Gibbs Williams was gunned down on Friday.
As the local sporting fraternity continues to grapple with news of the tragic slaying of national cricket manager Gibbs Williams, Paul Beckford and Davion Ferguson are already reflecting on the life and impact the prominent son of the soil had on many.
Williams, who was also a vice principal at GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in St Catherine, was gunned down on Friday afternoon at the compound of a medical facility in Portmore.
It is reported that Williams was called outside of the medical facility and shot by unknown assailants. He was later rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A former Cricket Coach at Waterford High School, and Wolmer’s Boys School, Williams unearthed the talent of Jermaine Lawson. He served the JCA as manager of the Under-19 cricket team and also as Physical Trainer.
Williams was the manager of the Jamaica Under-19 team, that recently won the double Regional U-19 Championship, and also served as the manager for the just-concluded West Indies Under-19 team tour to Sri Lanka.
Beckford, another vice principal at the Angels-based institution explained that a pall of gloom permeated the atmosphere as students and teachers alike, are still coming to terms with the situation.
“It is very somber, as we speak, we are doing some counselling to try and see how best we can help each other through this difficult period. I can’t find the words to express how great a loss it is, especially knowing that I spoke to him earlier because he was at work and then left to go to the doctor,” Beckford told Sportsmax.tv.
He recollected Williams’s dedication to his craft as both a lecturer and cricket manager, as well as his commitment to guiding those under his tutelage.
“Just think about somebody who motivates and instills discipline. In everything he always wants to help young people and pushes them to get the best of them. Everything that an educator or a parent would want from those under their care, that is the kind of person he was,” Beckford shared.
“We don’t really know what happened, if we were to say anything now it would just be speculating but he doesn’t deserve this and only God knows and we only hope that whoever it was will come forward,” he added.
Ferguson, a former student and assistant coach of GC Foster College, recalled how he and Williams met through their mutual acquaintance with the now-deceased Glenston Hutchinson.
The Jamaica College Head coach, like Beckford, spoke highly of Williams, who was affectionately known as “Gibbo”.
“I am not usual lost for words but right now it is hard to comprehend. Gibbo was more than a lecturer, he was a role model, a father figure, he motivated everyone and generally had a positive impact on those he came in contact with. It really hits hard and both GC Foster and the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has lost a monumental figure,” Ferguson said.
“He was my lecturer in college plus he was very close friends with Hutchinson, so we grew into a friendship, and he would always see me and say, ‘boy coach “Hutchie” would be proud, and I am also proud of your achievements.’ So, he played a huge role in my upbringing from my time at GC Foster.
“Nobody really knows what happened, but no matter what the situation is, I don’t think any human being deserves to have their life taken and certainly not Gibbo, who had such a big heart and looked out for others,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Athletics Administrative in sending condolence to the GC Foster College community, expressed shock and sorrow at Williams’s untimely passing.
“Mr. Williams was not just a dedicated educator but also a pillar of strength within your institution. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of students, his tireless efforts in promoting physical education and sports, and his genuine care for the welfare of the school community were truly remarkable,” the JAAA release said.
“In times like these, it is difficult to find words that adequately express the depth of our sympathy. We share in your grief and stand by your side as you mourn this profound loss. Mr. Williams’s contributions to the college and the lives he touched will be remembered with great respect and fondness,” the statement added.
The Jamaica Cricket Association was also saddened by the tragic situation.
“Gibbo was passionate, enthusiastic and a tireless servant of cricket. We pray that his soul is judged with mercy,” the JCA release stated.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Coaches pleased as Arnett Gardens, Mount Pleasant share spoils in lively 1-1 stalemate
Though they would have preferred to take all three points, Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert and Davion Ferguson of Mount Pleasant took heart from a point as their teams played out a 1-1 stalemate in an entertaining Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League clash at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Wednesday evening.
Kimani Arbouine (12th) gave Arnett Gardens the lead before a Kimoni Bailey, now sporting a low cut instead of his signature dread locked, secured Mount Pleasant a share of the spoils with a 42nd minute strike, as both teams showed attacking flair and tactical discipline, in patches, as well as moments of real drama.
With the point, the ‘Junglists’ slipped to eight position on five points, while their St Ann-based opponents extend their tidy start to the campaign in fifth on seven points from three games.
Ferguson, an assistant to Head coach Theodore Whitmore lauded the performance by his players.
“We have managed to bring some good players to St Ann over the last two seasons, but overall I think we have a very good unit. I think we gave up a very easy goal but we created enough chances in the game to actually win the game. That is something that is plaguing us, but at the end of the day a point away to Arnett in the jungle is a point that we are always grateful for,” Ferguson stated.
Meanwhile, Gilbert believes his team gave a good account despite the heavy underfoot conditions caused by persistent rain.
“It wasn’t one of our best performance but we knew the conditions would have made things difficult. Still, I don’t think we were smart enough and the goal scoring opportunity that we got worked out how we wanted it to, but we didn’t do it consistently enough and that was my disappointment.
“But it was a tough contest for us, I am happy that we didn’t lose and that is important that we start getting back some points on the table. So it was a gutsy performance and we take it and move on,” Gilbert noted.
The contested started with high intensity as Mount Pleasant, in particular, sought to impose themselves early. They got off the first warning shot through Jean Claudio Rios Ferreira, whose right-footed effort from a distance, wasn’t far off target.
However, it was Arnett Gardens who found the breakthrough in the 13th minute when a mix up between Mount Pleasant’s goalkeeper Shaquan Davis and a defender, allowed Arbouine to pounce and fire home his third of the season.
Despite falling behind, Mount Pleasant didn’t back down. They responded with a few decent attacks which produced half chances that they failed to make count.
But, their persistence paid off just before halftime when Bailey fired home from a melee after Arnett’s custodian Richardo White spilled a freekick from Ferreira to level the scores at 1-1 at the break.
The second half was a similarly a thrilling affair, as both teams continued to attack with purpose. Arnett Gardens had a few chances to take the lead, particularly through the dangerous Arbouine, who went on the break in the 70th, but his effort was kept out by a firm hand from Davis.
Three minutes later, Warner Brown also went close for Arnett Gardens when he was allowed a free-header to Philando Wing’s weighted cross, but Davis again came up big to tip over the crossbar.
Mount Pleasant also had their moments, as their attacking front was ably aided by full-back and Man-of-the-match Gadial Irving, who caused problems with his distribution and vision.
One of those services should have secured the points for Mount Pleasant but Kyle Ming, who couldn’t keeper his header down in the 87th minute and so they were left to share the spoils.
Wednesday’s results
Waterhouse 2, Vere United 1
Montego Bay United 4, Molynes United 0
Arnett Gardens 1, Mount Pleasant 1
Harbour View 1, Portmore United 2
Racing United vs Cavalier (Postponed)
Dunbeholden FC vs Tivoli Gardens (Postponed)
Caymanas Park set for growth through international investment
Jamaica's premier horse racing venue is poised for significant growth and more international recognition, thanks to a strategic partnership with the New York Racing Association (NYRA). This collaboration, ignited by the improvement being done at the park by operators Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) over the past seven, potentially marks a turning point for the Jamaican horse racing industry.
In a major boost to the Caymanas Park's profile, NYRA and FOX Sports have committed to a two-year agreement to broadcast the prestigious Mouttet Mile Invitational live in the USA. This partnership renewal comes after the resounding success of the 2023 Mouttet Mile Invitational which was televised live for the first time on FOX Sports.
SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe expressed his joy with the development. “Since SVREL has been at the helm of operations at Caymanas Park, we’ve made US multi-million-dollar investments into the product and the infrastructure as we strongly believe in the value of horseracing as an industry. We are very excited to have NYRA see the gem that Caymanas Park is and for them to step up and commit to investing in the product to help bring the sport to international racing fans. By all accounts, last year’s broadcast on FOX Sports was a hit. Racing fans from NY to California fell in love with the energy of racing at Caymanas Park and so we’re very pleased to have FOX and NYRA back on board for not just this year but also the 2025 Mouttet Mile. The potential for the growth of the local industry with the exposure and support from NYRA and FOX is limitless.”
Sharpe has consistently shared his vision for the facility to become the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Caribbean.
In addition to broadcasting the next two editions of the Mouttet Mile, FOX Sports also stated that the extended coverage will showcase not only the world-class racing at Caymanas Park but also the venue's unique and electric atmosphere brought by the passionate racing fans. The partnership will also officially make the linkage between sports and tourism by including Jamaica’s natural beauty and historical sites in the broadcast partnership. They will also be showcasing not only the racing but the passion of the fans at Caymanas Park who add to the unique energy at the iconic venue.
Overseas punters are not to be left out as NYRA will offer a special Pick 5 wager that includes not only two graded stakes at Caymanas Park, including the Mouttet Mile but also the prestigious Cigar Mile at Aqueduct—a Grade 1 race with a purse of US$750,000.
"NYRA is looking to host an inter tote wagering double race with the Mouttet Mile and the Cigar Mile. Interest in the Mouttet Mile and by extension, Caymanas Park, has spread from coast to coast in the USA. Making betting on the Mouttet Mile accessible in the USA is a great achievement and it takes us closer to realising the ultimate goal of having the race included in the World Pool,” said Sharpe.
He also hinted at a possible purse increase for next year's Mouttet Mile.
The Mouttet Mile Invitational is a Grade One event for three-year-olds and upward going over a mile (1,600m) and in successive years has set the record for the largest purse in the English-speaking Caribbean. The 2024 purse is set at a historic US $250,000. The 3rd Running of the Mouttet Mile is scheduled for December 7.
This year’s staging is already shaping up to be an exciting affair with early interest from 7 prominent overseas-based horses and two local horses already earning their automatic spots in an exciting Win and You’re In promotion by copping wins in The Jamaica Derby (Gr. 1) and the Philip Feanny OD Gold Cup (Gr. 1). The final Win & You’re In instalments are The Jamaica Cup (Gr. 1) and Port Royal Sprint (Gr. 3) scheduled for November 9.
The collaboration between Caymanas Park and NYRA represents a significant milestone for Jamaica's horse racing industry.
Sharpe concluded “Over the past few years we’ve been able to attract some local corporate sponsors which we see as an endorsement of SVREL’s efforts to elevate horseracing and create a thriving ecosystem around it. This endorsement by an organization like NYRA bodes well for the future of racing and we can’t wait to welcome even more international partners on board as we grow a sustainable product. All of this happening in Caymanas Park’s 65th anniversary year makes it extra special.”
Building on the solid groundwork laid by SVREL's investments and innovations, this partnership with NYRA is expected to bring new opportunities, increased investment, and a higher international profile to Jamaican horse racing.
JCA and Kingston Wharves present tertiary scholarships to U19 cricketers
The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) and long-time youth cricket sponsor Kingston Wharves have teamed up to award two deserving Under-19 cricketers full scholarships for their tertiary education at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The scholarships were recently presented at the JCA office at Sabina Park in Kingston.
The JCA highlighted the spectacular success of the Under-19 team, led by captain Brian Barnes and Steven Wedderburn. The team captured both regional championship trophies available in 2023. The idea for the scholarships arose from a desire to properly reward these talented cricketers while supporting their educational goals, ensuring they could continue playing the game at a high level.
JCA President Dr. Donovan Bennett welcomed the partnership with Kingston Wharves in awarding the scholarships. "We are very grateful at the JCA that Kingston Wharves has made this offer. It allows cricketers who have also excelled academically to be recognized and supported, helping them to enhance their life skills," he said.
Dr. Bennett also spoke about the process of determining the scholarship winners. "We had a joint committee with participation from both Kingston Wharves and the JCA. We invited applications, and after a thorough assessment process, the committee made the final recommendations."
The two awardees, Barnes and Wedderburn, along with their family members and coaches, were thrilled to receive the scholarships.
"I feel elated and honoured," said Barnes. "I'm just happy that both of us are being recognized with this scholarship."
Wedderburn echoed similar sentiments, stating, "I feel pretty elated because this is an honor. It's a result of hard work and dedication, and I feel great about receiving this award."
Kingston Wharves, the financial backer of the scholarships, was represented by Business Development Manager Alfred McDonald, who spoke about the company's commitment to supporting student-athletes. "We are focused on ensuring that those playing the sport are also excelling academically. We've seen their journey, and we want to support it. By providing funds—around $300,000 to $500,000 per annum for each of them—we believe this assistance will propel them to do their best both on the field and in school," McDonald said.
Simone Murdock, Corporate Services and Client Experience Manager at Kingston Wharves, who sat on the scholarship selection committee, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the selection process and the quality of the two recipients. "Our commitment is to see these young men through to the completion of their degrees. At that time, the company will reassess, as there might be greater needs in three years. For now, our focus is on helping them complete their degree program, and we will evaluate what further support is needed for cricket development afterward," Murdock said.
Barnes and Wedderburn will be pursuing marketing degrees at UWI, a program expected to last four years.
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