Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • BPBL Welcomes New Leadership

    BPBL Welcomes New Leadership

    The Belize Premier Basketball League (BPBL) has announced a significant expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of Glenn Gill as Deputy Commissioner. This strategic move brings one of Belize’s most experienced basketball figures into the league’s administrative structure.

    Gill brings decades of basketball expertise to his new position, having established himself as one of Belize’s longest-serving referees with FIBA certification. His extensive background includes previous leadership experience as commissioner of the Belize Elite Basketball League, earning him respect both within the national basketball community and internationally.

    The newly appointed deputy will work alongside existing Deputy Commissioner Amir Garcia, both operating under the guidance of Commissioner Claudio Leal, who is commencing his second year leading the BPBL. This strengthened leadership team signals the league’s commitment to enhanced governance and development.

    In his official capacity, Gill will assume responsibility for overseeing league operations and ensuring regional preparedness. His portfolio will include supporting team development, officiating standards, and game-day infrastructure management. League representatives characterized the appointment as reflecting BPBL’s dedication to “operational excellence, competitive integrity, and long-term growth.”

    In a gesture of solidarity within Belize’s basketball community, the BPBL leadership extended congratulations to the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) on its scheduled relaunch in February. The statement emphasized that both competitions contribute significantly to strengthening the nation’s basketball ecosystem.

    The BPBL, which is scheduled to resume competition in July 2026, continues to build institutional capacity during its off-season in preparation for its return.

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open culminated in a spectacle of dramatic reversals and fresh triumphs, with new champions emerging across all divisions at the Couva course from January 9-10. The tournament’s climax was defined by remarkable come-from-behind victories that captivated the local golfing community.

    In the men’s championship, Marcus Ling staged an impressive final-day surge to seize the title. Overtaking overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling delivered a steady even-par round of 72 to finish with a championship total of 216 strokes across three days of competition. Bryden secured runner-up position with 219, while the battle for third required a countback decision that ultimately favored young contender Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the ladies’ best net honor.

    First flight competition produced equal drama as 2025 Player of the Year Nandlal Ramlakhan leveraged his experience to overcome Asa Roopchand via countback after both contenders finished tied at 242. Brechin Castle Golf Club demonstrated domestic dominance by sweeping the flight’s top four positions, with Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) following closely.

    The second flight saw Riaz Ali mount a decisive charge to claim victory with 170, edging out teenage leader Kaiden Baynes (172). Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) rounded out the division’s top performers. Day two competition crowned Reid Sonnilal as third flight champion.

    Club officials celebrated the event as a resounding success that sets the stage for Trinidad and Tobago’s packed 2026 golf calendar, beginning with this inaugural major tournament that established new competitive benchmarks while showcasing emerging talent.

  • Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    Leslie Harrow named chairman of new SDF board

    In a significant move for Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced a comprehensive restructuring of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) board. Portfolio Minister Olivia Grange confirmed the cabinet-approved appointments on Wednesday, naming seasoned administrator Leslie Harrow as the new chairman.

    Harrow ascends to the leadership role with an extensive background in sports management and public administration. His professional portfolio includes previous service as general manager of the SDF itself, executive director of the Institute of Jamaica, and director general of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. This diverse experience positions him to guide the foundation’s strategic direction.

    Minister Grange outlined the revitalized board’s primary objectives, which will center on fortifying the organization’s technical capabilities and operational effectiveness. Key priorities include achieving full staffing levels, enhancing organizational efficiency, and elevating the public profile of the SDF’s initiatives. These developments were formally communicated through the Minister’s official social media channels.

    The newly constituted board features several prominent figures in Jamaican sports administration, including former Institute of Sport chairman Newton Amos. Harrow succeeds outgoing chairman Lelsie Campbell in leading the nine-member governing body.

    Established as an independent entity in 1995, the Sports Development Foundation has played a pivotal role in national development through athletic programs and infrastructure projects. This board transformation signals a renewed governmental commitment to sports as a catalyst for national progress.

  • Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    National cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez and Heatwave Cycling Club have initiated legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) by filing an appeal challenging a recent High Court ruling. The appeal, submitted on January 14, seeks to overturn Justice Westmin James’ January 13 decision that denied their request for an interim injunction to prevent endurance trials scheduled for January 17.

    The legal confrontation stems from ongoing disputes regarding the TTCF’s selection methodology for the upcoming Pan American Track Cycling Championships in February. The controversy involves multiple athletes including Costa-Ramirez, Njisane Phillip, and Makaira Wallace from JLD Cycling Academy, all contesting the fairness of the federation’s qualification process.

    In their appellate arguments, Heatwave and Costa-Ramirez contend that the trial judge committed legal errors by dismissing their claims. They specifically challenge the court’s determination that some athletes had already submitted performance data without attending trials, and the conclusion that halting the trials would disproportionately harm the federation.

    The appellants assert the existence of an implied contractual obligation mandating equitable treatment of all athletes during selection procedures. They further argue that financial compensation cannot adequately remedy the potential loss of opportunity to compete at prestigious international events, particularly with Olympic qualification implications at stake.

    The appeal emphasizes that suspending the trials would not adversely affect the federation’s operations, while proceeding could cause irreparable damage to athletes’ careers during this critical Olympic qualification period. The appellants have requested expedited consideration of their appeal under Civil Proceedings Rules Part 64.10, citing the urgent nature of selection deadlines preceding the continental championships.

  • Platini says Infantino has become ‘more of an autocrat’

    Platini says Infantino has become ‘more of an autocrat’

    In a candid interview with The Guardian, former UEFA President Michel Platini delivered a damning assessment of current FIFA leader Gianni Infantino, accusing him of autocratic tendencies and an excessive focus on cultivating relationships with the wealthy and powerful.

    Platini, who previously served as Infantino’s superior at European football’s governing body from 2009 to 2015, characterized the FIFA president’s leadership style as fundamentally flawed. “He was a good number two, but is not a good number one,” Platini stated, highlighting what he perceives as Infantino’s problematic attraction to moneyed influence. “He likes the rich and powerful people, the ones with money. It’s his character.”

    The French football legend specifically pointed to the pandemic period as a turning point, noting that “Unfortunately Infantino has become more of an autocrat since the pandemic.” This criticism extends to Infantino’s cultivation of high-profile relationships, including his close ties with former US President Donald Trump, whom Infantino awarded a special FIFA peace prize during the World Cup draw ceremony in December ahead of the 2026 tournament across North America.

    Platini offered a surprising comparative analysis of FIFA’s governance, suggesting the organization under Infantino has become less democratic than during the scandal-plagued era of Sepp Blatter. “There is less democracy than in Blatter’s time,” Platini claimed, acknowledging Blatter’s problematic desire to remain president for life while simultaneously characterizing him as “a good person for football.”

    The former Juventus and French national team star also expressed broader concerns about modern football administration, noting that many current officials lack genuine passion for the sport. “You find many who wouldn’t care whether it’s football or basketball. It’s not always a case of loving football if you work at UEFA or FIFA.”

    Platini’s criticism stems from longstanding tensions between the two administrators, including his belief that Infantino undermined his FIFA presidential ambitions by alerting Swiss prosecutors about a controversial $2.5 million payment from Blatter to Platini that ultimately derailed both of their careers.

  • West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    West Indies win opening game at ICC Cricket World Cup

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The West Indies Under-19 cricket squad launched their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign with a decisive five-wicket triumph against Tanzania in Namibia on Thursday. The Caribbean team demonstrated formidable bowling prowess and confident batting to secure their first victory in the tournament.

    West Indies’ bowling attack proved instrumental in containing Tanzania’s innings after winning the toss and electing to field. Seamer Shaquan Belle delivered an exceptional all-round performance, earning Man-of-the-match honors with figures of 2-33, complemented by a crucial catch and a direct-hit runout that disrupted Tanzania’s middle order.

    Despite a promising 53-run opening partnership between Dylan Thakrar (26) and Darpan Jobanputra (19), Tanzania’s batting lineup collapsed spectacularly, bowled out for a modest 122 runs in just 34 overs. The Caribbean bowling unit maintained relentless pressure, with Vitel Lawes claiming impressive figures of 3-23 and Micah McKenzie contributing 2-15.

    In response, West Indies approached their run chase with calculated aggression. Opener Tanez Francis dominated the innings with a tournament-first half-century, scoring 52 runs off 55 deliveries including five boundaries and one six. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew provided strong support with 44 runs from 44 balls as the team reached their target of 124-5 in just 21 overs.

    In other tournament action, India secured a six-wicket victory against the United States, while the scheduled match between Scotland and Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled.

    The West Indies team continues their World Cup journey with a highly anticipated match against Afghanistan on Sunday, scheduled for 2:20 AM Jamaican time.

  • MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Montego Bay United (MBU) has dramatically reclaimed pole position in the Jamaica Premier League following a narrow 1-0 triumph against Tivoli Gardens at the Edwards Seaga Sports Complex on Thursday. This crucial victory marks their third consecutive win, solidifying their championship credentials.

    The match’s solitary goal came from veteran striker Owayne Gordon, 34, who continued his impressive form by netting for the second successive game. Entering the fray as a 55th-minute substitute for the injured Jourdain Fletcher, Gordon made an immediate impact by expertly guiding the ball into the far left corner past goalkeeper Nicholas Clarke just seven minutes later. This decisive strike mirrored his previous match-winning contribution against Dunbeholden, where he also scored off the bench.

    The three points elevate Montego Bay United to 35 points, establishing a three-point cushion over closest rivals Racing United. This resurgence comes just a day after Racing United had momentarily drawn level on points following their emphatic 4-1 demolition of Treasure Beach.

    Thursday’s fixtures produced several other significant results. Portmore United spectacularly ended a five-match winless streak by overwhelming bottom-placed Spanish Town Police 4-0. Clayton Peck was the standout performer, opening the scoring in the 47th minute before converting a penalty just four minutes later. substitutes Marques Reid and Ronaldo Robinson completed the rout with late goals.

    Elsewhere, Chapelton Maroons delivered a commanding 3-0 performance against Arnett Gardens, exacting revenge for their first-round defeat. Robino Gordon, Damoi Whitfield, and Sean Leighton found the net, propelling Maroons to sixth position on goal difference ahead of Tivoli Gardens, with both teams tied on 22 points.

    The day’s action concluded with a dramatic late equalizer as Waterhouse FC’s Colorado Murray denied Harbour View a much-needed victory. Rohan Brown’s 54th-minute strike appeared to have secured the win for Harbour View until Murray’s 90th-minute intervention forced a 1-1 draw.

    These results have significantly intensified the title race while reshaping the mid-table standings with several games remaining in the season.

  • Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    In a dramatic opening match of the 2026 Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat against Barbados at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent on January 13. The low-scoring thriller culminated with Barbados reaching their target of 98 runs with nine deliveries remaining, despite a formidable bowling performance from TT’s spin attack.

    The TT women’s batting lineup struggled throughout their innings, managing just 97 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran batter Britney Cooper provided stability with an unbeaten 33 runs from 36 deliveries, while captain Karishma Ramharack contributed 21 not out from 23 balls. Barbados opening bowler Naijanni Cumberbatch emerged as the bowling standout with impressive figures of 2/18.

    Barbados faced early pressure when TT leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan delivered a spectacular spell, claiming three wickets for just eight runs and reducing the Bajans to 68/6 by the 15th over. The match seemed poised for a TT victory until all-rounder Shamilia Connell displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Known primarily for her bowling, Connell smashed 16 not out from just ten deliveries, including the match-winning boundary off medium-pacer Amrita Ramtahal that sealed the victory.

    The tournament opener sets the stage for an competitive series, with TT scheduled to face Windwards in their second match on January 15. In other opening day results, Guyana secured a seven-run victory against Windwards in another low-scoring affair, while Leewards Islands claimed a nine-run win over Jamaica.

  • All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A select contingent of Jamaica’s most promising young football talent has departed for the United States to compete on the international stage. The 20-member Jamaica All-School team commenced their journey on Thursday, setting their sights on the prestigious 2026 Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) Youth Classic held in Lauderhill, Florida.

    The squad enters a competitive group stage where they must navigate matches against formidable opponents Tekkerz and ESP to secure advancement to the semi-final round. The tournament features a strong field of competitors, including teams Plantation, Rush, and the CASA All Stars, with the championship final scheduled for Sunday.

    Team composition highlights the depth of Jamaica’s schoolboy football system, drawing heavily from this season’s top performers. The roster includes seven representatives from daCosta Cup champion St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and five players from all-island title holder Excelsior High, which claimed a 2-0 victory over STETHS in the decisive Olivier Shield final.

    Further strengthening the squad are three players from Jamaica College, two from Glenmuir High, and single representatives from Clarendon College, Eltham High, and St Catherine High, creating a balanced and talented national selection.

    The team’s campaign begins Friday at Lauderhill Sports Park with an opening match against Tekkerz, followed by a crucial encounter with ESP. These performances will be critically observed by professional scouts and college coaches attending the tournament, offering players potential pathways to higher-level competition.

    The full Jamaica All-School roster:
    – Jamari Gordon (Excelsior High)
    – Johnoi Steadman (STETHS)
    – Dantay Hewitt (STETHS)
    – Conroy Nicely (Glenmuir High)
    – Anthony Reid (Clarendon College)
    – Dujoni Thompson (Jamaica College)
    – Dontae Logan (Jamaica College)
    – Deandre Barnett (STETHS)
    – Dunsting Cogen (Glenmuir High)
    – Santana Headley (Eltham High)
    – Jabari Howell (Jamaica College)
    – Jade Lynch (STETHS)
    – Justin McPherson (STETHS)
    – Damarley Williams (Excelsior High)
    – Kahieem Lewis (STETHS)
    – Kivann Salmon (Excelsior High)
    – Kimarly Scott (Excelsior High)
    – Shemmar Stewart (STETHS)
    – Aldeano Walters (Excelsior High)
    – Kadean Young (St Catherine High)

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open concluded with spectacular fashion as new champions emerged across all divisions in Couva. The tournament, which commenced on January 9, witnessed remarkable comebacks and intense competition throughout its three-day duration.

    Marcus Ling delivered the most impressive performance of the championship, staging a magnificent final-day recovery to secure the men’s title. After trailing behind overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling demonstrated exceptional composure to card a steady 72, finishing with an aggregate score of 216. Bryden settled for runner-up position at 219, while the battle for third place required a countback decision that ultimately favored young Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third position with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the best net trophy.

    Nandlal Ramlakhan, the 2025 Brechin Castle Player of the Year, showcased his experience in the first flight division, overcoming overnight leader Asa Roopchand via countback after both golfers finished tied at 242. The host club demonstrated remarkable dominance as Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) completed a clean sweep of the top four positions.

    The second flight competition saw Riaz Ali surge to victory with 170, edging out teenage contender Kaiden Baynes (172), while Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) secured third and fourth places respectively. Reid Sonnilal had previously been crowned third flight champion during the tournament’s second day.

    Brechin Castle members have celebrated the event as a resounding success, marking the beginning of an action-packed 2026 schedule for Trinidad and Tobago’s golfing community. The tournament’s organization and competitive standard have set a positive precedent for upcoming championships in the region.