分类： sports

In a dramatic evening of TT Premier Football League action on December 19, reigning champions Defence Force ascended to the league’s summit with a commanding 5-2 victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, overcoming an unexpected 18-minute stadium blackout that threatened to derail their momentum.

The match at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground witnessed extraordinary drama when illumination towers failed abruptly in the 86th minute with Defence Force leading 4-2. Following an extensive delay, play resumed under restored lighting, allowing substitute Caden Trestrail to seal the victory deep into stoppage time with a deflected strike that ricocheted off defender Isaiah Raymond into the net.

Defence Force’s offensive dominance was established early through a multifaceted attacking display. Phillip Tinto initiated the scoring in the 14th minute with a precise header from Joshua Araujo-Wilson’s corner. Despite Rangers’ temporary equalizer via Kesean St Rose’s clinical finish in the 33rd minute, the military team responded with relentless pressure. Kathon St Hillaire’s exquisite looping header in the 37th minute and winger Kaihim Thomas’s well-placed finish just before halftime established a commanding 3-1 advantage.

Though Ricardo Williams reignited Rangers’ hopes with a deflected goal in the 52nd minute, Thomas extinguished the comeback with his second goal—an impressive chest-and-volley combination in the 73rd minute that demonstrated technical excellence.

The victory propelled Defence Force (20 points) past both Police FC (19 points) and Club Sando (18 points) to claim pole position in the standings.

In the evening’s preliminary match, San Juan Jabloteh edged MIC Central FC Reboot 4-3 in a breathtaking goal fest. Substitute Dwight Jordan emerged as the hero, converting a clever Jaheim Faustin pass in stoppage time to secure three vital points. The match featured dramatic momentum shifts, including a Jamal Jack own goal, a Daniel David penalty, and a brace from Malachi Webb that kept spectators enthralled until the final whistle.

The Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima is set to host the third annual GENESIS 3X3 Under-18 Men’s Basketball Series commencing December 20, featuring over 30 young athletes competing in the dynamic format of 3×3 basketball. Organized by the New Chapter Global Sport Academy (NCA), the tournament represents a strategic initiative to develop Trinidad and Tobago’s future basketball talent.

Following the established format of previous editions, the competition features eight teams internally drafted from NCA’s Under-18 talent pool during a selection process held on December 18. The teams, including The Ark Builders, The Chosen Few, and The Gideon Warriors among others, underwent intensive 3×3 match preparation on December 19 ahead of the competitive tip-off.

This initiative serves as a cornerstone of NCA’s long-term strategy to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the international 3×3 basketball stage. The academy’s media release emphasized that sustained, age-specific competition is crucial for improving the nation’s future qualification prospects for premier global tournaments. This focus comes in the wake of Trinidad and Tobago’s single qualification for the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, back in 2022.

The NCA has reaffirmed its commitment to mounting a significant push for qualification for the marquee youth tournament starting with the 2026 edition. The GENESIS series forms part of the academy’s expanding 3×3 program portfolio, specifically designed to provide young athletes with meaningful competitive exposure, repetitive high-level experience, and a clear developmental pathway toward international competition.

The complete team rosters for the 2024 GENESIS tournament are: The Ark Builders (Marek Bengochea, Lance Crouch, Zion Roberts, Shemuel Welsh), The Chosen Few (Samuel Edwards, Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich), The Gideon Warriors (Raiden Charles, Dillon Harrington, Iseyah Jobe, James Saul), The Lions of Judah (Alexie Alexis, Josiah Drayton, Jayden Forbes, Nhyim Pierre), The Mighty Men (Taalib Daniel, Tishad Gamero, Micah Pemberton, Jaden Russell), The Sent Ones (Josiah John-Andrew, Gabriel Goden, Xavier Jack, Jacob Knutt), The Sons of Isaac (Elijah Bruce, Jurell Charles, Zayden Charles, Nikholai Cunin), and The Watchmen (Kymani Herbert, Ranaan Howard, Edgar Torcatty, Antonio Vasquez).

In a significant administrative shift, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has named Devin Elcock as its acting technical director, filling the vacancy created by Anton Corneal’s departure three months earlier. The appointment was formally announced on December 20, following executive committee approval on December 12.

Elcock, who previously served as assistant coach at AC Port of Spain, will now oversee the technical direction, coordination, and strategic alignment of TTFA’s football development programs. His responsibilities include collaborating with coaches, technical staff, and stakeholders across all levels of Trinidad and Tobago’s football ecosystem.

The newly appointed technical director brings substantial experience from various roles within Trinidad and Tobago’s national youth programs over the past decade. His journey includes positions ranging from equipment manager to assistant coach. Most notably, Elcock worked alongside Shawn Cooper as an assistant coach during both the 2023 and 2025 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 qualifying campaigns.

Domestically, Elcock built his reputation through extensive involvement with Defence Force, where he contributed to the club’s coaching staff during their historic TT Premier Football League title victory in 2023. The team subsequently secured the knockout trophy in the same season. Following his October 2024 departure from Defence Force alongside coaching colleagues Lloyd Andrews and Hutson “Baba” Charles, Elcock joined AC Port of Spain, the 2023/24 TTPFL champions.

TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Elcock’s “continuity, institutional knowledge and strong understanding of our technical pathway” as valuable assets. Edwards emphasized expectations for “steady leadership during this period” of transition.

The association’s announcement did not specify the duration of Elcock’s interim appointment or indicate when a permanent technical director might be named. Corneal, who first assumed the technical director role in 2012, had served multiple tenures in the position before his September departure.

Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain became the stage for athletic excellence on December 13 as the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Cross Country Championships crowned its champions. The open category titles were seized by former Carifta champion Tafari Waldron and the formidable Alexia John, who both delivered masterclasses in endurance and strategy.

In the men’s fiercely contested 8K race, Waldron of UTT Patriots demonstrated superior stamina to conquer the four-lap challenge in 28 minutes and 18 seconds. The athlete secured a decisive victory over Defence Force’s Christopher Mitchell, who finished 22 seconds behind at 28:40. MAP’s Donnell Francis claimed the third podium position with a time of 31:09, while Ajani Titus-Baynes completed the top four finishers at 32:54.

The women’s 6K event witnessed a breathtaking performance from 25-year-old Alexia John of Pace and Performance Factory. Establishing an extraordinary four-minute margin over her closest rivals, John dominated the three-lap race with technical precision and powerful running. Experienced campaigner April Francis of Abilene Wildcats secured second place, while Wolf Pack’s Dana Taylor captured third position in the open division.

Emerging talents made their mark in the junior categories, with national youth athlete Aniqah Bailey showcasing exceptional promise in the Under-20 women’s 6K. The Pace and Performance Factory runner clocked an impressive 16:25, establishing a nearly three-minute advantage over second-place finisher Kiesha Adams of Memphis Pioneers (19:14). Another Pace and Performance athlete, Ayoola Alfred, completed the top three with 19:44.

Darius Harding continued his winning streak from last month’s Secondary Schools Track and Field National 5K by triumphing in the men’s Under-20 6K event. The Concorde athlete stopped the clock at 13:18, holding off a strong challenge from Pace and Performance’s Omare Thompson (13:44). Cougars’ Isaiah Alder rounded out the podium with a time of 14:18.

The Under-17 categories produced equally compelling contests, with Pace and Performance’s Shian Lewis leading a club one-two in the girls’ 4K with 17:02. Gianna Pichery secured second (18:54), narrowly edging QRC Athletics’ La Queen Welch (18:57). In the boys’ equivalent, RJRT’s Jeremy Samaroo (14:31) outperformed Carifta Games 800-meter gold medalist Brion Scott, who finished second in 14:48. Jamal Bailey completed the top three with 14:59.

Additional youth champions included Secmyah Andrews (girls’ Under-11 2K), Myles Edwards (boys’ Under-11 2K), Nyla Kerr (girls’ Under-15 2K), and Ashton Torres who led a Redline International one-two finish in the boys’ Under-15 2K ahead of teammate Raymond Lewis.

The masters categories celebrated veteran excellence with victories from Anselm LeBourne (men’s 60-plus 6K), Guswil George (men’s 40-plus 6K), and Susannah Joefield (women’s 60-plus 6K).

Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 women’s football team claimed their inaugural victory in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament with a decisive 2-0 triumph over TT Women’s League Football (WoLF) United XI on December 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

The week-long competition showcases both Under-17 and Under-20 divisions, featuring national teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and US-based club Indy Premier SC across both age categories. Additional participants include the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI in the Under-17 bracket and the WoLF XI in the Under-20 group.

Following challenging opening matches that saw TT’s Under-17 squad suffer consecutive defeats against Indy Premier (4-0) and Jamaica (2-1), and the Under-20 team fall 2-0 to Indy Premier on December 16, the national program finally celebrated success two days later.

Flanking sensation Sonia Lamarre emerged as the match’s definitive hero, netting both goals in a performance that demonstrated exceptional technical quality. The dynamic winger broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion during the 24th minute, cutting inward from the right flank before unleashing a perfectly curved left-footed strike from approximately 25 yards that found the upper corner.

Despite numerous additional opportunities, including a narrowly missed long-range free kick from Madison Campbell just before halftime, the score remained 1-0 deep into the second half. TT coach Damian Briggs’s strategic substitution of attacking midfielder Orielle Martin nearly produced a second goal in the 76th minute, but WoLF goalkeeper Akilah George made a crucial save.

The WoLF XI nearly equalized during a frantic goalmouth scramble in the 86th minute that saw the ball strike the crossbar, with attackers J’Eleisha Alexander and Onika Denoon unable to provide the finishing touch. Lamarre ultimately secured the victory in stoppage time, heading home from close range after defender Kaitlyn Darwent delivered an accurate corner from the right side.

The result positions Trinidad and Tobago (three points) just one point behind group leaders Jamaica and Indy Premier (both four points), who played to a 2-2 draw in the day’s earlier match. The tournament continues with critical matches at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground on December 20, culminating in championship finals at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, the TT Schools’ Rugby Union partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s Guard and Emergency Branch to distribute Christmas hampers at Success Laventille Secondary School on December 17. The initiative, now in its third consecutive year, brought together sports officials, law enforcement officers, and student athletes to spread festive cheer throughout the Success Village community.

Patrice Des Vignes, President of the Schools’ Rugby Union, personally presented the charitable donations to acting principal Stacey Lezama. The event saw significant participation from police officers who double as rugby advocates—including Success Laventille coach Joseph Quashie and Schools’ Rugby Union Vice-President Emmanuel Joseph. Young athletes Ky-mani Charles and Tariq Osborne actively assisted in the hamper distribution, embodying the program’s spirit of youth engagement and social responsibility.

According to an official release, the initiative transcended mere material support by delivering ‘hope, joy and reassurance to families in need.’ The collaboration between sporting organizations and protective services highlighted rugby’s capacity to foster character development, unity, and civic duty beyond athletic competition. The program demonstrates how sports can serve as a catalyst for social development and community upliftment.

The release extended gratitude to Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and TTPS leadership for facilitating officer participation in this meaningful venture. Their institutional support proved instrumental in strengthening community-police relations while spreading seasonal goodwill. This ongoing partnership continues to show that combining sportsmanship with public service creates lasting impacts, particularly during the holiday season of giving.

The Trinidad and Tobago sporting community is in mourning following the passing of Sudhir Ramessar, the long-serving president of the TT Paralympic Committee (TTPC), who died on December 19. Ramessar’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national sporting organizations celebrating his transformative impact on para-sports advocacy.

Beyond his presidential role with TTPC, Ramessar served as director of the Consortium of Disability Organizations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving conditions for differently-abled individuals both in athletic competition and daily life. His advocacy work created substantial opportunities for para-athletes through persistent lobbying efforts and strategic development initiatives.

The Trinidad Olympic Committee (TTOC) formally acknowledged Ramessar’s contributions via social media, stating: “We honor his unwavering dedication, leadership and lifelong service to para-sport and athlete advocacy in Trinidad and Tobago. His contribution to sport, inclusion and the Paralympic movement has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations.”

The Trinidad Rifle Association commemorated Ramessar as “a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and true champion for persons with disabilities in sport” in their Facebook tribute. They emphasized how his leadership “profoundly transformed the sporting landscape, creating opportunities, dignity and hope for countless athletes.”

Ramessar is remembered not merely as a sports administrator but as a genuine humanitarian whose integrity, passion for service, and commitment to inclusion reshaped Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to Paralympic sports. The national sporting fraternity recognizes his legacy as one that will continue to influence future generations of athletes and advocates alike.

Cricket West Indies (CWI), the historic governing body of Caribbean cricket, is confronting severe allegations of deteriorating governance standards that critics describe as an “incestuous oligarchy.” The organization, once celebrated for its cricketing excellence, now faces mounting scrutiny over its executive dysfunction and problematic power distribution structures.

The core issues stem from CWI’s convoluted governance framework, which appears heavily influenced by political connections, competing obligations, and a conspicuous absence of accountability. This complex web of public funding, political ties, and administrative loyalties has created an environment where genuine oversight is notably lacking. The deteriorating situation has triggered eroding confidence among key stakeholders: fans report feeling increasingly alienated, sponsors express uncertainty about their investments, and regional governments demonstrate visible frustration.

Despite repeated calls for enhanced conflict-of-interest policies, minimal substantive changes have materialized. Insiders acknowledge difficulty locating properly articulated safeguards within CWI’s constitutional documents or legal frameworks. Current leadership maintains that their internal controls have “matured” and that governance standards rival global sports organizations, but these assertions contrast sharply with ongoing controversies and diminishing public trust.

An important structural nuance often overlooked in the debate is the CWI president’s role as a non-executive position. Daily operations theoretically fall under the CEO and management team’s jurisdiction, not subject to presidential “whims and fancies.” Financial and strategic committees were specifically designed to distribute authority appropriately. However, the perceived overlap of responsibilities—particularly the president chairing key committees—continues to blur lines between diligent oversight and disproportionate dominance.

While defenders attribute concerns to misconceptions, governance experts emphasize that perception frequently carries equal weight to reality in institutional trust. The apparent existence of competing loyalties, especially involving political figures or public officials, fundamentally undermines confidence in impartial decision-making. The principle that the president “must act solely in the interests of West Indies cricket” becomes challenging to reconcile with external national or political obligations.

The organization now faces a critical juncture as the current president announces his decision not to seek re-election. The board must determine whether to accept this stance quietly or demand a more definitive separation. Should this leadership vacuum become a breeding ground for speculation, both structural and reputational damage may intensify.

West Indies cricket requires governance that inspires stability rather than suspicion—modern stewardship guided by transparency, competence, and collective vision rather than insularity or political influences. Until substantive reforms occur, the echoes of institutional decline threaten to overwhelm the legendary roar of Caribbean cricket.