Carib Scope

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  • Lord Coe to help high schools during visit to Jamaica

    Lord Coe to help high schools during visit to Jamaica

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has committed to prioritizing the restoration of Jamaica’s storm-ravaged athletic infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Arriving on the island nation Sunday, the Olympic legend emphasized the critical role of school-level sports programs in nurturing Jamaica’s world-dominant track and field talent.

    During his third official visit to Jamaica since 2017, Lord Coe held high-level discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange. The meetings focused on recovery strategies for athletic facilities damaged by recent hurricane impacts, particularly school venues that serve as foundational training grounds for future champions.

    Coe specifically highlighted Jamaica’s prestigious High School Athletics Championship (known as ‘Champs’) as the unparalleled incubator of athletic excellence. ‘I’m always conscious that there is no coincidence between what goes on at the very highest level on the podium and the vibrancy and quality and health of your schools programme,’ Coe stated during a welcoming ceremony at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Monday evening.

    The athletics president scheduled firsthand inspections of damaged facilities, including Tuesday’s visit to Montego Bay Sports Complex. His itinerary also included assessing reconstruction efforts at secondary schools whose athletic programs have been disrupted by hurricane damage.

    Coe expressed particular appreciation for coaches working at grassroots levels, acknowledging their indispensable role in maintaining Jamaica’s extraordinary pipeline of world-class athletes. His visit underscores international athletics’ commitment to preserving the developmental systems that have produced Jamaica’s remarkable succession of Olympic and World Championship medalists.

  • Amorim sacked by Man Utd after 14 months in charge

    Amorim sacked by Man Utd after 14 months in charge

    In a decisive move, Manchester United has terminated the contract of head coach Ruben Amorim, concluding his turbulent 14-month tenure at the club. The decision comes amidst public tensions between the Portuguese manager and the club’s hierarchy, culminating in a mutual separation less than 24 hours after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

    The club announced that former midfielder and current under-18s coach Darren Fletcher will assume temporary managerial duties, beginning with Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Burnley. Fletcher, a decorated former player with five Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy to his name, will serve as interim manager until a caretaker coach is appointed for the remainder of the season.

    United’s leadership stated the dismissal was made ‘reluctantly’ but necessary to maximize the team’s chances of achieving the highest possible league finish. The club currently sits sixth in the Premier League standings, with sources indicating concerns about insufficient evidence of progress under Amorim’s leadership.

    The 40-year-old manager’s departure follows months of strained relations with club officials, particularly regarding transfer market support. Amorim had recently hinted at his dissatisfaction, suggesting he wouldn’t receive full backing in player acquisitions and expressing his desire to work as a manager ‘not just a coach.’

    Amorim’s coaching staff have also left the club alongside the manager. His record of 25 wins from 63 games marks the shortest reign of a permanent United manager since David Moyes’ dismissal in 2014. The club plans to appoint a permanent successor during the summer transfer window.

  • Suffren soars but Virginia Tech fall in ACC basketball

    Suffren soars but Virginia Tech fall in ACC basketball

    Despite a standout individual performance from guard Samyha Suffren, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team suffered a decisive 85-60 defeat against the 13th-ranked Louisville Cardinals on Sunday, January 4th, at the KFC Yum! Center.

    Redshirt sophomore Suffren, coming off the bench, delivered a career-best performance that also marked an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) high for her. The 5’8″ guard poured in 14 points and secured a personal best of seven rebounds. Her playmaking was equally impressive, as she dished out a game-high and career-best five assists while adding three steals and committing zero turnovers. Suffren’s efficiency came on 6-of-15 shooting from the field, and she was a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.

    While Suffren shone, forward Carys Baker led the Hokies in scoring with 16 points and nearly achieved a double-double, pulling down nine rebounds. However, the team’s efforts were insufficient against a powerful Louisville squad.

    Suffren’s 27 minutes on the court were a season high, as were her 15 field goal attempts, seven rebounds, and five assists. This game marked her sixth double-figure scoring outing in 15 games this season. She currently leads the team with 31 steals and ranks third in assists with 21. Her contributions this season are particularly notable following a challenging previous year, where her season was cut short after just 10 games due to a shoulder injury.

  • Nestor posts double-double in North Texas defeat

    Nestor posts double-double in North Texas defeat

    In a Saturday evening matchup on January 3rd, the University of North Texas women’s basketball team suffered a 77-61 defeat against South Florida at the Yuengling Center, despite another standout performance from international athlete Megan Nestor. The loss brings the Mean Green’s season record to an even 7-7.

    The game was defined by South Florida’s dominant start, as they established a commanding 22-10 lead in the opening quarter by shooting an impressive 54 percent from the field. This early deficit proved insurmountable for North Texas, though they mounted significant challenges throughout the contest. The Mean Green staged impressive runs in both the second and third quarters, narrowing the gap to just five points at one stage. Their resilience continued into the final period where they closed to within 65-61, but South Florida’s decisive 6-0 run ultimately secured their victory.

    Offensive highlights for North Texas included Aysia Proctor’s team-leading 18 points, with seven of those coming during the crucial first nine points of the fourth quarter. However, the night belonged to Saint Lucian native Megan Nestor, who delivered her sixth double-double performance of the season. The 6-foot-4 center from the coastal community of Canaries contributed 14 points, converting 5 of 13 field goal attempts and 4 of 6 free throws.

    Nestor’s impact extended beyond scoring as she dominated the boards with a game-high 10 rebounds while also recording a team-best two blocks and one steal. Her 33 minutes on court represented a career-high utilization, reflecting her growing importance to the team’s strategy. Nestor’s season averages now stand at 12.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, with the latter statistic leading the American Conference.

    The Mean Green now return home to prepare for their next conference matchup against East Carolina on Tuesday before embarking on their subsequent road schedule.

  • Saint Lucia lose Windwards Women’s T20 opener

    Saint Lucia lose Windwards Women’s T20 opener

    The 2026 Windward Islands Cricket Board Women’s T20 Championship commenced with a commanding performance from the defending champions, as St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) secured a six-wicket victory over Saint Lucia at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground on Sunday, January 4th.

    Electing to field first after winning the toss, SVG captain Japhina Joseph’s decision initially appeared questionable. Saint Lucia’s opening pair, Ashlene Edward and West Indies allrounder Zaida James, launched a formidable assault, propelling their team to a strong position of 60 without loss by the seventh over. Edward’s powerful 36 off 29 deliveries spearheaded the early charge.

    However, the innings underwent a dramatic collapse following James’s dismissal. A devastating middle-order batting failure saw Saint Lucia lose six wickets for a mere 25 runs. The team’s momentum was salvaged only by Namiah Marcellin’s resilient 22 from 26 balls, which guided them to a final total of 117-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Tracy Byron was the chief architect of the collapse, delivering an impressive bowling spell of 3-17 for the hosts.

    In response, SVG’s run chase faced an early setback with the departure of their captain. Despite losing partners at the other end, West Indies player Janillea Glasgow played a match-defining innings, masterfully anchoring the pursuit with a dominant 60 from just 49 balls, including nine fours and a six. Her dismissal in the 15th over with the score at 93-4 left little doubt about the outcome. Tracy Byron (11*) and Shannel Mackie (14*) calmly saw their team across the finish line with eight deliveries to spare, sealing a comprehensive win.

    In the tournament’s other opening fixture, Grenada announced themselves as serious contenders with a resounding victory over Dominica, powered by a magnificent century from Afy Fletcher that set a target of 182. Saint Lucia now looks to regroup quickly for their next match against a high-flying Grenada on Monday, January 5th.

  • FLASH: Guide to getting your tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    FLASH: Guide to getting your tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

    As Haiti’s national football team prepares for its historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Haitian Football Federation has released comprehensive guidelines for supporters seeking to secure match tickets through official channels. The ticket acquisition process operates exclusively through FIFA’s digital platform at FIFA.com/tickets, with authorities strongly cautioning against unauthorized resale websites that cannot guarantee stadium access.

    The registration protocol requires prospective attendees to establish an account on FIFA’s official portal by selecting ‘Tickets’ followed by ‘Create an account,’ meticulously completing personal information fields, and executing email validation to activate the account. Without successful verification, application submission remains impossible.

    Rather than conventional immediate purchasing, FIFA employs a Random Selection Draw mechanism designed to ensure equitable distribution. The current application phase concludes precisely on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time, with banking verification implemented to deter speculative practices. Successful applicants will receive notification commencing February 5, 2026, accompanied by confirmation emails and portal updates.

    Payment protocols vary according to preselected options: automatic debit arrangements process immediately upon selection, while manual payment requires swift completion within a constrained timeframe. When configuring ticket requests, supporters must designate Haiti as their preferred team and select specific matches, accompanied by seating category preferences ranging from Category 1 (premium lower stands) to Category 4 (economy upper stands). Financial transactions exclusively accept Visa and Mastercard payments.

    Group seating arrangements necessitate identical match selections, equivalent ticket categories, and mutual application number linkages among all party members. Critical administrative note: submitted applications become immutable, requiring complete cancellation and reapplication for any modifications. Ticket limits fluctuate according to match significance and are explicitly displayed during the selection process.

    The Haitian Football Federation offers supplemental assistance through partnership@fhf.ht and secretariat.general@fhf.ht for citizens experiencing technical challenges or requiring clarification beyond FIFA’s comprehensive FAQ section.

  • Ruim 4.400 deelnemers bij geslaagde 22e Bigi Broki Waka

    Ruim 4.400 deelnemers bij geslaagde 22e Bigi Broki Waka

    PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – January 4, 2026 marked the successful conclusion of the 22nd annual Bigi Broki Waka event, with over 4,400 participants joining the massive walking celebration across Suriname’s iconic Bosje Bridge. The event proceeded with remarkable orderliness and minimal incidents, according to organizers.

    The participation breakdown included 3,700 walkers in the mass walking segment, 450 competitors in the 5-kilometer speed walk, and 250 athletes in the 10-kilometer competitive race. A poignant moment occurred before the official start when both sides of the bridge observed a minute of silence honoring victims of a recent tragedy in Commewijne.

    Participants experienced one of the event’s signature moments at the highest point of the Bosje Bridge, where many paused to capture photographs, record videos, and take group selfies against the panoramic backdrop. Transportation logistics involved busing walkers to Meerzorg in Commewijne, followed by a five-kilometer return walk toward Paramaribo upon competition completion.

    The competitive elements saw international dominance in the 10-kilometer races. Guyana’s Jaleesa Wright claimed victory in the women’s division, followed by Wellen Desouza from French Guiana, with Suriname’s Candice Zschuschen securing third place. The men’s division featured Ruben Lindingo (French Guiana) as champion, trailed by compatriot Odylson Prika in second and Guyana’s Cleveland Thomas in third.

    Local athletes excelled in the 5-kilometer speed walk, with Romy Pigot winning the women’s category ahead of sister Tirza Pigot (second) and Thelma Vreden (third). The men’s division saw Stijn Jorissen emerge victorious, followed by Carlos Feliksdal and David Voigt.

    Notably, the event featured significant participation from visually impaired individuals, with a group of 18 people including guides completing all three event components. Organizers reported decreased numbers of ‘boromans’ (unauthorized vendors) during the mass walk, attributing this improvement to targeted public awareness campaigns.

    Event chairman Hans Girjasingh of the Bigi Broki Waka Foundation confirmed two ambulance deployments for minor participant incidents, noting all affected individuals were in good condition. Girjasingh declared the edition thoroughly successful and expressed satisfaction with the event’s overall execution.

  • Amorim sacked by Man Utd after 14-month reign

    Amorim sacked by Man Utd after 14-month reign

    MANCHESTER, United Kingdom — In a decisive move signaling deep institutional frustration, Manchester United terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim on Monday, concluding a brief and tumultuous period marked by underwhelming performance and public friction with club leadership.

    The dismissal follows escalating tensions between the Portuguese manager and the club’s football operations hierarchy, particularly Director of Football Jason Wilcox. The decision was announced less than 24 hours after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, a result that left the storied club languishing in sixth place in the Premier League standings.

    A club statement framed the move as a reluctant but necessary step to improve the team’s prospects for the remainder of the season. ‘With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change,’ it read, adding that this would ‘give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.’

    Amorim’s departure was precipitated by a series of startling public comments he made following the Leeds match, where he emphatically declared himself ‘the manager’ rather than ‘just the coach’ and pointedly instructed the scouting department and Wilcox ‘to do their job.’ These remarks, which followed hints of behind-the-scenes frustration days earlier, cast major doubt on his future and highlighted a significant power struggle within the club’s structure.

    However, internal reports suggest the primary catalyst for his dismissal was not the public fallout but rather a profound lack of sporting progress. Statistical analysis reveals a disastrous tenure: Amorim recorded the worst win ratio (32%) of any permanent manager in the club’s history, alongside the highest goals-conceded-per-game ratio (1.53) and the lowest clean-sheet percentage (15%). His overall record of 25 wins from 63 matches across all competitions proved unacceptable for a club of United’s stature.

    Hired in November 2024 as a highly sought-after successor to Erik ten Hag following a successful spell at Sporting Lisbon, Amorim failed to translate his prior success to Old Trafford. His first season culminated in a catastrophic 15th-place Premier League finish—the club’s worst in 51 years. Although he guided the team to the Europa League final in May, a loss to Tottenham Hotspur denied them qualification for European competition this season. Marginal improvements this campaign have been overshadowed by extreme inconsistency, with the team winning only eight of its first 20 league games and sitting 17 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

    Under-18s coach and former club technical director Darren Fletcher has been appointed interim manager and will lead the team against Burnley on Wednesday. Amorim’s 14-month reign stands as the shortest for a permanent United manager since David Moyes was dismissed in 2014, underscoring the continued instability at the club since the retirement of legendary manager Alex Ferguson in 2013.

  • Reggae Girlz’s Jamieson signed to FC Berlin

    Reggae Girlz’s Jamieson signed to FC Berlin

    In a significant move for women’s arena soccer, FC Berlin has secured the talents of Jamaican international goalkeeper Yazmeen Jamieson for the upcoming Major Arena Soccer League Women’s Division (MASLW) winter season. The German club officially announced the acquisition through their Instagram platform, featuring the standout shot-stopper adorned in the team’s distinctive green goalkeeping attire.

    Jamieson brings considerable experience to her new European venture, having previously demonstrated her skills with Canadian club Guelph United FC while simultaneously maintaining her position as a key player for Jamaica’s national team, the Reggae Girlz. Her transition to the indoor soccer format marks an intriguing development in her professional career trajectory.

    The MASLW itself represents a landmark evolution in women’s soccer, having launched in 2024 as a rebranded and reorganized iteration of the former Premier Arena Soccer League’s women’s competition. This North American-based indoor soccer league’s expansion to include international talent like Jamieson signals its growing prominence in the global soccer landscape. The signing underscores both FC Berlin’s ambitious recruitment strategy and the increasing globalization of arena soccer, particularly in the women’s game.

  • Phoenix wonderkid Sean Leighton recalled to Genk

    Phoenix wonderkid Sean Leighton recalled to Genk

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging football talent Sean Leighton from Phoenix Academy has secured a prestigious opportunity with European clubs. The 17-year-old striker has been formally recalled by Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk FC and is also scheduled for a training stint with English Premier League giants Chelsea later this month.

    Leighton’s exceptional performances have consistently drawn international attention. His most recent showcase came this past Sunday, where he delivered a match-winning goal for Phoenix Chapelton Maroons in their 2-1 victory over Harbour View. This display further solidified his reputation as a top prospect.

    Phoenix Academy founder Craig Butler confirmed the development, stating, “Sean has been recalled to Genk and will also travel to Chelsea. Both clubs have a serious interest in our wonderkid.”

    The young Jamaican’s European journey isn’t new. He initially trained with Genk’s Under-9 squad as an eight-year-old and returned for an extended invitation in 2023. Following his return from Belgium, Leighton played a pivotal role in Mona High’s historic Manning Cup championship victory and claimed the Walker Cup in 2024. His remarkable 23-goal tally this season made him the Manning Cup’s leading goalscorer.

    Leighton will not travel alone. He will be accompanied by two academy teammates: 20-year-old Robinho Gordon, who was part of Mona High’s 2023 championship team, and 16-year-old Savi-K Morton, a midfielder from St Kitts and Nevis who scored eight goals for Mona High this season. Morton has already received recognition at the international level with a call-up to the St Kitts and Nevis senior national team.

    This development continues Phoenix Academy’s established pathway for Caribbean talent. The academy has previously developed notable professionals including Leon Bailey, who progressed from Genk to Bayer Leverkusen and currently plays for Aston Villa (on loan at Roma), and Dujuan Richards, who joined Chelsea in 2024 after rising through the Phoenix system.