The Sports Department has recently become the center of attention for troubling reasons, as internal conflicts and inefficiencies continue to plague its operations. Earlier this week, a pivotal meeting intended to address these challenges and enhance departmental performance took an unexpected and dramatic turn. Tensions between two senior leaders escalated into a heated verbal altercation, witnessed by other staff members, leaving many shocked and disheartened by the unprofessional conduct during such a critical session. This incident underscores deeper issues within the department, including management inefficiencies, poor coordination, and a growing lack of confidence among athletes and sporting organizations. In the wake of the confrontation, numerous staff members have expressed frustration and called for immediate leadership changes, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, stronger teamwork, and structural reforms to restore unity and public trust. The fallout has also prompted demands for intervention from higher authorities, as the sporting community eagerly awaits the department’s next steps to rebuild its credibility and vision. As one concerned administrator aptly stated, ‘We can’t fix sports if the people leading it can’t work together.’ The focus must now shift from personal disagreements to meaningful progress.
分类： sports
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CWI CEO Calls for Increased Support for West Indies Cricket from Regional Tourism Partners
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring has issued a compelling appeal to Caribbean tourism stakeholders, urging them to share the responsibility for the sustainability of West Indies cricket. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) held in Barbados from September 30 to October 3, Dehring highlighted the significant financial contributions CWI has made to the tourism sector over the past 15 years, including $82.5 million on airlift and $120 million on hotel accommodations. Despite these investments, sponsorship support from airlines and hotels has been minimal, creating an unsustainable imbalance. Dehring emphasized that without greater collaboration and investment from tourism beneficiaries, the future of West Indies cricket remains at risk. He praised Sandals Resorts International as a rare example of meaningful support, while calling on other regional players to follow suit. The CEO’s remarks underscored the critical intersection between sports and tourism, stressing that shared investment is essential for the long-term health of the sport and the Caribbean brand.
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SCA Crowned New CODICADER Champions in San José
Saint Catherine Academy (SCA) has etched its name in Belizean sports history by clinching the IX Central American Student Games (CODICADER) Volleyball Championship for High School Students at the Intermediate (Under-18) level. The thrilling final took place at the Gimnasio Nacional Eddy Cortés in La Sabana, San José, Costa Rica, where SCA emerged victorious against Costa Rica’s Liceo Experimental Bilingüe de Turrialba in straight sets. This triumph not only secured the regional title but also reinforced SCA’s dominance in the tournament. The Belizean team had previously defeated the same opponents in the group stage, showcasing their unwavering momentum and exceptional teamwork. SCA’s journey to the championship was marked by stellar performances, beginning with a hard-fought 2–0 victory over Nicaragua’s Colegio San Francisco Hermanos Maristas on October 4, followed by another impressive win against the Costa Rican hosts in the group stage. This victory is a testament to SCA’s dedication and skill, positioning them as one of Central America’s premier volleyball programs. The win has sparked national pride, as Belize celebrates this remarkable achievement on the regional stage.
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CWI launches second round of foundational training, in Leeward Islands and St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has initiated the second cycle of its Foundation Level & Refreshers Cricket Coaching Course across the Leeward Islands and St. Vincent, marking a significant step in its strategic mission to build a robust coaching network in the Caribbean. The program, which commenced on October 2, 2025, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua & Barbuda, is designed to prepare coaches for the reopening of primary schools and the revival of community-based grassroots cricket initiatives. Sessions are scheduled to take place in Montserrat, the British and US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Anguilla, and St. Vincent, culminating on October 30. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, underscored the organization’s dedication to enhancing coaching standards and cricket infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of early-stage coaching education in fostering sustainable growth for the sport. He highlighted the collaboration with government and private sector partners to expand age-group cricket, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable pathway for aspiring cricketers. The coaching courses, led by seasoned instructors Mr. Brendon Ramlal and Mr. Keshava Ramphal, focus on critical areas such as child protection, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and effective communication. CWI has also mandated that all participants complete the UNICEF Child Protection Course and a Cricket Safeguarding & Child Protection Workshop to ensure a safe environment for young athletes. These initiatives are expected to significantly benefit youth programs like the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) Five for Fun Cricket and the Girls Under-16/19 Territorial Cricket Hub. Since its inception, the program has trained over 150 coaches across multiple Caribbean nations, including Dominica, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica, reinforcing CWI’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
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Gray could miss World Cup qualifier against Curacao
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Observer has received credible information indicating that Demarai Gray, a pivotal winger for the Reggae Boyz, might be sidelined for Friday’s crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifier against Curacao. Gray sustained an injury during a training session at Sabina Park on Tuesday, casting uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming match. While the severity of his injury remains unclear, his absence would be a significant blow to the team. Gray previously missed September’s fixtures against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago due to injury. Speculation has arisen that Chelsea’s Dujuan “Whisper” Richards could step in as a replacement, though reliable sources have tempered such claims for now. Currently, the team faces no additional injury concerns, with only Kasey Palmer and Isaac Hayden ruled out due to suspension. Jamaica, leading their group with six points, will face Curacao, who have four points, at the Ergilio Hato Stadium on Friday at 6:00 pm. The stakes are high, as only the group winner will secure a spot in next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
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Curacao confident ahead of Friday’s game against Reggae Boyz
As the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers heat up, Curacao’s national team captain, Leandro Bacuna, has expressed unwavering confidence ahead of their pivotal clash against Jamaica this Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Despite acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Reggae Boyz, Bacuna remains optimistic about his team’s chances in what he describes as a decisive match.
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Curacao football coach hails Reggae Boyz ahead of World Cup qualifier
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Gilbert Martina, president of the Curacao Football Federation, has expressed admiration for Jamaica’s football programme, highlighting its success and expressing hopes for Curacao to emulate its achievements. The two teams are set to face off in a pivotal Concacaf World Cup Qualifier on Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao. Jamaica, currently ranked seventh in Concacaf and 69th globally, enters the match as the favorite against Curacao, which stands at 12th in Concacaf and 84th worldwide. Despite Jamaica’s absence from the World Cup since 1998, the Reggae Boyz have consistently been the Caribbean’s top performers, with multiple Concacaf Gold Cup final appearances and strong showings in the Concacaf Nations League. Martina emphasized his desire to incorporate Jamaica’s strengths—such as physicality, speed, and philosophy—into Curacao’s football development. He noted that while Curacao’s players are technically skilled due to their Dutch football education, they lack the physical attributes that define Jamaican football. Jamaica currently leads the group with six points, while Curacao trails by two points. A victory for Jamaica would bring them closer to World Cup qualification, whereas a win for Curacao would propel them to the top of the standings with three matches remaining. Only the group winner secures a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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World pole vault record holder ‘Mondo’ Duplantis says he wants to visit Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vault sensation and current world record holder, has expressed his enthusiasm for visiting Jamaica. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram by Dr. Tahira Redwood, the 25-year-old athlete conveyed his desire to explore the island’s vibrant culture and connect with its people. Duplantis, who hails from Louisiana, acknowledged that Jamaica may not host many pole vault events but emphasized his eagerness to visit regardless. He stated, ‘Hey my Jamaica people, I really hope to see you soon. Probably not much pole vault events hosted in Jamaica, but I want to come anyway, the vibes look insane. I really need to come to Kingston. I need to come to Jamaica. Just tell me where to pull up and I’m there.’ Additionally, Duplantis showed interest in Jamaica’s renowned KFC chicken, which Dr. Redwood highlighted for its unique spicy flavor. This gesture underscores his curiosity about the island’s culinary offerings and cultural richness. Duplantis’s message has sparked excitement among Jamaicans, who are eager to welcome the global sports icon to their shores.
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INTO THE FRAY
Ian Fray, a defender for Inter Miami, is determined to assist Jamaica, the country of his heritage, in securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Born and raised in the United States, Fray is eligible to represent Jamaica through his Jamaican father. The 23-year-old has been included in the Reggae Boyz 26-man squad for the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, with matches against Curacao on Friday and Bermuda on Tuesday at the National Stadium. Although Fray was previously called up during the September international window, he did not join the team after discussions with Inter Miami. This time, however, he has traveled to Jamaica and participated in the team’s training session at Sabina Park. Fray, who is versatile enough to play as a center back, full back, or defensive midfielder, expressed his satisfaction with the acclimatization process. ‘It’s been really nice. There’s a lot of energy, the guys are really welcoming; it’s been really fun,’ he said. Fray comes from a family with a strong connection to Jamaican football; his father, Michael, played for the youth team, and his sister, Marlee, has represented the Reggae Girlz at the under-20 and under-17 levels. Ian is now focused on continuing this family legacy and helping Jamaica end its nearly three-decade absence from the World Cup. ‘Six points out of two games? You can’t ask for a better start than that,’ he remarked. Despite the talent in the Jamaican squad, Fray is unlikely to be star-struck, as he plays alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time at Inter Miami, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Fray is also looking forward to playing in front of the home fans next week, recalling the sold-out crowd at the National Stadium during Inter Miami’s match against Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. ‘To be able to represent my country here in Jamaica, I’m really excited for it,’ he said. Jamaica currently leads the group with six points after victories over Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago last month. Two more wins would secure their place in the World Cup.
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Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer
Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first footballer to reach billionaire status. This landmark achievement was confirmed by the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, which tracks the wealth of the world’s richest individuals. The index evaluated Ronaldo’s net worth for the first time, factoring in his career earnings, lucrative investments, and high-profile endorsements. According to the index, Ronaldo’s net worth stands at an impressive US$1.4 billion (£1.04 billion). Over his illustrious career spanning from 2002 to 2023, Ronaldo has amassed more than US$550 million (£410 million) in salary alone. This figure includes substantial earnings from endorsement deals, such as his decade-long partnership with Nike, which reportedly paid him nearly US$18 million (£13.4 million) annually. In 2022, Ronaldo made headlines by joining Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where his annual salary exceeded US$237 million (£177 million). His initial contract concluded in June 2025, and he subsequently signed a new two-year deal reportedly worth over US$400 million (£298 million). This achievement not only cements Ronaldo’s legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time but also highlights his unparalleled success off the pitch.