Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Unit Trust renews commitment to youth with Jabloteh partnership

    Unit Trust renews commitment to youth with Jabloteh partnership

    The Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has solidified its continued commitment to youth empowerment in Trinidad and Tobago through the renewal of its strategic partnership with San Juan Jabloteh Sports Club. This collaboration represents a comprehensive approach to developing young athletes beyond their sporting capabilities, integrating financial literacy education with athletic training and character development.

    During a formal ceremony marking the partnership extension, UTC was represented by executive director Nigel Edwards, chief sales and marketing officer Deyson Scott, and head of marketing Hema Ramkissoon. The San Juan Jabloteh delegation included club chairman Nirad Tewarie and general manager Phillip Fraser.

    Edwards emphasized the strategic nature of the initiative, stating: “Our objective extends beyond athletic development to encompass financial empowerment. We aim to provide these young sportspeople with the essential knowledge to transform their on-field achievements into lifelong financial security, thereby building stable futures for themselves and their communities.”

    The partnership features an innovative mentorship program that connects aspiring athletes with UTC professionals across various departments including finance, technology, and customer service. This exposure to real-world professional environments complements their academic pursuits and athletic training, preparing them for multifaceted success.

    San Juan Jabloteh, renowned for its youth development infrastructure, offers extensive training and guidance programs that channel young talent toward positive engagement opportunities. Chairman Tewarie acknowledged the significance of UTC’s support, particularly following the club’s hiatus from the TT Professional Football League.

    “UTC’s commitment provides crucial stability for our athletic development programs while strengthening community connections,” Tewarie noted. “The financial literacy workshops represent the most valuable component of this holistic model, ensuring our members emerge as well-prepared adults equipped with tools for long-term stability.”

    The renewed collaboration will maintain financial education sessions for athletes and their families, synchronizing UTC’s wealth creation mission with Jabloteh’s objective of cultivating capable, well-rounded individuals. This initiative aligns with UTC’s broader financial literacy campaign that has reached approximately 2,000 citizens through 80 workshops across public and private sectors this year, including partnerships with Trinbago Knight Riders, Nicky P Batting Academy, and SporTT’s elite athlete program.

  • Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts convened a strategic meeting with national women’s cricket team captain Karishma Ramharack on December 11. The high-level discussion, attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary Penelope Bradshaw-Niles and Ramharack’s sister Mariah (a prominent broadcaster), focused on comprehensive plans to advance women’s cricket infrastructure and opportunities across the nation.

    The 30-year-old cricket standout, recently honored as TTCB’s Female International Cricketer of the Year in October, brings impressive credentials to the conversation. Ramharack led Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s squad to a silver-medal performance at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, where the team dominated the round-robin stage with four consecutive victories before falling to Jamaica in the December 7 championship match.

    According to official communications from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the dialogue centered on creating sustainable pathways for emerging female athletes, strengthening support systems, and expanding national representation opportunities. The ministry’s social media channels characterized the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to ‘elevate women’s cricket in TT’ through structural enhancements and developmental initiatives.

    Ramharack responded to the ministerial engagement through her social media platform with a succinct yet powerful statement: ‘No words…just actions. Pleasure to meet the Minister of Sports!’ This encounter marks a notable collaboration between athletic leadership and government officials aimed at transforming the future of women’s cricket in the Caribbean nation.

  • Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    The Caribbean sports world is grieving the passing of golf icon Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh, whose remarkable six-decade career profoundly shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s golf landscape. The legendary professional, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and mentorship, passed away on December 12 after an extended period of illness.

    Lutchmansingh’s incredible journey began in 1955 as a young caddy, eventually propelling him to become one of the Caribbean’s top three golfers during his competitive prime. His career reached international prominence when he competed alongside golfing royalty Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, cementing his status as a regional sporting great.

    The St Andrew’s Golf Club, where Lutchmansingh nurtured generations of golfers, commemorated his extraordinary contributions. His legendary status was built not only on tournament successes but on breathtaking creativity that became his trademark. The iconic moment that earned him the “Scorpion” nickname occurred during the 1960s Jamaica Open, where he executed an impossible chip shot by strategically banking the ball off a wall directly into the hole from an severely constrained position.

    Beyond his competitive brilliance, Lutchmansingh was recognized for his highly unorthodox yet devastatingly effective putting technique—consistently striking with the putter’s heel while elevating the toe. This unconventional method, combined with his precision and composure under pressure, made him a formidable opponent on any green.

    In his later years, Lutchmansingh extended his influence to Tobago, dedicating himself to “Let’s Learn to Golf Tobago,” a nonprofit organization established in 2021. Founder Arifa Bansal remembered him as “more than a coach—he was a mentor, friend, and guiding light whose kindness, patience, and dedication touched every life he encountered.”

    Lutchmansingh’s legacy encompasses extraordinary talent, profound humility, and lifelong dedication to nurturing future generations of golfers, leaving an indelible mark on Caribbean sports history.

  • RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    The vibrant combat sports scene in Trinidad and Tobago is set to ignite as RABZ Fight Promotions presents its annual Christmas Fight Night on December 13th. The Sound Forge venue in Mucurapo will transform into an arena of athletic excellence from 7 PM to 1 AM, featuring an electrifying combination of kickboxing and mixed martial arts competitions.

    This year’s event showcases three championship-caliber bouts following six preliminary matches that will set the stage for the evening’s main attractions. The fight card promises to deliver both technical mastery and raw power, highlighted by a historic trilogy fight that has captured local martial arts enthusiasts’ attention.

    The heavyweight division will witness a compelling international clash as Trinidad and Tobago’s own Liam Chin Choy prepares to face Cuba’s formidable Yuray Preval in the 200+ weight class championship. Meanwhile, newly-crowned featherweight champion Zachary Gonsalves returns to defend his title against determined local challenger Damani Adams in the 145-pound division.

    The most anticipated matchup of the evening features Le Shaun Moreno and Joshua James settling their rivalry in a decisive MMA welterweight trilogy bout. After splitting victories in their previous encounters, this final meeting at 170 pounds promises to deliver a conclusive chapter to their competitive saga.

    The preliminary card features six exciting matchups: Varenyam Maharaj vs Levi Salloum (165lbs), Samuel Negrin vs Emmanuel Jugmohan (190lbs), Alexi Mc Deigan vs Aaimar John (145lbs), Micah Espinet vs Tyle Neptune (130lbs), Olujimi Bradshaw vs Joshua Besson (130lbs), and Nevin Byer vs Aiden Rampaul (145lbs).

    RABZ Fight Promotions emphasizes that this event represents the pinnacle of Caribbean combat sports, bringing together elite athletes from multiple disciplines for a night of championship-level competition during the holiday season.

  • LETTER: Hope is carrying West Indies on his back

    LETTER: Hope is carrying West Indies on his back

    The West Indies cricket team is facing an existential crisis, with veteran batsman Shai Hope carrying the entire squad’s performance while surrounded by what critics describe as profoundly underperforming teammates. This alarming situation has placed immense pressure on coach Daren Sammy’s leadership amid growing calls for his dismissal.

    The team’s recent Test series defeat exposed shocking batting deficiencies, with multiple players failing to contribute meaningfully. John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Tevin Imlach, Roston Chase, and Brandon King have collectively disappointed, raising serious questions about their suitability for international cricket. Despite injuries to key bowlers, analysts note that the bowling unit has remained competitive while the batting lineup continues to deteriorate across all formats.

    Wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach’s technical prowess behind the stumps has been overshadowed by his batting inadequacies, highlighting the need for multidimensional players at the international level. The selection committee faces accusations of regional bias, with claims that only Trinidadian and Guyanese players face rigorous performance standards.

    The irony of Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s struggles becomes particularly poignant given that Australian star Steve Smith recently sought batting advice from his father, legendary West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, during the Ashes series. Meanwhile, Shai Hope’s remarkable performance despite battling an allergic reaction that impaired his vision underscores his exceptional talent and dedication.

    Critics point to comfortable player attitudes, inadequate practice regimes, and questionable coaching appointments as fundamental problems requiring immediate address. The contrast with other international teams, particularly South Africa’s recent resurgence across formats, highlights the West Indies’ systemic failures. The media team’s strategy of highlighting individual performances to mask collective shortcomings has drawn particular ire from commentators and fans alike.

    Calls grow for strategic selections based on merit rather than reputation, with players like Amir Jangoo, Khary Pierre, and Kevlon Anderson mentioned as potential solutions to revitalize the struggling squad.

  • Nominees For 2025 National Sports Awards – Ratified

    Nominees For 2025 National Sports Awards – Ratified

    The Ministry of Sports of Antigua and Barbuda has officially ratified the complete list of distinguished nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 National Sports Awards. Following an extensive and meticulous vetting process, the nominees have been confirmed across eight competitive categories, setting the stage for a grand recognition ceremony scheduled for March 1st, 2025. This premier event will honor the nation’s most exceptional athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators for their outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements in the sporting arena.

    The selection process for the awards is both rigorous and transparent. An esteemed panel of judges will evaluate the nominees based primarily on their documented success in regional and international competitions over the past year. The sporting associations representing each athlete are responsible for submitting detailed performance records, the accuracy of which is subsequently verified through independent research to ensure the highest standards of integrity and fairness.

    Among the top contenders, the Senior Sportsman of the Year category features a stellar lineup including cricketer Alzarri Joseph (Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association), footballer Shahoi Dorsett (Football Association), and athlete Christopher B. Johnson (Athletics Association). The Senior Sportswoman of the Year nominees are equally impressive, showcasing talent from sprinter Joella Kenjel Lloyd (Athletics Association) to netball player Erverdine Parker-Barnade (Netball Association).

    The awards also celebrate the future of national sports through the Junior Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year categories, alongside specialized honors for Coaches, Officials, and Administrators who form the backbone of the sporting community. A special Lifetime Achievement award will recognize the enduring legacy of veterans like Neil Lloyd (Cricket) and Joseph H. Meade (Bodybuilding & Weightlifting).

    The Ministry has publicly released the full nominee list to promote transparency and facilitate media coverage, extending its congratulations to all nominees for their exemplary dedication and prowess. The nation now eagerly awaits the March ceremony where the winners will be unveiled, celebrating the very best of Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting excellence.

  • Puntacana Resort announces launch of “Padel Week”

    Puntacana Resort announces launch of “Padel Week”

    PUNTA CANA – The prestigious Puntacana Resort is poised to become the epicenter of international padel as it prepares to host an exclusive Padel Week from December 16 to 21. The world-class Oscar de la Renta Tennis Center, in a strategic partnership with LUX Tennis, will stage the high-profile event featuring two of the sport’s renowned figures: Coki Nieto, currently ranked 7th globally, and Alfonso Sánchez, holding the world No. 171 position.

    The week’s itinerary is designed to offer an immersive experience, commencing with premium training clinics. Participants will have the rare opportunity to engage in intensive group practice sessions directly with the professionals. These exclusive clinics, capped at just three players per session to ensure personalized coaching, are scheduled on alternating days. Training sessions with Alfonso Sánchez will be conducted on December 16 and 18, while clinics led by Coki Nieto are set for December 17 and 19.

    The competitive highlight of the week, a professionally organized tournament, is slated to run from December 18 through December 21. The sporting competition will reach its climax with an official awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on the final day, celebrating the champions. Immediately following the ceremony, spectators will be treated to a spectacular exhibition match. Nieto and Sánchez will join forces to face a formidable duo consisting of the head coach from LUX Padel and a distinguished local player, showcasing elite-level play.

    Padel Week will conclude on a celebratory note with a dedicated meet-and-greet event. Scheduled from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 21st, this session provides attendees and participants with direct access to the athletes for autographs, photographs, and personal interaction, creating memorable moments to cap off the prestigious sporting gathering.

  • Equal Opportunities and Equal Pay for Women Footballers

    Equal Opportunities and Equal Pay for Women Footballers

    Belize has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate women’s football through a comprehensive four-year strategic plan unveiled by the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). This groundbreaking initiative, developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders, aims to address historical disparities and create equal opportunities for female athletes nationwide.

    The strategic framework, formally presented by FFB President Sergio Chuc, represents a significant shift from fragmented approaches to a structured development pathway. The plan’s foundation rests on five critical pillars: grassroots and youth development, league and national team enhancement, capacity building for technical staff, promotion and visibility campaigns, and infrastructure modernization.

    Technical Director Philip Marin emphasized the comprehensive nature of the consultations, which engaged management teams, senior national team players, and football congress members. This collaborative approach ensured the strategy addressed systemic weaknesses while building sustainable development pipelines for future generations.

    The initiative receives substantial backing from FIFA, which provides guidance and access to thirteen specialized development programs for women’s football. Lorena Soto, FIFA’s Women’s Development Consultant, confirmed Belize’s eligibility for these resources, noting that the strategy’s adoption unlocks crucial funding and technical support mechanisms.

    A pressing issue addressed during the launch was equitable compensation for female athletes. President Chuc acknowledged the financial challenges, revealing that while female programs receive significantly less funding from confederations compared to male counterparts (approximately $25,000 versus $125,000), Belize has implemented equal payment structures for training sessions and travel accommodations over the past two years.

    This strategic overhaul positions Belize to enhance competitiveness in regional tournaments while attracting more young girls to the sport. With FIFA’s ongoing support and growing international momentum for gender equality in football, Belize’s women footballers stand at the threshold of unprecedented development and recognition.

  • “Let Her Play”: It’s Her Turn Now

    “Let Her Play”: It’s Her Turn Now

    The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has unveiled a groundbreaking four-year strategic initiative designed to fundamentally transform the landscape of women’s football within the Central American nation. Dubbed “Let Her Play,” the comprehensive 2026-2029 roadmap establishes an ambitious objective: to elevate Belize into a competitive international contender and ultimately secure qualification for a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

    This transformative strategy is structured around five foundational pillars encompassing all developmental aspects—from grassroots participation in educational institutions to substantial infrastructure enhancements. A primary quantitative target involves significantly improving the senior women’s national team’s current FIFA ranking of 171st globally.

    FFB President Sergio Chuc emphasized the alignment with FIFA’s worldwide vision for women’s football expansion: “Our strategic ambition ensures every female across Belize gains access to safe, organized, and competitive football pathways, fundamentally reshaping opportunities for future generations.”

    The federation has committed to implementing concrete measures including establishing dedicated youth academies, launching women’s futsal and beach soccer leagues, plus expanding educational programs for female coaches and match officials. Technical Director Philip Marin notably declared: “Women’s football in Belize has transitioned from future potential to present reality.”

    Crucially, the blueprint addresses systemic challenges through dedicated pillars focusing on media visibility and sustainable financing. Objectives include securing national television coverage for women’s matches and attracting significant corporate sponsorship. The infrastructure development component promises gender-inclusive facilities, high-performance training environments, regional academy networks, quality playing surfaces, and comprehensive medical support systems to overcome existing resource constraints.

    Women’s Executive Jacqueline Pelayo highlighted the cultural transformation at the plan’s core: “Beyond structural policies and strategic pillars, this initiative embodies a deeper purpose—to fundamentally shift societal perceptions surrounding women’s football, open previously closed doors, and create inclusive spaces for female athletes to thrive.”

  • Van Lelydorp naar Recife

    Van Lelydorp naar Recife

    Dimitri ‘Dimi’ Amatjasir, a promising 15-year-old football talent from Suriname, has recently completed an intensive training period with Brazilian professional club Paysandu’s U-15 squad in Belém. The young athlete, who currently plays for Transvaal U-16 and the Surinamese national U-15 team, spent September training with the Brazilian club following a successful CONCACAF tournament in Curaçao.

    The opportunity arose through connections maintained by Dimi’s father, who formally requested the training stint with Paysandu. Under the guidance of experienced former professional players—all certified coaches through the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)—Dimi underwent daily sessions that significantly exceeded the intensity of his regular training regimen in Suriname. After an initial adaptation period, he successfully maintained the demanding pace.

    Dimi’s performance so impressed Paysandu’s coaching staff that the club extended an invitation for him to continue training beyond the holiday period and participate as a guest player in Brazil’s premier U-15 tournament, the Aldeia International Cup. Held from December 1-7 in Recife’s state-of-the-art sports complex, the competition featured major Brazilian clubs including Santos, Palmeiras, and Vasco da Gama.

    Critical to this opportunity was the coordination between Paysandu, Dimi’s school (Johannes Vrolijk Muloschool II in Lelydorp), and Suriname’s Ministry of Education. The club provided formal written requests to both institutions, ensuring arrangements were made for Dimi to continue his academic studies remotely while prioritizing his mulodiploma. His local club, Transvaal, also supported his temporary departure.

    Returning to Brazil in late October, Dimi made his first appearance for Paysandu at the COP 30 U-15 tournament in Belém, where he scored his inaugural goal for the club. The entire experience—from training at Brazil’s highest youth level to the tournament’s organization and atmosphere—provided him with profound learning opportunities and unforgettable memories.

    The article highlights how Suriname’s national team has recently galvanized public interest in football, creating unprecedented demand for match tickets. However, maintaining this enthusiasm requires developing youth players through intensive, modern training methods. While many talented players like Dimi exist within Suriname, few receive opportunities for international development.

    Given proximity, cost considerations, cultural factors, and existing bilateral relations, Brazil presents an ideal destination for nurturing Surinamese football talent. Well-trained players could enhance the appeal of domestic leagues and potentially strengthen the national team. The author calls upon the Surinamese Football Association, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish structured programs for youth player development abroad, extending opportunities to both players and coaches.

    Following his Brazilian experience, Dimi has been selected for Suriname’s U-17 national team, which will compete in February 2026 qualifiers for the following year’s U-17 World Cup. Expectations are high that his international exposure will significantly enhance his performance at both club and national levels.