Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    In a landmark development for Caribbean sports infrastructure, the Commonwealth of Dominica has achieved official selection as a beneficiary nation under World Athletics’ prestigious Project 10 initiative. This designation culminates a rigorous two-year application process and paves the way for constructing a cutting-edge synthetic track and field facility in Portsmouth.

    The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA), which spearheaded the technical proposal submitted in December 2023, confirmed the achievement following extensive consultations and evaluations by international sporting authorities. The project aligns strategically with the Dominican government’s existing master plan for a modern national sports complex, which additionally envisions an Olympic-standard swimming pool.

    Critical to this success was the collaborative effort between sporting bodies and government leadership. The DAA formally acknowledged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Sports Minister Oscar George, and key figures including Reggie Severin and Billy Doctrove for their unwavering institutional support. Numerous technical teams and government departments were also recognized for ensuring Dominica met World Athletics’ exacting standards.

    This world-class infrastructure promises to revolutionize athletic development on the island, providing elite training conditions and positioning Dominica as a potential host for regional and international competitions. The facility is expected to inspire new generations of athletes by providing access to professional-grade training environments.

    The DAA emphasized its commitment to ongoing partnerships with the Government of Dominica, World Athletics, and the Qatar Olympic Committee to bring this transformative project to fruition, heralding a new chapter for track and field in the Eastern Caribbean.

  • Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Didier loses to No.2 seed after brave fight at Boxing Worlds

    Saint Lucia’s groundbreaking performance at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships concluded on Tuesday when 19-year-old sensation John Didier faced elimination in the Round of 16. The Vieux Fort native’s remarkable journey ended against Spain’s second-seeded Gazimagomedovich Jalidov, an Olympic quarterfinalist from Paris 2024, in their light-heavyweight clash (75-80kg) at Dubai Tennis Centre.

    Despite entering as the clear underdog against the Russian-born Spanish veteran, Didier demonstrated exceptional defensive technique during the opening round. The 30-year-old Jalidov unleashed aggressive combinations, but the Saint Lucian prospect effectively neutralized much of the early offense. After three minutes of action, Didier trailed narrowly on the scorecards, with four judges scoring 10-9 and one judge awarding a 10-8 margin to the Spaniard.

    The contest shifted dramatically in the second round as fatigue visibly affected the Caribbean boxer. Jalidov capitalized with precision punching, forcing two standing eight-counts against Didier within the final 36 seconds of the round. The referee ultimately stopped the bout following the second mandatory count, preventing further punishment.

    Didier’s campaign marked a historic achievement for Saint Lucian boxing, as he became the nation’s first representative to advance beyond the initial round in world championship competition. His performance over the weekend shattered previous national records and established new benchmarks for Caribbean boxing.

    In related tournament action, fellow 19-year-old Saint Lucian Kyle Marcel competed in the middleweight division (75kg), suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Sri Lanka’s Mohommed Usaith. Despite winning the first round on a split decision, Marcel faded in subsequent rounds, finalizing scores of 30-26 on two cards and 29-27 on three cards.

  • Dominican dream lineup poised to electrify the 2026 World Baseball Classic

    Dominican dream lineup poised to electrify the 2026 World Baseball Classic

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic is orchestrating an unprecedented baseball campaign for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, assembling what officials are calling a historic super-team destined for dominance. The strategic vision, unveiled by Manager Albert Pujols and General Manager Nelson Cruz at MLB’s Winter Meetings, signals a formidable challenge to global competitors.

    The roster construction is nearing completion, boasting an awe-inspiring constellation of MLB talent. Confirmed stars include generational hitter Juan Soto, defensive maestro Manny Machado, electrifying shortstop Elly De La Cruz, and pitching ace Sandy Alcántara. They are joined by Fernando Tatis Jr., Geraldo Perdomo, Junior Caminero, and Edwin Uceta, creating a lineup that embodies both elite skill and profound national pride.

    A centerpiece of the preparation is the announcement of two landmark exhibition games against the Detroit Tigers on March 3-4, 2026, at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo. Heralded as a cultural milestone, these contests will mark a rare occasion for Dominican fans to witness MLB-caliber competition featuring their national heroes on home soil.

    Pujols emphasized the profound emotional significance of the event, stating, ‘Hosting games of this magnitude locally is a dream realized. It provides an invaluable opportunity for families and communities to experience elite baseball firsthand, creating memories that transcend the sport.’ Cruz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inclusive aspect for supporters who face financial or logistical barriers to international travel. ‘This fulfills a long-standing ambition to bring the team to our people,’ Cruz affirmed.

    Beyond the spectacle, the 2026 campaign reflects a meticulously crafted strategy merging raw passion with calculated execution. The combination of a talent-laden roster, culturally resonant preparatory matches, and immense national expectation positions the Dominican Republic not merely as participants, but as definitive contenders poised to reclaim supremacy in international baseball.

  • Marks-Dasent is Young Sailor of the Year for 2nd time

    Marks-Dasent is Young Sailor of the Year for 2nd time

    In a remarkable celebration of youth achievement, Kai Marks-Dasent has been named the 2025 Sylvester Simmons Young Sailor of the Year for the second consecutive time. The prestigious award, presented by the Sylvester Simmons Foundation, recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in competitive sailing alongside demonstrated community leadership and service.

    Marks-Dasent’s award-winning year was highlighted by his representation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at multiple elite international regattas. These included the Barbados Youth Sailing Week, the Antigua ILCA Open, the UK ILCA Nationals, and the Caribbean Dinghy Championships. His performances were marked by technical discipline, competitive perseverance, and profound national pride.

    Beyond athletic success, Marks-Dasent captured significant attention for a solo humanitarian endeavor. He single-handedly sailed his 12-foot ILCA dinghy across 42 miles of open water from St. Vincent to Union Island to raise funds. His efforts fully covered CSEC examination fees for 15 students at Union Island Secondary School, which is still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl.

    His rising status as a national role model was further cemented in July 2025 when he was selected as a baton bearer for the King’s Baton Relay in St. Vincent, representing the nation’s youth sailing community. This was followed in October by his receipt of the Prime Ministerial Youth Sailor of the Year Award, solidifying his reputation for excellence and leadership.

    Kingsley Simmons of the Sylvester Simmons Foundation praised Marks-Dasent, stating, “Kai’s achievements are truly inspirational. He embodies the values of service, courage, and community leadership that defined Sylvester ‘Pepe’ Simmons.”

    The Foundation, established to honor the legacy of the late Sylvester “Pepe” Simmons of Bequia, uses this award to celebrate young individuals who excel in their pursuits while demonstrating a deep commitment to helping others. The award ceremony was held on Saturday at De Reef in Bequia, attended by the Simmons family, members of the sailing community, and supporters from across the Grenadines.

  • Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet advance to two-day cricket final

    Gros Islet Cricket Club has decisively advanced to the championship match of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Premier League Two-Day tournament following a commanding 10-wicket victory against South Castries at Mindoo Phillip Park. The defending champions demonstrated exceptional all-round performance that underscored their tournament dominance.

    The match commenced with South Castries opting to bat first after winning the toss, though their innings quickly encountered difficulties at 70-7. Kester Charlemagne emerged as their batting savior, delivering a spectacular 57-run performance from just 43 deliveries that included four boundaries and six maximums. His aggressive partnership-building efforts, particularly a 45-run stand with Uriyah Charlemagne, propelled South Castries to a total of 140 runs.

    Gros Islet’s bowling attack was spearheaded by teenage sensation Daniel Lorde, who claimed an impressive 6-44 from 11.3 overs of off-spin bowling. The 15-year-old Castries Comprehensive Secondary School student fittingly captured Charlemagne’s crucial wicket among his six dismissals. He received solid support from Bjorn Fanis (2-11) and single wickets from Jeandell Cyril and Leon Alexander.

    The champions’ response was emphatically led by captain Jard Goodman, who dominated the crease with a magnificent 107 runs from 89 balls, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. Despite early batting partner dismissals, Goodman established a pivotal 51-run fourth-wicket partnership with Khanil Nelson (26) that solidified Gros Islet’s commanding position. Their first innings total of 210 established a significant 70-run lead.

    South Castries’ second innings showed marginal improvement with Ephron Charles contributing exactly 50 runs and Charlemagne adding 45, though their total of 146 proved insufficient against Gros Islet’s relentless bowling attack. Fanis excelled with 5-41 while Alexander claimed 3-31, setting a modest 78-run victory target.

    Goodman returned to complete the victory with an unbeaten 48 from 47 deliveries, guiding his team to 78-0 without losing a wicket. In post-match comments, the captain emphasized their consistent approach: “Regardless of tournament format, we back our skills and training. As defending champions with a younger unit, we embrace expectations and aim to dominate every match.”

    Gros Islet now awaits the winner of the upcoming semifinal between Central Castries and Babonneau to determine their opponent in the championship decider.

  • Caribbean Kings, TTDF women earn Harvard Rugby 7s titles

    Caribbean Kings, TTDF women earn Harvard Rugby 7s titles

    The Harvard International Rugby 7s tournament concluded with thrilling victories for Caribbean Kings and Defence Force in the men’s and women’s categories respectively. Held at St Mary’s College grounds in St Clair on November 29-30, the event showcased exceptional talent across multiple divisions.

    In the men’s championship final, the touring Caribbean Kings squad demonstrated remarkable resilience to secure a hard-fought 19-14 victory against Defence Force. The Kings had previously advanced to the final by defeating host team Harvard Rugby Club 19-12 in a closely contested semifinal match. Harvard ultimately claimed third position in the men’s category.

    The women’s competition saw Defence Force emerge triumphant after round-robin play, narrowly edging out Royalians for top honors. In the women’s under-20 division, San Juan RFC captured the championship with SEPOS Ruggers finishing as runners-up and Whanau Rugby Academy securing third place.

    Additional age-group categories produced equally compelling results. Whanau Academy claimed redemption in the men’s under-20 final with a 12-5 victory over Silvos’ Youth Academy. However, Silvo’s gained retribution in the under-16 division, defeating Whanau to claim the title while Harvard finished third.

    The tournament, captured through dynamic photography by Ayanna Kinsale, featured emerging talents such as San Juan’s Ashana Gonzales and Whanau’s Skyler Hope demonstrating exceptional skill and athleticism. Rugby enthusiasts can now look forward to the upcoming Tobago Classic 7s, scheduled for January 9-10.

  • Mbappe on bench for Real Madrid’s clash with Man City

    Mbappe on bench for Real Madrid’s clash with Man City

    MADRID, Spain — In a significant setback for Real Madrid, star striker Kylian Mbappé has been deemed unfit to start in the pivotal Champions League quarter-final encounter against Manchester City on Wednesday. The French international, who is the club’s leading scorer this campaign, was relegated to the substitutes’ bench following a training session missed due to a broken finger and additional physical discomfort.

    The decision, confirmed by the club to AFP, places considerable pressure on manager Xabi Alonso, who is facing intense scrutiny from Spanish media outlets. Reports indicate that Alonso’s tenure as head coach could be terminated if Madrid fails to advance past Pep Guardiola’s formidable squad.

    This high-stakes match arrives during a troubling period for Los Blancos, who have secured only two victories in their previous seven matches across all competitions. Their recent form hit a new low with a 2-0 La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, widening the gap to four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona in the domestic standings.

    In Mbappé’s absence, Alonso has opted for a reshuffled attacking lineup. Twenty-one-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia receives a surprise start, spearheading the attack with support from the established trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and English midfielder Jude Bellingham. All eyes will be on this reconfigured frontline to deliver against the reigning European champions at a packed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

  • Boys Town, Cool It eye Big Ballers football double

    Boys Town, Cool It eye Big Ballers football double

    The North-Eastern Multi-purpose Facility in Sangre Grande will host an electrifying doubleheader on December 12 as the Big Ballers Football League semifinals commence. The tournament reaches its critical phase with arch-rivals Boys Town and Cool It positioned on opposite sides of the draw, both pursuing the coveted $80,000 grand prize alongside multiple trophies and substantial financial rewards.

    In the evening’s second match at 9:30 PM, Boys Town will confront Manzanilla Challengers Rebirth, marking their second encounter this season. Boys Town enters with psychological advantage having secured a 2-1 victory in their previous meeting. Manager Daryl ‘Blem’ Miranda expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s preparedness, emphasizing their strategy: ‘Keep it tight at the back and score goals up front.’ The team reports no injury concerns ahead of this decisive clash.

    The opening semifinal at 7:30 PM features unbeaten tournament favorites Cool It against Wolf Pack FC. Cool It’s manager Sherwin ‘Pigeon’ Joseph acknowledges the challenge while highlighting his team’s momentum and collective spirit. The squad boasts exceptional experience with veterans including 2006 World Cup participant Anthony Wolfe, former national players Keron ‘Ball Pest’ Cummings and Kevon ‘Showtime’ Woodley, alongside ex-Super League standout Ryan ‘Fry’ Stewart.

    This semifinal showdown sets the stage for an anticipated December 20 rematch in the Brian K Lewis KO final, where $8,000 in prize money awaits the victor. The historical rivalry between Boys Town and Cool It adds compelling narrative to the tournament, with Cool It having dominated recent encounters while adding the 2025 Fishing Pond League and Anthony Wolfe Sweet 16 trophies to their collection.

    Cool It advanced to the semifinals via penalty shootout against Xclusive FC after a 1-1 regulation draw, subsequently securing their KO final placement with victories over Young Guns (2-0) and Dream Team (1-0).

  • Steelpan Titans land another big win in TTCB U-23 Cup

    Steelpan Titans land another big win in TTCB U-23 Cup

    The Steelpan Titans have secured their second emphatic victory in as many days within the TT Cricket Board Under-23 Cup, establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the tournament. Their latest triumph came against the Scarlet Blazers at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on December 10, where they delivered a commanding 142-run win.

    Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, the Titans posted a competitive total of 280 for nine from their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from top-order batsman Joseph Mendoza, who crafted a decisive 78 runs from just 79 deliveries, including three boundaries and four sixes. Openers Riyaad Mohammed (31) and captain Justin Jagessar (22) provided a solid foundation with a 65-run partnership before being dismissed by Zachary Siewah and Vasant Singh respectively.

    Mendoza later formed crucial partnerships, adding 76 runs with Nick Ramlal (39) for the third wicket and 75 runs with wicket-keeper batsman Matheus Komal, whose explosive 43 off 28 balls featured three fours and three sixes to accelerate the scoring rate.

    Despite an expensive spell, Alexander Chase emerged as the most successful bowler for the Blazers, claiming four wickets for 71 runs, including the vital dismissals of Komal, Jacen Agard, Jayden Kent, and Calvin Loubon during the death overs.

    In response, the Scarlet Blazers’ batting lineup collapsed under pressure, crumbling to 32 for four within the first seven overs. Captain Justin Jagessar led the Titans’ bowling attack with two early wickets, finishing with figures of two for 18. The Blazers failed to establish substantial partnerships, with the highest being a 39-run stand between captain Sachin Emrit (17) and Mikeal Sinanan (22). Zachary Siewah top-scored with 23 runs before the team was bowled out for 138 in just 24.4 overs, with Calvin Loubon (2/27) and Stepphan McPherson (2/28) contributing to the comprehensive bowling performance.

    This victory follows the Titans’ five-wicket win against the Soca Strikers under-19 team on December 9, demonstrating their growing dominance in the competition.

  • Calabar see silver lining at the end of the show

    Calabar see silver lining at the end of the show

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Calabar High School’s Manning Cup campaign concluded at the quarter-final stage following consecutive defeats, yet Head Coach Jeremy Miller emphasized the season’s significant progress. Appointed in June, Miller guided the team to its first quarter-final appearance in over a decade, breaking a prolonged period of underwhelming performances.

    The team showcased offensive prowess throughout the competition, setting a new institutional record with 50 goals scored in the first round. Their aggressive, attractive style of play earned them second place in Zone E, accumulating 24 points from 10 matches. The squad continued its dominant form in the second round, topping Group 2 while netting seven goals and conceding only three.

    A highlight of their campaign was a gritty 2-2 draw against defending champions Kingston College, a result that eliminated the titleholders from contention. However, Calabar’s journey ended after suffering a 0-1 loss to Vauxhall High and a 1-4 defeat to St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), where playing with ten men following a red card hampered their efforts.

    Despite the disappointing exit, Miller remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory. The drought for Calabar’s fourth Manning Cup title extends to 20 years, but the squad immediately shifts focus to the Walker Cup, where they remain quarter-final contenders. Miller noted the psychological challenge players faced after missing an early penalty against STATHS, which led to lost composure and tactical disorganization.

    The team prepares to face Eltham High in their upcoming match, hoping to build momentum for their Walker Cup campaign. Calabar has previously lifted the Walker Cup trophy in 1974 and 2007, providing historical encouragement as they seek to salvage silverware from their season.