Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Another ‘blow to sports’ in the west, says Smith after WA president visit called off

    Another ‘blow to sports’ in the west, says Smith after WA president visit called off

    Jamaica’s western sporting community has suffered a significant setback following the abrupt cancellation of World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe’s scheduled visit to the hurricane-damaged Montego Bay Sports Complex. Stephen Smith, President of the County of Cornwall Athletics Association (COCAA), characterized the cancelled Tuesday visit as “another blow to sports” in the region, highlighting ongoing neglect of athletic infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    The cancellation appears directly linked to protracted ownership uncertainties surrounding the multi-sport facility, which sustained severe damage during Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Lord Coe had specifically interrupted his vacation in Turks and Caicos to assess hurricane damage and meet with track and field stakeholders regarding potential support mechanisms from World Athletics.

    Smith expressed profound disappointment, noting that local representatives had anticipated productive discussions about revitalizing the deteriorated facility. “We were hoping that we would have had some good news from Lord Coe,” Smith stated, suggesting even partial assistance from World Athletics could catalyze additional government or private sector investment.

    The complex’s track, originally laid in 2002, has remained unusable since 2018 due to hazardous conditions that render it dangerous for athletic competition. This deterioration compounds existing challenges for western Jamaican sports programs, with both football and track and field suffering from inadequate facilities.

    Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle acknowledged uncertainties regarding appropriate counterparts in Montego Bay contributed to the visit’s cancellation. The facility’s management has been in limbo since November 2024, when Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited submitted the sole bid to operate the complex to the St James Municipal Council—a proposal that remains unanswered after fourteen months.

    The situation underscores broader concerns about infrastructure investment disparities in Jamaican sports, particularly in regions outside the capital.

  • Alex Thomas to be assistant coach to Argentine Javier Ainstein at Waterhouse

    Alex Thomas to be assistant coach to Argentine Javier Ainstein at Waterhouse

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse FC has strategically strengthened its coaching staff by appointing Alex Thomas as assistant coach to work alongside head coach Javier Ainstein for the remainder of the season. The appointment marks a significant development for the Jamaican football club as it seeks to enhance its technical leadership.

    Thomas brings substantial coaching expertise to his new role, having previously served as head coach at both Arnett Gardens and Molynes United. He replaces Jermaine Miller, who had been serving as interim coach following Marcel Gayle’s dismissal in December. Thomas’s most recent achievement includes leading Hydel High to the quarterfinals of the prestigious ISSA Manning Cup competition.

    The collaboration between Thomas and Ainstein shows immediate promise, with sources indicating the two coaches established strong alignment on strategic direction during their initial meeting this Tuesday. Thomas’s coaching credentials extend beyond Jamaica, having previously managed Slingerz FC in Guyana where he guided the team to an impressive second-place league finish while maintaining an unbeaten record throughout 2024.

    Football excellence runs deep in the Thomas family legacy. The 42-year-old coach follows in the footsteps of his older brothers, including the late Omar Thomas and former Reggae Boyz captain Shavar Thomas, who was recently appointed head coach of Connecticut United in the United States’ second-tier MLS competition.

    Alex Thomas’s football pedigree includes both playing and leadership experience at the highest levels. He represented Wolmer’s Boys in the Manning Cup and achieved the historic distinction of captaining Jamaica’s first youth team to qualify for a World Cup—the 1999 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand. Two years later, he contributed to Jamaica’s second youth World Cup qualification for the 2001 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, which was captained by his brother Shavar.

    Thomas’s international experience extends to the senior national team, having earned one cap for the Reggae Boyz under Serbian coach Bora Milutinović during the Lunar Cup tournament in China.

  • Argentine hired to ‘re-energise’ Waterhouse, push for Concacaf qualification

    Argentine hired to ‘re-energise’ Waterhouse, push for Concacaf qualification

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to revitalize their campaign, Waterhouse Football Club has announced the immediate appointment of Argentine tactician Javier Ainstein as head coach. The UEFA A licensed professional takes charge of the eighth-placed team with a clear mandate: to secure CONCACAF qualification during the critical second half of the Jamaica Premier League season.

    The club’s Wednesday release emphasized that Ainstein’s extensive 15-year coaching pedigree across both CONMEBOL and CONCACAF regions brings unique tactical sophistication and player development expertise. Having meticulously studied the Jamaica Premier League for years, the Argentine has already assimilated rapidly into the club’s Drewsland environment.

    Club President Donovan White articulated the strategic vision behind the appointment: ‘Securing CONCACAF qualification remains our definitive objective this season. Coach Ainstein embodies the discipline, competitive mentality, and innovative approach essential for rejuvenating our squad’s push toward international qualification.’

    Chairman Bruce Bicknell reinforced the comprehensive nature of this transition, noting Ainstein’s central role in shaping transfer window strategies. ‘We’re strategically leveraging this transfer period in consultation with Coach Ainstein to enhance squad quality and competitive balance. Our focus is unequivocally fixed on ascending the standings and achieving our seasonal targets.’

    The appointment signals Waterhouse FC’s commitment to implementing international best practices and innovative methodologies as they endeavor to reclaim regional prominence. The club’s next challenge arrives Sunday at Waterhouse Mini Stadium in a highly anticipated 7:30 PM showdown against defending champions Cavaliers SC, offering an immediate test for the new coaching regime.

  • Coach Nurse: WI U-19s ready for anything at Youth World Cup

    Coach Nurse: WI U-19s ready for anything at Youth World Cup

    With unwavering confidence and thorough preparation, the West Indies men’s under-19 cricket team has commenced their campaign for ICC World Cup glory in Africa. Head coach Rohan Nurse declared his squad fully equipped to handle diverse challenges—from formidable opponents to arid pitch conditions—as they pursue cricket’s most prestigious youth championship running from January 15 to February 6.

    The 15-member contingent, featuring captain Joshua Dorne and 2024 World Cup standout Jewel Andrew, departed from Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport on January 6. Their journey follows an impressive preparatory phase that included Youth ODI series victories against Sri Lanka (4-3) and England (5-2) in late 2025, providing crucial momentum ahead of the global tournament co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe.

    West Indies will engage in preparatory matches against Ireland (January 10) and Japan (January 13) before launching their Group D campaign against Tanzania on January 15. Subsequent group stage matches against Afghanistan (January 18) and South Africa (January 22) at Windhoek’s High Performance Oval will determine their progression to the Super Six phase. The tournament structure advances top three teams from each group, with semi-finals scheduled for February 3-4 and the championship finale at Harare Sports Club on February 6.

    Coach Nurse emphasized the squad’s tactical versatility: “We’ve assembled a balanced attack featuring quality fast bowlers and attacking wrist-spinners. Our players have demonstrated adaptability in both setting targets and chasing totals during recent series, which positions us favorably for World Cup challenges.”

    The team draws inspiration from West Indies’ historic 2016 under-19 World Cup triumph in Bangladesh, where current international stars like Shimron Hetmyer and Alzarri Joseph secured victory against India. Nurse has incorporated this legacy into motivational sessions while emphasizing the opportunity for this generation to create their own history.

    “We’re daring to dream,” Nurse stated. “Our minimum objective is advancing beyond the previous tournament’s performance. These young men understand the significance of representing the Caribbean and are ready to embrace this platform for professional development and regional pride.”

  • All Sectors Netball shoots off on January 10

    All Sectors Netball shoots off on January 10

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua will host the opening day knockout tournament of the 2026 Courts All Sectors Netball League on January 10, commencing at 3 pm. This season marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a male division, reflecting World Netball’s growing emphasis on men’s participation at the international level.

    Four teams will compete in the groundbreaking male division: Bermudez United, Defence Force, Police, and Reboot Tigers. The league structure features 22 teams across four divisions, including five in premiership, eight in championship, five in alternative, and the four male teams.

    Defence Force and Police return to the premiership division following Jabloteh’s withdrawal, joining Reboot Tigers, Unit Trust Sparks, and University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The championship division sees University of Southern Caribbean (USC) moving up from alternative division, alongside Fire Youth, Bermudez United, Defence Force, Police, Reboot Tigers, UTT, and University of the West Indies (UWI).

    The league serves as crucial preparation for elite competition, particularly significant as Trinidad’s senior national team prepares for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this July. Traditional competitions including the Fast 5 format will continue, alongside major knockout tournaments honoring the league’s founders – the Jean Pierre and Steve Sarjeant challenge trophies, named after two of the six original founders from 1991 who have since passed away.

  • Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four promising cricketers from Antigua have been chosen to represent the West Indies in the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The selected athletes—Matthew Miller, Jewel Andrew, Micah McKenzie, and Tanez Francis—departed the island on January 4th to begin final preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15th to February 6th.

    Their inclusion in the regional squad highlights their status among the Caribbean’s most talented young players. This selection continues Antigua and Barbuda’s distinguished cricketing heritage, a nation that has historically produced legendary West Indies players including Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Curtly Ambrose.

    The four athletes will now join the West Indies team as they prepare to compete against the world’s top junior cricketing nations. Their participation marks another significant chapter in Antigua’s contributions to regional cricket, carrying the hopes of their nation as the West Indies pursues championship glory in the prestigious international tournament.

  • Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia’s aspirations for the Windward Islands Women’s T20 championship were decisively extinguished on Monday, February 5th, following a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Grenada. The match, held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, marked Saint Lucia’s second consecutive loss, eliminating them from title contention.

    After winning the toss and electing to bat, Saint Lucia’s innings never found its rhythm. Captain Zaida James and opening partner Ashlene Edward provided a brief glimmer of hope with a 35-run partnership. However, the innings unraveled quickly after James (10) was dismissed in the fifth over by Grenadian fast bowler Holly Charles, who immediately followed up by removing West Indies teammate Nerissa Crafton for a duck. Grenada’s captain, West Indies bowler Afy Fletcher, then claimed the wicket of Cian Felix for a single run. A struggling Saint Lucia found themselves at a precarious 51-4 at the midway point, with Skyy Smith (7) also departing.

    The batting collapse intensified in the latter stages. Edward, the lone resilient batter, was eventually dismissed for a patient 35 off 53 deliveries in the 15th over. The final five overs yielded a meager 11 runs for the loss of one more wicket, condemning Saint Lucia to a subpar total of 78-6 from their allotted 20 overs.

    In response, Grenada launched a ferocious and calculated assault on the modest target. Captain Afy Fletcher led from the front, blasting a rapid 28 from just 17 balls, an innings decorated with three boundaries and two sixes. She and opening partner Theresa Thomas (24 not out) dismantled the Saint Lucia bowling attack, racing to a 46-run opening stand in just 5.3 overs. Cassie Williams provided a quickfire 12 from 8 balls to seal the comprehensive victory, with Grenada reaching their target of 79 in a mere 7.8 overs.

    This dominant performance sets up a championship preview between Grenada and the host nation, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), on Wednesday. SVG secured their spot after a thrilling super-over victory against Dominica in the day’s second fixture, where both teams were tied at 138 runs. Saint Lucia will now face Dominica in their final preliminary match before both teams contest the third-place playoff on Thursday.

  • Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Young football prodigy Riley Khan has received official selection to Bermuda’s Under-17 women’s national squad, marking a significant milestone in her developing career. The talented athlete will represent her nation in the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, where Bermuda faces challenging Group B opponents including Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Bonaire.

    The qualifying matches, scheduled from January 24 to February 2, will be hosted at Bermuda’s prestigious Flora Duffy Stadium. These tournaments serve as the initial competitive stage toward securing a berth in the next FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, offering young athletes like Khan an international platform to showcase their skills.

    Khan’s football development has been accelerated through her enrollment at the Benfica Residential Academy in Tampa, Florida, where she joined in March. The academy operates from the advanced facilities of Saint Leo University, providing elite training programs combined with academic excellence for students in grades 9-12.

    The academy publicly celebrated Khan’s achievement through their social media channels, stating: “Our very own Riley Khan has been called into the Bermuda national team to play the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers.” This recognition highlights both Khan’s individual talent and the academy’s success in developing competitive athletes capable of performing at international levels.

  • Looking forward to next World Cup

    Looking forward to next World Cup

    Following Trinidad and Tobago’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under head coach Dwight Yorke, a passionate public appeal has emerged calling for strategic overhaul of the national football program.

    The critique, published in Newsday’s Letters to the Editor section by Princes Town resident AV Rampersad, argues for fundamental changes in team composition and philosophy. The central recommendation advocates for building the senior squad around young, home-based talent rather than relying on foreign-based professionals, who are perceived to approach domestic matches with insufficient competitive intensity.

    The letter characterizes international friendlies and home matches involving overseas players as ‘fete matches’ where the outcome becomes secondary to entertainment and celebration. This approach, the author contends, undermines serious competitive development when ‘winning is not everything—it is the only thing.’

    Despite the disappointing qualification campaign, the commentary expresses support for retaining Yorke as technical director while completely reimagining player selection criteria. The argument emphasizes that experience will naturally develop through sustained international exposure for domestic league players, creating a more dedicated and affordable national pool.

    The analysis concludes with forward-looking perspective, suggesting the federation should immediately begin constructing a youth-oriented squad capable of mounting a serious qualification bid for the 2030 World Cup cycle through sustained development rather than short-term solutions.

  • From Red Force to USA: Katwaroo driving Falcons’ rise and youth development

    From Red Force to USA: Katwaroo driving Falcons’ rise and youth development

    Former Trinidad and Tobago Red Force wicketkeeper-batsman Steven Katwaroo has emerged as a transformative figure in American cricket development since relocating to New Jersey in 2021. The 32-year-old now serves as head coach at Falcons Junior Sports Club in Edison, where he has engineered a comprehensive restructuring of the club’s developmental framework.

    Upon arriving in the United States with foundational coaching credentials, Katwaroo immediately recognized the need for enhanced qualifications. He progressed through the coaching ranks to achieve level four specialist certification, the highest coaching designation. This educational advancement facilitated his implementation of a long-term development strategy that has dramatically elevated the club’s competitive standing.

    The Falcons program has witnessed remarkable transformation under Katwaroo’s leadership. Teams that previously languished at the bottom of league standings have evolved into formidable competitors across multiple age divisions. During the 2024-2025 season, the club secured fourth position in the U13 competition and dominated the U15 preliminary rounds before advancing to the semifinals.

    Katwaroo’s coaching influence now extends beyond the Falcons organization, with private online sessions servicing players across Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. His developmental roster exceeds 50 athletes, many of whom are being groomed for zonal, national, and international selection. A notable success story includes Kriti Dayalu, who progressed from complete novice to U15 national team selection within his program.

    The former Red Force player’s technical expertise has attracted collaborations with international cricketers including West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein and USA national player Jesse Singh. Katwaroo personally designs individualized improvement plans for each athlete while managing the entire coaching staff.

    Despite his substantial workload, which includes evaluating over 150 players as a selector for the US youth development pathway and introducing cricket to approximately 600 students during International Sports Week, Katwaroo remains driven by his profound connection to the sport. “Everything I learnt and achieved in life was through cricket,” he reflects. “I owe my life to the game.”

    Looking forward, Katwaroo plans to refine technical and mental training components during winter months, organize competitive tours, and provide clear pathways toward regional conference selections and national team placements. While focused on American cricket development, he remains open to future opportunities with Trinidad and Tobago or West Indies cricket organizations.