标签： Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia’s track and field sensation Jady Emmanuel is battling against the clock to recover from a significant injury ahead of next month’s CARIFTA Games in Grenada. The double CARIFTA sprint champion sustained the injury during the preliminary rounds of the Island Champs at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on March 10.

The 17-year-old rising star, who has committed to attend the University of Texas starting this September, collapsed during her fourth and final event—the Under-18 girls’ 4x100m relay—while competing for Choiseul Secondary School. After receiving the baton behind the pack, Emmanuel dramatically pulled her team into second position and was challenging for the lead when the injury occurred, forcing Choiseul Secondary to withdraw from the race.

Earlier in the competition, Emmanuel had demonstrated her exceptional form by posting the top qualifying time in the 200m and the second-fastest time in the 100m events, effortlessly advancing through the preliminary rounds. She had opted not to compete in the 4x400m relay, where her school still managed to qualify for the finals.

Preliminary medical assessments conducted after the incident have produced uncertain results regarding her leg injury, with recovery estimates ranging from one week to two months. This development has ruled Emmanuel out of the National Junior Championships scheduled for this weekend at Soufriere Stadium and likely concludes her participation in the ongoing Island Champs.

The athlete made history at last year’s CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago by winning both the Under-17 girls’ 100m and 200m events—marking Saint Lucia’s first-ever medals in these competitions at this level. This year, she would have been eligible to compete in the Under-20 division, making her potential absence particularly significant for Saint Lucia’s athletic representation.

Saint Lucia’s beloved Blackheart Football Tournament makes its triumphant return in 2026 after a one-year hiatus, with four community venues selected through unprecedented fan participation. The month-long knockout competition, scheduled from May 1-30, will unfold across four strategically chosen locations: Vieux Fort, Soufrière, Gros Islet, and Dennery.

The venue selection process marked a significant shift toward fan engagement, with organizers implementing an online poll that attracted over 2,700 votes. This democratic approach allowed supporters to directly influence the tournament’s geographical footprint, with voting specifically focused on enclosed venues that enhance both security and spectator experience.

Vieux Fort’s Phillip ‘Magii’ Marcellin Grounds emerged as the overwhelming favorite, capturing approximately 30% of all votes (800 total) despite previous security concerns that had limited its use in recent years. Soufrière Stadium followed closely with 750 votes, while Gros Islet’s Francis ‘Baba’ Lastic Grounds secured 665 votes. Dennery’s Mabouya Valley Playing Field completed the selection with 400 votes, notably outperforming Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries, which garnered merely 100 votes.

David ‘Shakes’ Christopher, CEO of Blackheart Productions, emphasized the significance of community involvement: ‘The overwhelming participation reflects the passion and growing support for community football throughout the island. These venues represent key football communities across Saint Lucia and will provide an exciting stage for teams and supporters to come together in celebration of the sport.’

The tournament, which has evolved into one of the nation’s most anticipated sporting events, promises to deliver its characteristic blend of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, and community entertainment. Defending champions La Clery will return to defend their title earned in the 2024 competition. Organizers have indicated that additional announcements regarding team registration procedures, detailed match schedules, and prize structures will follow in the coming weeks.

In a thrilling display of resilience, newcomers Fired Up Fitness secured a 60-53 comeback victory against East Coast Academy in Wednesday night’s KFC National Basketball League matchup at Beausejour Gymnasium. The game’s pivotal performance came from fireman and former West Indies rugby winger Jerry Charles, who emerged as the decisive factor in the contest.

East Coast Academy established early dominance, closing the first quarter with a 24-22 advantage. However, their offensive momentum faltered dramatically as they managed only 29 points across the subsequent three quarters. Fired Up Fitness maintained relentless pressure, culminating in a decisive final period performance. With three minutes remaining and a narrow three-point lead, Charles delivered a game-sealing three-pointer that secured the victory.

Charles earned the KFC Player of the Game honor with 14 points, shouldering increased offensive responsibility after teammate Kerwin Sealy exited early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Sealy had contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds before his departure. The team received additional support from Simeon Medard and Simeon Hippolyte, each adding 9 points to the scoreboard.

Despite the loss, East Coast Academy witnessed exceptional individual performance from Sage Lewis, who achieved career-best numbers with a game-high 25 points and 12 rebounds. Tyler “Shrimpy” Hubain provided solid support with 7 points and 9 rebounds.

The league action continues Friday with Bonne Terre Blazers and Courts Jets both seeking their second victories in a 6 p.m. tipoff, followed by East Coast Academy facing Morne Gladiators at 8 p.m.

In a commanding display of postseason prowess, the University of North Texas women’s basketball squad delivered an emphatic 80-57 victory over ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls during the American Conference Championship’s second round on March 11. The matchup at Birmingham’s Legacy Arena witnessed historic individual achievements alongside collective excellence.

Saint Lucian sensation Megan Nestor cemented her legacy by recording her 20th double-double of the season, becoming just the third Mean Green player in program history to reach this monumental milestone. The 6’4″ center from Canaries delivered a masterclass performance with 16 points on efficient 10-shot attempts and flawless 6-6 free throw shooting, complemented by 12 rebounds (4 offensive) in her Division I playoff debut.

Nestor’s dominance continues a remarkable season that saw her sweep multiple conference honors, including Defensive Player of the Year, All-Conference First Team, All-Newcomer Team, and All-Defensive Team selections. She stands as only the second UNT athlete ever to claim the conference’s top defensive award.

While Nestor controlled the paint, guard Aysia Proctor ignited the scoreboard with a game-high 24 points, matching her career best with five three-pointers and registering her sixth 20-point performance this season. The offensive barrage featured four Mean Green players reaching double figures, demonstrating the team’s balanced scoring threat.

The victory marked head coach Jason Burton’s 66th win at North Texas, tying Judy Nelson for third-most in school history. With their record now at 18-13 overall, the Mean Green advance to face fourth-seeded Tulsa in Thursday’s semifinal matchup, seeking redemption for their 57-53 January loss against the Golden Hurricane.

Saint Lucian cyclist Denver Alphonse Jr. is poised for international competition following an impressive performance at the Grand Prix UCS in Martinique, which served as his final preparatory event. The 18-year-old athlete secured second place in his division and 13th overall in a competitive field of 59 riders, finishing approximately seven minutes behind repeat champion Kyllian Boscher of VC Diamantinois in the 93.9-kilometre race around Saint-Esprit.

This performance marks Alphonse’s strongest finish this year and demonstrates significant progress in his cycling career. As the Under-23 silver medalist representing ASC Karaïbes Culture Sports, Alphonse views this result as validation of his growing capabilities against Martinique’s cycling standards.

In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Alphonse expressed his motivation: “Last weekend’s race meant a lot to me because it’s showing that I am improving and meeting the standards of cycling in Martinique. I will continue working hard for more improvement.”

The young athlete now turns his attention to the Road Continental Pan American Championships in Córdoba, Colombia, scheduled for March 17-22. Alphonse will compete in the Under-23 category, beginning with the 36-kilometer time trial on March 18th, followed by the demanding 160.8-kilometer road race on March 21st.

Regarding his championship goals, Alphonse maintains a focused perspective: “With regard to Pan American Championships, my goal is to do my best, compete hard, and cross that finishing line, because I will be going up against top continental riders.” The championships will feature competition across multiple categories including Under-19, Under-23, and Elite divisions for both male and female athletes.

The third day of the Saint Lucia Island Championships witnessed exceptional performances from young track and field talents, with Destinee Cenac and Barbara-Marie Maximin emerging as standout athletes. The event, held simultaneously at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and the Saint Lucia Sports Academy on March 11th, saw the first field event champions crowned amidst fierce competition.

Destinee Cenac, a reigning CARIFTA Games bronze medalist in high jump, continued her impressive season by clearing 1.71 meters for the second time this year. The St. Joseph’s Convent student, who previously earned bronze at the regional championship, comfortably secured the Under-18 gold medal with a 1.45m clearance, demonstrating her consistent dominance in the event.

Barbara-Marie Maximin, previously noted for her sprinting prowess during Monday’s preliminary rounds, achieved a career-defining moment in the long jump pit. The Beanefield Comprehensive student soared to a remarkable 5.61 meters, significantly improving upon her previous CARIFTA qualifying standard of 5.36m set at the Independence Games. This personal best positions her as a strong medal contender for the upcoming regional championship. Cenac finished second in this event with a 5.00m jump.

The championships also featured impressive performances across various divisions. Angelle Joseph of Clendon Mason Memorial secured victory in the Under-18 girls javelin with a 27.73m throw, while Clowie William claimed the Under-20 javelin title with a 35.37m effort for Saint Lucia Sports Academy. Syesha Rogers of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College triumphed in the long jump with a 5.29m leap.

In men’s field events, Sherwin Carter (Micoud Secondary) cleared 1.75m for the Under-18 high jump title, while Anwar Gill (SALCC) captured the Under-20 crown with a 1.80m clearance. Javelin competitions saw Josan Henry (Vieux Fort Comprehensive) win the Under-18 division with 47.24m, and national footballer Jequan Joseph dominate the Under-20 category with a massive 52.53m throw for SLSA.

The championships also recognized winners in younger divisions including Phoebe Jolie (U14 girls long jump, 4.45m), Kezie Edward (U14 girls ball throw, 45.07m), Lorvelle Sonson (U16 girls long jump, 4.90m), and Rayanna Joseph (U16 girls javelin, 27.58m). Javi Preville (CMMSS) threw 64.93m in U14 boys ball throw, while Renard Bernard (VFCSS) achieved 44.10m in U16 boys javelin.