Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Redevelopment work for National Stadium to commence July 2027

    Redevelopment work for National Stadium to commence July 2027

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive redevelopment plan for Jamaica’s National Stadium has been officially announced, with construction scheduled to commence in July 2027. Sports Minister Olivia Grange revealed the ambitious project during a press conference organized by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) this Wednesday.

    The extensive renovation will significantly enhance the stadium’s capacity and facilities. According to Minister Grange, the project will add approximately 10,000 new seats, bringing total concert capacity to nearly 50,000 spectators. The design incorporates multiple new stands at varying elevations, with most areas receiving coverage under an expansive sweeping roof structure.

    Notably, the historic grandstand will retain its original architectural integrity as it holds heritage status. Minister Grange emphasized that the iconic overhanging arch structure, which remains structurally sound since its initial construction, will be preserved unchanged due to its protected heritage designation.

    During the construction phase, Stadium East will undergo refurbishment to serve as a temporary venue for smaller events typically hosted at the National Stadium. The upgraded facility will also provide enhanced warm-up areas for athletes, officials, and improved amenities for patrons.

    The redevelopment will introduce state-of-the-art facilities including modernized changing rooms, dedicated medical areas for both athletes and spectators, specialized anti-doping testing facilities, concession areas, restrooms, throwing areas, and a new running track. This comprehensive upgrade aims to position Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure at international standards while preserving its historical significance.

  • Marabella Mile returns with relays, expanded age groups, equal prize money

    Marabella Mile returns with relays, expanded age groups, equal prize money

    The historic Marabella Mile returns for its 2026 edition with significant enhancements, transforming into the Marabella Mile and Relay Festival with expanded categories and increased financial rewards for athletes. Scheduled for January 18 from 2 PM, the event marks a crucial early-season competition on Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic calendar.

    San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris and Sports Committee Chairman Daniel Dookie joined National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA TT) president Ephraim Serrette in endorsing the event’s expansion during its official launch at San Fernando City Hall on January 6. The festival now incorporates relay competitions alongside the traditional one-mile race while extending age-group categories and implementing equal prize money for male and female competitors across all divisions.

    The prize structure demonstrates substantial investment in athlete development. Top-tier mile race winners will receive $1,200, with descending awards of $900, $700, $500, $400, and $300 for subsequent placements. Youth categories (U15, U17, U20) offer $300, $200, and $100 prizes, while masters divisions have been expanded to include 40-49, 50-59, and 60-plus age groups with $400, $300, and $200 rewards respectively.

    Mayor Parris emphasized the event’s alignment with the city’s developmental policies, stating: ‘We continue on the trajectory of our developmental policy as a city where we contribute towards sports, tourism, culture, arts, and education.’ He specifically acknowledged TECU Credit Union’s sponsorship role in reviving the staple event after its successful 2025 return.

    NAAA TT president Serrette recognized the event’s importance in launching the competitive season, noting: ‘We commend TECU for this initiative. There are many road events on the calendar, and we are pleased to see the TECU Marabella Mile included.’

    Elite athletes including national distance-runner Nicholas Romany and rising sensation Aniqah Bailey endorsed the event’s competitive value as an early-season benchmark. Romany observed that ‘sports are evolving and bringing people together,’ while double World Championships medalist Machel Cedenio praised the inclusion of relay events.

    The masters community welcomed the expanded categories, with National Masters Association president Sheldon Mason promising strong participation: ‘Masters is in full support of the Marabella Mile and we will come out in our numbers.’

    Boxer Tianna Guy, who attended the launch, confirmed her participation, noting that ‘running is part of boxing preparation. Initiatives like this support athlete development and promote health and well-being.’

    TECU Credit Union president Sandra Matthews-Noel reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth development and gender equality, highlighting equal prize money as a fundamental principle. The sponsorship coincides with TECU’s 80th anniversary of operations, adding significance to their community investment.

  • Treasure Beach and Dunbeholden seek elusive win

    Treasure Beach and Dunbeholden seek elusive win

    A pivotal rescheduled Jamaica Premier League fixture is set to unfold on Wednesday at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex, where Treasure Beach FC will square off against Dunbeholden FC in a 3:00 pm kickoff. This encounter, originally slated for November 12th, was postponed due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated additional recovery and preparation time for the Treasure Beach community.

    The match carries significant weight in the league’s tightly contested standings. A mere four points separate sixth from twelfth place, meaning a victory for either side promises a substantial climb up the table. Dunbeholden FC currently occupies 11th place with 14 points from 11 matches, while Treasure Beach sits just below with 12 points from 12 games played. This will be their first meeting since the previous season, which saw both encounters conclude in draws.

    Dunbeholden enters the match with a record of resilience in recent outings, suffering only one defeat in their last eight games. However, a pronounced offensive struggle has been their Achilles’ heel, managing a mere three goals during that span with an astonishing five matches ending in goalless stalemates. The team from St Catherine has netted only five goals all season.

    Conversely, Treasure Beach looks to halt a three-game losing streak, with each defeat coming by a narrow one-goal margin. A significant boost is anticipated for the squad, which is expected to welcome back several players after fielding a depleted roster of only 15 members in their recent 1-2 loss to Montego Bay United. Both clubs will be fiercely competing for a win that would provide crucial momentum and elevate their position in the league hierarchy.

  • Grenada friendly for Reggae Boyz

    Grenada friendly for Reggae Boyz

    In a strategic move to bolster player development, Jamaica’s national football team is set to clash with Grenada in an international friendly match on January 18th at St. George’s. With the fixture scheduled outside FIFA’s official international window, interim head coach Rudolph Speid has assembled a 24-player training squad predominantly featuring domestic talents and North American-based professionals, as many regular starters remain committed to club obligations.

    Coach Speid clarified that while this encounter aligns with the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) enduring commitment to nurturing local talent, it does not directly form part of the preparatory agenda for March’s critical FIFA Intercontinental play-offs in Mexico. The Reggae Boyz are slated to confront New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with victorious progression potentially securing a showdown against DR Congo for a coveted spot in this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals.

    Nevertheless, Speid emphasized the match’s significance as a proving ground for athletes aspiring to secure positions in the upcoming Mexico training camp. “We’ve consistently organized this developmental fixture over the past three to four years,” Speid stated during a Wednesday press briefing. “Our involvement in World Cup qualifiers hasn’t altered that tradition. However, the stakes are undoubtedly elevated now, as exceptional performances could earn players consideration for playoff squad selection.”

    The current training initiative commenced on Wednesday and will conclude Friday, followed by another intensive session next week preceding the team’s departure. The definitive roster for the Grenada encounter will be finalized thereafter.

    Speid highlighted the match’s particular importance for homegrown players seeking international experience. Simultaneously, the JFF is actively negotiating additional friendly matches in February to optimize preparations for the Intercontinental play-offs. The interim coach revealed ambitions to compose a 60-player squad for next month’s training camp, having already identified 52 candidates while continuing scouting operations to complete the remaining eight positions.

    Squad Composition for Grenada Friendly:

    Goalkeepers: Kemar Foster (Mount Pleasant), Tafari Chambers (Mount Pleasant), Daniel Russell (Portmore United)

    Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Javain Brown (Real Salt Lake), Damion Lowe (Houston Dynamo), Ronaldo Webster (Shkendija), Stephen Young (Portmore United), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Mount Pleasant), Robino Gordon (Phoenix Chapelton)

    Midfielders: Adrian Reid Jr (Cavalier), Shamar Watson (Cavalier), Dwayne Atkinson (Rhode Island), Andre Lewis (Spokane Velocity), Tyreek Magee (Mount Pleasant), Jahshaun Anglin (Mount Pleasant), Jaheim Thomas (Arnett Gardens), Nickyle Ellis (Racing FC)

    Forwards: Romario Williams (Indy Eleven), Trayvon Reid (Harbour View), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant), Jourdain Fletcher (Montego Bay United), Warner Brown (Mount Pleasant)

  • Dwayne Bravo insists he was forced out of Windies Test team

    Dwayne Bravo insists he was forced out of Windies Test team

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a startling revelation on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, legendary West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has disclosed that his departure from Test cricket nearly eleven years ago was not voluntary but orchestrated by then-head coach Otis Gibson.

    The 42-year-old cricket icon, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Twenty20 specialists in history, asserted that despite his explicit desire to continue representing the West Indies in Test matches, team management and selectors deliberately phased him out of the longest format. Bravo emphasized that then-captain Darren Sammy held minimal influence over selection decisions during this transitional period.

    ‘Contrary to popular belief, I never personally decided to retire from Test cricket,’ Bravo stated unequivocally. ‘The truth is they decided to move on from me. I always tell Gibbo it was him, the selectors, and the board’s decision – that’s the God honest truth.’

    During his distinguished Test career, Bravo compiled impressive statistics across 40 matches: accumulating 2,200 runs with three centuries and thirteen half-centuries at an average of 31.42, while also claiming 86 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.

    The Trinidadian cricketer described how selectors persistently categorized him as a limited-overs specialist despite his repeated declarations of commitment to Test cricket. After being omitted from the Test squad for five consecutive years, Bravo formally announced his retirement from the format.

    Reflecting philosophically, Bravo acknowledged that his premature Test exit paradoxically catalyzed his extraordinary success in global T20 leagues. ‘While my Test career was cut short and I lost there, I gained elsewhere,’ he conceded. ‘Had I continued playing more Test matches, I would not have built the T20 career that now defines my legacy.’

  • World Athletics reviewing Jamaica’s concerns over athlete poaching — Coe

    World Athletics reviewing Jamaica’s concerns over athlete poaching — Coe

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has confirmed the organization’s national review panel is actively examining concerns regarding athlete allegiance transfers, specifically addressing Jamaica’s formal complaints about wealthier nations recruiting their elite competitors. The announcement comes amid revelations that several prominent Jamaican field athletes are seeking to represent Turkey at the 2028 Olympic Games.

    During a press conference hosted by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) on Wednesday, Coe detailed the established evaluation process implemented in 2018. “I completely altered the process, creating a national review panel that assesses whether transfer applications lack genuine foundation or reflect legitimate circumstances within our global landscape,” Coe stated. “We now maintain a very clear and formal procedure. The specific concerns raised locally are currently under the panel’s purview.”

    The athletics president acknowledged his fundamental position that athletes should ideally complete their careers representing the same nation they started with, while recognizing that exceptional circumstances occasionally justify transfers. “I have consistently maintained that the starting proposition should be that an athlete who begins their career wearing a national vest should essentially finish wearing that same vest,” Coe elaborated. “However, I understand that occasionally exceptional situations arise, reflecting the complex nature of our contemporary world.”

    The issue gained urgency following confirmation that Olympic discus throw champion Roje Stona, long jump silver medalist Wayne Pinnock, shot put bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell, and triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert are all pursuing eligibility to compete for Turkey in the upcoming 2028 Games. This development has sparked intense discussion within international athletics circles regarding competitive balance and athlete recruitment practices.

  • Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four Antiguans Depart for ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Duty

    Four promising cricketers from Antigua have been chosen to represent the West Indies in the upcoming ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The selected athletes—Matthew Miller, Jewel Andrew, Micah McKenzie, and Tanez Francis—departed the island on January 4th to begin final preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15th to February 6th.

    Their inclusion in the regional squad highlights their status among the Caribbean’s most talented young players. This selection continues Antigua and Barbuda’s distinguished cricketing heritage, a nation that has historically produced legendary West Indies players including Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Curtly Ambrose.

    The four athletes will now join the West Indies team as they prepare to compete against the world’s top junior cricketing nations. Their participation marks another significant chapter in Antigua’s contributions to regional cricket, carrying the hopes of their nation as the West Indies pursues championship glory in the prestigious international tournament.

  • Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia women cricketers beaten again in Windwards T20

    Saint Lucia’s aspirations for the Windward Islands Women’s T20 championship were decisively extinguished on Monday, February 5th, following a crushing nine-wicket defeat against Grenada. The match, held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, marked Saint Lucia’s second consecutive loss, eliminating them from title contention.

    After winning the toss and electing to bat, Saint Lucia’s innings never found its rhythm. Captain Zaida James and opening partner Ashlene Edward provided a brief glimmer of hope with a 35-run partnership. However, the innings unraveled quickly after James (10) was dismissed in the fifth over by Grenadian fast bowler Holly Charles, who immediately followed up by removing West Indies teammate Nerissa Crafton for a duck. Grenada’s captain, West Indies bowler Afy Fletcher, then claimed the wicket of Cian Felix for a single run. A struggling Saint Lucia found themselves at a precarious 51-4 at the midway point, with Skyy Smith (7) also departing.

    The batting collapse intensified in the latter stages. Edward, the lone resilient batter, was eventually dismissed for a patient 35 off 53 deliveries in the 15th over. The final five overs yielded a meager 11 runs for the loss of one more wicket, condemning Saint Lucia to a subpar total of 78-6 from their allotted 20 overs.

    In response, Grenada launched a ferocious and calculated assault on the modest target. Captain Afy Fletcher led from the front, blasting a rapid 28 from just 17 balls, an innings decorated with three boundaries and two sixes. She and opening partner Theresa Thomas (24 not out) dismantled the Saint Lucia bowling attack, racing to a 46-run opening stand in just 5.3 overs. Cassie Williams provided a quickfire 12 from 8 balls to seal the comprehensive victory, with Grenada reaching their target of 79 in a mere 7.8 overs.

    This dominant performance sets up a championship preview between Grenada and the host nation, St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), on Wednesday. SVG secured their spot after a thrilling super-over victory against Dominica in the day’s second fixture, where both teams were tied at 138 runs. Saint Lucia will now face Dominica in their final preliminary match before both teams contest the third-place playoff on Thursday.

  • Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Riley Khan Congratulated On U-17 Call-Up – Bernews

    Young football prodigy Riley Khan has received official selection to Bermuda’s Under-17 women’s national squad, marking a significant milestone in her developing career. The talented athlete will represent her nation in the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, where Bermuda faces challenging Group B opponents including Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Bonaire.

    The qualifying matches, scheduled from January 24 to February 2, will be hosted at Bermuda’s prestigious Flora Duffy Stadium. These tournaments serve as the initial competitive stage toward securing a berth in the next FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, offering young athletes like Khan an international platform to showcase their skills.

    Khan’s football development has been accelerated through her enrollment at the Benfica Residential Academy in Tampa, Florida, where she joined in March. The academy operates from the advanced facilities of Saint Leo University, providing elite training programs combined with academic excellence for students in grades 9-12.

    The academy publicly celebrated Khan’s achievement through their social media channels, stating: “Our very own Riley Khan has been called into the Bermuda national team to play the 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers.” This recognition highlights both Khan’s individual talent and the academy’s success in developing competitive athletes capable of performing at international levels.

  • Felician-Moses scores at Royhil Seals Water Polo awards

    Felician-Moses scores at Royhil Seals Water Polo awards

    Emerging water polo sensation Giovanni Felician-Moses dominated the spotlight at Royhil Seals Water Polo Club’s Annual Awards Dinner, held on January 3, 2025, at St Mary’s College Hall. The young athlete secured an impressive trio of prestigious accolades, underscoring his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

    Felician-Moses claimed the Most Valuable Player award in the Under-14 male category, marking his second consecutive year receiving the Rising Seal award—an honor reserved for the most promising Under-14 player. Most notably, he captured the club’s highest distinction: Player of the Year, recognizing athletes who exemplify technical excellence, tactical intelligence, discipline, and continuous improvement.

    The prodigious goalkeeper’s remarkable 2025 campaign included international competitions where he represented Royhil Seals with distinction. In February, he competed at the South Florida International Water Polo tournament and later at the CAA Water Polo tournament in Curaçao, where his team secured gold in the Under-14 mixed category. Felician-Moses additionally earned top goalkeeper honors in the Under-16 male division at the same event.

    As a fourth-form student at Fatima College, he led his school to gold medal victories in both Under-14 and Under-16 divisions of the Republic Bank ASATT National Secondary School’s Water Polo League and the Secondary School Beach Polo Championships. His national team debut came in November 2025 when he captained Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-14 squad at the Carifta Aquatics Championships in Coral Springs, Florida, simultaneously winning best goalkeeper and a gold medal in the Under-16 male category.

    Looking ahead to 2026, Felician-Moses is poised to continue demonstrating his dominance across school, club, and national team competitions as he progresses to the Under-16 level.