Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • IPSC-schietsportseizoen officieel van start bij MTC Rijsdijk

    IPSC-schietsportseizoen officieel van start bij MTC Rijsdijk

    The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) season commenced officially in Suriname on Sunday with the inaugural competition held at MTC Rijsdijk shooting range. Despite threatening rain clouds throughout the day, conditions remained dry during the event, allowing participants to perform under optimal circumstances.

    This year’s opener marked a historic milestone as Suriname introduced the Optics Division for the first time, following its official recognition by IPSC International in September 2025. Bruce Djosetiko dominated this newly introduced category with an impressive performance, securing first place ahead of Justin Heidanus (second) and Darren Tjon Kon Joe (third).

    The Open Division witnessed fierce competition with Desmond Chang emerging victorious, while Andrew Wilson and Gao Ming Pei claimed second and third positions respectively. Chang’s exceptional performance also earned him the prestigious Performance Award 2025.

    In the PCC Division, Jair Liauw Kie Fa demonstrated superior skill to overcome challengers Zheng Nicholson and Will Liu. The Production Optics Division saw Alex achieve a commanding victory, finishing well ahead of Yang Dong and Max Li.

    The most dramatic showdown occurred in the Standard Division where Roderick de Bye secured victory by an unprecedented narrow margin of merely 0.07 points against Andy Liu, with both competitors achieving a remarkable total score of 518 points. Marc Loor completed the podium in third position.

    Senior category honors went to Andy Liu who claimed redemption after his narrow Standard Division loss, outperforming Bai Hongan and Roy Lie. In women’s competition, Tamani Stuger continued her dominance by defeating Angelique Tjon Kon Joe.

  • NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    NEBL Back After 5-Year Break, $100K at Stake

    Belize’s premier basketball competition, the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL), makes its triumphant return following a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The revamped league announced an unprecedented $100,000 prize pool, establishing what officials believe to be the largest cash prize in Belizean sports history.

    Karim Juan, Operations Manager for NEBL, emphasized that the league’s relaunch and rebranding symbolizes a fresh beginning and renewed stability after the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season. “The rebranding back to NEBL was more trying to symbolize a new start, symbolize stability,” Juan stated, highlighting efforts to restore confidence among players, fans, and sponsors.

    The substantial prize money distribution will award $70,000 to the championship team and $30,000 to the runners-up. Juan provided assurances that the prize fund is securely guaranteed despite ongoing sponsorship negotiations.

    Seven franchises have committed to participate: Corozal Spartans, Orange Walk Running Rebels, Belize City Defenders, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, Belmopan Trojans, Cayo Western Ballaz, and EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers. The season will maintain the conventional home-and-away structure with each team playing 12 regular season games.

    Notable regulatory changes include permitting three non-resident players per roster, accommodating Belizean athletes residing overseas. To ensure competitive balance, the league will assume financial responsibility for transportation, security, medical services, and promotional activities for all teams.

    The season commences on February 20 at the Belize City Civic Center with a doubleheader event featuring additional entertainment programming for spectators.

  • Thompson, Clayton to open season at JAAA Fuller-Anderson meet on Saturday

    Thompson, Clayton to open season at JAAA Fuller-Anderson meet on Saturday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A constellation of Jamaican track and field talent is set to ignite the season at the Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet this Saturday at GC Foster College. The event features an electrifying lineup of Olympic and World Championship medalists making their seasonal debut in the 60m sprints.

    Headlining the men’s competition is Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, who enters the arena with a formidable personal best of 6.48 seconds. He faces formidable opposition from World Championship 200m bronze medalist Bryan Levell (PB: 6.59s) and the exceptionally quick Gary Card of Dynamic Track club, who boasts the field’s fastest time at 6.42 seconds. The competition deepens with the inclusion of Ackeem Blake, Rohan Watson, Guyana’s Emmanuel Archibald, and promising former high school standouts Dejour Russell, Adrian Kerr, and Jeevan Newby. Adding an intriguing dimension is the participation of 400m hurdler Roshawn Clarke, testing his speed in the shorter event.

    The women’s 60m promises equally thrilling contests with MVP’s Tia Clayton (PB: 7.14s) squaring off against her relay silver medalist teammate Jonielle Smith (7.18s). The field intensifies with the presence of national contender Natasha Morrison (7.09s), Serena Cole (7.20s), and a strong Barbadian contingent featuring Sadia Williams (7.24s) and Kishawn Niles (7.12s). With nine heats scheduled for the men’s event, typically run as timed finals, the meet offers a critical early-season assessment of athlete preparedness and sets the stage for the upcoming international calendar.

  • ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed an electrifying commencement of the 2026 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) season on January 12, with ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando emerging as early standout performers in the Under-17 category. The team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience by securing two consecutive victories on the opening day.

    In their inaugural match, ASJA dominated St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph with a decisive straight-sets triumph (25-14, 25-21). The team faced a sterner test against defending open category champions Maple Leaf International School, dropping the first set 25-18 before mounting a spectacular comeback to claim the subsequent sets 25-23 and 15-12, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

    In another thrilling Under-17 encounter, Maple Leaf International School redeemed themselves against reigning champions International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) in a three-set thriller. After conceding the first set 25-19, Maple Leaf displayed remarkable composure to edge the second set 25-22 before dominating the decisive third set 15-9.

    ISPS managed to bounce back with a straight-sets victory (25-16, 25-22) against St Joseph’s Convent, despite facing determined resistance in the second set.

    The league, which launched on January 12 and continues through February 8, features competition across Under-15, Under-17, and open age categories for both male and female teams. Defending champions include ISPS (girls’ Under-15), San Juan South Secondary (boys’ Under-17 and open), and Barrackpore West Secondary (boys’ Under-15).

    The competition brings together schools from three regional zones: East (featuring El Dorado West Secondary, San Juan South Secondary, and others), North (including Fatima College, ISPS, and Maple Leaf International), and South (comprising ASJA colleges, Naparima schools, and Barrackpore West Secondary).

  • Ex-MP, sport administrator remembered: Eddie’s ‘hart’ of gold

    Ex-MP, sport administrator remembered: Eddie’s ‘hart’ of gold

    Hundreds gathered at the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua on January 13 to pay final respects to Eddie Hart, the revered football administrator and former parliamentarian who passed away at 89 on January 4. The emotional funeral service celebrated the life of a man widely remembered for his golden heart and selfless dedication to communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

    Hart’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings at St. Mary’s Children’s Home to becoming a national sports icon and PNM MP was recounted through heartfelt tributes from political leaders, sports enthusiasts, and family members. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles joined numerous PNM members in honoring Hart’s legacy.

    Former Minister of Sport Marilyn Gordon delivered a moving eulogy, recalling Hart’s unwavering commitment to youth development through his Eddie Hart Football League. “We have lost a giant. I don’t think anybody could come close to what he did for this country,” Gordon stated, noting how Hart’s passion for sports sometimes cost him professionally—including being suspended from a job for leaving work to buy team uniforms.

    Cultural tributes filled the service, with Trinidad All Stars stalwart Dane Gulston and vocalist Adrian Philbert performing musical honors. Family friend David Peters remembered Hart’s generosity, recalling how he donated footballs to St. Mary’s Anglican School upon learning they only had one ball. “The heart of Tunapuna has left us,” Peters lamented.

    Hart’s grandsons revealed during the wake that their grandfather would receive community members seeking assistance from 5 am daily, demonstrating his boundless commitment to helping others. Football enthusiast Earl “Mango” Pierre presented the family with a commemorative plaque and national team jersey honoring Hart’s monumental contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape.

  • ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    The sporting world is confronting a profound ethical dilemma following Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace’s decision to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games, an event explicitly permitting performance-enhancing substances. This development has drawn sharp criticism from Dr. Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and respected team physician.

    Wallace confirmed her participation Monday, becoming the first Jamaican athlete to join the Las Vegas-based competition scheduled for late May. The games explicitly welcome athletes currently serving doping bans and will feature track and field, swimming, and weightlifting competitions without drug testing protocols. Organizers promote the event as celebrating “human potential through safe, transparent enhancement” while offering substantial financial incentives, including a $1 million prize for world record performances.

    The 100-meter specialist, who recorded her personal best of 11.09 seconds in 2023, expressed enthusiasm in a social media video: “They provide a lot for athletes, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I will be racing down that track to break the world record and win the grand prize.”

    Dr. Blake voiced profound disappointment, suggesting Wallace’s motivation appears primarily financial given her inability to break into track and field’s elite ranks. “I’m a bit disappointed that a Jamaican has chosen to enter the Enhanced Games,” Blake stated. “She saw an opportunity to make some money.”

    The orthopaedic specialist expressed particular concern that Wallace’s Jamaican affiliation lends credibility to what he considers a dangerous experiment. Blake questioned the organizers’ safety claims, suggesting the event might actually serve as a testing ground for experimental performance-enhancing substances under the guise of scientific study.

    “I think this is just a guise to study doping in individuals,” Blake argued. “They will be giving athletes designer drugs and testing effects in real time. I don’t think this should be encouraged or supported.”

    Blake emphasized that substances are banned not merely for competitive fairness but because they cause demonstrable physical harm. He expressed concern that athletes seeking “quick glory and quick money” often overlook the long-term health consequences of doping.

    The Enhanced Games has drawn opposition from major sporting bodies, with World Athletics and World Aquatics publicly condemning the concept. World Aquatics has enacted a 2025 bylaw banning participants in such events from its competitions. The JAAA president declined to comment on Wallace’s participation despite requests from media outlets.

    Wallace joins American sprinters Fred Kerley and Marvin Bracey-Williams, along with Britain’s Reece Prescod, in committing to the controversial competition that challenges fundamental principles of athletic integrity and safety.

  • QPCC I, Magnolia win men, women’s Ventures Hockey crowns

    QPCC I, Magnolia win men, women’s Ventures Hockey crowns

    The Woodbrook Youth Facility witnessed thrilling conclusions to the Ventures International Indoor Hockey tournament on January 11th, with Queen’s Park Cricket Club I (QPCC I) and Magnolia emerging victorious in the men’s and women’s senior divisions respectively.

    In the men’s championship showdown, QPCC I delivered a commanding performance against TT Defence Force, securing a decisive 5-1 victory. Captain Jordan Vieira showcased exceptional leadership and skill, contributing four goals to his team’s triumph. The first half saw QPCC I establish overwhelming dominance with Vieira netting three goals and Evan Farrell adding another, creating an insurmountable 4-0 lead by halftime. Though Defence Force managed to score through Tarrell Singh in the second period, Vieira’s additional goal ensured QPCC I maintained control throughout the match.

    The bronze medal in the men’s competition went to TT Police Service, who staged an impressive comeback against Malvern after initially trailing 1-2. The police squad demonstrated remarkable resilience with goals from Caleb Guiseppi, Jordan Reynos, Che Modeste, and Dwain Quan Chan, ultimately prevailing 5-2.

    Meanwhile, the women’s final provided equal drama as Magnolia clinched the 2026 title with a narrow 2-1 victory over Paragon. Savannah De Freitas opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by Robyn Dash extending the lead in the 22nd minute. Paragon captain Alanna Lewis managed to reduce the deficit just two minutes later, but her team couldn’t find the equalizer despite persistent efforts. The Police women’s team secured third place with a 4-2 win over GT Vibez, powered by Abosaide Cadogan’s impressive hat-trick and additional support from Kyona Sampson.

    The tournament also featured competitive action in the mixed veterans division, where Police claimed championship honors with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over QPCC. The match required extra time after ending regulation deadlocked at 2-2, with Wayne Legerton emerging as the hero by scoring the dramatic winner to complete his hat-trick and seal the championship for Police.

  • High Court clears cycling federation to host January 17 Pan Am trials

    High Court clears cycling federation to host January 17 Pan Am trials

    In a significant legal victory for national sports governance, the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) has received judicial authorization to conduct its scheduled selection trials for the 2026 Pan American Track Cycling Championships. The High Court’s ruling, delivered on January 13 by Justice Westmin James, rejected an emergency injunction application that sought to halt the trials scheduled for January 17.

    The legal challenge was initiated by Just Living Daily Cycling Academy, Heatwave Cycling Club, and elite cyclists Njisane Phillip, Alexi Costa-Ramirez, and Makaira Wallace. The claimants argued that the January trial timing violated the TTCF’s selection policy requiring trials to be held at least 12 weeks before championships, potentially disadvantaging foreign-based athletes. They further alleged breach of contract, negligence, abuse of power, and breach of legitimate expectation.

    Justice James determined that the legal threshold for interim relief had not been satisfied, noting that the claimants’ case appeared relatively weak at this preliminary stage. The judge emphasized that granting an injunction would effectively override democratic decisions made by the federation’s council, which had twice voted to proceed with the January trial schedule.

    Critical to the court’s decision was the timing of the legal challenge. Justice James noted that the January trial decision had been known since at least September 2025, yet the application was filed mere days before the scheduled trials. The judge found this delay significant and noted the claimants had provided no satisfactory explanation for their tardiness in seeking relief.

    The court also identified material non-disclosure issues, noting that claimants had failed to reveal their participation in earlier planning and emergency meetings regarding the trial schedule. Justice James further ruled that financial damages would constitute adequate remedy should the claimants ultimately prevail in their case, as any losses from non-selection or missed opportunities could be compensated monetarily.

    TTCF president Rowena Williams welcomed the ruling, stating it provides clarity and reassurance for all stakeholders. The federation emphasized its commitment to conducting fair, transparent, and well-managed trials that serve the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling community.

  • Saint Lucian athletes set school, national records in US track

    Saint Lucian athletes set school, national records in US track

    Saint Lucian athletes delivered exceptional performances across multiple US collegiate track and field events over the weekend, with two competitors establishing new school records and one setting a national milestone. The remarkable achievements highlight the growing prominence of Caribbean athletes in collegiate sports.

    Eighteen-year-old Naya Jules made an impressive debut for Garden City Community College in Kansas by clearing 3.05 meters in the women’s pole vault. This performance not only set a new school record but also established a fresh Saint Lucia national record. The Babonneau native had previously set a CARIFTA and national record of 3.00 meters at Hasely Crawford Stadium in 2025. Competing at the Friends First Chance Qualifier in Wichita, Jules placed ninth overall in pole vault while also participating in the 60m hurdles, finishing 17th with a time of 10.93 seconds.

    Meanwhile, 24-year-old Carl Drakes continued his successful season with Coppin State University Eagles at the VCU Indoor Invitational. Drakes achieved a narrow second-place finish in the men’s 300m with a school-record time of 33.88 seconds. He additionally placed fourth in the 60m event, clocking 6.70 seconds, just shy of his personal best.

    Other Saint Lucian athletes demonstrated strong performances across various competitions. Asa Francis secured fourth place in the men’s 400m (49.01) and eleventh in the mile (4:29.60) at VCU, following his December achievement of lowering his 1000m national record to 2:28.66. Eighteen-year-old Jasmine Stiede made an encouraging indoor debut for Wichita State Shockers, finishing third in the women’s 800m with a time of 2:25.68.

    At the Lewis vs Purdue Northwest meet in Illinois, freshman Cagini Pilgrim and senior Tyler Toussaint excelled in the men’s 55m, placing first (6.45) and third (6.51) respectively. Additional notable performances included Miguel Charlery’s fifth-place finish in the men’s 60m (6.93) at the West Point Open and Nebia Montrope’s indoor 800m debut for Essex Community College, where she finished 14th with a time of 2:34.25.

  • DAA and Niagra Water partner to hydrate Dominican athletes

    DAA and Niagra Water partner to hydrate Dominican athletes

    In a significant boost for Caribbean athletics, the Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) has unveiled a comprehensive sponsorship agreement with Niagara Water, locally distributed by J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. This alliance marks a pivotal advancement in sports infrastructure development, directly addressing the critical hydration requirements of athletes across the island nation.

    The multi-faceted partnership designates Niagara Water as the Official Hydration Partner for all DAA-sanctioned events. The collaboration will ensure a consistent supply of premium bottled water to competitors, coaching staff, event officials, and volunteers throughout the competitive season. Beyond mere product provision, the initiative embodies a shared vision for elevating athletic performance standards and supporting holistic competitor development.

    DAA President Brendan Williams emphasized the transformative potential of this alliance: “This partnership represents far more than hydration support—it’s a substantial investment in the future of Dominican athletics. By guaranteeing optimal hydration conditions, we’re directly contributing to athlete safety, performance excellence, and long-term career sustainability. We deeply appreciate Niagara Water and J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. for their demonstrated commitment to sporting excellence and youth development.”

    The sponsorship framework encompasses extensive brand visibility opportunities during approximately 15 annual national events, including track and field competitions, road racing events, youth athletics initiatives, and professional development workshops. Niagara Water will receive prominent placement across digital platforms, event signage, and promotional materials while gaining direct engagement access to athletes and spectators.

    This corporate sponsorship reinforces the DAA’s impressive track record of cultivating world-class athletic talent, including Olympic champion Thea LaFond, CARIFTA Games gold medalist Addison James, and Pan American Junior Games champion Treneese Hamilton. J. Astaphans & Co. Ltd. expressed particular enthusiasm for supporting athletic excellence as a cornerstone of youth development, community health, and national pride.

    The partnership signifies growing corporate recognition of athletics’ vital role in Dominican society and represents a practical manifestation of corporate social responsibility toward sports development and community wellbeing.