Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Full time now!

    Full time now!

    Jamaican secondary school athletics faces a critical infrastructure challenge as the Montego Bay Sports Complex remains unavailable for track events, prompting calls for government intervention. Keith Wellington, President of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), has issued a strong appeal to authorities to address the prolonged closure of the Catherine Hall-based stadium, which hasn’t hosted a track meet since 2018.

    The approaching 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships highlights the growing disparity between western Jamaican schools and their counterparts. Two major qualifying events—the Western Athletic Championships and Milo Western Relays—will again relocate to GC Foster College in St. Catherine due to the unsatisfactory condition of the Montego Bay track.

    Wellington expressed particular frustration during a recent podcast appearance, directly attributing the situation to institutional negligence. “It is your negligence why our western schools have had to, for the last umpteen years, be travelling to Kingston for every opportunity to compete in track and field,” he stated, addressing the Sports Development Foundation and Ministry of Sport directly.

    A potential solution emerges through private sector involvement. The Montego Bay Multi-Sports Development Limited, led by businessman Yoni Epstein, awaits final approval from the Ministry of Local Government to lease the facility. Epstein confirmed plans for a $700 million investment that would upgrade the track to World Athletics standards.

    However, Wellington emphasizes that immediate financial support is crucial for western schools struggling with increased travel expenses and hurricane recovery costs. He proposes dedicated annual budgeting through sports agencies to subsidize participation costs until the complex becomes operational.

    The ISSA president cited the government’s rapid allocation of resources for April’s Grand Slam Track event at the National Stadium as evidence that similar urgency could resolve the western Jamaica situation. “We took four weeks to make a decision and to find the funding to resurface the National Stadium track,” Wellington noted, questioning why the western region has waited years for similar consideration.

    Meanwhile, ISSA is collaborating with corporate partners including Puma and GraceKennedy to provide equipment and support to schools affected by Hurricane Melissa, ensuring student-athletes can continue participating despite challenging circumstances.

  • The Breakout Tournament is feeding the fatted calf, not the future

    The Breakout Tournament is feeding the fatted calf, not the future

    Cricket West Indies has scheduled its second Breakout Tournament for the third week of January 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, according to sources within the organization. While official announcements remain pending, the tournament reportedly carries a substantial operational budget of approximately US$1 million.

    The inaugural 2024 event, held at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy, identified twelve exceptional young talents who demonstrated outstanding performance capabilities. The standout performers included:

    Navin Bidaisee (25, Trinidad & Tobago) – Allrounder
    Quentin Sampson (25, Guyana) – Batsman
    Micah McKenzie (18, Leeward Islands) – Leg spinner
    Kofi James (27, Leeward Islands) – Batsman
    Karima Gore (27, Leeward Islands) – Allrounder
    Zishan Motara (19, Barbados) – Leg spinner
    Riyad Latiff (18, Guyana) – Leg spinner
    Joshua James (24, Trinidad & Tobago) – Fast bowler
    Johann Jeremiah (26, Windward Islands) – Opening batsman
    Anderson Mahase (22, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
    Nathan Edward (20, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
    Kamil Pooran (29, Trinidad & Tobago) – Batsman

    Notable individual achievements from the previous tournament included Johann Jeremiah’s explosive 97 runs from 50 deliveries against Jamaica and Kamil Pooran’s impressive 73 from 44 balls during the final match against Leeward Islands. The bowling department saw exceptional performances from left-arm spinners Anderson Mahase and Nathan Edward, who claimed 10 and 9 wickets respectively.

    Despite these successes, concerns have emerged regarding the tournament’s current structure. The 2024 format predominantly featured players who had recently participated in the CWI First Class Competition, raising questions about the event’s effectiveness in discovering genuinely new talent. Critics argue that this approach minimizes opportunities for emerging players who haven’t yet established themselves in the four-day game format.

    Cricket analysts and insiders suggest that implementing an Under-23 age restriction would better serve the tournament’s stated purpose of identifying promising young talent. Such a format could incorporate recent West Indies U-19 representatives who competed against England in Grenada, along with other documented emerging players from regional competitions.

    Despite these recommendations, sources indicate that Cricket Director Miles Bascombe will maintain the existing format for the 2026 event, with playing kits and uniforms already ordered. However, there is growing anticipation that organizational policies might evolve for the 2027 tournament, potentially implementing age restrictions and focusing on white-ball format specialization.

    The tournament is expected to receive global coverage through CWI’s YouTube Channel, providing streaming access to audiences throughout the Caribbean and worldwide. Broadcasting considerations include incorporating fresh commentary talent from the region, with potential candidates being Saint Lucia’s Claudius Emmanuel and Dwight Thomas, both widely recognized throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Additional opportunities may exist for emerging voices like Antigua and Barbuda’s Mali Richards.

    Suggestions have been made to organize a preparatory workshop for young commentators prior to the tournament’s commencement, potentially enhancing broadcast quality while developing regional media talent. The information regarding previous tournament performances was compiled with assistance from former Windward Islands and Combined Islands opening batsman Lockhart Sebastien and former Antigua and Barbuda and Leeward Islands middle order batsman Mali Richards.

  • Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation has issued a formal protest against its sudden exclusion from the upcoming Caribbean Series, denouncing the decision as a breach of protocol and a sign of disrespect. The controversy emerged after the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) unilaterally moved the tournament from its original host, Venezuela, to Guadalajara, Mexico, without consulting the Cuban federation.

    The Federation, in an official statement, clarified that while the initial invitation was extended by Venezuela, it was formally endorsed by the CBPC—an organization Cuba helped establish. The statement emphasized that the CBPC failed to communicate ‘regarding such an important decision, which undermines the established commitments and the format approved by our country to participate.’

    The venue change was prompted after baseball leagues from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic withdrew from the Greater Caracas location, citing logistical challenges unrelated to the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The CBPC subsequently approved a proposal from the ARCO Mexican Pacific League, led by the Charros de Jalisco organization, to host the event from February 1–7.

    The Cuban Federation asserted that the change of venue does not justify Cuba’s exclusion and stressed that the nation ‘deserves and demands respectful treatment,’ particularly given the sensitive context surrounding Cuban sports. The statement also situated the incident within broader geopolitical tensions, referencing what it described as ‘US military harassment, aggression, and encirclement’ of Venezuela, and alluding to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the nation’s oil resources.

  • The Casimir Legacy and the way forward: Part 2

    The Casimir Legacy and the way forward: Part 2

    Following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s cabinet reshuffle after the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s reelection, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir’s expanded role combining youth development, sports, and education has created new possibilities for athletic development. This marks the first reunification of education and sports ministries since 2006, breaking the tradition of one-term appointments and providing continuity for existing policies.

    The consolidation has generated optimism about establishing a comprehensive National Sports Policy and creating a School Sports Commission. Sports administrators across the island have identified critical investment areas needing immediate attention to advance Saint Lucia’s athletic programs.

    Infrastructure development emerges as a primary concern, with experts highlighting the absence of modern facilities. David Shakes Christopher, President of the Saint Lucia Boxing Federation, emphasized the urgent need for decentralized facilities, particularly in the southern region. His comments followed a historic victory by a Vieux Fort boxer in Dubai, demonstrating the potential of regional talent when properly supported.

    Dora Henry, President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, echoed these concerns while expanding on the infrastructure requirements: “Saint Lucia needs safe, modern and well-maintained facilities in both the north and south, along with clear policies for management, access and maintenance. When athletes train on inadequate surfaces, performance, safety, and retention are directly affected.”

    Beyond physical infrastructure, sports leaders identified club development and human resource investment as critical gaps. Henry emphasized the need for “sustained investment across the entire athletics pathway from early talent identification to world-class high-performance support,” advocating for structured long-term frameworks rather than event-based support.

    The rise of semi-professional leagues has begun bridging the gap between amateur and professional sports, but significant challenges remain. Francis Daniel, CEO of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, noted their transformative impact while calling for further streamlining: “The next phase of growth will require us to streamline our operations to maximize efficiency and ensure consistent delivery.”

    Similar developments are needed in boxing, according to Christopher, who advocated for semi-professional programs that would allow athletes to focus on training rather than menial jobs. The coaching certification gap was highlighted by Mandalee Mason of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation, who stressed the need for formally qualified trainers to advance athlete development.

    Despite these challenges, sports administrators remain optimistic about Saint Lucia’s athletic future. As Henry concluded: “Saint Lucia already has the talent and the passion. What we now require is an environment that makes high performance achievable and sustainable for generations to come.”

  • Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 women’s football team concluded their DecembHER – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI on December 19 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. The loss marked their third consecutive setback in the week-long invitational competition.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Pleasantville Secondary’s Mikaiah Guerero capitalized on a poorly defended set piece, slotting home from close range after Kyra Yee Loy’s dangerous left-side corner delivery. The national squad’s defensive vulnerability proved costly despite several opportunities to equalize.

    Earlier in the tournament, the TT U-17 squad suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against US-based Indy Premier SC on December 15 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Jamaica two days later at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground. The team’s performance throughout the competition yielded zero points, placing them at the bottom of their group.

    Meanwhile, Indy Premier SC demonstrated remarkable dominance, concluding the group stage with a spectacular 5-0 victory over Jamaica in the Couva double-header. Five different players—Kori Brown, Olivia Jones, Isabella Moreno, Skylar Mueller, and Karringtyn Wilder—found the net, bringing Indy’s goal tally to 17 without conceding any throughout the tournament. This impressive performance secured their place in the December 21 final against Jamaica.

    The SSFL Future Stars XI, despite previous heavy losses to Jamaica (5-2) and Indy Premier (8-0), managed to finish third in the group with three points. Their victory against the national team provided some consolation after challenging earlier matches.

    Coach Ayana Russell’s squad now faces urgent reassessment as they prepare for the Concacaf qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to begin January 24. Trinidad and Tobago has been drawn in Group F alongside Barbados, Curacao, El Salvador, and Guadeloupe, with the group winner advancing automatically to the final round. The two best second-place teams from the six qualifying groups will also progress to the next stage.

  • Windies defy mammoth Kiwi total to keep hope alive

    Windies defy mammoth Kiwi total to keep hope alive

    A compelling battle between bat and ball unfolded on Day Two of the Test match between New Zealand and the West Indies, leaving the contest finely poised. The home team, propelled by a magnificent double century from Devon Conway, posted a formidable first innings total of 575 for eight before declaring.

    The West Indies’ bowling effort was hampered by the absence of veteran paceman Kemar Roach, sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on the opening day. Despite this setback, the visiting bowlers showed resilience. Justin Greaves emerged as the standout, claiming 2-83, with Jayden Seales and Roston Chase providing crucial support.

    Conway’s marathon innings of 227 was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s dominance. He spent over eight hours at the crease, facing 367 deliveries and striking 31 boundaries. Valuable contributions came from Rachin Ravindra, who remained unbeaten on 49, and Ajaz Patel, who scored a quickfire 30.

    In response, the West Indies openers launched a spectacular counter-attack, reaching 110 without loss by stumps. Brandon King led the charge with an unbeaten 55, displaying his characteristic fluency and striking nine fours. He was ably supported by John Campbell, who finished 45 not out in a partnership that scored at nearly five runs an over on a pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers.

    This aggressive start has set the stage for a fascinating third day, with the match hanging in the balance as the West Indies look to chip away at the significant deficit.

  • CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have jointly announced the postponement of the 2026 Breakout T20 League following a comprehensive calendar review. The decision stems from an increasingly packed international cricket schedule and strategic preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, rendering the originally planned tournament window unfeasible.

    The Breakout T20 League, which debuted successfully earlier this year, remains a cornerstone of the Caribbean’s player development strategy. Designed as a critical bridge between regional competitions and international cricket, the league focuses on identifying and nurturing emerging talent beyond conventional pathways.

    CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the league’s developmental mission, stating, ‘While we haven’t identified a suitable 2026 window, this remains an essential component of our domestic tournament strategy.’ He noted that the postponement allows for structural reassessment during a fiscally stringent period, ensuring optimal positioning within World Cup cycles for maximum developmental impact.

    Dehring further elaborated on the need for enhanced talent identification systems: ‘We must implement stronger scouting, improved data capture, and clearer alignment with our high-performance systems to ensure measurable progression to senior international levels.’

    With multiple West Indies squads currently active globally – including Under-19 and Senior Men’s teams preparing for World Cups – Dehring stressed the importance of strategic alignment across all cricket levels.

    CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced the commitment to the league’s long-term viability, stating, ‘This period allows us to refine the format and supporting structures to ensure the league fulfills its intended developmental role.’ Both organizations confirmed that updates regarding the tournament’s rescheduling will be communicated in due course.

  • Parks leads Saint Lucia’s 15‑medal triumph at Trinidad Swim Meet

    Parks leads Saint Lucia’s 15‑medal triumph at Trinidad Swim Meet

    Saint Lucia’s national swimming contingent made waves at the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational, securing an extraordinary tally of 15 medals during the four-day championship held December 11-14 at Couva’s National Aquatic Centre. The six-member squad demonstrated exceptional prowess by capturing nine gold medals alongside multiple silver and bronze awards while establishing one new national record, two age-group records, and a meet record.

    Emerging as the tournament’s standout performer, Sapphire Parks of Sea Jays Swimming Club dominated the 11-12 age category despite entering only nine events. The phenomenal athlete claimed seven gold and two silver medals, culminating her remarkable year by shattering a senior national record and three age-group benchmarks. Parks notably surpassed her own previous performances in two events while eclipsing longstanding records in others.

    Her most significant achievement came in the women’s 200m individual medley, where she clocked 2:38.22 to break Fayth Jeffrey’s CARIFTA 2024 record of 2:38.88. Parks also demolished her own age-group mark of 2:39.73, simultaneously establishing her first senior national record. The swimming prodigy further demonstrated her versatility by improving her 200m butterfly time from 2:39.04 to 2:36.97 and conquering the 200m breaststroke with 2:56.93, surpassing Danielle Beaubrun’s 2003 record of 2:57.56. Parks additionally set a new meet record in the 50m butterfly.

    Team support came from Aniyah George, who placed tenth in the 11-12 girls category and secured bronze in the 200m backstroke—an event where Parks took gold. Jayden Xu contributed significantly in the 13-14 boys’ division, earning two gold medals (200m backstroke and 100m backstroke) and two silver medals to finish ninth overall. Teammates Noah Dorville (16th overall, bronze in 100m freestyle) and Tyler Dantes rounded out the impressive team performance.

    Team manager Denise Parks emphasized the meet’s competitive nature, noting: ‘The ASATT meet is highly competitive. The team came with the goal of achieving long-course CARIFTA times and to better their long-course times, which they did. I’m super proud of them.’ Sea Jays ultimately placed twelfth overall among 200 competitors from Trinidad & Tobago and across the Caribbean region.

  • 3×3 GENESIS basketball tournament begins in Arima

    3×3 GENESIS basketball tournament begins in Arima

    The Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima is set to host the third annual GENESIS 3X3 Under-18 Men’s Basketball Series commencing December 20, featuring over 30 young athletes competing in the dynamic format of 3×3 basketball. Organized by the New Chapter Global Sport Academy (NCA), the tournament represents a strategic initiative to develop Trinidad and Tobago’s future basketball talent.

    Following the established format of previous editions, the competition features eight teams internally drafted from NCA’s Under-18 talent pool during a selection process held on December 18. The teams, including The Ark Builders, The Chosen Few, and The Gideon Warriors among others, underwent intensive 3×3 match preparation on December 19 ahead of the competitive tip-off.

    This initiative serves as a cornerstone of NCA’s long-term strategy to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the international 3×3 basketball stage. The academy’s media release emphasized that sustained, age-specific competition is crucial for improving the nation’s future qualification prospects for premier global tournaments. This focus comes in the wake of Trinidad and Tobago’s single qualification for the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, back in 2022.

    The NCA has reaffirmed its commitment to mounting a significant push for qualification for the marquee youth tournament starting with the 2026 edition. The GENESIS series forms part of the academy’s expanding 3×3 program portfolio, specifically designed to provide young athletes with meaningful competitive exposure, repetitive high-level experience, and a clear developmental pathway toward international competition.

    The complete team rosters for the 2024 GENESIS tournament are: The Ark Builders (Marek Bengochea, Lance Crouch, Zion Roberts, Shemuel Welsh), The Chosen Few (Samuel Edwards, Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich), The Gideon Warriors (Raiden Charles, Dillon Harrington, Iseyah Jobe, James Saul), The Lions of Judah (Alexie Alexis, Josiah Drayton, Jayden Forbes, Nhyim Pierre), The Mighty Men (Taalib Daniel, Tishad Gamero, Micah Pemberton, Jaden Russell), The Sent Ones (Josiah John-Andrew, Gabriel Goden, Xavier Jack, Jacob Knutt), The Sons of Isaac (Elijah Bruce, Jurell Charles, Zayden Charles, Nikholai Cunin), and The Watchmen (Kymani Herbert, Ranaan Howard, Edgar Torcatty, Antonio Vasquez).

  • Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    In a significant administrative shift, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has named Devin Elcock as its acting technical director, filling the vacancy created by Anton Corneal’s departure three months earlier. The appointment was formally announced on December 20, following executive committee approval on December 12.

    Elcock, who previously served as assistant coach at AC Port of Spain, will now oversee the technical direction, coordination, and strategic alignment of TTFA’s football development programs. His responsibilities include collaborating with coaches, technical staff, and stakeholders across all levels of Trinidad and Tobago’s football ecosystem.

    The newly appointed technical director brings substantial experience from various roles within Trinidad and Tobago’s national youth programs over the past decade. His journey includes positions ranging from equipment manager to assistant coach. Most notably, Elcock worked alongside Shawn Cooper as an assistant coach during both the 2023 and 2025 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 qualifying campaigns.

    Domestically, Elcock built his reputation through extensive involvement with Defence Force, where he contributed to the club’s coaching staff during their historic TT Premier Football League title victory in 2023. The team subsequently secured the knockout trophy in the same season. Following his October 2024 departure from Defence Force alongside coaching colleagues Lloyd Andrews and Hutson “Baba” Charles, Elcock joined AC Port of Spain, the 2023/24 TTPFL champions.

    TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Elcock’s “continuity, institutional knowledge and strong understanding of our technical pathway” as valuable assets. Edwards emphasized expectations for “steady leadership during this period” of transition.

    The association’s announcement did not specify the duration of Elcock’s interim appointment or indicate when a permanent technical director might be named. Corneal, who first assumed the technical director role in 2012, had served multiple tenures in the position before his September departure.