分类： sports

The Antigua and Barbuda Chess Federation recently hosted a landmark visit by renowned chess grandmaster Nigel Short, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. Upon his arrival, Short was warmly welcomed by key figures of the federation, including President Hannibal Fleming, Vice President Matthew Bailey, and Media Manager Julian Piper. The visit commenced with a social gathering at the Cedar Valley Golf Club, attended by cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards and Leon “Kuma” Rodney, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association. During the event, Sir Vivian shared his personal connection to chess, reminiscing about his interactions with Viswanathan Anand and the inspiration he drew from the historic Fischer–Spassky match of 1972. The following day, Short conducted a simultaneous exhibition, triumphing in all eight games against Antigua’s top players, including members of the national team. He also expressed strong support for the country’s initiative to send its first women’s team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The event was graced by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams and his wife, Sonja Williams, alongside Sir Vivian Richards and Kuma Rodney. Short’s visit extended to media appearances, where he and Hannibal Fleming discussed the future of chess in Antigua and Barbuda on ABS Television. The delegation also met with prominent government officials, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who pledged unwavering support for the federation’s initiatives. Additionally, Short visited the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, where Principal Professor Justin Robinson highlighted the potential of chess to enrich campus life. The trip concluded with visits to Island Academy and Cobs Cross Primary School, where Short introduced students to the fundamentals of chess, encouraging them to embrace the game. This visit not only celebrated the growth of chess in Antigua and Barbuda but also laid the groundwork for future development and international representation.

The Five Islands Football Club has initiated a significant upgrade to the lighting system at their home field, the Five Islands Football Field. This project aims to improve the quality of the playing environment and enhance the overall experience for players and spectators alike. In a generous gesture, Richard S. Lewis, Member of Parliament for Rural West, donated 1,000 feet of heavy-duty electrical wire to support the initiative. The donation was graciously accepted by Marsha Jackson, the club’s manager, who expressed her gratitude for the contribution. Stafford Lewis also played a crucial role in facilitating the procurement of the electrical wire. The project underscores the community’s commitment to supporting local sports infrastructure. Richard S. Lewis, known for his dedication to rural development, emphasized the importance of collective effort with the phrase, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ This upgrade is expected to benefit the club’s operations and foster a more vibrant sports culture in the region.

The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Umpires Association (ABCUA) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of its executive team during the Association’s Biennial Convention held on September 29, 2025, at the Antigua Grammar School. The newly elected team, led by President Javid Goodwin, includes Vice President Felix Auguiste, Secretary Melissa Lawrie, Treasurer Avoy Knight, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Julian Roberts, Public Relations Officer Hayden-Ann Walsh-Palmer, and Executive Member James Trotman. This transition marks a significant milestone for the Association, which aims to elevate cricket officiating standards and foster the sport’s growth in the region. Outgoing President James Stevens, who served for an impressive 28 years, was honored for his unwavering dedication and contributions. President Goodwin expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and his team, vowing to build on Stevens’ legacy while charting a fresh path forward. The ABCUA also extended its appreciation to the outgoing executive members for their service and looks ahead to a productive term under its new leadership.

In a landmark event for cricket officiating in Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Umpires Association (ABCUA) unveiled its newly elected executive team during its Biennial Convention on September 29, 2025, held at the Antigua Grammar School. This significant gathering marked the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter for the Association, as Mr. Javid Goodwin was elected President, succeeding Mr. James Stevens, who had served in the role for an impressive 28 years. The newly appointed executive team includes Mr. Felix Auguiste as Vice President, Ms. Melissa Lawrie as Secretary, Mr. Avoy Knight as Treasurer, Mr. Julian Roberts as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Mrs. Hayden-Ann Walsh-Palmer as Public Relations Officer, and Mr. James Trotman as an Executive Member. During the convention, members reflected on the achievements of the past term and strategized on enhancing cricket officiating standards in the nation. In his inaugural address, President Goodwin expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Stevens for his decades of unwavering dedication and leadership, while also pledging to build on this legacy with his own vision. Goodwin emphasized his commitment to advancing umpiring standards, expanding training opportunities, and fostering the growth of cricket in Antigua and Barbuda. The Association extended heartfelt thanks to the outgoing executive members for their service and expressed optimism for a productive and transformative term under the new leadership. For further inquiries, the Association can be contacted via email at [email protected].