分类: sports

  • Bay Bay Cup to kick off this weekend

    Bay Bay Cup to kick off this weekend

    The northern community of Saint Lucia is set for a football revival as the 2026 Kenson Casimir Bay Bay Cup tournament launches with eight competing teams vying for both the championship title and a substantial $10,000 cash prize pool. The competition commences on January 25 at Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, marking a significant effort to strengthen grassroots football development and build a more competitive district team.

    Officially unveiled on January 20 at the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre, the tournament’s launch ceremony saw the attendance of Member of Parliament and Minister of Education, Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation Kenson Casimir, alongside sponsor representatives, players, coaches, and team administrators. The event featured Casimir ceremonially hoisting the championship cup, signaling the start of the anticipated competition.

    Organized under the governance of the Gros Islet Football League, the Bay Bay Cup serves as crucial preparation for teams anticipating participation in the third edition of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League scheduled for June. The tournament field includes notable squads such as reigning national club champions GMC United, defending Bay Cup holders Northern United, warmup soccerama winners Monchy United, and Gros Islet Veterans—the latter featuring Trinidad & Tobago international and Saint Lucia men’s head coach Stern John.

    Following the official draw conducted on January 20, Group A placements were awarded to GMC United, Dominators FC, Gros Islet Youth, and invitational team New Generation FC from Babonneau. Group B competitors include Northern United, Monchy United, Veterans, and Police teams.

    Matches will be hosted across multiple venues including Francis Baba Lastic Grounds, Corinth Playing Field, and Grande Riviere Playing Field. Minister Casimir has additionally expressed intentions to prepare Monchy Playing Field as a fourth venue for the 2027 competition. Game schedules are set for Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring double fixtures each evening.

    The 2026 tournament enjoys sponsorship support from Scott’s Sports Shop and the National Lotteries Authority, ensuring enhanced resources for participating teams and elevated competition standards.

  • West Indies surrender series with defeat in Dubai

    West Indies surrender series with defeat in Dubai

    Afghanistan secured a commanding series victory against the West Indies in their T20 cricket encounter on January 21st at Dubai International Stadium. The hosts delivered a comprehensive performance, defeating the Caribbean side by 39 runs to claim an unassailable lead in the three-match series.

    The match began with West Indies winning the toss and opting to field first. Afghanistan’s opening batsmen established a solid foundation during the powerplay, reaching 54-2. The innings gained tremendous momentum through a spectacular 115-run partnership between Darwish Rasooli and Sediqullah Atal. Atal, who received an early reprieve when dropped on 11, capitalized on the opportunity to score 53 runs. His partner Rasooli continued his excellent form, blasting 68 runs from just 39 deliveries to mark his second consecutive half-century. Afghanistan concluded their innings strongly at 189-4.

    Despite the challenging total, Barbadian bowler Matthew Forde emerged as the most effective West Indies bowler, recording impressive figures of 2-25 from his allotted overs. However, the Caribbean team’s fielding performance proved substandard, with several missed opportunities undermining their bowling efforts.

    In response, the West Indies batting lineup struggled to establish rhythm during the initial overs. A promising 68-run partnership between Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer temporarily revived hopes of a successful chase. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, led by spin sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman, dismantled the middle order with clinical precision. Rahman achieved a spectacular hat-trick during his spell, finishing with exceptional figures of 4-21 that effectively decided the contest. The defeat marks West Indies’ sixth consecutive loss at the Dubai venue, raising concerns about their performance in Asian conditions.

    The teams will conclude the series with a final match where West Indies will seek to salvage pride while Afghanistan aims for a clean sweep.

  • Windies crumble, Afghanistan seal series win

    Windies crumble, Afghanistan seal series win

    Afghanistan’s national cricket team delivered a commanding performance to secure a decisive 39-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20 International, clinching the series with one match remaining. The showdown at Dubai International Stadium saw the Afghan squad post a formidable total of 189/4 before systematically dismantling the Caribbean batting lineup, bowling them out for 150 in 18.5 overs.

    The match turned on Afghanistan’s exceptional third-wicket partnership of 115 runs between Sediqullah Atal (53 off 42 balls) and Darwish Rasooli, whose explosive 68 from 39 deliveries marked his second half-century of the series. Their collaboration propelled Afghanistan to a competitive position before Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 26 from 13 balls provided crucial late acceleration.

    West Indies’ response began disastrously, collapsing to 38/3 within the first eight overs. Captain Brandon King offered resistance with a determined 50 from 41 deliveries, supported by Shimron Hetmyer’s rapid 46 off 17 balls featuring six maximums. However, their 68-run partnership proved insufficient against Afghanistan’s varied attack. Spin maestro Mujeeb Ur Rahman emerged as the destruction chief, claiming 4/21 including King’s pivotal wicket, while Omarzai (2/20) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/28) provided effective support.

    The comprehensive defeat raises serious concerns about West Indies’ preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, particularly regarding their batting consistency and ability to chase challenging targets. Afghanistan, conversely, demonstrates growing prowess in the shortest format, with their blend of power-hitting and strategic bowling proving increasingly effective against established cricketing nations.

  • Windwards women lose fourth in a row

    Windwards women lose fourth in a row

    The Windward Islands women’s cricket team endured their fourth consecutive defeat in the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament on January 19th, suffering a seven-wicket loss to Jamaica at Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The hosts now sit at the bottom of the tournament table following their disappointing performance under the lights.

    With regular captain and West Indies allrounder Zaida James absent, stand-in skipper Jannillea Glasgow won the toss and elected to bat first. The Windwards never found their rhythm with the bat, posting a modest 99-7 from their 20 overs—their highest total yet after scoring 89-5, 79 all out, and 86-8 in previous matches. Glasgow emerged as the lone batting standout with 47 runs off 37 deliveries, including six boundaries and one maximum. Earnisha Fontaine contributed 21 runs while Ashlene Edward added 11 to the total.

    Jamaica’s chase encountered an early setback when opener Chedean Nation sustained an injury during the second over with 18 runs already on the board. Captain Rashada Williams (21) and Abigail Bryce (23) stabilized the innings with a composed partnership before experienced international star Stafanie Taylor sealed the victory with an unbeaten 28 off 32 deliveries. Jamaica reached their target of 100-3 in the 17th over, demonstrating clinical efficiency.

    Adding insult to injury, former Windward Islands player Qiana Joseph was named Player of the Match for the Leeward Islands in their concurrent 31-run victory over Barbados. Joseph excelled with both bat and ball, scoring 27 off 17 deliveries (including three fours and two sixes) and claiming 2-10 with her slow left-arm bowling.

    The Windwards will conclude their preliminary campaign against the undefeated Leeward Islands on Wednesday night, seeking to salvage pride in their final tournament appearance.

  • Internationale steun voor hervorming Surinaamse sportsector

    Internationale steun voor hervorming Surinaamse sportsector

    Suriname has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring of its sports sector following disappointing performances by national athletes in international competitions. The Caribbean nation is now partnering with Panam Sports, the overarching Pan-American sports organization, to implement systemic reforms aimed at building sustainable competitive capabilities at elite levels.

    The collaboration emerged from recent evaluations revealing Suriname’s inadequate preparedness for consistent podium performances in top-tier international events. This assessment has prompted intensified cooperation between the Surinamese Olympic Committee (SOC), the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS), and Panam Sports.

    During high-level consultations, officials addressed evaluation outcomes from 2025 that highlighted the necessity for a coherent, structural, and sustainable approach to sports development. The meeting featured Karla Alemán Cortez, Methodologist Advisory of Panam Sports, in a introductory working visit with Minister Lalinie Gopal. Also present were SOC Chairman Ramon Tjon A Fat, SOC Secretary-General Dennis MacDonald, SOC board member Kirtie Algoe, and Acting Sports Director Enrique Ralim.

    The initial concrete step involves conducting a rapid assessment examining both the condition of sports facilities nationwide and the administrative capabilities of national sports federations. Findings will culminate in a diagnostic report containing targeted recommendations for institutional strengthening and professionalization of the sports ecosystem.

    Panam Sports advocates for an integrated development model encompassing all levels—from school sports and youth development to talent identification and elite performance. Critical components include certified coaching education, structured training programs, multidisciplinary athlete support (including sports psychology and medical services), and professionally managed sports organizations.

    Surinamese officials emphasized sport’s status as a national priority, highlighting ongoing inventories of sports infrastructure and development of legislative frameworks for sports governance. The establishment of a fully-fledged sports ministry was noted as a significant step toward structural reinforcement.

    The partnership also stressed enhanced collaboration between government, sports governing bodies, and stakeholders, alongside commitments to ensure balanced gender representation in national teams. All parties expressed confidence that this joint approach will yield improved athletic performances and create a stronger foundation for Surinamese sports future.

  • Smith beats Clayton twins, Thompson third in Sweden over 60m

    Smith beats Clayton twins, Thompson third in Sweden over 60m

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess at the BAUHAUS Gala Indoor meet in Sweden on Thursday, Jamaican sprinter Jonielle Smith delivered a spectacular upset against the renowned Clayton twins. Smith, who had previously finished second to Tia Clayton just days earlier at the Fuller-Anderson meet, dominated the competition from the preliminary rounds. She initially set a new track record of 7.17 seconds in her heat, signaling her championship form.

    The highly anticipated final saw Smith elevate her performance even further, shattering her own newly established record with an exceptional time of 7.12 seconds. The Clayton twins, Tina and Tia, who received automatic qualifications to the final, found themselves unexpectedly outperformed. In an extraordinary photo-finish scenario, both twins recorded identical times of 7.14 seconds, with Tina securing second place by the narrowest margin over Tia who placed third.

    Jamaican athletes completed a remarkable podium sweep under the MVP track club banner, while Swedish competitor Julia Henriksson finished fourth with 7.31 seconds. The men’s 60m event presented another surprising outcome as Jamaica’s Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Kishane Thompson was relegated to third position. British sprinter Romell Glave captured victory with a record-setting 6.51 seconds, followed by compatriot Jeremiah Azu at 6.54 seconds, while Thompson completed the course in 6.56 seconds. Jamaica’s additional male contender, Rohan Watson, achieved seventh position with a season-best performance of 6.64 seconds.

  • UP IN THE AIR

    UP IN THE AIR

    Aston Villa has recalled Jamaican international winger Leon Bailey from his ill-fated loan spell at AS Roma, casting significant doubt on his future with the English Premier League contenders. The 28-year-old’s premature return from Italy follows a deeply disappointing stint marked by persistent injury setbacks and minimal on-field impact.

    Bailey’s Italian adventure, which began with a season-long loan agreement featuring a €22 million purchase option, culminated after just 11 appearances across all competitions. The Reggae Boyz star managed only two assists and failed to score during his time in Serie A, playing fewer than 300 total minutes since August. His campaign was derailed from the outset, having sustained an injury during his very first training session with Roma.

    Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini characterized the experience as “negative for both him and us” during a Wednesday press conference. “He got injured on the first day of training, and from there, a real ordeal began,” Gasperini explained. “It was truly a shame because he was a player we thought could add value. I believe injuries were the main factor in this decision.”

    The termination represents a surprising reversal from Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously insisted Bailey should “keep playing in Rome” despite his injury challenges. Emery declined to address the situation during Villa’s pre-match conference ahead of their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce, though speculation suggests Bailey could feature in Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle.

    With the January transfer window closing on February 2, Bailey’s long-term future remains uncertain. Reports indicate interest from multiple European clubs, including Dutch giants Ajax, Spanish surprise package Girona, Italian side Fiorentina, and Portuguese champions Benfica. Premier League club Bournemouth had previously inquired about Bailey’s availability as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo, though they subsequently secured alternative attacking reinforcement.

    Bailey, who joined Villa in 2021 and has made 144 appearances for the club, remains under contract until June 2027. His agent Craig Butler had not commented publicly at press time, with further clarity regarding the Jamaican international’s next move expected in the coming days.

  • West Indies avoid T20 series sweep against Afghanistan

    West Indies avoid T20 series sweep against Afghanistan

    In a dramatic turnaround at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on January 22, the West Indies cricket team secured a hard-fought 15-run victory against Afghanistan in the third T20 international, preventing a series whitewash despite Afghanistan’s 2-1 series triumph.

    The match served as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on February 7 across venues in India and Sri Lanka.

    Stand-in captain Brandon King demonstrated significantly improved form at the crease, anchoring the West Indies innings with a composed 47 runs from 35 deliveries, featuring two boundaries and three maximums. The middle-order contribution came from Matthew Forde, whose explosive 27 off just 11 balls provided vital momentum. However, the Caribbean side struggled to build substantial partnerships, ultimately posting 151/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

    Afghanistan’s bowling attack was spearheaded by the exceptional Rashid Khan, who delivered a masterclass in T20 bowling with remarkable figures of 2/13 from his four overs. He received capable support from Abdollah Ahmadzai (2/30) and Ziaur Rahman (2/45), who maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings.

    In response, Afghanistan appeared poised for victory following a formidable 72-run opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Despite Gurbaz’s magnificent 71 from 58 deliveries, the middle order collapsed spectacularly against the disciplined West Indian bowling attack.

    The match turned decisively in favor of the West Indies through the outstanding performance of pace bowler Shamar Springer, who recorded career-best figures of 4/20 in his four overs. The 2016 Under-19 World Cup champion complemented his bowling with two crucial catches, demonstrating all-round fielding excellence. Supporting contributions came from Forde, Khary Pierre, and Ramon Simmonds, each claiming one wicket to restrict Afghanistan to 136/8.

    The West Indies squad competed without several key players including regular captain Shai Hope, spinner Akeal Hosein, power hitter Rovman Powell, and all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who were either rested or unavailable for selection.

  • ‘Safe Passage’ leads 62nd Port Antonio Marlin Tourney, 4 marlin released

    ‘Safe Passage’ leads 62nd Port Antonio Marlin Tourney, 4 marlin released

    PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica — The historic 62nd edition of the Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament launched on Thursday, marking a vibrant start to this prestigious angling competition. Based at the Ole Marina, the event witnessed the successful release of four blue marlin on its inaugural day, signaling a promising beginning for the rescheduled tournament.

    A fleet of eight vessels set out into the waters, with the team aboard ‘Safe Passage’ establishing an early dominance. Anglers Dominic Gordon, Christopher Berry, and Samuel Millington collectively contributed to three of the day’s releases, securing their boat’s position at the top of the initial leaderboard.

    The fourth marlin of the day was credited to female angler Andrea Cowan, who achieved the catch from the vessel ‘Integrity’, highlighting a diverse and skilled field of participants.

    The competition, originally slated for October 2025, was proactively rescheduled to its current date of January 22. The tournament is set to continue with fishing operations commencing at 7:00 am on Friday and concluding at 5:00 pm, as teams vie for the championship title in one of the Caribbean’s most renowned sporting events.

  • Treasure Beach rally to beat Harbour View

    Treasure Beach rally to beat Harbour View

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a stunning reversal of fortune that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in Jamaican football history, Treasure Beach FC engineered a spectacular second-half recovery to defeat Harbour View 4-3 in their Jamaica Premier League encounter on Thursday. The match, staged at Harbour View’s home ground, witnessed an unprecedented turnaround after the hosts established what appeared to be an insurmountable three-goal advantage by halftime.

    Harbour View’s dominance in the opening half was unmistakable, with Omar Thompson initiating the scoring in the fourth minute. Trayvone Reid extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, followed by Rohan Brown’s ninth seasonal goal during added time, solidifying what seemed certain victory.

    The narrative shifted dramatically in the second half as Treasure Beach mounted an extraordinary resurgence. Chandol Anderson ignited the comeback with a 55th-minute penalty conversion, followed by Daniel Hardy narrowing the deficit to a single goal by the 65th minute. An own goal committed by Harbour View in the 83rd minute leveled the scoreline, setting the stage for Omari Brown’s decisive 86th-minute winner that completed the historic turnaround.

    This victory marks Treasure Beach’s second win in three matches, propelling them to 12th position with 18 points while demoting Harbour View to 13th place with 15 points. The result carries significant implications for both clubs’ relegation prospects as the season progresses.

    In concurrent Thursday fixtures, Mount Pleasant FA secured fourth position with 27 points after defeating Arnett Gardens 1-0 through Raheem Edwards’ first-half penalty conversion. Waterhouse climbed to ninth place following Denardo Thomas’ 17th-minute strike against Chapelton Maroons, while Portmore United and Molynes United settled for a 1-1 draw after Peter McGregor’s late equalizer canceled out Nicholas Nelson’s fourth goal in two matches. Racing United remained five points behind Montego Bay United after a scoreless draw with Tivoli Gardens.