Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s eliminated in Jewels tournament

    Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s eliminated in Jewels tournament

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 women’s football team faced tournament elimination following a 2-1 defeat against Jamaica in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean competition on December 17. The critical match at Sangre Grande Recreational Ground witnessed dramatic developments including a red card and power outage that impacted gameplay dynamics.

    Jamaica established an early advantage in the 22nd minute when Ricquanna Richards capitalized on a rebound after Trinidadian goalkeeper Zofia Richards initially blocked a sharp-angled attempt. The Caribbean rivals maintained intense pressure until Nikita Gosine equalized for Trinidad and Tobago via a powerfully converted penalty kick in the 32nd minute.

    The match’s momentum shifted decisively during first-half stoppage time when Trinidadian defender Gyasi Lewis received a straight red card for a professional foul, reducing the squad to ten players for the entire second period. Despite numerical disadvantage, Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated resilient defensive organization until Beth Miller’s 56th-minute breakthrough secured Jamaica’s victory. Miller exhibited exceptional technical control to navigate a long aerial pass before finishing from close range after her initial shot was parried.

    An unexpected power interruption temporarily suspended play in the 63rd minute, adding another layer of disruption to Trinidad and Tobago’s comeback efforts. The defeat follows Trinidad’s 4-0 opening loss to United States-based club Indy Premier SC, confirming their elimination from final contention.

    In related tournament action, Jamaica’s Under-20 squad drew 2-2 with Indy Premier SC at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 18, with both teams accumulating four points in group standings. Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 team was scheduled to conclude group stage proceedings against a Trinidad Women’s League Football selection following press deadlines.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Association Confirms New Executive at Elective Annual General Meeting

    Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Association Confirms New Executive at Elective Annual General Meeting

    The Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) has formally inaugurated its new executive leadership following a decisive Elective Annual General Meeting held Tuesday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The assembly marked a significant transition in the nation’s Olympic governance structure.

    In the only contested election of the proceedings, Mr. Thomas Greenaway emerged victorious to claim the position of 1st Vice President. All other executive appointments were confirmed without opposition, resulting in a comprehensive leadership team ready to steer the committee’s forthcoming initiatives.

    The newly ratified executive committee comprises:
    – President: Hon. E. P. Chet Greene MP
    – 1st Vice President: Mr. Thomas Greenaway
    – 2nd Vice President: Dr. Philmore Benjamin
    – 3rd Vice President: Ms. Karen Joseph
    – Treasurer: Mrs. Yolanda Samuel
    – Ordinary Members: Mr. Charles Bellot, Mr. Franklyn Braithwaite, Ms. Kebra Nanton, Mr. Leonard Mussington, Mrs. Shorna Charles-Joseph, Ms. Dionne Isaacs, and Mr. Fitzroy Quinland

    During his inaugural address, President Hon. E. P. Chet Greene expressed gratitude to member federations for their sustained trust and acknowledged the contributions of outgoing member Mr. Neil Cochrane for his dedicated service across two previous executive terms.

    President Greene articulated a clear vision for his administration, emphasizing that ABNOC has entered an ‘action mode’ phase focused on deliverable objectives, strengthened collaboration, and measurable outcomes in national sports development.

    In subsequent administrative appointments, the newly formed board confirmed Mr. Cliff Williams as Secretary General and Mr. Joel Rayne as Assistant Secretary General, ensuring organizational continuity and enhanced operational capacity.

    The committee reaffirmed its dedication to fostering productive relationships with member federations and strategic partners to advance the Olympic movement throughout Antigua and Barbuda through focused, results-oriented leadership.

  • Dorne to lead 15-man West Indies squad at Under-19 World Cup

    Dorne to lead 15-man West Indies squad at Under-19 World Cup

    Cricket West Indies has officially appointed 19-year-old Joshua Dorne to lead the West Indies Under-19 squad in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled for Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6, 2026. The announcement comes following Dorne’s successful leadership during recent series victories against Sri Lanka (4-3) and England (5-2) earlier this year.

    The 15-member squad features a blend of emerging talent and experienced youth players, including vice-captain Jonathan van Lange and Jewel Andrew, who holds the distinction of being the youngest player to represent the senior West Indies team in both T20Is and ODIs. The selection committee has also included promising newcomers Micah McKenzie and 16-year-old Shamar Apple, recognizing their potential following impressive performances in regional competitions.

    Dwain Gill, CWI’s High Performance Manager, emphasized the strategic approach behind squad selection: “This group represents the culmination of a deliberate and well-structured preparation process. We’ve closely monitored regional Under-17 and Under-19 competitions, prioritizing players with specialized skills and the adaptability required for international cricket. Our development philosophy aligns with the playing style we expect at the senior level, ensuring exposure to high-quality match opportunities while emphasizing leadership development and tactical awareness.”

    The West Indies team has been placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, with all group stage matches scheduled at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. Prior to the tournament, the squad will participate in warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan to fine-tune their preparations.

    The tournament structure will see the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase, followed by semi-finals on February 3-4, and the championship final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

    The complete squad includes: Joshua Dorne (captain), Jewel Andrew, Shamar Apple, Shaquan Belle, Zachary Carter, Tanez Francis, R’jai Gittens, Vitel Lawes, Micah McKenzie, Matthew Miller, Isra-el Morton, Jakeem Pollard, Aadian Racha, Kunal Tilokani, and Jonathan Van Lange (vice-captain). Supporting reserves and an experienced management unit led by head coach Rohan Nurse will accompany the team throughout the competition.

  • Four Antiguans Named in West Indies U19 World Cup Squad

    Four Antiguans Named in West Indies U19 World Cup Squad

    In an unprecedented development for Caribbean cricket, the Leeward Islands have secured remarkable representation with six young talents selected for the West Indies squad competing in the upcoming ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This historic selection marks a significant milestone for the region’s cricket development program.

    The tournament, scheduled to commence on January 15th across Zimbabwe and Namibia, will feature exceptional players from the Leeward Islands comprising nearly half of the 15-member West Indies roster. This extraordinary representation underscores years of strategic development and investment in youth cricket throughout the islands.

    The selected athletes include Jewel Andrew, Tanez Francis, Micah McKenzie, and Matthew Miller from Antigua and Barbuda, alongside Isra-el Morton representing Sint Maarten, and Kunal Tilokani from St. Kitts. Their selection resulted from demonstrated excellence in performance, exceptional discipline, and outstanding character both on and off the field.

    Enoch Lewis, President of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board, characterized this achievement as a transformative moment for regional cricket. “This selection validates the commitment of these young athletes and underscores the effectiveness of our developmental systems,” Lewis stated. “These players embody not just their respective nations but represent the collective advancement of cricket throughout our island chain.”

    The Under-19 World Cup selection holds particular significance within West Indies cricket, serving as the foundational platform where future international careers are forged. This accomplishment positions these young cricketers among the Caribbean’s most promising talents while entrusting them with representing the region against world-class opposition.

    The Cricket Board acknowledged the collaborative effort involving territorial associations, coaching staff, educational institutions, local clubs, and family support networks that contributed to this success. This achievement demonstrates the power of structured development programs, sustained investment, and long-term belief in athletic potential.

    The Leeward Islands Cricket Board has reaffirmed its complete support for the players as they prepare for international competition while emphasizing continued commitment to developing cricket talent across all islands. This moment serves as both celebration of current achievement and inspiration for future generations of Leeward Islands cricketers.

  • Outstanding performances by Black Sands at regional championships

    Outstanding performances by Black Sands at regional championships

    The Black Sands Swim Squad concluded an extraordinary December campaign with historic achievements at two major regional swimming championships, showcasing exceptional talent through national record-breaking performances and podium finishes.

    At the BASA Short Course National Championships held December 2-7, emerging prodigy Kione Deshong delivered a spectacular performance that captured attention across the swimming community. The young athlete demonstrated remarkable versatility by claiming an impressive haul of 11 medals—6 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze. His most significant achievement came in the 100 Individual Medley, where he shattered the St. Vincent and the Grenadines national record previously held by teammate Matthew Ballah. Deshong clocked 1:06.89, nearly a full second faster than the previous benchmark of 1:07.79.

    The team’s success continued at the ASATT Invitational from December 11-14, where Black Sands faced formidable competition from 47 regional teams. The four-member squad consisting of Deshong, Kennice Greene, Eltonique Leonard, and Matthew Ballah achieved an impressive 10th place overall finish against elite competition.

    Deshong maintained his exceptional form throughout the second competition, securing 4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal while earning the 2nd overall trophy in his age category. His performance included rewriting three national records: 50 Freestyle (26.51, breaking Shane Cadogan’s 26.70), 100 Freestyle (59.49, surpassing Nicolas Silvestre’s 1:01.04), and 50 Backstroke (31.25, improving his own previous record of 32.70).

    Kennice Greene equally impressed with her outstanding performances, collecting 3 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze medal while also securing the 2nd overall trophy in her age group. Greene demonstrated significant personal improvement by breaking four of her own national records: 100 Freestyle (1:00.45 from 1:00.56), 50 Backstroke (32.14 from 32.80), 100 Backstroke (1:11.42 from 1:11.82), and 200 Individual Medley (2:38.69 from 2:41.08).

    Matthew Ballah contributed to the team’s success with 1 gold and 1 bronze medal, while establishing a new national record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:01.16, surpassing Brandon George’s previous record of 1:02.11. Eltonique Leonard completed the team’s medal collection with 1 silver and 3 bronze medals.

    Head Coach Kyle Dougan expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishments, stating he was “very pleased, extremely proud, and encouraged by the results achieved across both competitions.” He extended congratulations to rival Blue Marlins Swim Club for their strong 13th place finish and acknowledged the crucial support from Assistant Coach Anwar Medjahed, Chaperone Fiana McMillan, and Team Medic Dr. Rohan Deshong.

  • Column: Ten Cate aan het roer

    Column: Ten Cate aan het roer

    In a bold strategic move to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the Surinamese Football Association has secured the services of two renowned Dutch football figures. Former Ajax and Barcelona assistant coach Henk ten Cate has emerged from retirement to take helm as head coach, joined by ex-Chelsea and Barcelona defender Winston Bogarde as assistant coach.

    The appointments mark a significant development in Suriname’s renewed approach to international football, which focuses on leveraging professional players who received their training abroad. Both coaches bring substantial elite-level experience, with Ten Cate having previously worked with some of Europe’s top clubs while Bogarde enjoyed a distinguished playing career at the highest level.

    This coaching combination represents an unprecedented commitment to Suriname’s football development. Despite their already accomplished careers, both professionals have demonstrated willingness to contribute their expertise to help grow the national team program. Their decision to join the project underscores the seriousness of Suriname’s World Cup ambitions.

    Football authorities emphasize that this moment represents a unique opportunity for Surinamese football, though significant challenges remain. The path to World Cup qualification requires extensive work from all stakeholders—the board, general manager, coaching staff, and players alike. Success will also depend on FIFA’s cooperation in releasing eligible players in a timely manner to facilitate proper preparation.

    The appointments have generated optimism within Surinamese football circles, with hopes that the coaches’ expertise and humility will positively influence the entire organization as they work toward the common goal of international success.

  • UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and strategic execution, Jamaica’s national basketball team has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers. Under the leadership of American coach Rick Turner, a former NBA executive appointed in December 2019, the Jamaican squad has transformed from international underdogs to legitimate contenders on the global basketball stage.

    The breakthrough moment arrived during their opening group games against Puerto Rico, where the ‘Jamrockers’ secured consecutive victories despite being the lowest-ranked team in their group and missing Miami Heat star Norman Powell. These remarkable wins in San Juan propelled Jamaica to four points, tying them with basketball powerhouse Canada at the top of their qualifying group standings. The top three teams from each group will advance to the final qualification round.

    Turner revealed to the Jamaica Observer that these victories represent more than just statistical achievements: “These two games showed us that we belong and that the things we’ve been doing weren’t just pie-in-the-sky wishes but were things that as a staff and organization we believed in.” The coach emphasized that while Jamaican athletes naturally possess confidence, these wins provided crucial validation of their competitive capabilities at the international level.

    The team’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Turner’s initial years were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating what he described as a “purgatory” situation where Jamaica couldn’t improve its ranking without playing games, but couldn’t qualify for games without a better ranking. Their current qualification opportunity emerged through what Turner characterizes as “sort of lucky” circumstances, when FIBA unexpectedly notified the Jamaica Basketball Association of their eligibility for pre-qualifiers just hours after Turner and association president Paulton Gordon had discussed their frustrating predicament.

    Despite their current success, Turner maintains a pragmatic perspective: “We did win two games in Puerto Rico that we probably weren’t the favorites for, but the road now just seems even more difficult.” The coach highlighted challenging upcoming fixtures against The Bahamas (February 26) and Canada (March 1), noting that their opponents will be fighting with increased desperation as qualification hopes hang in the balance.

    Turner credits the team’s rapid development to the extraordinary commitment of players who have compressed years of development into intensive training camps. “Our players were focused from the time they landed in San Juan, knowing what the job was and knowing the importance of putting their best foot forward against a team that was really, really good,” he noted, praising their ability to absorb complex strategies within limited preparation time.

    The Jamaican basketball program’s dramatic evolution under Turner’s leadership represents one of international sports’ most compelling turnaround stories, demonstrating how strategic vision, player dedication, and fortunate timing can converge to create athletic excellence against all odds.

  • Indy Premier stay perfect in ‘Jewels’ tourney

    Indy Premier stay perfect in ‘Jewels’ tourney

    Indy Premier SC from the United States continues their commanding performance at the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, delivering an emphatic 8-0 victory against Trinidad and Tobago’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI in under-17 girls’ competition on December 17. The match, held at Sangre Grande recreation ground, showcased Indy’s offensive prowess as they established a 4-0 lead by the 39th minute before adding four additional goals in the second half.

    Attacking midfielder Ashlyn Bazile spearheaded the offensive onslaught with a impressive hat-trick, while substitute Kori Brown and attacker Olivia Jones contributed two goals each. Winger Zoey Montgomery initiated the scoring spree with an eighth-minute goal, despite having previously recorded three offside goals against Trinidad and Tobago’s national under-17 team during their 4-0 opening victory on December 15 at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

    In the under-20 division, Indy Premier secured a 2-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago’s national under-20 team on December 16 in Couva. Goals from Tori Brewer and captain Cadence Conrad secured the victory, though the match revealed competitive elements despite the scoreline. Under the guidance of newly appointed national women’s team coach Damian Briggs, Trinidad and Tobago’s under-20 squad demonstrated promising attacking potential through forwards Tyesha Griffith, Sonia Lamarre, Mariah Williams, and last year’s golden boot winner Orielle Martin.

    The hosts created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, with Williams volleying over the bar within the first minute of play. However, defensive strategies involving build-up play from the back proved costly when goalkeeper Sadiel Antoine’s errant pass led to Brewer’s opening goal in the 22nd minute. Conrad extended the lead with a spectacular 30-yard looping shot in the 54th minute that sailed over Antoine’s reach.

    Despite maintaining a clean sheet, Indy’s goalkeepers Teagan Leihgeber and substitute Gwyneth Provost were tested multiple times, making crucial saves against Martin, Steele, and Archer in the second half. The tournament continues with Indy Premier’s under-20 team facing Jamaica on December 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, while Trinidad and Tobago’s under-20 squad seeks their first victory against TT Women’s League Football United XI simultaneously.

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Aadian Racha named in World Cup Under-19 squad

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Aadian Racha named in World Cup Under-19 squad

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced its 15-member Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.

    The selection reflects a meticulous talent identification process that prioritized performances during regional competitions and international preparatory series. The squad notably includes players who excelled in two recent seven-match Youth ODI series victories—a 5-2 triumph over England in Grenada and a closely fought 4-3 win against Sri Lanka last August and September.

    Top-order batsman Joshua Dorne has been appointed captain, cementing his leadership status following an exceptional year across both regional and youth international circuits. All-rounder Jonathan van Lange will serve as vice-captain. The squad boasts significant experience with several members, including Dorne and wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew, having represented the region at the 2024 edition. Andrew, who made history as the youngest player to represent the senior West Indies team in T20Is earlier this year, also holds the same record for ODIs which he claimed in October 2024.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s representation is limited to bowling all-rounder Aadian Racha in the main squad, with batting all-rounder Brendan Boodoo named among four traveling reserves.

    CWI’s high-performance manager Dwain Gill emphasized the strategic approach behind team selection: “This squad is the product of a deliberate and well-structured preparation and selection process. Performances in regional Under-17 and Under-19 competitions were closely monitored, with an emphasis on identifying players with specialist skills and the adaptability required for international cricket.”

    The team will benefit from the experience of Zachary Carter, Matthew Miller, Jakeem Pollard, Shaquan Belle and Vitel Lawes, all of whom played pivotal roles during the successful home series against Sri Lanka and England. Micah McKenzie brings additional experience having made his List A debut for the West Indies Academy against Sri Lanka’s Emerging Men’s team in June before earning his maiden cap for Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the 2025 CG United Super 50 Cup.

    Drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, the West Indies will play all group stage matches at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia. Preparatory warm-up matches against Ireland and Japan are scheduled for January 10 and 13 respectively in Windhoek.

    The tournament structure will see the top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six phase, followed by semifinals on February 3-4, culminating in the championship final on February 6 at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

  • Josiah Hills, Christopher Khan progress to RBC Under-16 finals

    Josiah Hills, Christopher Khan progress to RBC Under-16 finals

    The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional junior tennis prowess on December 17th as the RBC Junior Tennis tournament semifinals unfolded with commanding performances from top-seeded athletes across multiple age divisions.

    In the boys’ 16-and-Under singles category, tournament favorite Josiah Hills delivered a masterclass performance, dismantling fifth-seeded Oliver Harragin with a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory. The top-seeded player demonstrated why he holds the premier position in the draw with his dominant display. Meanwhile, second-seeded Christopher Khan faced stiffer competition from third-ranked Jovan Garibana, ultimately prevailing through determined play with scores of 6-4, 7-5 to secure his championship berth.

    The girls’ 16-and-Under division similarly saw top seeds advancing to the final round. First-seeded Makeda Bain navigated past fourth-ranked Karissa Mohammed in a match that culminated 6-0, 7-6, earning her place in the championship match. She will face second-seeded Cyra Ramcharan, who demonstrated her competitive edge with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory over third-ranked Suri Ramcharan.

    Younger competitors in the boys’ 12-and-Under category mirrored the pattern of seed dominance. Top-seeded Dylan Frost secured his advancement with a 4-2, 4-2 win against Daniel Ward, while second-seeded Ethan Primus overcame Zachary Anthony 4-0, 4-2. Third-seeded Austin Ward recorded a comprehensive 4-1, 4-0 triumph over Zayden Alexis, and fourth-seeded Nicholas McLetchie completed the semifinal victories with a 4-1, 4-1 performance against Malik Bain.

    The tournament continues through December 18th with championship matches determining the ultimate winners in each competitive category.