In a significant ceremony held on November 12 at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, Trinidad and Tobago, cricket icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were officially appointed as national sports ambassadors. The event was presided over by Minister Sean Sobers, who emphasized the government’s dedication to recognizing exceptional national athletes whose accomplishments inspire citizens and elevate the country’s global profile. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to honor outstanding sports figures, as previously announced by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts on September 4. Bravo, who recently led the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 21, has been instrumental in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting excellence. The team’s triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match in Providence, Guyana, was celebrated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who hosted the champions at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on September 23. During the event, Persad-Bissessar also named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin star Keshorn Walcott as sports ambassadors. While the exact dates for Pooran and Walcott’s official appointments remain undisclosed, the ministry expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo and Pollard to champion values of excellence, teamwork, and national pride, both domestically and internationally, while enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation.
分类： sports
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RENEWED RIVALRY
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, are set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. This penultimate match could significantly bolster Jamaica’s chances of securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
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‘Take care of business!’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Former national defender Tyrone Marshall has expressed optimism about Jamaica’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but emphasized the need for unwavering focus as the Reggae Boyz approach their decisive final matches. The team is set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their penultimate qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. Marshall, renowned for his spectacular long-range goal in a 1-0 victory over T&T during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, shared his insights following Jamaica’s inconsistent performance in recent matches. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Marshall highlighted the significance of this week’s games, stating, ‘It’s a big week for the Reggae Boyz.’ Jamaica’s campaign began strongly in September with a 4-0 win against Bermuda and a 2-0 victory over T&T. However, their momentum faltered in October with a 2-0 loss to Curaçao, though they rebounded with another 4-0 triumph over Bermuda in Kingston. Marshall praised the team’s overall progress but critiqued their approach in the Curaçao match, describing it as a missed opportunity. ‘The one hiccup I would say is the Curaçao game. I didn’t think the approach was, ‘Let’s go and take care of business there,’’ he remarked. Currently, Jamaica leads Group B with nine points after four games, one point ahead of Curaçao and four ahead of T&T, while Bermuda remains at the bottom with no points. A win against T&T, coupled with a Curaçao loss to Bermuda, would secure Jamaica’s automatic qualification. However, if both Jamaica and Curaçao win tonight, their fate will be determined in their final match in Kingston on Tuesday. Marshall stressed the importance of urgency and a determined mindset, urging the team to treat the T&T game as a ‘do-or-die’ scenario. He also noted the emotional significance of the campaign, particularly in light of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation, which has united the nation and could serve as a motivational force for the team. Marshall expressed confidence in Jamaica’s qualification, drawing parallels to their historic 1997 qualification. ‘I have no doubt that Jamaica should qualify and will qualify,’ he declared, eagerly anticipating the upcoming games and the chance to celebrate with his Jamaica jersey on.
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Burris defends $2m Døds Diving Championships
The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) invested over $2 million in hosting the Døds Diving World Championships in Charlotteville on August 9, a decision that has sparked discussions about the allocation of resources for sports tourism. Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Tashia Burris revealed the financial details during a plenary session in the Assembly Legislature on November 12, responding to inquiries from Minority councillor Petal Daniel-Benoit. The event, a collaboration between Døds Federation International, the THA, and the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago, attracted 50 divers from across the globe, who showcased their skills from a 10-meter platform. Burris emphasized the event’s potential for financial sustainability, noting that the THA will receive 50% of local advertising revenue for the 2026 edition, with four major advertisers already expressing interest. She contrasted this with the Tobago International Cycling Classic, which relies heavily on THA sponsorship and has struggled to attract international participants. Burris highlighted the Døds Diving event’s global exposure, with online viewership reaching 50 million and international broadcast deals secured for 2025-2027. In contrast, the Cycling Classic, which lacks UCI sanctioning and offers low prize money, has seen limited participation and international appeal. Burris concluded that the Døds Diving model represents a sustainable partnership for high-level sports tourism, while the Cycling Classic requires significant reforms to remain viable.
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GFA launches Player Identification drive for Talent Development Scheme
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has announced the launch of a comprehensive Player Identification initiative as a pivotal element of its Talent Development Scheme (TDS). This strategic programme aims to systematically scout and identify the most promising young male footballers across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, ensuring the sustained growth of future youth national teams. The initiative will initially focus on boys born in 2012 and 2013, targeting aspiring athletes at a formative stage of their development. The primary goals of this rigorous evaluation process are to uncover emerging talent and foster high-quality player development. Successful candidates will be integrated into the GFA TDS programme, which offers structured pathways for progression into youth national teams and opportunities for educational scholarships and professional football careers. A GFA spokesperson emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, ‘This systematic identification drive is a crucial investment in the future of Grenadian football. By focusing on early talent recognition and providing structured development within the TDS framework, we are building a sustainable pipeline of players capable of excelling on regional and international stages.’ The GFA has urged parents, guardians, and youth coaches to prepare eligible players for the upcoming scouting events across the tri-island state. Further details regarding screening dates and locations will be announced soon through official GFA channels.
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Renderings Released for New UWI Five Islands Campus Sports Complex
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus has recently unveiled the highly anticipated architectural renderings for its new state-of-the-art sports complex. This ambitious project, designed to elevate the university’s athletic and recreational facilities, promises to become a landmark for sports enthusiasts and students alike. The complex will feature cutting-edge amenities, including a modern track and field stadium, multi-purpose courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for sports science and wellness programs. The design emphasizes sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The project is part of UWI’s broader initiative to foster holistic development and promote a culture of excellence in sports. Construction is slated to begin in the coming months, with completion expected within two years. The new sports complex is poised to enhance the campus experience, attract top-tier athletes, and serve as a hub for regional sporting events.
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Antigua and Barbuda Names Senior Men’s Squad for 2025 CONCACAF Series
The Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has officially revealed its senior men’s national team roster for the highly anticipated 2025 CONCACAF Series. The squad is set to engage in two preparatory friendly matches at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua. The first match will pit the team against Aruba on November 12th at 7:00 PM, followed by a clash with Guyana on November 18th at the same time. The announcement underscores the ABFA’s commitment to showcasing local talent on the international stage. The selected players represent a mix of domestic and international clubs, highlighting the depth and diversity of Antigua and Barbuda’s football talent. The goalkeeping trio includes Shahoi Dorsette (C.F. Lorca Deportiva), Zaieem Scott (Future Pro Academy), and Jayden Martin (All Saints United). The defensive lineup features Zafique Joseph, Leroy Graham, Kylano Isaac, Jazhiono O’Garro, Tyrik Hughes, and Amir Delay. Midfielders Sean Tomlinson, TJ Bramble, Shalon Knight, Quinton Griffith, Dannen Francis, and Dion Pereira bring both experience and versatility. The forward line is led by Raheem Deterville, Darryl Massicott, Karique Knight, D’Andre Bishop, and Josue “Neymar” Arias. The management team, under the leadership of Manager Janiel Simon and Head Coach Jacques Passy, is poised to guide the squad through these crucial matches. Assistant Coaches Shyan Jeffers, Lenny Hewlett, and Eduardo Suarez, along with Goalkeeper Coach Juan Lecona Nava, Physio McClean Lawrence, and Equipment Manager Danny Benjamin, complete the robust support staff. These friendlies are expected to serve as a litmus test for the team’s readiness ahead of the CONCACAF Series, offering fans a glimpse of the nation’s footballing potential.
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Minister Duggins applauds National Swim Team for record eight medal haul at OECS Championships
The Saint Kitts and Nevis National Swim Team has returned home to a hero’s welcome after securing a historic eight medals at the 33rd OECS Swimming Championships in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, led the celebrations at the R. L. Bradshaw International Airport, where the 14-member team was greeted by government officials, proud parents, and representatives from the National Olympic Committee. The team’s performance marked a significant improvement from their single-medal achievement in 2024, showcasing their growing prowess in the sport. Among the standout athletes were Teadrian Tross, who clinched Gold in the 50-metre Breaststroke, Silver in the 100-metre and 200-metre Freestyle, and Bronze in the 100-metre Individual Medley. Edith Denne also shone brightly, securing Gold in the 100-metre Freestyle and Silver in the 100-metre Individual Medley. Skyla Connor and Jennifer Harding-Martin added to the medal tally with Bronze in the 400-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Backstroke, respectively. Minister Duggins highlighted the team’s achievements as a source of national pride, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the sport. Plans are underway to designate land for a state-of-the-art swimming facility, which is expected to further enhance the team’s training capabilities. The minister expressed optimism that this investment would lead to even greater success in future competitions. The event concluded with three cheers for the athletes, who were hailed as ambassadors for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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National Primary Schools Football Tournament Quarter Finals 13 November
The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has unveiled the official schedule for the quarter-final round of the National Primary Schools Football Tournament, set to commence on Thursday, 13 November. The matches will be held across three venues in Grenada and Carriacou, showcasing the nation’s budding football talent. The official draw, conducted at the GFA Secretariat, has finalized the eagerly awaited matchups. The quarter-final fixtures include Our Lady of the Rosary (Carriacou) versus St Peter’s Roman Catholic at Lauriston Mini Stadium at 1 pm, South St George Government against St David’s Roman Catholic at Springs Playing Field at 11 am, and St Andrews facing Bonair Government at Progress Park at 11 am. St Patrick’s Anglican has received a bye and will advance directly to the Semi-Final round, where they will compete against the winner of the Our Lady of the Rosary and St Peter’s RC match. Ernest Richardson, Second Vice-President of the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT), attended the draw and expressed his support for the young athletes and the tournament. The GFA is urging the public and media to attend and cheer on the future stars of Grenadian football. For additional details, contact the GFA Secretariat.
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Piton Boyz in DR for Concacaf’s Friendly Series
The Saint Lucia senior national men’s football team, affectionately known as the Piton Boyz, is gearing up for two crucial matches in the Concacaf Friendly Series. On Wednesday, November 12, they will face Cuba, followed by a clash with St Vincent & the Grenadines three days later. Both games are scheduled to take place at the Cibao Stadium in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This series serves as a vital platform for teams already eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to maintain competitive momentum. The Piton Boyz departed Saint Lucia on Monday with a significantly altered squad compared to their last outing during the World Cup Qualifiers in June, where they suffered a loss to Curaçao but secured a victory against Barbados. Notable absentees include Jamaica-based players Alvinus Mayers and Darren Donaie, as well as England-based captain Terell Thomas and winger Arkell Jude Boyd. Other omissions include Kegan Caull, Ryan Charles, Ryan Remi, and Troy Greenidge. However, the team welcomes back several familiar faces, including goalkeeper Anton Richard, defender Doneal Lionel, and midfielders Brandon Sandiford and Eymani Butcher. Veterans Gregson President and Ridel Stanislas also make a return, alongside new additions like Ajani Louis, Dervaj Edward, Elijah Joseph, and Trent Alexander. Retained from the previous squad are forwards Aaron Richard, Caniggia Elva, Donavan Jn Baptiste, Saviola Elva, and Mervin St Romain. Midfield responsibilities will be shouldered by Bayan Aman, Hamaiael Charlery, and Shaquan Nelson, while the defense will feature Melvin Doxilly, Joshua Solomon-Davies, and veteran fullback Kurt Frederick. The team’s technical and support staff, led by head coach Stern John, remain unchanged. The Piton Boyz are also set to face Martinique and the Dominican Republic next year as part of Group A in the Concacaf Friendly Series.