Alphonso Bridgewater
CANOC
The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) has bestowed heartfelt congratulations upon Alphonso Bridgewater for his outstanding achievements, as he was honored with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) and The Companion Star of Merit (CSM) by St Kitts and Nevis.
This recognition was in appreciation of Bridgewater's significant contributions to sports and sports administration, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the world of athletics.
According to CANOC President, Keith Joseph, Alphonso Bridgewater's name has become synonymous with sports in the Caribbean, and while he has been involved in various capacities throughout his life, many recognize him as the distinguished President of the National Olympic Committee of St Kitts and Nevis. In this role, Bridgewater has exemplified distinction, pride, and an amiable disposition that has not only endeared him to the sports community within his nation but has also resonated well beyond its shores, reaching the international community.
“His exceptional flair for communication and profound insights into global sports matters have set him apart. Bridgewater has conducted himself with immense humility and an unwavering eagerness to assist others whenever needed. His dedication to the values inherent in sports and his readiness to confront challenges within the global sports framework make him a true ambassador of the sporting spirit,” Joseph said.
Bridgewater's influence extends beyond the borders of St Kitts and Nevis, as he has served the wider Caribbean region and the Americas in his capacity as an Executive member of Panam Sports. Additionally, he successfully persuaded his nation's government to shoulder the significant responsibility of hosting the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
While the honors bestowed upon Alphonso Bridgewater are undoubtedly a recognition of his remarkable contributions to sports in St Kitts and Nevis, CANOC emphasizes that they extend far beyond. They are a reflection of the person Bridgewater has become—an exemplar for many, both within and outside the realm of sports.
“In extending their congratulations, CANOC acknowledges Bridgewater not only as a brother and a friend but also as an advocate for the best in all of us. He is recognized as an administrator par excellence and a profoundly committed character whose impact has been felt not only locally but also globally,” said CANOC president concluded.
Cuba overturn deficit in 5-2 aggregate Play-In win over St Kitts and Nevis to book Gold Cup prelims spot
Cuba booked their spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup prelims after they turned the tables on St Kitts and Nevis in their Concacaf Nations League Play-In tie on Monday.
Needing to overturn a deficit from their 1-2 first-leg loss, Cuba did just that in commanding fashion as they blanked St Kitts and Nevis 4-0 in a lopsided return-leg encounter at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba.
After bossing possession for most of the first half, Cuba inevitably broke the deadlock when Onel Hernandez produced a decent solo run on his way to driving home a right-footer from the top of the penalty area to level the series on aggregate at that point.
But the hosts were far from done and doubled the lead on the stroke of the break as Yosel Piedra also converted from close range in the 45+3 to make it 2-0 at the break and 3-2 on aggregate.
With St Kitts and Nevis offering very little resistance on the resumption, Cuba extended their lead in the 50th courtesy of Luis Paradela’s close-range finish.
Maykel Reyes then converted an 87th-minute penalty to cap the win as Cuba continued their march towards making the cut for next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup. A win in the preliminary rounds would see them achieving that feat.
St Kitts and Nevis, Belize secure first leg advantage in Nations League Play-In
Saint Kitts and Nevis and Belize place one foot in the Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims as both secured 2-1 wins over Cuba and French Guiana, respectively, in the opening leg of their Concacaf Nations League Play-In on Thursday.
Romaine Sawyers (8th) and Andre Burley (48th) were the scorers for Saint Kitts and Nevis, while Luis Paradela (40th) pulled one back for Cuba at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre.
Meanwhile, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, Belize through goals from Carlos Bernardez (67th) and Eugene Martinez (75th) also secured an advantage heading into return leg action on Tuesday. Thomas Torvic (90+3) got French Guiana’s goal.
The winning teams on aggregate will advance to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims.
Saint Kitts and Nevis vs. Cuba
Sawyers opened the scoring for Saint Kitts and Nevis with a right-footed strike inside the penalty area after latching on to a final pass from Omari Sterling-James.
However, Paradela pulled Cuba level with a tidy finish from Orlando Calvo’s perfectly weighted ball into the area.
Cuba’s celebrations were short-lived as Burley restored the “Sugar Boyz” lead when he expertly headed home from Sterling-James’ weighted freekick.
Cuba will host Saint Kitts and Nevis in the second leg on Monday at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba.
Belize vs. French Guiana
After playing out a goalless first half, Bernardez broke the deadlock for Belize from a penalty spot much to the delight of home crowd.
Martinez extended the lead when he applied the finishing touch to Jordy Polanco’s decent corner kick.
Down but not out, Torvic ensured French Guiana remained in striking distance as he headed home from Thomas Vancaeyezeele’s assist.
French Guiana and Belize will meet for the second leg on Tuesday at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.
CANOC President Keith Joseph praises Julien Alfred, extends best wishes ahead of World Athletics Award decision
As the world awaits the announcement of the 2024 World Athletics Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, CANOC President Keith Joseph has expressed pride and support for St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, a finalist for the prestigious award alongside the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The award decision will be revealed on December 1, marking a historic moment for the Caribbean athlete, who already secured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Paris Olympics.
Joseph highlighted the significance of Alfred’s accomplishment, noting her meteoric rise from a small island with a population of under 150,000. “For the very first time in decades, a Caribbean athlete, not from any of the larger islands, and with a population of less than 150,000, is among the finalists. We are here referring to St Lucia’s track and field gem, Julien Alfred… who has literally stormed into the sporting history of her native land,” he stated.
Joseph traced Alfred’s journey from her early promise in athletics to her dominance at the CARIFTA Games, the NCAA Division 1, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, and the Central American and Caribbean Games, describing her victory in Paris as a “feat of pure beauty, grace, incredible confidence, and impeccable timing.”
Reflecting on the history of Caribbean success in track and field, Joseph drew parallels to other trailblazing athletes from the region. He recalled Arthur Wint’s first Olympic gold for Jamaica in 1948, Hasely Crawford’s 1976 win for Trinidad and Tobago, and this year’s historic achievements with the national anthems of Dominica and St Lucia being played for the first time at the Olympics. “In Paris, two of our region’s smallest islands – Dominica and St Lucia - had their anthems played for the first time at the Olympic Games. It was track and field athletics yet again,” Joseph said.
Joseph also acknowledged the achievements of other Caribbean athletes across various disciplines, especially those who have overcome unique challenges from small island nations. “We are generally considered small, even micro in some cases, but we are aware of which nations in our midst are the smallest and the very special challenges they face,” he emphasized.
In closing, Joseph extended CANOC’s full support for Alfred as she aims to etch her name in history as the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year. “We extend best wishes to Julien Alfred in her quest to win the coveted title of World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year 2024. We certainly hope that she has the benefit of the votes of all of our members, etching her name in yet more sporting history in 2024,” he concluded.
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