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• Denise Alleyne highlights positives despite Bajan Gems 0-3 loss to Northern Ireland in Paradise Cup Series

  Despite being swept 0-3 by Northern Ireland Warriors in a three-match Paradise Cup series, Barbados Gems head coach Denise Alleyne took heart from her team’s performances, as she believes the experience will serve them well going forward.

  For Alleyne, the fact that young players from the 15th-ranked Gems were exposed to rubbing shoulders with more seasoned players was an even bigger highlight of their campaign against 11th ranked Northern Ireland, which ended at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Tuesday.

  Northern Ireland won 53-43, 66-39, and 55-45.

  “The biggest takeaway from the Northern Ireland Test series for me was the introduction of the new young players, especially ones that came forward from the Under-21, and just having a glimpse of what the future of netball could be,” Alleyne said.

  “I was so very proud of their performance, even the ones who only played for a quarter. They went on and gave 100 per cent. So it gave me some hope, because, as you know, the team does have a mix of older and younger players, and then there are some in between who would have been Under-21 nationals just a couple of years ago, so it is a good mix,” she added. 

  Alleyne explained that tournaments like these are important to the Barbados’ netball development and that of younger players, in particular, as they displayed grit and commitment throughout, even as the odds were stacked against them in more ways than one.

  “I did see a lot of individual improvement, in terms of player development both on and off the court. The girls played with a lot of heart. I knew that it would have been a challenge – I did believe that we could have won at least one of the games, because I don’t think Northern Ireland is 20 or 30 goals better than we are,” Alleyne told Barbados Today.

  “But you know, we had circumstances with injuries and stuff, and we also had situations where people had to go to work and then hustle to get there for the game in the evening time. So that too would have played a part in how rested and prepared people were for the game on the night. But it is a circumstance beyond our control,” she noted, adding that she anticipates significant growth over time.

• JOA President Samuda and Minister Grange express condolences following George Rhoden’s passing

  Jamaica's sporting community continues to mourn the passing of Olympic gold medalist George Rhoden on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the age of 97. Rhoden, the last surviving member of Jamaica's legendary 4x400m relay team that won gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, leaves behind a legacy of excellence that has deeply impacted Jamaican athletics.

  In the wake of his passing, Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda and Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Rhoden’s family, friends, and the wider athletic community.

  President Samuda reflected on Rhoden’s life with admiration, highlighting his commitment, resilience, and the pride he took in representing Jamaica on the global stage.

  “A life lived nobly and with national pride on the track. A Morgan State University alumnus, who studied and learnt lessons of commitment, resilience, and excellence which he exemplified in his golden exploits in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games and preceding Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. A Jamaican who understood the value of legacy creation in sport as a critical element of nation building," Samuda said.

  He emphasized that Rhoden's life and achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, illustrating that greatness is within reach for those who are determined.

  "Olympian George Rhoden has bequeathed, generously, to the athletic world a script that we can become what we will ourselves to be and that in any endeavour your footprints will blueprint the length and greatness of your stride," Samuda added.

  "My heartfelt regrets to his family who mourn his passing amidst a celebration of a life characterized by values in sport and a pilgrimage on the track, the end of which will continue to inspire the beginning of many a journey by youth."

  

  Minister Grange also paid tribute to Rhoden, recognizing his pivotal role in Jamaican track and field history and his enduring impact on the sport.

  “It’s so sad that Vincent George Rhoden, the last of the celebrated quartet that won the gold medal for Jamaica in the mile relay at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, has left us,” Minister Grange said.

  She recalled the historic victory of Rhoden and his teammates Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint in Helsinki, where they not only won gold but set a new world record in the process.

  “The team of George Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint took the gold in world record-breaking time in Helsinki. This they did after their disappointment in the London Olympics in 1948 when Arthur Wint pulled up in the race. Of note also is the fact that before the relay, George had beaten his close friend, Herb McKenley, to win the gold medal in the 400m,” Grange reflected.

  Minister Grange also pointed out Rhoden’s significant achievements prior to the Olympics, including his world record in the 400m in 1950, a performance that set the stage for Jamaica’s future successes in track and field.

  “There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down,” she said.

   Expressing her condolences, she added, “My most sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates. A sprinter par excellence but whose long life was more like a marathon. Rest in peace, Vincent George Rhoden.”

  George Rhoden’s passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of athletes as they strive to emulate his achievements and uphold the proud tradition of Jamaican excellence on the track.

   

   

   

   

• Shanice Beckford re-signs with West Coast Fever for 2025 Season after impressive debut

   Jamaican netball star Shanice Beckford has re-signed with West Coast Fever for the 2025 season of the Suncorp Super Netball League, following a standout debut season with the club. Beckford's re-signing solidifies her place in the Fever's roster, where she has quickly become a vital asset, particularly with her strong connection to fellow Jamaican and star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.

  During the 2024 season, Beckford played in every game, showcasing her skills on the international stage and seamlessly transferring her chemistry with Fowler-Nembhard onto the SSN court. She finished the season with 94 goals, including 26 Super Shots, highlighting her impact as a dynamic and reliable Goal Attack.

   Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion expressed her excitement about Beckford's return, emphasizing the significant role she plays within the team. “We are really excited to have Shanice Beckford back in Green for 2025 and we cannot wait to see her take her game to the next level as she becomes more familiar with the Fever environment and system," Gaudion said. "Shanice has shown she has what it takes to compete, and her blistering start to her SSN career in 2024 is a prime example of what she can deliver."

   Gaudion also highlighted Beckford's transition into a full-time, professional environment for the first time in her career, noting the positive impact it has had on her development. "This year saw Shanice step into a full-time, professional environment for the first time in her career, and we know she will continue to thrive as she benefits from the experiences she has at West Coast Fever. Her team-first attitude, drive to improve, and her strong connection with Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard make her a vital component of our contracted 10 for 2025.”

  

   Beckford, equally thrilled to be returning to the Fever, reflected on her incredible debut experience and her eagerness for the upcoming season. “I had the most incredible debut experience in the Suncorp Super Netball League with West Coast Fever," Beckford said. "Being part of the West Coast Fever environment was truly amazing. I had a fantastic time building long-lasting relationships with my teammates and the coaching staff, while simultaneously learning and growing in my netball skills."

   She added, "The whole experience of being in Western Australia has been absolutely extraordinary. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2025 season and can't wait to see what it has in store, especially playing alongside my teammates in front of the passionate and supportive Green Army. I am genuinely thrilled to be back and looking forward to the exciting journey ahead.”

   Beckford's re-signing completes West Coast Fever’s contracted 10 for the 2025 season, which includes key players such as Jess Anstiss (Captain), Ruth Aryang, Sunday Aryang, Jordan Cransberg, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Alice Teague-Neeld, Olivia Wilkinson, and Fran Williams.

  As Beckford prepares to take her game to new heights in 2025, fans of West Coast Fever and the Green Army can look forward to another thrilling season with their star Goal Attack leading the charge.