Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Champs Again!

    Champs Again!

    In a spectacular conclusion to a weather-disrupted five-day event, Jamaica College (JC) and Edwin Allen High School emerged victorious at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, dethroning the reigning champions at Kingston’s National Stadium.

    Edwin Allen’s female athletes delivered a commanding performance, amassing 338.5 points to secure their eleventh title since their inaugural win in 2012. This triumph further solidifies coach Michael Dyke’s legacy as one of the championships’ most accomplished mentors. Despite a final victory in the 4x400m relay by Hydel High (3:33.72), who finished ahead of Edwin Allen (3:35.30) and Holmwood Technical (3:39.61), the overall title had already been decisively claimed.

    On the boys’ side, Jamaica College ended Kingston College’s four-year dominance with a stylish victory in the Boys’ 4x400m relay, clocking 3:08.18. KC pushed relentlessly throughout the championships but settled for second in 3:08.68, competing without key athlete Jason Pitter. William Knibb secured third place (3:09.23), while Calabar faced disqualification due to a false start. This victory marks JC’s 23rd hold on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy and their first championship title since 2021, though KC remains the historically most successful institution with 36 titles.

    The competition faced significant weather challenges when lightning forced a nearly two-hour suspension at 3:35 pm. Despite the interruption, neither JC nor Edwin Allen lost their competitive momentum in the final sessions.

    Notable individual achievements included Ryan Achau of Kenya and St Jago High, who claimed his second gold medal with a spectacular 5,000m victory in 14:42.32—the second-fastest time in championship history. Addison James of Edwin Allen shattered the Boys’ javelin record with an impressive 70.30m throw, surpassing the previous mark of 65.11m set by Tarique Daley in 2025.

    Hydel High mounted a formidable challenge throughout the competition, gradually reducing Edwin Allen’s lead from 35.5 to 20 points after 28 of 46 finals. Zavien Bernard led their charge with victory in the Class Two high jump (1.76m), while Keneisha Robinson added gold in the Class Four 70m hurdles (10.68).

    Edwin Allen responded through Tiana Godfrey, who set a new record in the Class Three 80m hurdles with 10.80, breaking Camoy Binger’s 2022 mark. The competition intensified as KC similarly pressed JC, narrowing the deficit to 47 points before weather intervened.

    Post-event celebrations featured gospel artist Jermaine Edwards performing ‘Beautiful Day’ amidst fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere for the victorious schools. The championships demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess despite challenging conditions, highlighting Jamaica’s continued excellence in track and field development.

  • Unbeatable Blues!

    Unbeatable Blues!

    In a poignant display of athletic excellence and team spirit, Edwin Allen High School captured its 11th ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ Athletics Championships title in a ceremony at the National Stadium on Friday evening. The victory was marked by a profound tribute to their late teammate, Taneisha Gayle, whose memory was honored with a life-sized cutout prominently displayed during the award presentation. GraceKennedy Chief Executive Officer Frank James presided over the ceremony, personally awarding the championship trophy to the Edwin Allen team. The emotional moment underscored how the team had channeled their grief into determination throughout the competition, ultimately prevailing against strong challengers to maintain their dominant position in Jamaican high school athletics. This championship victory represents not just another title for the institution’s impressive record, but a symbolic triumph of perseverance and unity in the face of tragedy, setting a powerful example for young athletes across the nation.

  • Shakedown Stages the first big test for Rally Barbados

    Shakedown Stages the first big test for Rally Barbados

    The Barbados Rally Club (BRC) is poised to launch its competitive season this Sunday with the highly anticipated Shakedown Stages, featuring nine challenging routes across the island’s northern region. This closed-road rally event serves as the critical preliminary test for both local and international crews ahead of the premier BCIC Rally Barbados championship.

    A formidable field of fifty-one vehicles will compete, led by top-seeded Jamaican driver Kyle Gregg in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Gregg enters the competition with significant momentum, having secured victories in both last year’s BCIC RB25 and the BRC Winter Rally, achievements that earned him the 4WD Championship title. He now returns with a freshly redesigned livery on his championship-winning vehicle.

    The competition features a robust twelve-car FIA R5 class—the event’s largest category—which dominates the top starting positions. Notable contenders include two-time Rally Barbados champion Dane Skeete in his Subaru Impreza WRC S12, starting third behind Gregg and Josh Read (Fiesta Rally2). The field deepens with Adam Mallalieu debuting a brand-new Fiesta Rally2 at fourth position, while five-time event winner Jeff Panton of Jamaica starts fifth in another Fiesta Rally2.

    Adding to the drama, former Rally Club champion Stuart Maloney returns to home territory for the first time since his accident during BCIC RB25, starting sixth in his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. His brother Mark follows closely in seventh position in a newly acquired Fabia RS Rally2. The top ten is completed by British driver Rob Swann, island veteran Roger Hill (both in Fabia Rally2 evos), and David Husbands in his Volkswagen Polo GTi R5.

    The two-wheel drive category promises equally intense competition. SuperModified 2 front-runners Barry Mayers (Ford Fiesta) and reigning class champion Rhett Watson (BMW M3) lead the seeds at positions 12 and 14. They face formidable challenges from Suleman Esuf in his V8-engined BMW M1 and Logan Watson, who demonstrated impressive speed in his Ford Escort MkII during the recent Motoring Club Barbados Inc Spring Blaze 26 event.

    Significant off-season developments include Ahmed Esuf joining his brother in SM2 class with V8-powered BMW M3, Chris Hoad advancing to Modified 3 in Ian Warren’s former BMW 325, and Jermin Pope upgrading to a newer generation Honda Civic previously driven by Geoff Noel.

    The competition will unfold across two northern venues with the Service Park established at Conrad Hunte Cricket Ground in St Andrew. The morning segment features three runs from Lamberts to Pickering (3.50km) alternating with two stages from Swanns to Rock Hall (3.10km). Following the 2:15 p.m. restart, drivers will tackle reversed Pickering stages and two additional Rock Hall runs in the same direction. Organizers anticipate concluding the event approximately at 5:30 p.m., with prize ceremonies scheduled within the hour.

  • Rising Stars Under-15 tournament bowls off under new format

    Rising Stars Under-15 tournament bowls off under new format

    Cricket West Indies has inaugurated a reimagined format for its 2026 Rising Stars Under-15 Championship, marking a strategic shift in youth development approach. Instead of the traditional tournament structure, three simultaneous bilateral series will unfold across Guyana, Antigua, and Jamaica, featuring five matches each.

    Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the organization’s commitment to balancing talent identification with financial sustainability. “This tournament represents a crucial investment in our regional development pathway,” Bascombe stated. “At the Under-15 level, our primary objective is talent discovery and providing optimal platforms for young athletes to demonstrate their capabilities.”

    The redesigned competition framework prioritizes expanded participation opportunities, enhanced player assessment quality, and comprehensive identification processes. Notably, the tournament will not crown an overall champion, redirecting focus from competitive outcomes to individual player development and long-term potential evaluation.

    This initiative forms part of CWI’s broader structural review of regional competitions for the 2026-2027 period, addressing both performance enhancement and financial challenges. The developmental atmosphere will be enriched by the involvement of former international cricketers and seasoned coaches, including Stuart Williams, Robert Samuels, Sheldon Cottrell, Roderick Estwick, and Dalton Polius, who will provide expert mentorship throughout the series.

    National squads have been announced, with Barbados fielding promising talents including Javion Batson, Michael Bend, and Micaiah Brathwaite among their fourteen-member roster. The tournament’s implementation reflects CWI’s strategic emphasis on building robust foundations for West Indies cricket’s future success.

  • Cawmere, SMS repeat as BSSAC champs

    Cawmere, SMS repeat as BSSAC champs

    The 2026 Dasanai BSSAC Championships concluded in spectacular fashion at the Usain Bolt Complex on Friday, cementing dynastic victories for two of Barbados’s premier athletic institutions. Combermere School achieved a historic three-peat by securing the boys’ title for the third consecutive year, while The St Michael School successfully defended their crown in the girls’ division, showcasing unparalleled consistency and competitive determination throughout the event.

    Final standings in the girls’ competition saw The St Michael School dominate with an impressive 213-point total, finishing well ahead of rivals Harrison College (183 points) and Combermere (142.5 points). Queen’s College claimed fourth position with 117 points, followed by Springer Memorial (113), Christ Church Foundation School (85), The Lodge School (69), Alleyne (67), Coleridge and Parry (66), and Alexandra completing the top ten with 63 points.

    St Michael School head coach Gabriel Burnett expressed elation following the victory, acknowledging initial challenges that required strategic intervention. ‘Our girls started out shaky yesterday morning,’ Burnett revealed to Barbados TODAY. ‘We conducted three team meetings to address nerves particularly affecting our junior competitors. After refining our focus, the team emerged on day two firing on all cylinders, executing exactly according to plan.’

    The triumph has already inspired ambitions for continued dominance, with Burnett noting, ‘With our strength residing in the Under-13 and Under-15 divisions, we anticipate maintaining this excellence moving forward.’ The coach additionally highlighted the crucial support of long-term sponsor Pedialyte Sport, which has backed the program since 2014.

    On the boys’ side, Combermere’s commanding performance yielded 198.5 points to secure their third straight championship. Harrison College captured second place with 157 points, while The St Michael School rounded out the podium with 144 points. The Lodge School (126.5) and St Leonard’s Boys (108.5) completed the top five placements.

    Combermere coach Jarad Murray described the victory as a historic achievement, emphasizing his team’s recognition of the moment’s significance. ‘The boys understood this was an opportunity to join an elite group of schools achieving a three-peat,’ Murray stated. He identified the penultimate day’s performances as the decisive turning point, noting how athletes qualifying in lower positions remarkably elevated their performances in finals.

    Individual excellence shone through as Harrison College’s Hailey Merritt claimed the Victrix Ludorum title, demonstrating remarkable versatility with victories in High Jump, Long Jump, and Triple Jump complemented by a third-place finish in the 100m hurdles. Meanwhile, St Leonard’s Boys’ Alex Jones-Ifill emerged as a sensational new talent, achieving a perfect 40-point sweep to secure the Victor Ludorum title through dominant victories in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and Long Jump events.

  • Hall slams Tridents’ performance in loss to Saint Martin

    Hall slams Tridents’ performance in loss to Saint Martin

    Barbados’ national football team suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Saint Martin in a Concacaf friendly international held at Antonio Trinidad Stadium in Bonaire on Thursday, prompting strong criticism from head coach Kent Hall.

    The match remained scoreless throughout the first half before undergoing a dramatic transformation in the 56th minute. Saint Martin’s Jean-Baptiste Leo delivered a remarkable two-goal performance within a single minute, fundamentally altering the game’s dynamics. Barbados managed to respond with a consolation goal from Jaron Oughterson in the 85th minute, but any potential comeback hopes were dashed when the team conceded an unfortunate own goal merely three minutes later.

    Coach Hall expressed profound dissatisfaction with his squad’s performance, particularly highlighting their first-half display as the worst since his tenure began. ‘We appeared as disconnected individuals rather than a cohesive unit today,’ Hall stated. ‘This level of disorganization is simply unacceptable at international competition standards.’

    The coach acknowledged the inherent challenges of assembling players from various global leagues, noting the difficulties in achieving synchronization. Hall drew parallels between this performance and previous struggles against Aruba, emphasizing the team’s failure to recover from a problematic start.

    Looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Hall faces additional challenges with the absence of key player Thierry Gale, who returns to his professional club Bolton Wanderers for their critical promotion campaign. Despite this setback, Hall emphasized the necessity for improved performance and greater cohesion from the remaining squad members, expressing concern that the team has regressed since their previous Nations League campaign.

  • Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    BELIZE CITY – The Tenth Annual Wonder Woman Challenge concluded today after three days of intense competition among Belize’s elite female military and law enforcement personnel. The Belize Defense Force emerged victorious in this milestone anniversary event, reclaiming the championship title in what organizers described as the most fiercely contested edition to date.

    The grueling triathlon-style competition, hosted at the Coast Guard headquarters, tested participants’ physical endurance and mental fortitude through a series of extreme challenges. Day one featured the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test, combining a one-mile ocean swim with a two-mile run. Competitors faced additional adversity on day two as heavy rainfall accompanied a punishing six-mile run followed by tactical obstacle courses in the Coast Guard Medley.

    The final day presented the sunrise march and shoot exercise, evaluating precision and stamina, culminating in the notoriously demanding Coast Guard Crucible. Lance Corporal Suliany Paquiul of the victorious Belize Defense Force unit expressed confidence throughout the competition, stating, ‘What was meant for BDF is meant for BDF. It was a walk in the park for us.’

    Vice Commandant Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard noted the continuously elevating standards among participants: ‘The energy is really high. Everybody wants to win.’ The sentiment was echoed by Ensign Zarina Francisco, who acknowledged the competitive atmosphere while maintaining confidence in her team’s capabilities.

    The event, now in its tenth year, simulates real-world operational demands faced by women in Belize’s security forces. PC Estephanie Cuc of the Police Department shared an emotional account of persevering through personal tragedy, dedicating her performance to her recently deceased mother.

    Organizers emphasize that the challenge highlights the growing opportunities for women in security careers, requiring strength ‘mentally, physically and spiritually’ according to Pinelo. The decade-long tradition continues to showcase the leadership qualities and indomitable spirit of Belize’s women in uniform.

  • Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Six elite open water swimmers from Bermuda are poised to conquer the challenging Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, marking a significant international sporting endeavor for the island nation. The team comprising Lesley-Jane Smith, Harold Kahler, Handsome Williams, Tobias Ahlqvist, Craig Munden, and Scott Oliver will undertake the demanding 4.1-kilometer crossing on March 28, 2026.

    The aquatic journey commences at Oualie Beach in Nevis and concludes at Cockleshell Bay in St Kitts, presenting unique marine conditions distinct from Bermuda’s familiar waters. The participants bring diverse athletic backgrounds to this prestigious Caribbean event, with several having distinguished themselves in local competitions including Round the Sound and Devil’s Mile challenges.

    Lesley-Jane Smith, an accomplished triathlete, expressed particular enthusiasm for focusing exclusively on the swimming discipline. ‘Growing up as a competitive swimmer in Bermuda, this race feels especially exciting,’ Smith noted. ‘I’m looking forward to the opportunity to swim in a new setting and experience the unique challenge of crossing from Nevis to St Kitts.’

    Handsome Williams emphasized the honor of representing Bermuda internationally in a sport deeply ingrained in the island’s culture. ‘I’m truly grateful for the chance to take on this amazing experience with friends,’ Williams stated. ‘Having grown up in the water back home, swimming has given me so much.’

    Two-time national champion Craig Munden approaches the competition with measured optimism regarding his prospects. ‘Based on last year’s result I would say I have good chances, but it always depends on who turns up,’ Munden commented, referencing the 478 competitors from the UK, United States, and Caribbean regions who participated in the previous edition.

    The Bermudian athletes anticipate navigating unfamiliar racing conditions including potential strong currents and larger waves than typically encountered in local events. The competition gains additional prestige with the participation of Alice Dearing, Great Britain’s first Black Olympic open water swimmer, whom Munden has previously trained alongside.

    This international representation follows recent athletic achievements within Bermuda’s swimming community, including Madelyn Moore’s balancing of frontline work with elite competition and the recognition of Caitlyn Bobb and Sebastian Kempe as Athletes of the Year.

  • Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Jamaica’s prestigious ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships witnessed another remarkable achievement for Saint Lucia as 17-year-old decathlete Deandre Isidore captured the bronze medal in the open boys’ decathlon on Thursday, March 26. Competing under the Jamaica College banner, Isidore demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess across ten demanding events, accumulating an impressive total of 5,520 points.

    The two-day competition showcased Isidore’s versatile capabilities. During Wednesday’s opening events, he posted impressive results including an 11.22-second 100m sprint, a 5.82m long jump, a 10.20m shot put throw, a 1.63m high jump clearance, and a standout 50.48-second 400m performance that ranked as the fastest time in the field.

    Thursday’s events further highlighted his athletic diversity: a 15.78-second 110m hurdles, a 22.64m discus throw, a 2.92m pole vault, a powerful 44.82m javelin throw (ranking second in the event), and a 5:19.84 1500m finish. His performance surpassed his compatriot Khailan Vitalis, the 2022 gold medalist, in three specific events: shot put, javelin, and 1500m.

    The championship title was claimed by Grenadian athlete Jurel Clement from Kingston College with 6,837 points, while Jaquan Souden of Happy Grove High School secured silver with 6,696 points in the 21-athlete competition.

    Isidore’s achievement marks Saint Lucia’s second medal at the championships, building upon Vitalis’s historic gold medal performance in 2022. With his current trajectory, Isidore shows potential to challenge Vitalis’s national junior record of 5,990 points in future competitions.

  • Siblings target javelin glory

    Siblings target javelin glory

    A compelling narrative of familial inspiration and athletic rivalry is set to unfold at the National Stadium as 16-year-old Devaune Freemantle of Vere Technical prepares for the boys’ javelin open final at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The young athlete draws immediate motivation from his sister, Ramona Freemantle, who secured a silver medal in the girls’ javelin event just yesterday.

    The sibling athletes from Ocho Rios, St. Ann, maintain a healthy competitive dynamic while consistently supporting each other’s athletic endeavors. Devaune openly acknowledges following his sister’s path into track and field, recently achieving a personal breakthrough by surpassing the 40-meter mark. His aspiration to medal in today’s competition mirrors his sister’s accomplishment.

    Ramona’s journey to javelin success demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Initially pursuing sprinting where she demonstrated considerable speed, she transitioned to throwing events following an injury setback upon recommendation from a former coach at Vere Technical. This strategic shift has yielded significant results—besides her javelin silver medal, she placed fourth in the Class 1 girls’ discus throw with a distance of 45.79 meters.

    Thursday’s javelin final presented a dramatic contest where Ramona led for extended periods before being narrowly defeated by Immaculate Conception’s Zoelle Jamel on countback after both athletes recorded identical throws of 45.09 meters. This silver medal represents Ramona’s second Champs podium appearance, improving upon her bronze medal performance from the previous year.

    As the athletic spotlight turns to her younger brother, Ramona will be among the spectators, wearing her newly won silver medal and cheering for Devaune to achieve podium success while contributing valuable points to Vere Technical’s overall championship tally.