Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Gayle sacked, replaced by Argentine in Waterhouse head coach spot

    Gayle sacked, replaced by Argentine in Waterhouse head coach spot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Waterhouse FC has initiated a significant managerial shakeup, dismissing head coach Marcel Gayle following a string of disappointing performances in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL). The club is set to appoint Argentine tactical expert Javier Ainstein as his successor.

    Gayle, who had held the managerial reins since 2018, was relieved of his duties after the team secured victory in only one of their last seven league encounters. The decision culminated growing pressure from a particularly humiliating 2-1 defeat to the newly promoted and historically weak side, Spanish Town Police. This loss was especially damaging as it came after Spanish Town Police had suffered heavy defeats, including a 10-2 thrashing by Arnett Gardens.

    The club’s management had reportedly finalized the decision prior to Sunday’s narrow 1-0 victory over Montego Bay United, which ended the team’s winless streak but proved insufficient to save Gayle’s position. Attempts to contact Gayle for commentary were unsuccessful.

    An impeccable internal source at Waterhouse FC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the transition and the imminent arrival of Javier Ainstein. Hailing from Argentina, Ainstein brings a wealth of experience from Central American football. Having first arrived in Panama as a player for Tauro FC in 2003, he has resided there for over two decades, profoundly contributing to the nation’s football development. His coaching career, which includes a tenure in Costa Rica, has earned him the moniker ‘the Genius’ due to his acclaimed tactical acumen and documented success.

    This move marks a swift return to a head coaching role for Gayle, who had only earlier this month been appointed head coach of St George’s College, succeeding Neville Bell after two decades serving as his assistant.

  • The Breakout Tournament is feeding the fatted calf, not the future

    The Breakout Tournament is feeding the fatted calf, not the future

    Cricket West Indies has scheduled its second Breakout Tournament for the third week of January 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago, according to sources within the organization. While official announcements remain pending, the tournament reportedly carries a substantial operational budget of approximately US$1 million.

    The inaugural 2024 event, held at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Cricket Academy, identified twelve exceptional young talents who demonstrated outstanding performance capabilities. The standout performers included:

    Navin Bidaisee (25, Trinidad & Tobago) – Allrounder
    Quentin Sampson (25, Guyana) – Batsman
    Micah McKenzie (18, Leeward Islands) – Leg spinner
    Kofi James (27, Leeward Islands) – Batsman
    Karima Gore (27, Leeward Islands) – Allrounder
    Zishan Motara (19, Barbados) – Leg spinner
    Riyad Latiff (18, Guyana) – Leg spinner
    Joshua James (24, Trinidad & Tobago) – Fast bowler
    Johann Jeremiah (26, Windward Islands) – Opening batsman
    Anderson Mahase (22, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
    Nathan Edward (20, Leeward Islands) – Left-arm spinner
    Kamil Pooran (29, Trinidad & Tobago) – Batsman

    Notable individual achievements from the previous tournament included Johann Jeremiah’s explosive 97 runs from 50 deliveries against Jamaica and Kamil Pooran’s impressive 73 from 44 balls during the final match against Leeward Islands. The bowling department saw exceptional performances from left-arm spinners Anderson Mahase and Nathan Edward, who claimed 10 and 9 wickets respectively.

    Despite these successes, concerns have emerged regarding the tournament’s current structure. The 2024 format predominantly featured players who had recently participated in the CWI First Class Competition, raising questions about the event’s effectiveness in discovering genuinely new talent. Critics argue that this approach minimizes opportunities for emerging players who haven’t yet established themselves in the four-day game format.

    Cricket analysts and insiders suggest that implementing an Under-23 age restriction would better serve the tournament’s stated purpose of identifying promising young talent. Such a format could incorporate recent West Indies U-19 representatives who competed against England in Grenada, along with other documented emerging players from regional competitions.

    Despite these recommendations, sources indicate that Cricket Director Miles Bascombe will maintain the existing format for the 2026 event, with playing kits and uniforms already ordered. However, there is growing anticipation that organizational policies might evolve for the 2027 tournament, potentially implementing age restrictions and focusing on white-ball format specialization.

    The tournament is expected to receive global coverage through CWI’s YouTube Channel, providing streaming access to audiences throughout the Caribbean and worldwide. Broadcasting considerations include incorporating fresh commentary talent from the region, with potential candidates being Saint Lucia’s Claudius Emmanuel and Dwight Thomas, both widely recognized throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Additional opportunities may exist for emerging voices like Antigua and Barbuda’s Mali Richards.

    Suggestions have been made to organize a preparatory workshop for young commentators prior to the tournament’s commencement, potentially enhancing broadcast quality while developing regional media talent. The information regarding previous tournament performances was compiled with assistance from former Windward Islands and Combined Islands opening batsman Lockhart Sebastien and former Antigua and Barbuda and Leeward Islands middle order batsman Mali Richards.

  • Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    Cuba considers exclusion from Caribbean Series disrespectful

    The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation has issued a formal protest against its sudden exclusion from the upcoming Caribbean Series, denouncing the decision as a breach of protocol and a sign of disrespect. The controversy emerged after the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) unilaterally moved the tournament from its original host, Venezuela, to Guadalajara, Mexico, without consulting the Cuban federation.

    The Federation, in an official statement, clarified that while the initial invitation was extended by Venezuela, it was formally endorsed by the CBPC—an organization Cuba helped establish. The statement emphasized that the CBPC failed to communicate ‘regarding such an important decision, which undermines the established commitments and the format approved by our country to participate.’

    The venue change was prompted after baseball leagues from Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic withdrew from the Greater Caracas location, citing logistical challenges unrelated to the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The CBPC subsequently approved a proposal from the ARCO Mexican Pacific League, led by the Charros de Jalisco organization, to host the event from February 1–7.

    The Cuban Federation asserted that the change of venue does not justify Cuba’s exclusion and stressed that the nation ‘deserves and demands respectful treatment,’ particularly given the sensitive context surrounding Cuban sports. The statement also situated the incident within broader geopolitical tensions, referencing what it described as ‘US military harassment, aggression, and encirclement’ of Venezuela, and alluding to recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the nation’s oil resources.

  • The Casimir Legacy and the way forward: Part 2

    The Casimir Legacy and the way forward: Part 2

    Following Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s cabinet reshuffle after the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s reelection, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir’s expanded role combining youth development, sports, and education has created new possibilities for athletic development. This marks the first reunification of education and sports ministries since 2006, breaking the tradition of one-term appointments and providing continuity for existing policies.

    The consolidation has generated optimism about establishing a comprehensive National Sports Policy and creating a School Sports Commission. Sports administrators across the island have identified critical investment areas needing immediate attention to advance Saint Lucia’s athletic programs.

    Infrastructure development emerges as a primary concern, with experts highlighting the absence of modern facilities. David Shakes Christopher, President of the Saint Lucia Boxing Federation, emphasized the urgent need for decentralized facilities, particularly in the southern region. His comments followed a historic victory by a Vieux Fort boxer in Dubai, demonstrating the potential of regional talent when properly supported.

    Dora Henry, President of the Saint Lucia Athletics Association, echoed these concerns while expanding on the infrastructure requirements: “Saint Lucia needs safe, modern and well-maintained facilities in both the north and south, along with clear policies for management, access and maintenance. When athletes train on inadequate surfaces, performance, safety, and retention are directly affected.”

    Beyond physical infrastructure, sports leaders identified club development and human resource investment as critical gaps. Henry emphasized the need for “sustained investment across the entire athletics pathway from early talent identification to world-class high-performance support,” advocating for structured long-term frameworks rather than event-based support.

    The rise of semi-professional leagues has begun bridging the gap between amateur and professional sports, but significant challenges remain. Francis Daniel, CEO of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League, noted their transformative impact while calling for further streamlining: “The next phase of growth will require us to streamline our operations to maximize efficiency and ensure consistent delivery.”

    Similar developments are needed in boxing, according to Christopher, who advocated for semi-professional programs that would allow athletes to focus on training rather than menial jobs. The coaching certification gap was highlighted by Mandalee Mason of the Saint Lucia Mixed Martial Arts Federation, who stressed the need for formally qualified trainers to advance athlete development.

    Despite these challenges, sports administrators remain optimistic about Saint Lucia’s athletic future. As Henry concluded: “Saint Lucia already has the talent and the passion. What we now require is an environment that makes high performance achievable and sustainable for generations to come.”

  • Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 women’s football team concluded their DecembHER – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI on December 19 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. The loss marked their third consecutive setback in the week-long invitational competition.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Pleasantville Secondary’s Mikaiah Guerero capitalized on a poorly defended set piece, slotting home from close range after Kyra Yee Loy’s dangerous left-side corner delivery. The national squad’s defensive vulnerability proved costly despite several opportunities to equalize.

    Earlier in the tournament, the TT U-17 squad suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against US-based Indy Premier SC on December 15 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Jamaica two days later at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground. The team’s performance throughout the competition yielded zero points, placing them at the bottom of their group.

    Meanwhile, Indy Premier SC demonstrated remarkable dominance, concluding the group stage with a spectacular 5-0 victory over Jamaica in the Couva double-header. Five different players—Kori Brown, Olivia Jones, Isabella Moreno, Skylar Mueller, and Karringtyn Wilder—found the net, bringing Indy’s goal tally to 17 without conceding any throughout the tournament. This impressive performance secured their place in the December 21 final against Jamaica.

    The SSFL Future Stars XI, despite previous heavy losses to Jamaica (5-2) and Indy Premier (8-0), managed to finish third in the group with three points. Their victory against the national team provided some consolation after challenging earlier matches.

    Coach Ayana Russell’s squad now faces urgent reassessment as they prepare for the Concacaf qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to begin January 24. Trinidad and Tobago has been drawn in Group F alongside Barbados, Curacao, El Salvador, and Guadeloupe, with the group winner advancing automatically to the final round. The two best second-place teams from the six qualifying groups will also progress to the next stage.

  • Windies defy mammoth Kiwi total to keep hope alive

    Windies defy mammoth Kiwi total to keep hope alive

    A compelling battle between bat and ball unfolded on Day Two of the Test match between New Zealand and the West Indies, leaving the contest finely poised. The home team, propelled by a magnificent double century from Devon Conway, posted a formidable first innings total of 575 for eight before declaring.

    The West Indies’ bowling effort was hampered by the absence of veteran paceman Kemar Roach, sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on the opening day. Despite this setback, the visiting bowlers showed resilience. Justin Greaves emerged as the standout, claiming 2-83, with Jayden Seales and Roston Chase providing crucial support.

    Conway’s marathon innings of 227 was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s dominance. He spent over eight hours at the crease, facing 367 deliveries and striking 31 boundaries. Valuable contributions came from Rachin Ravindra, who remained unbeaten on 49, and Ajaz Patel, who scored a quickfire 30.

    In response, the West Indies openers launched a spectacular counter-attack, reaching 110 without loss by stumps. Brandon King led the charge with an unbeaten 55, displaying his characteristic fluency and striking nine fours. He was ably supported by John Campbell, who finished 45 not out in a partnership that scored at nearly five runs an over on a pitch offering little assistance to the bowlers.

    This aggressive start has set the stage for a fascinating third day, with the match hanging in the balance as the West Indies look to chip away at the significant deficit.

  • CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have jointly announced the postponement of the 2026 Breakout T20 League following a comprehensive calendar review. The decision stems from an increasingly packed international cricket schedule and strategic preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, rendering the originally planned tournament window unfeasible.

    The Breakout T20 League, which debuted successfully earlier this year, remains a cornerstone of the Caribbean’s player development strategy. Designed as a critical bridge between regional competitions and international cricket, the league focuses on identifying and nurturing emerging talent beyond conventional pathways.

    CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the league’s developmental mission, stating, ‘While we haven’t identified a suitable 2026 window, this remains an essential component of our domestic tournament strategy.’ He noted that the postponement allows for structural reassessment during a fiscally stringent period, ensuring optimal positioning within World Cup cycles for maximum developmental impact.

    Dehring further elaborated on the need for enhanced talent identification systems: ‘We must implement stronger scouting, improved data capture, and clearer alignment with our high-performance systems to ensure measurable progression to senior international levels.’

    With multiple West Indies squads currently active globally – including Under-19 and Senior Men’s teams preparing for World Cups – Dehring stressed the importance of strategic alignment across all cricket levels.

    CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced the commitment to the league’s long-term viability, stating, ‘This period allows us to refine the format and supporting structures to ensure the league fulfills its intended developmental role.’ Both organizations confirmed that updates regarding the tournament’s rescheduling will be communicated in due course.

  • Parks leads Saint Lucia’s 15‑medal triumph at Trinidad Swim Meet

    Parks leads Saint Lucia’s 15‑medal triumph at Trinidad Swim Meet

    Saint Lucia’s national swimming contingent made waves at the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational, securing an extraordinary tally of 15 medals during the four-day championship held December 11-14 at Couva’s National Aquatic Centre. The six-member squad demonstrated exceptional prowess by capturing nine gold medals alongside multiple silver and bronze awards while establishing one new national record, two age-group records, and a meet record.

    Emerging as the tournament’s standout performer, Sapphire Parks of Sea Jays Swimming Club dominated the 11-12 age category despite entering only nine events. The phenomenal athlete claimed seven gold and two silver medals, culminating her remarkable year by shattering a senior national record and three age-group benchmarks. Parks notably surpassed her own previous performances in two events while eclipsing longstanding records in others.

    Her most significant achievement came in the women’s 200m individual medley, where she clocked 2:38.22 to break Fayth Jeffrey’s CARIFTA 2024 record of 2:38.88. Parks also demolished her own age-group mark of 2:39.73, simultaneously establishing her first senior national record. The swimming prodigy further demonstrated her versatility by improving her 200m butterfly time from 2:39.04 to 2:36.97 and conquering the 200m breaststroke with 2:56.93, surpassing Danielle Beaubrun’s 2003 record of 2:57.56. Parks additionally set a new meet record in the 50m butterfly.

    Team support came from Aniyah George, who placed tenth in the 11-12 girls category and secured bronze in the 200m backstroke—an event where Parks took gold. Jayden Xu contributed significantly in the 13-14 boys’ division, earning two gold medals (200m backstroke and 100m backstroke) and two silver medals to finish ninth overall. Teammates Noah Dorville (16th overall, bronze in 100m freestyle) and Tyler Dantes rounded out the impressive team performance.

    Team manager Denise Parks emphasized the meet’s competitive nature, noting: ‘The ASATT meet is highly competitive. The team came with the goal of achieving long-course CARIFTA times and to better their long-course times, which they did. I’m super proud of them.’ Sea Jays ultimately placed twelfth overall among 200 competitors from Trinidad & Tobago and across the Caribbean region.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s blank WoLF XI for first ‘Jewels’ win

    Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s blank WoLF XI for first ‘Jewels’ win

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 women’s football team claimed their inaugural victory in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament with a decisive 2-0 triumph over TT Women’s League Football (WoLF) United XI on December 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

    The week-long competition showcases both Under-17 and Under-20 divisions, featuring national teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and US-based club Indy Premier SC across both age categories. Additional participants include the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI in the Under-17 bracket and the WoLF XI in the Under-20 group.

    Following challenging opening matches that saw TT’s Under-17 squad suffer consecutive defeats against Indy Premier (4-0) and Jamaica (2-1), and the Under-20 team fall 2-0 to Indy Premier on December 16, the national program finally celebrated success two days later.

    Flanking sensation Sonia Lamarre emerged as the match’s definitive hero, netting both goals in a performance that demonstrated exceptional technical quality. The dynamic winger broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion during the 24th minute, cutting inward from the right flank before unleashing a perfectly curved left-footed strike from approximately 25 yards that found the upper corner.

    Despite numerous additional opportunities, including a narrowly missed long-range free kick from Madison Campbell just before halftime, the score remained 1-0 deep into the second half. TT coach Damian Briggs’s strategic substitution of attacking midfielder Orielle Martin nearly produced a second goal in the 76th minute, but WoLF goalkeeper Akilah George made a crucial save.

    The WoLF XI nearly equalized during a frantic goalmouth scramble in the 86th minute that saw the ball strike the crossbar, with attackers J’Eleisha Alexander and Onika Denoon unable to provide the finishing touch. Lamarre ultimately secured the victory in stoppage time, heading home from close range after defender Kaitlyn Darwent delivered an accurate corner from the right side.

    The result positions Trinidad and Tobago (three points) just one point behind group leaders Jamaica and Indy Premier (both four points), who played to a 2-2 draw in the day’s earlier match. The tournament continues with critical matches at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground on December 20, culminating in championship finals at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

  • Clarendon College edge Cornwall College to claim Ben Francis Cup

    Clarendon College edge Cornwall College to claim Ben Francis Cup

    In a thrilling display of secondary school football, Clarendon College emerged victorious in the ISSA Ben Francis Cup final on Saturday, securing a hard-fought 2-1 triumph against Cornwall College at the National Stadium. The match culminated in dramatic fashion with substitute Nicholy Forbes delivering the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, breaking a tense deadlock that had persisted for most of the second half.

    The championship showdown began with an early offensive surge as Clarendon’s Nayar Anderson, later honored as the match’s Most Valuable Player, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Anderson executed a spectacular solo effort, maneuvering down the left flank before placing a precise low shot into the far corner of the net.

    Cornwall College demonstrated remarkable resilience, equalizing merely five minutes later through Mekhi Foster’s powerful strike from just inside the 18-yard box. Both teams subsequently engaged in an intense back-and-forth battle, creating numerous scoring opportunities that neither side could capitalize on until Forbes’ late intervention.

    The winning moment arrived when Forbes, introduced as a second-half substitute, expertly redirected a corner kick into the far right corner of the goal. This strategic victory marked Clarendon College’s fifth Ben Francis Cup title, adding to their previous triumphs in 1989, 1990, 1998, and 2017, while simultaneously preventing Cornwall College from achieving a record-extending eighth championship hold.