WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Amid growing concerns over Jamaica’s football program, Gilbert Martina, President of the Curacao Football Federation, has hailed Jamaica as a regional benchmark. Martina is determined to leverage Jamaica’s expertise to elevate Curacao’s football standing in the Caribbean. Since gaining independence in 2011 following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao has made significant strides in international football. Their 2017 Caribbean Cup victory over Jamaica propelled them to 68th in the FIFA rankings, and they reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. Despite falling short in previous World Cup campaigns, Curacao is now closer than ever to qualifying for the global tournament, thanks to a recent 2-0 win over Jamaica in a crucial Concacaf World Cup Qualifier. This victory placed them atop Group B with seven points, surpassing Jamaica’s six. Martina, a seasoned businessman, has been instrumental in addressing financial and organizational challenges since assuming the federation’s presidency earlier this year. He has secured sponsorships, including Corendon Airlines, and revived the national football league after a three-year hiatus. Martina is also collaborating with Jamaican officials to replicate their successful professional league model and integrate Jamaica’s physical and technical strengths into Curacao’s gameplay. With three games remaining, Curacao aims to maintain its lead in the qualifiers, with Martina believing that World Cup qualification would be a transformative moment for the nation, inspiring hope and pride among its youth.
分类： sports
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West Indies rely on ‘application’ in fightback against Kuldeep-inspired India
In a display of determination, the West Indies cricket team ended day three of the second Test against India at 173-2 in their second innings, still needing 97 runs to force India to bat again. Despite being forced to follow-on after being bowled out for 248 in their first innings, the visitors showcased a spirited performance, particularly from opener John Campbell and Shai Hope, who remained unbeaten at 87 and 66 respectively. Their unbroken 138-run partnership stands as the highest for the West Indies in Tests this year. Earlier, India’s Kuldeep Yadav claimed five wickets, helping the hosts enforce the follow-on. Assistant Coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision, stating it was a valuable test for the team. West Indies spinner Khary Pierre emphasized the importance of application, noting the deteriorating pitch could pose challenges for India’s batsmen. India had previously won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.
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Officials elated with standard at Carifta Gymnastics trials
The future of gymnastics in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is looking exceptionally promising, as over 170 young athletes demonstrated their talent during the Carifta Gymnastics Trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva. The trials, which featured gymnasts aged seven to 19, aimed to select the national team for the upcoming Carifta Gymnastics Championships scheduled for December 6-7 at the same venue. Michelle Frankland, chairperson of the TT Gymnastics Federation’s women’s artistic committee, expressed her enthusiasm for the sport’s rapid growth and increasing competitiveness. ‘The level of our gymnastics in TT is tremendous,’ she said, highlighting the participation of 177 gymnasts across various categories, including the US Artistic Gymnastics and the Pan American Gymnastics Union Hopes. Frankland noted that the sport has expanded significantly, with 15-16 clubs now producing top-tier gymnasts, a marked increase from just a few dominant clubs in previous years. TT is set to host the regional championships for the first time, and Frankland is optimistic about the federation’s renewed energy and purpose. ‘We’re expecting participation from Aruba, Bahamas, Bermuda, Barbados, and others,’ she said. ‘It’s giving our federation a new energy and purpose.’ Christopher George, president of the TT Gymnastics Federation, echoed this optimism, emphasizing the steady improvement of the nation’s gymnasts. ‘Every year, we’re building up on the last,’ George said. ‘We dominated last year and we’re hoping to do it again this year.’ He added that the trials and training are crucial for preparing the athletes to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of seeing homegrown gymnasts reach the World Championships and Olympics. With four local athletes now competing at level ten, the highest junior tier, George believes the pathway to international success is becoming clearer. ‘It’s monumental,’ he said. ‘We have three years until the Olympics, and it’s quite possible that one of these girls could get an opportunity to compete at the World Champs, and if they train extremely hard, they can get to the Olympics in 2028.’
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Rough start for Trinidad and Tobago at Pan Am Table Tennis Champs
Trinidad and Tobago’s table tennis representatives, Derron Douglas and Imani Edwards-Taylor, encountered a challenging beginning to their 2025 Pan American Table Tennis Championship journey. The tournament commenced on October 12 at the Rock Hill Sports and Event Centre in South Carolina, USA. The duo teamed up for the mixed doubles event but were outplayed by Canada’s Simeon Martin and Natalie Chan, suffering a straight-sets defeat with scores of 4-11, 6-11, and 5-11. Edwards-Taylor then faced a tough battle in the women’s singles round-of-64, losing 4-1 to Mexico’s Monica Munoz. Despite a brief comeback in the fourth set, Edwards-Taylor was overpowered in the decisive fifth set. Similarly, Douglas struggled in the men’s singles, falling 4-0 to Mexico’s Axel Emmanuel Lovo Alvarez, who dominated the match with consistent performances across all sets. The early setbacks have placed Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes under significant pressure as they aim to regroup for their upcoming matches.
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WATCH: JFF, KSAMC sign MOU to waive advertising fees for matches in Kingston
In a landmark move to bolster national football development, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Signed on Monday at the KSAMC office in downtown Kingston, the agreement stipulates that the municipality will waive all advertising fees for football matches held in the Corporate Area. This initiative is expected to provide significant financial relief to the JFF, which previously faced costs of approximately $1 million per match. JFF President Michael Ricketts expressed his enthusiasm, describing the collaboration as a pivotal step forward for the sport. Mayor Andrew Swaby emphasized that the waiver transcends financial support, symbolizing a commitment to Jamaica’s national teams and their potential. He urged citizens to rally behind the Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz, who represent the nation’s culture and determination. The agreement comes at a crucial time as the Reggae Boyz prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Ricketts reaffirming the team’s resolve to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament.
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Cool It, Xclusive win in Big Ballers Football League
The Big Ballers Football League witnessed another thrilling round of matches on October 11, with Cool It FC and Xclusive FC delivering standout performances. Cool It FC continued their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over 1st Engineer Battalion at the Northeastern Regional Multipurpose Sporting Facility in Sangre Grande. The decisive moment came in the second half when Ryan ‘Frye’ Stewart showcased his brilliance with a perfectly executed free kick, securing the win and maintaining their reputation as the league’s most formidable defense.
Meanwhile, Xclusive FC bounced back from their previous defeat with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over Boys Town Strikers. Despite a competitive first half, Xclusive capitalized on a turnover to score the opening goal. Boys Town briefly equalized after the break, but Xclusive quickly regained control, netting three more goals in rapid succession to seal their dominance.
In other league action, Manzanilla Challengers Rebirth defeated Dream Team 3-1, with Jerry Williams, Josimar Belgrave, and Darkeil Ferreira finding the net. Seed of Greatness Biche also impressed, overpowering Eastern County 4-2 with an early goal surge led by Shirvin Charles, Derrick Ali, and Nicholas Lanes.
The league continues on October 17 and 18, with key matchups including Cool It FC vs Dream Team and Seed of Greatness vs Xclusive FC, promising more excitement for football enthusiasts.
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Portmore outscore Cavalier 4-2 as top three win in JPL
The eighth round of the Jamaica Premier League, played under challenging rainy conditions, saw the top three teams solidify their dominance with decisive victories. Montego Bay United, led by Jourdain Fletcher’s double, secured a 2-0 win against Molynes United, extending their winning streak to five games and outscoring their opponents 15-0 in the process. Fletcher’s goals in the 45th and 58th minutes brought his tally to five, tying him with teammate Dwight Miekle for the league’s top scorer. Meanwhile, Racing United ended a three-game goal drought with a commanding 3-0 victory over Spanish Town Police FC, who played the entire second half with 10 men after Anil Ferguson’s red card. Portmore United also bounced back from consecutive draws, overcoming defending champions Cavalier 4-2 in a thrilling match that featured a brace from Ronaldo Robinson. Elsewhere, Mt Pleasant FA climbed to ninth place with a 3-1 win over Chapelton Maroons, while Tivoli Gardens snapped a four-game winless streak with a 2-1 comeback victory against Harbour View. The round also saw a dramatic 0-0 draw between Treasure Beach and Waterhouse FC, where three penalties were missed, and the Arnett Gardens vs. Dunbeholden FC match was postponed due to weather conditions.
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‘Lady Camille’ reels in victory at Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Frenchly Bryan, affectionately known as Kush, alongside his team of fishermen from Mason Hall, Oracabessa, St Mary, emerged victorious at the 21st Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament. The event, held at the Oracabessa Bay Fishing Village on Sunday, saw over 60 boats vying for the prestigious title. Bryan and his team set sail at 6:00 am aboard their vessel, ‘Lady Camille,’ and returned triumphantly after 4:00 pm with the heaviest marlin of the day, weighing an impressive 127 pounds. Bryan, who had previously come close to winning in Portland, expressed his elation, ‘It’s a happy moment for me. We faced challenges, but we persevered and got the big catch.’ The team’s victory earned them $100,000, a Yahama boat engine valued at $500,000, and other sponsored prizes. The event, conceptualized in 1995 by Chris Blackwell of the Golden Eye Foundation and the Oracabessa Fisheries Association, continues to be a highlight for fishermen across the island, offering not only glory but also substantial rewards. Tajhema Williams, a member of the winning team, shared her excitement, ‘It was a nice experience, especially when we got the big catch. We’re looking forward to next year.’ The tournament, supported by major sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Yamaha, and Grace Foods, was a resounding success, drawing scores of residents from Oracabessa and surrounding communities. Travis Graham, Executive Director of the Golden Eye Foundation, praised the event’s seamless execution, ‘This event has been incident-free over the years, and I want to thank the people of Oracabessa for another great event.’ The day concluded with celebrations as supporters gathered at the shore, eagerly anticipating the fishermen’s return with their prized marlin catches.
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Column: De last van de favoriet
In a stadium brimming with anticipation, Suriname’s national football team, Natio, faced Guatemala in a crucial World Cup qualifier. Despite the absence of key players like Myenty Abena, Liam van Gelderen, and Gyrano Kerk, the team exuded confidence, bolstered by the return of playmaker Tjaronn Chery and the debut of Jay-Roy Grot and Djavan Anderson. The first half saw Natio dominate possession, with Richonell Margaret and Sheraldo Becker leading the charge. However, a lack of precision in the final third kept the scoreline level at halftime. The second half brought a shift in momentum as Guatemala capitalized on a defensive lapse, with Darwin Lom scoring a close-range volley. Natio, visibly shaken, fought back fiercely. In the dying moments, Virgil Misidjan equalized with a powerful strike, sending the stadium into euphoria. The match ended 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive clash against Panama in the next qualifier.
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Belize’s Derrick Chavarria Takes Gold in U23 Time Trial
In a historic moment for Belizean sports, Derrick Chavarria secured the gold medal in the Under-23 Time Trial at the 2025 Caribbean Elite Cycling Championship. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for Belize, as the nation hosts the prestigious regional tournament for the first time. The event, which commenced on Friday with an official team presentation at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, has attracted cycling enthusiasts from across the Caribbean, with nineteen nations participating. Chavarria’s triumph not only places Belize prominently on the leaderboard but also sets a positive tone for Team Belize as they prepare for the elite road race scheduled for Sunday. The championship has already drawn substantial crowds, underscoring the growing popularity of cycling in the region and the excitement surrounding this year’s competition.