标签： Barbados

The highly anticipated Prime Minister’s Cup final is poised to captivate Barbados as Weymouth Wales and Kickstart Rush compete for the championship trophy and a $100,000 cash prize on December 1 at Kensington Oval. The event, already a resounding success in its second year, has drawn over 9,000 ticket sales, nearing full capacity despite inclement weather. Project Manager Shane Archer highlighted the tournament’s impact, noting its role in empowering local communities and vendors. The day’s festivities begin at 2 p.m., featuring a series of matches, including the Barbados Lady Tridents vs. Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors in the Concacaf W Qualifiers at 4 p.m., followed by a Christ Church derby at 6:30 p.m., and culminating in the final at 9 p.m. Archer addressed challenges with the online ticketing system, urging fairness and responsibility among spectators. The finals night will also showcase live entertainment from artists like Jordan English and Lil Rick, alongside performances by the Barbados Cheerleading Association and a tuk band. All matches will be streamed live via CBC TV and Flow Sports. Chairman of the Organising Committee Eastmond emphasized the cultural and economic significance of the event, which has provided opportunities for small entrepreneurs and fostered national pride. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith praised the tournament’s success, noting the participation of nearly 600 players and officials. Barbados Football Association President Randy Harris lauded the organisers for elevating the sport’s profile, while Marketing and Communications Officer Danielle Toppin outlined strict spectator policies, including prohibitions on food, drinks, and smoking. Sponsors such as Flow, Body Bliss Zone, and the National Cultural Foundation were acknowledged for their support.

Saffie Joseph Jr., the celebrated Barbadian trainer, has once again proven his dominance in the horse racing world by securing his 14th consecutive championship meet title at Gulfstream Park. The Sunshine Meet, which concluded over the weekend, saw Joseph clinch the title with an impressive 34 victories out of 143 starts, outpacing second-place trainer Jose D’Angelo by eight wins. This remarkable achievement adds to Joseph’s stellar year, which includes 14 graded stakes victories and earnings totaling US$1,332,480. The title was sealed when Message of Hope, a four-year-old colt ridden by apprentice Micah Husbands, triumphed in Sunday’s second race, covering 1700 meters in 1:43.85. Joseph, visibly elated, attributed his success to divine grace, the dedication of his team, and the exceptional performance of his horses. He remarked, ‘It never gets old. The horses got in form, and it worked out. All the credit goes to the horses, God, and the workers.’ Meanwhile, jockey Edgard Zayas celebrated his 10th riding title, marking his third win in five years. Zayas ended the meet with 44 victories, narrowly edging out Miguel Vasquez, who secured 42 wins. Zayas expressed his gratitude for the support from trainers, owners, and his family, emphasizing the importance of momentum heading into the upcoming Championship Meet.

The Barbados Football Association (BFA) has unveiled the Lady Tridents squad for the pivotal 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago, set to take place on December 1 at Kensington Oval. Head Coach Kerry Trotman expressed unwavering confidence in her team’s ability to deliver a strong performance in this high-stakes encounter. The match, scheduled for 4 p.m., will be free for spectators, with the team aiming to harness the energy of the home crowd. Trotman highlighted the squad’s resilience and focus throughout their preparation journey, emphasizing the inclusion of overseas-based players who bring added experience and depth to the team. “We’ve named what we believe is the strongest available squad,” Trotman stated. “We’re confident in our competitiveness and believe that executing our game plan will lead to a favorable result.” The squad features a mix of local and international talent, including goalkeepers Lisa Harding (Merstham Women F.C., England) and Chioma Maycock (Empire F.C.), as well as captain Shanice Stevenson (Paradise F.C.). The management team, led by Trotman, includes Assistant Coach Mario Vanterpoole, Manager Tricia Forde, and Goalkeeping Coach Richard Bynoe, among others. With preparations in full swing, the Lady Tridents are poised to make their mark in this crucial qualifier.

The Barbados men’s rugby team has achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Centro Caribe Games, set to take place from July to August in the Dominican Republic. This accomplishment came after the team secured second place at the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament, held at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. While the men’s team celebrated their success, the women’s team faced a challenging tournament, failing to secure a single victory.

The men’s campaign began on a rocky note with a heavy 0-45 defeat against defending champions Canada in their opening match. Their struggles continued with a 7-19 loss to Mexico. However, the team rallied on Saturday, clinching their first win against Bermuda with a score of 21-7, which propelled them into the quarterfinals. There, they dominated Guyana’s Mean Green with a 36-5 victory. In the semifinals, Barbados triumphed over Bermuda once again, 26-7, securing a spot in the final. Despite a 0-31 loss to Canada in the championship match, their semifinal performance was enough to guarantee their place in the 2026 Centro Caribe Games. They will join Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala-Costa Rica, and hosts Dominican Republic in the multisport event.

In stark contrast, the women’s team endured a difficult tournament, scoring only five tries across six matches. They faced defeats against Bermuda (5-22), Jamaica (0-59), Guyana (5-10), Mexico (10-35), Trinidad and Tobago (0-46), and Guyana again in the fifth-place playoff (7-14). Jamaica and Mexico secured the Centro Caribe berths for the women’s competition.

The men’s team featured three debutants—Joshua Rudling, Justin Hart, and Christopher Blades—alongside returning players Jake Caddy and Grayson Haynes, who rejoined the squad after a four-year hiatus. The team’s preparation included an intensive eight-day training camp in Turks and Caicos.

This dual narrative of triumph and struggle highlights the contrasting fortunes of Barbados’ rugby teams as they look ahead to future challenges.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed unwavering confidence in his team as they prepare for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Despite a challenging history in New Zealand, where the West Indies last won a Test match in 1987 and a Test series in 1995, Sammy remains optimistic about their prospects. The team recently concluded competitive T20I and One Day International (ODI) series against the Kiwis, creating numerous opportunities to win but ultimately falling short. Sammy praised New Zealand’s dominance at home while highlighting the positives from the previous series. The West Indies will begin their campaign with a two-day warmup match against a New Zealand XI before the first Test on December 2. Sammy emphasized the team’s improved mindset and intensity during training, noting their determination to end the year on a high note. He also drew attention to their recent performance against India, where they pushed the hosts into a fifth day of a Test match—a rare feat in India. While acknowledging the historical odds, Sammy believes the team’s execution and competitive spirit could lead to an upset in the three-match series.