing campaigns that center Antigua and Barbuda’s natural assets. This support will help share the unparalleled experience of racing through some of the Caribbean’s most scenic, untouched coastal and mountain landscapes with a global audience, firmly placing the twin-island nation on the map for international endurance sports enthusiasts.

    Unlike many regional endurance events, the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest delivers a deeply immersive experience that guides athletes through some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most iconic natural locations, including Rendezvous Bay, Wallings Nature Reserve, Cade Peak, Carlisle Bay, and Morris Bay. From uneven, rugged coastal hiking trails and steep, challenging ascents to powdery pristine beaches and vivid turquoise open waters, the race offers one of the most diverse and visually striking competition environments in the entire Caribbean.

    With only a few weeks remaining before registration closes, event organizers are urging interested athletes of all skill levels to reserve their spots quickly. The festival is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, with offerings including a 5K walk/run, 7K, 16K, and 25K trail races, 2K and 4K open water swims, sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons, and a dedicated kids’ triathlon category.

    First launched in 2012, the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest has grown over more than a decade to become Antigua and Barbuda’s preeminent endurance sports festival, pairing world-class competitive action with unforgettable access to the nation’s natural beauty. For its 12th edition, the event continues to draw global athletic talent while celebrating the twin islands’ unique natural landscape and vibrant local sporting culture.

    Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes visitors with two distinct island experiences, year-round warm temperatures, a rich colonial and cultural history, lively local traditions, thrilling outdoor adventures, award-winning luxury resorts, diverse local and international cuisine, and 365 postcard-perfect pink and white sand beaches – one for every day of the year.

  • ABAA Athletes Receive Motivation Boost from Ambassador Melissa Seaforth Ahead of CARIFTA

    ABAA Athletes Receive Motivation Boost from Ambassador Melissa Seaforth Ahead of CARIFTA

    As regional athletics competition draws near, young track and field athletes from Antigua and Barbuda got a rare boost of guidance and inspiration ahead of their trip to the CARIFTA Games, during a special preparation workshop hosted by the Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA).

    Leading the interactive session was Melissa Seaforth, a decorated local sports star who holds the title of back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year for 2024 and 2025. As a professional bodybuilder and the reigning 2025 IFBB Pro Masters World Champion, Seaforth brought firsthand, elite-level experience to the table when talking to the upcoming generation of competitors. She centered her talk on the dual challenges of top-tier competition: the intense physical demands of elite sport and just as critical, the mental stamina required to succeed on a big regional stage.

    Seaforth walked the assembled athletes through actionable strategies for everything from structuring training in the final weeks before a major event to pushing through fatigue during grueling preparation blocks. She also emphasized how to deliver peak results when all eyes are on them during competition. A core takeaway from her talk was the 5 P’s principle — Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance — which she framed as the fundamental foundation for any athlete looking to achieve their competitive goals. She stressed that consistent discipline and intentional pre-competition planning are just as important as natural talent for long-term success in sport.

    Unlike a standard keynote speech, the workshop was built for open engagement. Athletes took the opportunity to ask Seaforth specific questions about personal challenges they face, ranging from managing pre-competition anxiety to sustaining focus through multi-event schedules. This open exchange allowed young competitors to get personalized advice tailored to their own experiences leading up to the Games.

    ABAA leadership publicly thanked Seaforth for donating her time and expertise to mentor the national team. Officials noted that her perspective as a successful elite athlete offers a unique form of support that goes beyond standard coaching, and they expect her insights to leave a lasting positive impact on the young team as they put the final touches on their preparations for the regional championship.

  • High hopes as first athletes depart for CARIFTA

    High hopes as first athletes depart for CARIFTA

    As one of the most anticipated regional track and field competitions on the Caribbean sports calendar approaches, Barbados’ delegation to the 2024 CARIFTA Games has kicked off its journey to host nation Grenada, with athletes and coaching staff carrying strong morale and quiet confidence into the April 3-6 tournament.

    Team manager Angela Jackson shared updates on the squad’s preparations and mindset with local outlet Barbados TODAY on departure day at Grantley Adams International Airport. The first contingent, made up of 42 competing athletes, departed Barbados on the scheduled timeline, while the remaining 18 team members are scheduled to arrive in Grenada within 24 hours to join the group. Jackson was among the officials accompanying the first batch, alongside co-manager Duante Harvey, Athletics Association of Barbados president Noel Lynch and multiple lead coaches. First-time and returning competitors alike completed their pre-departure check-in procedures, with many first-time athletes accompanied by family members as they prepared for the biggest regional meet of their young careers so far.

    Jackson emphasized that the entire squad is brimming with excitement to compete on the Grenada track, describing the overall team mood as consistently positive heading into the championships. “The mood is very good. The athletes are all excited and looking forward to arriving in Grenada and giving of their very best,” she noted.

    When asked about potential medal expectations for the Barbados team, Jackson declined to make any concrete predictions on the team’s final medal haul, but highlighted that the 2024 delegation has strong, well-balanced depth across events, particularly in the Under-20 division. Instead of focusing on pre-set medal targets, the coaching and management staff’s core goal is to encourage every athlete to perform to the best of their personal ability. “I can agree that the team is very strong in certain areas, and all that we can do is to expect them to give of their best. Of course, I am not going to touch on any medals prediction whatsoever. We are just encouraging each and everyone on the team to give of their best and once that is done we will be quite satisfied,” Jackson explained.

    She also reflected on the team’s preparation cycle, noting that the build-up to CARIFTA was largely smooth, despite facing minor time constraints caused by the tight gap between the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (BSSAC) and this year’s regional tournament. Due to the compressed timeline, the team was only able to host one mandatory pre-competition workshop focused on anti-doping education, a critical session given that nearly a third of the squad are first-time CARIFTA competitors. Coaching staff have been working closely with these rookie athletes to help them adjust to the higher stakes of regional competition and get into the right competitive frame of mind before the opening event.

    Beyond the official delegation, dozens of parents, friends and local sports supporters were present at the airport to send off the team, with many of these well-wishers also planning to travel to Grenada in the coming days to cheer on the Barbados squad throughout the four-day championships.

  • Dominica plays to goalless draw with Sint Maarten

    Dominica plays to goalless draw with Sint Maarten

    When the 2026 Concacaf Nations Series resumed in the Dominican Republic Monday night, Dominica’s Senior Men’s National Football Team delivered one of its strongest performances in recent memory — yet could not turn territorial and attacking dominance into a winning goal, settling for a hard-fought scoreless draw against Sint Maarten.

    Heading into the fixture, Dominica carried a tough recent tournament history: a 2-0 loss to Guyana in the current cycle, plus a prior defeat to Sint Maarten in the 2025 first leg of the competition hosted in St Kitts. Undeterred by that track record, the side came out of the opening whistle flying, pinning Sint Maarten back in their defensive half and generating a string of promising scoring chances through the first 45 minutes.

    Dominica’s opening-half momentum hit an unexpected hurdle when starting midfielders Briel Thomas and Dhamario Challenger both had to exit the match due to injury. However, substitutes Eustace Marshall and Lyan Edwards seamlessly stepped into the gaps, maintaining the team’s high pressing intensity and ensuring Dominica retained clear control of the half.

    The national side carried that aggressive energy into the second half, continuing to throw numbers forward and test Sint Maarten’s backline. Repeated attacking pushes forced the opposing goalkeeper into a flurry of critical saves to keep his sheet clean. Key chances from forwards Audel Laville, Troy Jules and Marcus Bredas were all turned away by the sharp-shooting Sint Maarten custodian, leaving Dominica unable to break the match’s deadlock.

    Despite full-field dominance, sustained pressure, and more shots on target than their opponents, Dominica could not find the breakthrough goal, and the full-time whistle left the two sides level at 0-0. The result wraps up Dominica’s 2025-2026 Concacaf Series campaign: the team leaves the tournament with three total losses (to Sint Maarten and Saint Martin in 2025, and to Guyana in 2026) paired with this single draw in the Dominican Republic, marking a step forward in performance even as it ends without a tournament win.

  • That’s all folks!

    That’s all folks!

    GUADALAJARA, Mexico – In a high-stakes inter-continental play-off held on Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in extra time, punching their ticket to the upcoming FIFA World Cup and ending a 52-year wait to return to football’s most prestigious global tournament.

    The heartbreaking defeat shattered Jamaica’s dream of a comeback to the World Cup finals. The Caribbean nation’s only prior appearance at the tournament came in 1998, hosted by France. During that campaign, they suffered defeats to Argentina and Croatia but secured a memorable win over Japan before exiting in the group stage, a result that still stands as one of the nation’s proudest football achievements.

    For the DRC national team, nicknamed the Leopards, Tuesday’s final qualifying win wraps up a rollercoaster, dramatic campaign that will see them grace the World Cup stage for the first time in more than five decades. Their last appearance dates all the way back to the 1974 finals held in West Germany, when the nation competed under its former name Zaire. That tournament proved a tough outing for the side, who fell to Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil in their group stage matches.

    This landmark qualification marks a historic milestone for Congolese football, capping off decades of rebuilding and renewed ambition for the program.

  • Cougars celebrate BSSAC title

    Cougars celebrate BSSAC title

    The streets of Bridgetown erupted in celebration on Monday as St Michael School paraded their athletic supremacy following a dominant victory at the Dasani BSSAC Championships. Marking their second consecutive title win, the triumphant team embarked on a jubilant motorcade that captivated local communities and showcased exceptional school spirit.

    Departing from their campus at 10 a.m., dozens of elite athletes, spirited cheerleaders, and dedicated coaching staff rode atop decorated trucks through key city areas. The procession generated enthusiastic responses from residents who lined the streets to cheer and wave at the passing champions.

    Head coach Gabriel Burnett revealed to media that the victory celebration had been strategically planned before the championships concluded, reflecting the team’s extraordinary confidence in their capabilities. “It feels tremendous,” Burnett stated. “We prioritize what our athletes desire, and annually they request this motorcade. We ensure we deliver this experience for them.”

    The coaching veteran emphasized that the repeated success stemmed from systematic preparation rather than overconfidence. “This achievement aligns completely with our expectations since last year. While some might misinterpret our assurance as arrogance, we maintained profound confidence in our developmental process and competitive execution,” Burnett explained.

    As architects of an enduring athletic legacy, St Michael School continues to reinforce its reputation as an institutional powerhouse. Burnett outlined his philosophy of shielding athletes from pressure while steering the program: “I consistently remind our competitors that all glory belongs to them while I assume all operational challenges. Having competed at Olympic level myself, I don’t perceive external pressures as overwhelming. Our sponsor Pedialyte Sport provides tremendous support without imposing expectations.”

    The victory parade progressed from Welches through Station Hill before arriving at Combermere School, which had simultaneously secured its third consecutive boys’ title. Anticipation built dramatically as students gathered at perimeter fences seeking vantage points. After tense negotiations, Combermere principal Robin Douglas granted permission for controlled interaction between the rival institutions.

    The scene transformed into an impromptu celebration as hundreds of students converged to the infectious rhythms of Machel’s 2025 hit “PARDY.” For fifteen memorable minutes, traffic slowed to a crawl as motorists, school officials, and community members joined the cross-school festivities. In a powerful display of sportsmanship, recently competing athletes linked arms in unity before the motorcade returned to Bridgetown, concluding an extraordinary celebration of youth athletic excellence.

  • Celtics stun defending champions Bulls in BABA Premier League

    Celtics stun defending champions Bulls in BABA Premier League

    The Barbados Amateur Basketball Association Premier League delivered an electrifying display of athletic prowess this Sunday, featuring four intense matchups that kept fans on the edge of their seats. At the Barbados Community College venue, teams demonstrated exceptional skill and competitive spirit throughout the evening’s proceedings.

    In the headline contest, C.A.M Smart Assurance City United Celtics secured a decisive 97-82 victory over Burger King Clapham Bulls. Derion Hurley emerged as the Celtics’ standout performer with an impressive 20-point contribution, receiving strong support from teammates Kiserian Adams (19 points) and Deroni Hurley (16 points). Despite the team loss, Clapham Bulls’ Simeon Maynard delivered the evening’s highest individual performance with 24 points, accompanied by Manuel Alleng’s 18-point effort.

    Fusionz Boutique Station Hill Cavaliers claimed another notable win, overcoming Premiumfit Bears 97-85 through exceptional teamwork. Gavin Philips led the Cavaliers’ charge with 22 points, while Deveron Knight (21 points) and Stephan Ottley (16 points) provided crucial scoring support. The Bears saw strong performances from Antoine Winter (23 points) and Akeem Williams (21 points) despite the final outcome.

    KFC Pinelands demonstrated dominant form with a 92-76 triumph over Island Care Ambulance Service and BodyxB Lakers. Nathan Estwick’s 20-point performance set the pace, complemented by identical 19-point contributions from both Kadeem Brathwaite and Carl Thorpe. The Lakers’ Keefe Birkett shone individually with a game-high 24 points, supported by Brandon Ruck’s 16 points.

    The evening concluded with an upset victory as NSC Tridents overcame Warrens Allstars 80-68. Issac Griffith’s 20-point performance anchored the Tridents’ success, with significant contributions from Zane Gaskin (19 points) and Ari-Mottley Squires (17 points). Warrens Allstars’ Trishon Gaskin (24 points) and Johnathan Dottin (20 points) delivered valiant efforts despite the team’s defeat.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Hosts 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament with Regional and International Teams

    Antigua and Barbuda Hosts 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament with Regional and International Teams

    Antigua and Barbuda is currently hosting the prestigious 20th Gillian Brazier Basketball Tournament, attracting international youth teams from Canada and Barbados. The event, which commenced this week, is scheduled to conclude on April 4th.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has officially endorsed the tournament as part of its strategic initiative to develop sports tourism. In a significant community outreach effort, Under-16 female athletes from Canada and tournament organizers visited Cedar Grove Primary School prior to the opening ceremonies. The visit featured interactive sessions where young students engaged directly with the players, fostering enthusiasm for basketball and promoting active participation in sports among youth.

    Tourism officials emphasized that events like the Gillian Brazier Tournament serve dual purposes: they provide valuable youth development opportunities while simultaneously advancing the nation’s sports tourism agenda. This approach aligns with broader efforts to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for international sporting events, creating economic benefits while encouraging healthy lifestyles among local communities.

    The tournament represents a significant milestone in regional sports cooperation, bringing together Caribbean and North American teams in competitive play that also strengthens international relationships through athletic competition.