Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Pro men’s football returns to Grande

    Pro men’s football returns to Grande

    The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) marks a significant milestone in national sports infrastructure with the return of professional football to Sangre Grande’s revitalized Sporting Complex. After extensive renovations completed in September 2025 through a collaborative effort between the Sport Company of TT and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the venue will host a Boxing Day double-header that signals renewed investment in regional athletic facilities.

    Scheduled for December 26th, the event will feature Eagles FC versus San Juan Jabloteh at 5 pm, followed by a clash between Police FC and Prison Service at 7 pm. This strategic scheduling leverages the traditional Boxing Day sporting culture while reintroducing top-tier football to a community with deep historical connections to the sport.

    The Sangre Grande complex represents a multifaceted sports facility featuring both outdoor playing fields and two indoor courts capable of accommodating basketball, netball, and volleyball competitions. Its reopening addresses a longstanding gap in East Trinidad’s professional sports infrastructure, providing the TTPFL with a third major venue alongside the La Horquetta Recreation Ground and Arima Velodrome.

    This development holds particular significance as Sangre Grande previously served as home to the now-defunct North East Stars club. League organizers are optimistic about local engagement, given the community’s demonstrated support through regional competitions like the Sweet Sixteen Football League and Fishing Pond League. The return of professional matches not only revitalizes local sports economy but also honors the region’s legacy as a football stronghold.

  • Archer sidelined for remainder of Ashes, Bethell called up

    Archer sidelined for remainder of Ashes, Bethell called up

    England’s beleaguered Ashes campaign has suffered another significant setback with the confirmation that pace spearhead Jofra Archer will miss the remainder of the series due to a side strain sustained during the third Test in Adelaide. The injury represents yet another frustrating chapter in the Barbadian-born quick’s injury-plagued career.

    Archer had emerged as one of England’s few bright spots in an otherwise dismal series against Australia, claiming nine wickets at an average of 27.11 across the three Tests. His performance peaked in Adelaide where he delivered his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in six years, recording impressive figures of 5-53 in Australia’s first innings. The 30-year-old also contributed with the bat, scoring his maiden Test half-century during the same match.

    The injury occurred during Australia’s second innings where Archer managed only 12.4 overs before discomfort forced him from the attack. Subsequent scans in Melbourne revealed the extent of the side strain, prompting team medical staff to rule him out of contention for the final two matches.

    This development continues a pattern of injury interruptions that have marred Archer’s international career. The paceman had only returned to Test cricket in July after a four-year absence spent battling persistent elbow and back issues. His comeback match against India at Lord’s five months ago marked the beginning of a brief return that has now been cut short after just five Tests.

    England captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s commitment throughout the series, stating: ‘The effort that he’s put in over these three games has been exceptional. There were a lot of question marks around his ability coming out to Australia, and he’s put in a great effort for the team.’

    Archer will return to the United Kingdom following the fourth Test for further assessment, with his availability for February’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka dependent on recovery progress.

    In response to the injury crisis, England have called up Gus Atkinson as Archer’s replacement while making the strategic decision to drop out-of-form batsman Ollie Pope in favor of Barbadian Jacob Bethell. Pope’s omission follows a disappointing run that saw him fail to register a half-century in eight consecutive Tests against Australia.

    Bethell, despite limited first-class experience with just three matches in the past year, receives his opportunity following an impressive 71-run performance for England Lions against Australia A earlier this month.

  • Column: AFCON 2025

    Column: AFCON 2025

    The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Africa’s premier football tournament held biennially during this period, continues to face significant visibility challenges compared to its European counterpart, the UEFA European Championship. Despite featuring numerous star players from Europe’s top leagues, AFCON struggles to capture equivalent media attention and global interest.

    The tournament’s scheduling conflict with ongoing European competitions, particularly the demanding English Premier League season, creates substantial friction. While clubs are theoretically obligated to release players for international duty, practical realities often dictate otherwise. Premier League clubs frequently implement policies that indirectly pressure African players to prioritize club commitments over national team participation, primarily due to concerns about playing time and career implications.

    This structural imbalance highlights deeper issues within African football’s ecosystem. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) must address fundamental questions: Does the problem stem from scheduling misalignment with other confederations, or does it relate to the perceived quality of football presented? A significant step forward comes with the planned 2028 transition to a four-year cycle, synchronizing AFCON with the European Championship schedule, thereby eliminating one major scheduling obstacle.

    Beyond scheduling reforms, CAF could empower member associations to develop stronger domestic leagues. Enhancing local competitions would reduce the continent’s talent drain to Europe while potentially attracting international players. Strengthened league systems would enable national team players to develop cohesion through extended collaboration, potentially improving African nations’ performance in global tournaments and increasing AFCON’s appeal to worldwide audiences.

    This comprehensive approach addressing both scheduling conflicts and foundational league development could ultimately transform AFCON into a truly global sporting spectacle worthy of its exceptional talent pool.

  • SVB-toppers benoemd in FIFA-commissies

    SVB-toppers benoemd in FIFA-commissies

    Suriname has achieved significant recognition in international football governance with two distinguished appointments to FIFA’s standing committees. Dayasankar Mathoera, President of the Surinamese Football Association (SVB), has been appointed to the Member Associations Committee, while SVB executive board member Wendy Deerveld has joined the FIFA Legal Committee.

    These appointments position Suriname within the highest administrative echelons of global football governance. The selections form part of FIFA’s comprehensive framework comprising 29 Standing Committees designed to enhance policy development, oversight, and advisory functions across diverse operational domains. These committees fundamentally strengthen FIFA’s operational execution and deepen decision-making processes within the global football community.

    The official plenary and group meetings recently convened in Doha, Qatar, alongside prestigious events including The Best Coach and The Best Player awards, followed by the Intercontinental Cup and Arab Cup finals.

    Mathoera’s Member Associations Committee focuses on cultivating relationships between FIFA and its member associations, providing strategic guidance on development, governance, and support for national football organizations worldwide. Deerveld’s Legal Committee addresses critical judicial and regulatory matters, including dispute resolution, compliance frameworks, and statutory adherence by member associations and stakeholders.

    In an exclusive statement, Mathoera emphasized that committee participation transcends mere recognition: “These appointments carry profound responsibility. The committees play pivotal roles in enhancing transparency, promoting good governance, and supporting member associations globally.” This representation enables Suriname to contribute meaningfully to football’s institutional development while strengthening its international sporting footprint.

  • Cycling Legend Santiago Castillo Jr. Retires

    Cycling Legend Santiago Castillo Jr. Retires

    Belizean cycling legend Santiago Castillo Jr. has announced his retirement from competitive cycling at age 69 following a serious accident during a veteran race on December 14th. The decision concludes an extraordinary athletic career spanning more than five decades that established Castillo as a national sporting icon renowned for his endurance and tactical prowess.

    Castillo’s retirement announcement came via text message to his cycling community, where he revealed extensive injuries sustained in his final race. The cycling veteran suffered a fractured skull, two broken clavicles, eight fractured ribs, and a broken right hand, resulting in three days of unconsciousness following the accident.

    Medical professionals strongly advised retirement, warning that continued cycling could prevent Castillo from living a normal life. The athlete acknowledged this medical guidance in his message, stating he “does not want to take the risk” while expressing gratitude to his community for their years of shared road experiences.

    Castillo’s career began in his early twenties when he quickly distinguished himself in regional competitions through his remarkable stamina and strategic racing approach. Beyond his competitive achievements, Castillo transitioned into mentorship roles in the early 2000s, sponsoring local races and investing in grassroots development programs that provided equipment and training opportunities for aspiring cyclists.

    Even into his sixties, Castillo remained actively involved in the sport through charity rides and veteran competitions, consistently demonstrating that age presented no barrier to his passion for cycling. His initiatives have nurtured numerous young talents who subsequently progressed to professional cycling careers.

    The cycling community anticipates further details about Castillo’s legacy and contributions to the sport in upcoming newscasts scheduled for Monday.

  • Badree, Mohammed spread Christmas joy in Barrackpore

    Badree, Mohammed spread Christmas joy in Barrackpore

    West Indies cricket legends Samuel Badree and Jason Mohammed have transformed their sporting success into a heartwarming community initiative, bringing festive cheer to children in their hometown of Barrackpore. The former international cricketers organized a mobile toy drive on December 22nd, distributing gifts to nearly 1,000 children throughout the southern Trinidad community.

    Badree, a two-time T20 World Cup champion renowned for his spin bowling, partnered with Mohammed, the region’s record-breaking Super50 Cup batsman, to create the ‘BASE with JASE’ annual charity event. Using a specially designated truck, the duo navigated through Barrackpore and surrounding areas, delivering toys and holiday hampers to deserving children.

    The initiative, now in its third consecutive year, originated from the athletes’ desire to give back to the community that supported their cricketing journeys from grassroots to international acclaim. Stacy Badree, wife of the West Indies star, expressed profound gratitude via social media to the numerous contributors who made the event possible.

    “What began as a simple idea three years ago has evolved into a cherished annual tradition,” she noted in a Facebook post. “The continuous growth of this initiative reflects both athletes’ deep appreciation for their roots and their commitment to nurturing the next generation through acts of kindness and community spirit.”

    The event has gained increasing support each year from friends, family, and local supporters who contribute resources to ensure the drive’s success. The cricketers’ personal involvement in distributing gifts underscores their hands-on approach to community engagement, demonstrating that their leadership extends far beyond the cricket pitch.

  • STAR CHASE

    STAR CHASE

    Jamaica’s national basketball program is undergoing a remarkable transformation, fueled by growing interest from NBA players of Jamaican descent who are seeking to represent their ancestral homeland on the international stage. The program’s momentum has accelerated following the successful acquisition of Miami Heat guard and 2019 NBA champion Norman Powell, whose participation has generated unprecedented buzz around the team known as the “Jamrockers.”

    Under the leadership of Head Coach Rick Turner, Jamaica’s national team has achieved significant competitive success, currently sitting joint-top with basketball powerhouse Canada in their Americas Qualifiers group for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The squad’s impressive performance includes two stunning victories against Puerto Rico, positioning them just two wins away from advancing to the final qualification round. This represents a historic opportunity for Jamaica to qualify for the FIBA World Cup for the first time.

    The recruitment pipeline extends well beyond Powell, with several prominent NBA players actively pursuing eligibility. The Thompson twins—Amen of the Houston Rockets and Ausar of the Detroit Pistons—have initiated their citizenship process through the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Both American-born athletes qualify through their Jamaican father and have expressed strong commitment to helping Jamaica qualify for the Olympics and FIBA competitions.

    They are joined by San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell, who confirmed his desire to represent Jamaica and plans to recruit other heritage players. The Jamaica Basketball Association is also pursuing Toronto Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, and Phoenix Suns big man Nick Richards, who has already obtained his Jamaican passport.

    Coach Turner acknowledges the complex eligibility challenges, particularly FIBA’s restriction allowing only one naturalized player per team and requiring players to obtain citizenship before age 16. JABA must submit special appeals to FIBA, arguing that these players maintain genuine connections to Jamaica rather than seeking mere competitive convenience.

    “We’re trying to cultivate relationships with these players while respecting their NBA commitments,” Turner explained. “There are procedural hurdles, but their interest is authentic. We’re working with agents, families, and stakeholders to navigate the eligibility process while ensuring we build a team truly representative of Jamaican heritage.”

    The program’s careful approach distinguishes itself from mere talent acquisition, emphasizing cultural connection over competitive expediency. Powell’s involvement has already transformed the team’s profile, bringing leadership, visibility, and credibility to the growing program.

    Jamaica will resume their qualification campaign in February against The Bahamas before facing Canada in March. The final qualification games in July could potentially feature Powell and other NBA recruits following the conclusion of the NBA season in June.

  • Wallace 23rd on world sprint rankings after debut senior year

    Wallace 23rd on world sprint rankings after debut senior year

    In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging cycling star Makaira Wallace has ascended to 23rd position in the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) women’s sprint rankings after merely one year competing at the senior level. Her extraordinary debut season has positioned her as the Caribbean nation’s most promising track cycling talent.

    Wallace’s transition from junior to elite competition in early 2025 immediately yielded historic results. During March’s UCI Nations Cup in Turkey, the prodigious cyclist established a new national record by completing the flying 200m event in an impressive 10.784 seconds. This performance signaled the beginning of an exceptional competitive year that would see her dominate both regional and international events.

    The young athlete demonstrated remarkable versatility by capturing three bronze medals at August’s Junior Pan American Games while maintaining eligibility for junior competition. Wallace collaborated with teammates Kyra Williams and Phoebe Sandy to secure third place in the team sprint before individually earning bronze in both sprint and keirin disciplines.

    Her consistent excellence throughout 2025 culminated in a groundbreaking qualification for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, making Wallace the first female sprinter from Trinidad and Tobago to achieve this distinction. Although eliminated in the 1/16 final by eventual gold medalist Mina Sato of Japan, Wallace established another national record by completing the 500m time trial in 1:09.822 seconds.

    The cycling prodigy concluded her spectacular year with additional podium finishes at November/December’s Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru, securing silver in sprint and bronze in keirin events. Earlier domestic success had already seen her claim the national women’s U23/elite keirin championship title.

    With her sights now firmly set on Olympic glory, Wallace has begun preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where she aims to represent Trinidad and Tobago on cycling’s grandest stage.

  • Promenade Chess Club hosts final tournament for 2025

    Promenade Chess Club hosts final tournament for 2025

    The Promenade Chess Club is preparing to conclude its competitive season with a prestigious Grand Tour finale at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn on December 28. This culminating event will feature multiple competitive divisions with significant financial incentives and recognition awards for top performers.

    In the open category, players will compete for substantial monetary rewards, including a $1,200 top prize for the champion, $800 for the runner-up, and $500 for third place. The tournament will also recognize exceptional talent within the Promenade Chess Club itself, awarding $300 to the club’s top performer, $400 to the best junior member, and $300 to the leading women’s competitor.

    Youth participants will receive special recognition through trophies and medals. The Under-12 division will award trophies to the top three finishers, while the Under-8 category will distribute medals to its leading contenders. Additionally, the first 100 registered participants will receive complimentary pizza and ice cream.

    Registration fees are set at $120 for senior players and $110 for junior competitors. Participants can process payments through organizer Hayden Lee’s chequing account (340045180501) or obtain additional information via email at haydenlee21@yahoo.com or telephone at 780-2437.

    The tournament enjoys support from several corporate sponsors including Radica Trading, Basic Transport, Marios, Galactica, KFC, and TYCO Farms, ensuring a well-supported and professionally organized competitive event.

  • Ty Humphrey lands chess gold for Trinidad and Tobago at CAC Youth Festival

    Ty Humphrey lands chess gold for Trinidad and Tobago at CAC Youth Festival

    Trinidad and Tobago’s chess prodigy Ty Humphrey emerged as the undisputed champion in the Under-10 Absolute category at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival held in Puerto Rico from December 15-20. The young master achieved a perfect unbeaten record throughout the tournament, conceding only a single draw against Jamaica’s Rajvir Shergil during his dominant performance.

    Humphrey’s gold medal accomplishment builds upon his previous success at last year’s Youth Chess Festival in El Salvador where he secured a silver medal. His victory established a strong foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s 19-member delegation that competed across multiple age categories from under-8 to under-18.

    The tournament featured intense competition with over 200 participants representing 22 national federations. St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shetty Vedant captured second position in the Under-10 Absolute category, while Panama’s Jarrin Zhang Dominick Young Hen completed the podium in third place.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s contingent demonstrated considerable depth across various competitions. Catherine Ali delivered an impressive performance in the girls’ under-10 category, finishing fourth on tie-breaks with four victories and four draws. In the Under-16 Absolute category, Candidate Master Kael Samuel Bisnath secured seventh position with 5.5 points.

    The Blitz Chess Championship on December 19 saw additional strong showings from the Trinidad and Tobago team. Ilyas Hosein claimed bronze in the Under-8 Absolute category, while multiple athletes including Humphrey, Ali, and Naomi Clement achieved fourth-place finishes in their respective divisions.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA) provided comprehensive support through coaching staff including Fide Master Joshua Johnson and Candidate Master Dev Soondarsingh. TTCA president Sandy Razark contributed to the event’s organizing committee, while third vice president Sadiqah Razark—recently elevated as Trinidad and Tobago’s sole female arbiter—served on the arbiter team.

    The TTCA officially congratulated all players, coaches, and parents for their commendable international performance and acknowledged sponsor C3 Centre for continued support in developing youth chess programs.