In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread devastation in Jamaica nearly two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when to resume sporting activities has ignited a national debate. While some argue that restarting events like the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) could restore a sense of normalcy and hope, others contend it is premature, given the physical and psychological toll on athletes, coaches, and communities. The JPL organizers have adopted a cautious approach, prioritizing the well-being of players and staff before considering a return to competition. Communication disruptions persist across much of the island, and several clubs, including Montego Bay United and Treasure Beach FC, report severe damage to their facilities and personal impacts on players. Beyond logistical challenges, the psychological aftermath of the disaster adds complexity. Dr. André Bateman, a clinical and sports psychologist, highlights the disproportionate impact on the western side of the island, where recovery efforts are more arduous. He emphasizes the importance of sensitivity in resuming sports, noting the psychological divide between those ready to move forward and those still grappling with loss. Athletes, even in less affected areas, may carry emotional burdens, including survivor’s guilt, which can hinder their performance. Bateman stresses the need for open communication and accessible mental health support, urging the Government and sporting authorities to provide resources like group therapy. While sports can serve as a therapeutic outlet for athletes, Bateman warns against using them as a distraction, which may exacerbate trauma. For now, the consensus among organizers leans toward patience and compassion, recognizing the delicate balance between recovery and the desire to return to normalcy.
分类： sports
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Pleasantville girls begin SSFL ‘Big 5’ title defence
Pleasantville Secondary is set to defend their Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Girls’ ‘Big 5′ title as they face Chaguanas South Secondary in the 2025 quarterfinal. The match will take place at Lewis Street in San Fernando on November 9 at 3 pm. Pleasantville has been a dominant force in the south championship division, winning all six matches, scoring 62 goals, and conceding none. Their impressive run included a 15-0 victory over Moruga Secondary and a 3-0 win against St Stephen’s College in their final championship match on October 23. This season, Pleasantville has already secured the Girls’ Super Cup with a 2-1 triumph over St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) in September. Last year, they clinched the Big 5 title by defeating Five Rivers Secondary 3-0 in the final at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. However, their quest for a national double was thwarted by SJCPoS, who defeated them 5-3 on penalties in the national intercol final. To retain the Big 5 title, Pleasantville may have to overcome SJCPoS again, as the two schools could meet in the semifinals if Pleasantville advances past Chaguanas South. The semifinals are scheduled for November 13, with Signal Hill Secondary facing Five Rivers Secondary in the other semi. The final will be held on November 16.
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Hillview win again, clinch SSFL premier division spot
Hillview College has cemented its place in the 2026 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Palo Seco Secondary on November 8. The match, held at Hillview’s home ground in Tunapuna, marked the culmination of a stellar season for the east zone champions. With this win, Hillview completed a perfect run in the First Citizens Boys’ “Big 5” playoffs, securing nine points from three consecutive victories. The team had previously triumphed over Presentation College Chaguanas and Mucurapo West Secondary, showcasing their dominance in the championship division. The game against Palo Seco was a tense affair, with Hillview taking the lead in the 40th minute through Ky’Mani Prieto. However, Palo Seco equalized in the 66th minute after Akil Baptiste capitalized on a goalkeeping error. Despite Palo Seco goalkeeper Kristan Woods’ heroic saves, which earned him the MVP award, Hillview’s Jahmarley Ellis sealed the win with an 82nd-minute goal. This loss marked Palo Seco’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament. The Big 5 playoffs will continue on November 12, with Hillview hosting Speyside Secondary and Palo Seco facing Presentation College Chaguanas. Speyside, the Tobago championship division winners, are yet to play a match due to postponements. The top three teams in the Big 5 will advance to the 2026 SSFL Premier Division.
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Garcia scores for Spartak in Russian Cup quaterfinal win
Trinidad and Tobago’s star forward Levi Garcia delivered a stellar performance for Spartak Moscow in their 3-1 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow in the first leg of the Russian Cup quarterfinal on November 6. The 27-year-old opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, capitalizing on a rebound after Lokomotiv’s goalkeeper Daniil Veselov initially saved his header. Garcia’s quick reflexes set the tone for Spartak’s dominant display. The Trinidadian was also involved in Spartak’s second goal in the 49th minute, albeit unintentionally, as a shot from Brazilian teammate Marquinhos Costa deflected off him and Lokomotiv defender Lucas Fasson before finding the net. Costa added a third goal with a clever flick at the near post, showcasing Spartak’s attacking prowess. Lokomotiv managed to pull one back in the 67th minute through Aleksey Batrakov, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Batrakov’s penalty was saved by Spartak’s goalkeeper Ilya Pomazun in the 80th minute. The return leg is scheduled for November 26. Meanwhile, Garcia, who has scored six goals in 16 matches this season, is expected to play a pivotal role in Trinidad and Tobago’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica and Bermuda on November 13 and 18, respectively. His recent form bodes well for coach Dwight Yorke’s squad as they aim to secure crucial victories in Mucurapo.
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Fraser Sisters, Gill, Broomes-Webster shine at Trevor Straughn Championship
The Trevor Straughn Primary Schools Cross Country Championships, held at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex on Thursday morning, showcased thrilling performances, with the Fraser sisters, Glory and Life-Star, stealing the limelight. The event, a tribute to the legacy of Trevor Straughn, remains a highlight on the primary schools’ athletics calendar. Glory Fraser of Reynold Weekes Primary in St Philip dominated the Class 4 Girls’ 2000m, finishing in an impressive 7:50.3 seconds. She was followed by Ciara Waithe of Hindsbury Primary (8:13.4) and Roosalie O’Neal of West Terrace Primary (8:15.6). In the Class 4 Boys’ 2000m, Naleek Gill of St Ambrose Primary claimed victory with a time of 6:56.2 seconds, outpacing Trazahri Ifill of St Bernard’s Primary (7:26.2) and Nathan Phillips of Blackman and Gollop Primary (7:35.0). Life-Star Fraser continued her family’s winning streak in the Class 2 Girls’ 1600m, clocking 7:57.7, while Czar Broomes-Webster of West Terrace Primary triumphed in the Class 2 Boys’ 1600m with a time of 6:37.9. The event celebrated young athletic talent and fostered a spirit of competition and camaraderie.
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Three-on-Three Madness Takes Over Civic Center
The Belize Civic Center is set to transform into a vibrant hub of athleticism and community spirit this weekend as the Belize Global Elite Academy organizes a two-day, three-on-three basketball tournament. Over three hundred young players will showcase their skills in this high-energy event, which aims to foster talent and give back to the community. Kashief Thomas, co-founder of the academy, shared his vision for the event, emphasizing its dual purpose of promoting basketball and nurturing young dreams. Thomas, a Belizean native who credits basketball for his personal and professional success, is passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation. The event will feature free meals, basketballs, jerseys, backpacks, and shoes for participants, ensuring an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere. Thomas, now a successful entrepreneur in the U.S., hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute to their communities. The tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, promising a weekend of excitement and camaraderie.
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![Qatar 2025 World Cup : England inflicts a severe defeat to Haiti [1-8]](https://wp.caribscopeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/c97229f59da5806fb6fcbc1625e2ee0e.jpg)
Qatar 2025 World Cup : England inflicts a severe defeat to Haiti [1-8]
In a stunning display of dominance, England’s U-17 football team delivered a crushing 8-1 defeat to Haiti during their Group E match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. The match, held on November 6, 2025, at the Aspire Zone sports complex in Doha, saw the ‘Three Lions’ assert their technical superiority from the very first minute. Luca Williams-Barnett opened the scoring just 60 seconds into the game, setting the tone for what would become a relentless onslaught. Reigan Heskey doubled the lead with a penalty in the 14th minute, and despite a brief moment of hope when Franco Celestin scored for Haiti in the 17th minute, England quickly regained control with goals from Reggie Walsh, Alejandro Rodriguez, and a hat-trick by Chizaram Ezenwata. The final scoreline of 8-1 not only highlighted England’s prowess but also effectively eliminated Haiti from the tournament, leaving them at the bottom of Group E with zero points. Haitian coach Eddy Cesar acknowledged the difficulty of the loss but vowed to regroup for their final match against Venezuela. The Haitian Football Federation expressed pride in their young team’s resilience, emphasizing their determination to rise stronger from this setback.
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2025 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers organisers present valued sponsors
The IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia is gearing up to welcome participants of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) as they cross the finish line. This year marks a significant milestone for the ARC, celebrating its 40th anniversary, with Saint Lucia proudly serving as the event’s finish line for the 37th consecutive year. The rally, which features over 100 cruising yachts, begins in Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria and concludes in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.
On November 6, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hosted a sponsors’ presentation for the 2024 event, which is set to commence on November 23. Christopher Gustave, SLTA’s marketing manager for Caribbean, events, and sports, emphasized the rally’s significance during the ceremony. He highlighted Saint Lucia’s unique appeal, stating, ‘Every year as the ARC makes its journey across the Atlantic and sets its sights on Rodney Bay, the world is reminded of what makes Saint Lucia truly special: our beauty, our people, our hospitality, and our ability to host world-class events.’
Gustave also underscored the ARC’s broader impact, describing it as more than a yacht race. ‘It is a global story about courage, adventure, and connection,’ he remarked. He praised the strong partnerships with sponsors, which play a crucial role in enhancing Saint Lucia’s tourism offerings and ensuring the event delivers value, visibility, and unforgettable experiences.
The 2024 ARC is supported by a range of sponsors, including platinum sponsors Sixt Rent a Car and SOL Saint Lucia, gold sponsors The Wave Saint Lucia, and silver sponsors Angostura and Bank of Saint Lucia. Bronze sponsors Massy Stores Saint Lucia, Piton Beer, and telecommunications partner Digicel are also contributing to the event. The rally is organized under the auspices of the World Cruising Club, with additional support from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Events Saint Lucia, and IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
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San Juan North, Trinity draw 1-1 in SSFL rescheduled tie
In a tightly contested rescheduled Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership fixture, Trinity College (Moka) and San Juan North Secondary played to a 1-1 draw at Trinity College Grounds in Maraval on November 7. San Juan North, currently positioned 13th in the 16-team league, took the lead in the first half with a goal from Malique Marrast. However, Trinity Moka quickly responded as Anton Joseph equalized before halftime. Despite both teams pushing for a decisive goal in the second half, neither could break the stalemate, resulting in a shared point. The outcome had minimal impact on the league standings, with Trinity remaining in sixth place and San Juan North holding onto their 13th position, just two points above the relegation zone. Both teams have one league match remaining to conclude their campaigns.
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Police, Army lock horns in servicemen’s TTPFL derby
The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) is set to witness an early-season blockbuster as defending champions Defence Force face off against title contenders Miscellaneous Police FC on November 9 at the St Police Barracks. The match, scheduled for 7 pm, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. Police FC has begun the 2025/26 season in dominant fashion, securing back-to-back victories. They opened their campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh on October 24, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against MIC Central FC Reboot on November 1. In contrast, Defence Force has struggled to find their rhythm, starting their title defense with two consecutive draws. They were held to a goalless stalemate by 2023/24 champions AC Port of Spain in their opener and then squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with FC Eagles on October 31, conceding a late stoppage-time goal. Despite their slow start, Police FC coach Todd Ryan remains wary of the defending champions. ‘Police and Army, that’s probably the biggest rivalry in top-tier football,’ Ryan remarked. ‘We don’t care what start they got…they’re still unbeaten from last season. We need to ensure they stay at the bottom of us.’ Ryan emphasized the importance of this match, calling it a ‘local derby’ and a crucial step toward achieving their ultimate goal: qualifying for Concacaf football. Meanwhile, Defence Force’s interim coach Devorn Jorsling remains optimistic, dismissing their early struggles as a temporary setback. ‘When the smoke clears, we will be champions of the league,’ Jorsling asserted. The clash is part of a packed matchday, with Caledonia AIA vs. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and AC Port of Spain vs. FC Eagles also set to take place on November 9.