Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Cricket West Indies Announces 15-Member Squad for Test Series Against Pakistan

    Cricket West Indies Announces 15-Member Squad for Test Series Against Pakistan

    ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially named its 15-player squad for the highly anticipated two-match Test series against Pakistan, set to kick off later this month across two venues in Trinidad, with play running from July 25 to August 6.

    This upcoming series carries historic weight for Caribbean cricket: the opening fixture, hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba from July 25 to 29, will mark the first men’s Test match ever held at this venue. This milestone makes the academy the 13th cricket ground in the Caribbean region to earn the distinction of hosting international Test cricket. The second Test will follow at one of the region’s most iconic venues, the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, with matches scheduled for August 2 to 6.

    In building the squad for the series, CWI has opted to retain the core group of players that delivered a 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka earlier this July, keeping continuity for the side ahead of the Pakistan clash. The selection panel also made room for new talent, handing 26-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner Joshua Bishop his first-ever call-up to a Test squad, a reward for his consistent standout performances in regional domestic competitions.

    Over the past three seasons of the West Indies Championship, Bishop has dominated bowling statistics, claiming an impressive 91 wickets for the Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy – the highest wicket tally recorded by any bowler in the competition across that period. His selection reflects CWI’s commitment to promoting domestic talent that consistently performs at the regional level.

    Jamaica Scorpions batsman Kirk McKenzie, a product of the West Indies Academy development program, also earns a place in the squad, marking his first Test recall since 2024. McKenzie’s inclusion comes after opening batsman John Campbell was forced to withdraw from the roster after sustaining a left hamstring strain during the recently completed One-Day International series against New Zealand. Like Bishop, McKenzie earned his spot through strong domestic form, notching 323 runs across six innings in this season’s West Indies Championship at an average of 64.60, turning in match-winning performances for his side.

    Leading fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was not available for selection for the upcoming series due to unreported personal reasons, a key absence that the West Indies side will need to account for in their bowling rotation.

    The full 15-member West Indies Test squad for the Pakistan series is as follows: Roston Chase (Captain), Jomel Warrican (Vice-Captain), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales.

    With the series just two days away from the announcement, Caribbean cricket fans are gearing up for what promises to be a competitive series between two closely matched international sides, with the added excitement of witnessing history at the new Brian Lara Cricket Academy venue.

  • Column: Voetbal of commercie?

    Column: Voetbal of commercie?

    The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, the first to be co-hosted by three nations, has wrapped up, with a new champion crowned. Beyond the on-pitch action and moments of celebration that captured global audiences, the tournament has left a trail of growing controversy around opaque, unconsulted governance changes that have fundamentally altered the core nature of the sport, critics say.

    Unlike the incremental, behind-the-scenes adjustments FIFA has become known for rolling out shortly before major tournaments without member consultation, the changes introduced at this 23rd edition go far beyond incremental tweaks, fundamentally shifting how the game of football is experienced by players and fans alike.

    One of the most high-profile controversial changes came during the final itself: match officials extended the half-time break to a full 30 minutes, double the 15-minute maximum laid out in official tournament rules. Critics say this last-minute, unvetted rule change illustrates a worrying culture within FIFA’s leadership, where top officials believe they can alter core rules of the sport on a whim without meaningful consultation with key stakeholders across the global football community. This pattern of unilateral decision-making was also seen in the reversal of a red card issued to a United States forward, a call made by a single individual rather than through agreed institutional processes.

    Beyond individual match calls, controversy has also swirled around questionable Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that many observers say consistently favored tournament favorites, helping to steer top-ranked sides through to the knockout rounds and final. This bias, critics note, lines up with a broader commercial priority at the heart of this year’s tournament: while FIFA has publicly expanded World Cup access to smaller nations by growing the tournament field, the organization has systematically undermined small countries’ chances of advancing deep into the competition, all to ensure marquee matchups between global favorites that fill stadiums and drive broadcast revenue. This has made clear that commercial interests are now taking precedence over the integrity of the sport itself at the World Cup, critics say.

    Widespread anger over these decisions has erupted across social media, with a growing number of voices calling for FIFA’s top leadership to step down. However, the path to leadership change faces steep structural barriers: while rank-and-file football stakeholders overwhelmingly oppose the current leadership’s approach, they do not hold the voting power that would oust the current top official. Convincing a majority of voting members that intervention is necessary to roll back the controversial changes introduced at this tournament will be an uphill battle.

    Critics warn that if these unvetted changes are allowed to stand, the fundamental identity of football as a sport will be eroded over time. Allowing host nations to exert such sweeping influence over tournament operations has also set a damaging precedent for future events. For these reasons, member nations cannot stay silent on the issue, critics argue, and must hold FIFA’s top leadership accountable for its actions that have undermined the sport’s integrity.

  • Trinbago Knight Riders unveil overseas contingent for CPL 2026

    Trinbago Knight Riders unveil overseas contingent for CPL 2026

    Ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders have officially announced their lineup of five overseas players, assembling a roster that blends elite international experience, proven franchise success and emerging young talent to bolster their bid for a consecutive title.

    The confirmed contingent features a mix of returning fan favorites and exciting new additions, with high-profile batsman Alex Hales headlining the group. The English power hitter, who won the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup with his national side, brings a proven track record of destructive batting across the world’s top T20 competitions, from the Big Bash League to the Vitality T20 Blast. Hales, who returns to the Knight Riders for another campaign, ranked as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the 2025 CPL, cementing his reputation as a reliable match-winner at the top of the order.

    Joining Hales in the group is New Zealand veteran Colin Munro, who is set to compete in his ninth season with the Trinbago side. One of the most decorated overseas players in CPL history, Munro holds the record for the most runs scored by an international player across the league’s history, and has been regarded as one of the most dangerous opening batters in global franchise cricket for more than a decade. He adds additional explosive power to the Knight Riders’ top order.

    Rising off-spinner Usman Tariq also returns to the squad after a standout title-winning campaign in 2025. The young spinner, who earned his first T20I cap for Pakistan against South Africa in November 2025, finished the 2025 CPL as Trinbago Knight Riders’ leading wicket-taker. Known for his tight line and clever variation in middle overs, he has established himself as one of the most promising young spin talents in international cricket.

    South African batting prospect Matthew Breetzke makes his way to the squad as one of the most anticipated young signings of the 2026 CPL off-season. Breetzke shot to global fame after scoring a record-breaking 150 runs on his ODI debut against New Zealand earlier this year, and previously featured for the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2025 Indian Premier League. He adds solidity and depth to the Knight Riders’ middle order.

    Completing the five-man overseas group is Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Amshi de Silva. A product of Sri Lanka’s renowned youth development system, de Silva represented his nation at the U19 World Cup before earning selection for Sri Lanka A. He brings additional balance and versatility to the middle order, giving head coach Dwayne Bravo a wider range of tactical options throughout the tournament.

    The new overseas recruits will join a strong core of domestic West Indian talent led by captain Nicholas Pooran, with star all-rounder Kieron Pollard, veteran spinner Sunil Narine and pace bowler Akeal Hosein also set to feature. Bravo, the legendary former West Indian cricketer, returns for his second season in charge as head coach, with the side now boasting well-rounded depth across batting, spin and pace bowling as they prepare to defend their 2025 crown.

  • Team Belize Gets $50,000 Boost Ahead of Regional Games

    Team Belize Gets $50,000 Boost Ahead of Regional Games

    As the countdown to the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic enters its final stretch, Team Belize has secured critical financial backing from the national government to support its athletes’ journey to the regional competition.

    On Sunday, Belize’s Minister of Sports Anthony Mahler formally transferred a $50,000 contribution to the Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, the governing body that oversees the country’s participation in international multi-sport tournaments. The government funding is earmarked explicitly to cover travel, accommodation, equipment and competition-related costs that have been a growing burden for Belize’s small athletic program as it prepares to send competitors to one of the Caribbean and Central America’s most high-profile sporting events.

    Over the weekend, athletes and team officials gathered for a final pre-departure briefing to review logistics, competition schedules and safety protocols ahead of their trip to Santo Domingo. This summer marks a busy season of international competition for Belizean athletes, who will compete in two top-tier global and regional multi-sport events over the coming months. Following the CAC Games, five Belizean athletes will travel onward to Glasgow, Scotland to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

    For the 2026 CAC Games, Belize will field competitors across four key disciplines: cycling, basketball, beach volleyball and sailing. The funding injection comes at a critical time for the small Central American nation, which has been working to expand access to international competition opportunities for its emerging athletic talent and raise the profile of sport across the country. Team officials noted that the government’s support eliminates a significant financial barrier that would have otherwise threatened athletes’ ability to compete at full preparation at the regional games.

  • Parris powers Barbados to back-to-back U-19 titles

    Parris powers Barbados to back-to-back U-19 titles

    The CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Men’s 50-over Championship concluded on Wednesday with a historic display of all-round cricket that saw Barbados retain their title, led by a match-winning performance from Justin Parris that capped an undefeated run through the tournament. In the tournament-deciding final held at Liberta Sports Club, Parris turned in a once-in-a-generation double performance: a brilliant, pace-setting century with the bat followed by a devastating five-wicket haul with his off-spin, steering Barbados to a dominant 116-run victory over Jamaica.

    Barbados’ batting got off to a rocky start after Jamaica won the toss and put the defending champions in to bat. Jamaica seamer Jahdae Moore removed opening batter Gadson Bowens for just eight early on, but a 74-run second-wicket stand between Kelani Clarke (49 off 44 balls) and Jordan Graham (21) steadied the innings, moving Barbados to 95 for one by the 16th over. A quick flurry of wickets from Jamaican bowler Alixandre Elliot turned the tide back in Jamaica’s favor: Elliot removed Clarke, snared Graham for 21, and Demarco Scott bowled Seth Smith for three to drop Barbados to 101 for four midway through their innings.

    It was here that Parris stepped up to rescue his side. Partnering with Kemar Dixon, the all-rounder steered Barbados back into control with a 108-run fifth-wicket stand. After Elliot dismissed Dixon for 48 and Jahidi Hinds for one, Parris combined with R’Jai Gittens (37 off 19 balls) for an aggressive 80-run eighth-wicket partnership off just eight overs, pushing Barbados to 291 for seven after 48 overs. Parris brought up his century in the penultimate over of the innings, finishing with 100 runs off 98 balls, including 12 fours and one six, before being dismissed shortly after. Rajeev Parsooram closed out the innings with a quick 14 off five balls, leaving Barbados on a competitive total of 320 for nine after 50 overs. Elliot finished as Jamaica’s leading bowler with 4 for 40, while Moore took 3 for 58.

    Chasing 321 for the title, Jamaica never recovered from a disastrous start. Barbados pace bowler Asher Branford trapped opener Odane Binns lbw for seven, had Joel Williams caught for a duck and removed Demarco Scott also via lbw, leaving Jamaica reeling at 46 for three. After Tyson Gordon Jr was dismissed for 28 by Hinds, Demario Hall and captain Pajay Nelson put on a 58-run fifth-wicket stand to bring Jamaica back into the contest at 131 for four. But Parris, who had already won the game with his bat, closed out the contest with his spin: he removed Hall for 47 to break the partnership, and went on to take the wickets of Ryan Lyttleton, Geovanni Grey, Elliot and Moore to finish with five wickets for just 35 runs. Parsooram took the key wicket of Nelson for 36, leaving Jamaica all out for 204 in 43.5 overs. Branford finished with 3 for 19 to support Parris’ match-winning spell.

    The victory marked Barbados’ sixth consecutive win of the tournament, securing their second straight title and cementing their place as one of the most dominant teams in the recent history of the competition.

    In the third-place playoff at Bethesda Sports Ground, Trinidad and Tobago cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win over the Leeward Islands to claim third place in the tournament. The Leeward Islands, who chose to bat first, produced their poorest batting performance of the entire tournament, bowled out for just 88 runs in 26.5 overs. Renaldo Fournillier led the collapse, taking three of the first four wickets to fall, and finished with 4 for 26, while Daron Dhanraj took 2 for 14. Only Tanez Francis (22), Eirette Richards (19) and Lyhte Brown (13) reached double figures for the Leewards, who lost their last six wickets for just 40 runs. In response, Trinidad and Tobago lost three early wickets for just 20 runs, but captain Brendan Boodoo remained unbeaten on 49 off 46 balls, combining with Tariq Richards for an unbroken 41-run fourth-wicket stand to see the side home at 89 for three in just 15.1 overs.

    At the fifth-place playoff held at Pigotts Sports Ground, Guyana earned revenge over the Windward Islands, beating them by 53 runs just days after losing to the side in the final round of group matches. Guyana’s batters struggled for the second match running, with only Dhanesh Persaud (53 off 73 balls) and Emmanuel Lewis (43) offering significant resistance. The pair put on a 92-run partnership after Guyana slumped to 72 for five in the 22nd over, but after Lewis was dismissed, Guyana lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs, all out for 184 in 49.2 overs. Theo Edwards was the Windward Islands’ leading bowler with 3 for 12.

    In their chase, the Windward Islands lost captain and opener Theodore Edward to the second ball of the innings, but Derwin Lewis and Earshino Fontaine put on 46 runs to keep the contest alive. After Lewis was trapped lbw by Adrian Hetmyer, wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the Windwards at 76 for five. A 37-run stand between Tyler Venner (24) and Khavaughn Bartholomew (27) briefly revived their hopes, but Gilbert Griffith dismissed both to end the comeback. Griffith finished with 4 for 19, while Romario Ramdehol took 2 for 13 and Hetmyer took 2 for 38, bowling the Windward Islands out for 131 to secure a 53-run win for Guyana.

  • Tennis association head pushes for stakeholder unity

    Tennis association head pushes for stakeholder unity

    Barbados tennis is at a pivotal moment of growth, and the head of the national governing body is pushing for unified action to take the sport to new heights. Craig Smith, President of the Barbados Tennis Association, outlined his vision for expanded collaboration between all tennis sector stakeholders during Sunday’s official launch of the third annual South West Open, hosted at the Raymond Forde Tennis Centre in Wildey. The tournament is already underway at the facility, drawing local and regional competitors to the island’s premier tennis venue.

    Smith emphasized that aligned, collective action is the only way to sustain long-term progress for tennis across Barbados. “I believe the time has come for us to work even more closely together in the pursuit of common goals. When we collaborate, everyone benefits—our players, our tournaments, and ultimately the sport of tennis in Barbados,” he told attendees at the launch event.

    A core part of Smith’s strategic vision is elevating the profile of the South West Open itself, in partnership with the event’s organizing team. Currently classified as a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) hosted tournament, Smith says the next milestone is securing classification as an ITF M15 Futures Tournament — a shift that would deliver major dividends for both the island and its up-and-coming athletes. “My hope is that next we can transform this event from a UTR tournament into an ITF M15 Futures Tournament, bringing greater international exposure to Barbados while creating more opportunities for our local players to compete at a higher level on home soil,” he explained.

    Smith pointed to the success of neighboring Caribbean nations as proof that Barbados can reach this new level of tournament hosting. He specifically called out Jamaica, which has already advanced to hosting higher-stakes challenger-level professional events, noting that Barbados holds all the potential to match that progress and grow its own tennis ecosystem.

    Before laying out his strategic goals, Smith also extended formal recognition and congratulations to Tournament Director Justin Atkins and his entire family for their ongoing commitment to staging the annual event. Drawing from his own decades of experience organizing tennis competitions, Smith noted that pulling off a tournament of the South West Open’s caliber requires immense preparation and dedication. “As someone who has been involved in organising tennis events, I know firsthand the amount of planning, commitment, and hard work that goes into staging a tournament of this quality. It is no small undertaking, and Justin and his team deserve our sincere appreciation for their continued dedication to the sport and for providing another outstanding event on our national tennis calendar that our players can look forward to each year,” he said.

    For his part, Atkins opened the event by thanking the many corporate partners, local sponsors and community contributors that have thrown their support behind the 2024 iteration of the tournament. Looking ahead to the week of competition, Atkins told attendees they can expect high-level tennis from all participants. “Over the coming days, you are going to witness incredible athletic talent, fierce rivalry, and a shared passion for the game that brings us all together,” he said, addressing competitors directly with a simple challenge: “To the players: leave it all on the court.”

  • Dominica names three-athlete team for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

    Dominica names three-athlete team for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

    Commonwealth Sport Dominica has unveiled a six-person squad that will carry the country’s hopes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland. The delegation splits evenly between three elite athletes and three supporting sports officials, with competitors set to contest events across two core sports: athletics and swimming, according to an official press statement from the national sporting body.

    Headlining the team is Thea LaFond-Gadson, the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete in Dominica’s history, who will compete in the women’s triple jump. The Olympic and Commonwealth medalist will make history at this edition of the Games by becoming the first Dominican woman to compete at three consecutive Commonwealth Games. She has also been selected to carry Dominica’s flag at the event’s Opening Ceremony, and enters the competition targeting a third consecutive medal, adding to the two Commonwealth medals she already holds. Overall, Dominica has won three total medals in Commonwealth Games history, two of which come from LaFond-Gadson.

    Joining LaFond-Gadson in athletics is Dennick Luke, who will compete in the men’s 400-meter hurdles. Luke is also set to etch his name into Dominica’s sporting history books as the first athlete from the country to contest this specific event at the Commonwealth Games. He arrives in Glasgow in strong form, wrapping up an impressive 2026 competitive season that saw him set a new national record in the 400-meter hurdles.

    Completing the roster of competing athletes is Jasmine Schofield, who will represent Dominica in swimming. Like her teammates, Schofield is a trailblazer for her country: she will be the first Dominican woman to compete in swimming at the Commonwealth Games. She earned her spot on the team after a standout performance at the 2026 Pan American Championships, where she qualified for five event finals. Schofield is no stranger to major Commonwealth sporting moments, having previously served as a baton bearer during the international King’s Baton Relay.

    Supporting the three athletes on their journey to Glasgow are three experienced officials: Aaron Gadson, the athletics team official; Shaminey Walsh-Dupuis, the swimming team official; and Chester Letang, who will take on the role of Chef de Mission for the delegation.

    Billy Doctrove, president of Commonwealth Sport Dominica, says he remains confident in the team’s potential despite its small size. “While the team is small, it is comprised of athletes who regularly compete on the international stage, and the selected athletes are of very high caliber,” Doctrove said in a statement. “We are hopeful for multiple finals appearances and podium finishes as they proudly represent Dominica at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

    The announcement caps a period of preparation for the delegation, and builds on Dominica’s decades-long history of participation in the quadrennial multi-sport event, with the 2026 squad set to push the island nation to new sporting heights.

  • IDAC bans unauthorized drone flights near Santo Domingo 2026 Games venues

    IDAC bans unauthorized drone flights near Santo Domingo 2026 Games venues

    Preparations for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled to take place across multiple Dominican locations in 2026, have entered a key security phase, with the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) implementing a strict prohibition on unapproved drone operations around all official competition sites. The regulatory move comes amid widespread security concerns that center on protecting participating athletes, official delegations, attending spectators, and maintaining the integrity of routine civil air operations in the host regions.

    In an official statement released by the agency, IDAC Director General Igor Rodríguez Durán emphasized a clear call for all unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators to strictly adhere to the terms of Dominican Aeronautical Regulation 107 (RAD 107), the national legislative framework that governs all drone activity across the Dominican Republic.

    The ban, which was formally requested by the Games’ local organizing committee as a core component of the event’s comprehensive overall security strategy, covers a broad geographic swathe of host locations. This includes the iconic Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in the capital, Parque del Este, and all dedicated sports facilities across Greater Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Baní, San Cristóbal, Bonao, Santiago, Puerto Plata, and the major tourist hub of Punta Cana.

    Under the new restrictions, any legitimate drone operation within these restricted zones will only be permitted following formal prior approval from IDAC, alongside close coordination with the lead security agencies tasked with overseeing the 2026 Games. The regulatory body confirmed it is currently collaborating closely with national and local law enforcement and security partners to roll out enhanced detection measures designed to quickly identify and respond to any unauthorized drone activity in restricted zones.

    IDAC also issued a clear warning that any individuals or groups found violating the ban will face formal administrative sanctions as well as other potential legal penalties under existing Dominican aviation law. To wrap up the announcement, the agency issued a public call for all Dominican residents and visiting tourists to respect the flight restrictions, and contribute to the efforts that will enable the safe, secure, and successful staging of this major regional sporting event.

  • Royal Nassau Sailing Club’s Summer Camp boosts confidence and teamwork

    Royal Nassau Sailing Club’s Summer Camp boosts confidence and teamwork

    As the Caribbean summer unfolds across The Bahamas, dozens of young people are filling their school break with more than just leisure at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club’s annual summer sailing camp. Far more than a simple introduction to a watersport, this three-week program blends hands-on sailing instruction with intentional character building, helping young beginners build teamwork, confidence and transferable life skills on the open water.
    Most participants joining the camp are first-time sailors, stepping onto a small boat for their very first sailing experience. Gabriel Newell, lead instructor for the beginner-friendly Sandfish class, explained that while a small handful of young sailors train through the Bahamas National Sailing School year-round, the majority only take part in the summer program, returning once annually to hone their abilities. Even for those just three days into their sailing journey, the camp prioritizes growth that extends far beyond basic boat handling.
    “Sailing is not only just about sailing,” Newell explained. “It’s about character development. It’s about having fun, but being safe at the same time.” To balance structured learning and recreation, campers split their daily time between one-on-one sailing instruction and group activities, ranging from on-the-water games to land-based team challenges. Each Friday, the entire group travels to Athol Island for a dedicated beach day, where young sailors swim, compete in casual volleyball and soccer matches, and share group meals away from the dock.
    For Newell, leading the camp is more than just a summer job – it is a full-circle opportunity to give back to a program that transformed his own life. He first encountered organized sailing as an eighth-grade student at T.A. Thompson Junior High School, through the Bahamas National Sailing School’s in-school outreach initiative that brought students to the Royal Nassau Sailing Club for weekly sessions. The experience quickly sparked a lifelong passion for the sport, and Newell began training year-round with the program. Eventually, former Bahamas National Sailing School director Robert Dunkley helped him secure a scholarship to study maritime studies at the prestigious LJM Maritime Academy.
    Earlier this year, Newell completed all required training and sea time to earn his international Certificate of Competency, a globally recognized license that qualifies him to work on commercial vessels of any size – from large cruise ships to oil tankers and bulk cargo carriers. Now, as an instructor returning to the program that launched his career, he finds deep purpose in mentoring the next generation of Bahamian sailors.
    “I am a product of the Bahamas National Sailing School,” Newell said, reflecting on his journey. “I came up through the ropes, I took my instructor’s course, and now I am teaching kids how to sail. It feels great. Sometimes I look at the little kids coming up, and I can see myself in them. In the future, I want to give even more than my time. I really want to invest in sailing in The Bahamas.”
    Newell also shared his pride in the recent designation of sailing as The Bahamas’ official national sport, a milestone he says will open new doors for young Bahamians interested in the sport and help grow participation across the country for years to come.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Names Men’s Beach Volleyball Team for CAC Games

    Antigua and Barbuda Names Men’s Beach Volleyball Team for CAC Games

    As one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated regional multi-sport gatherings approaches, the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association (ABAVA) has officially confirmed the roster of the national men’s beach volleyball team that will carry the nation’s flag at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games. The tournament is scheduled to run from July 23 to 30 this year, hosted in the capital city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.

    The two-player squad selected to compete features seasoned athletes Raenor Sharpe and Miguel Peña-Lugo, while experienced local volleyball mentor Olsen Joseph has been tapped to lead the team as head coach. For this young pair, the upcoming Games represent far more than just another competition—it is a rare chance to test their skills against the highest-caliber beach volleyball talent from across the Central American and Caribbean region. Competing on the prestigious multi-sport platform of the regional Games also offers the athletes invaluable international experience that can boost their development and raise the profile of beach volleyball in Antigua and Barbuda.

    In an official statement accompanying the roster announcement, ABAVA extended its sincere gratitude to the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC) for its consistent, long-standing backing of the nation’s competitive athletes. The association emphasized that ABNOC’s support has been instrumental in cutting through logistical and administrative barriers, making it possible for the beach volleyball team to secure their spot and prepare for participation in the Games.

    To wrap up the announcement, ABAVA issued a public call to action, urging sports fans and community members across Antigua and Barbuda to rally behind Sharpe, Peña-Lugo, and Joseph as they represent the nation on an international stage. The association noted that public backing serves as a key morale boost for athletes competing far from home, and has encouraged widespread support for the delegation ahead of their July departure.