Guyana is set to build a new squash facility to enhance the country’s ability to host future international tournaments.
The new facility, which will also have doubles courts for the first time in the country's history, will be built at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown and is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at the approximate cost of G$65 million, and should be ready for usage within six to eight months.
Minister Charles Ramson Jr. made this announcement on Saturday and members of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) and national players welcomed it with cheers after he further indicated that construction is to commence on January 9.
In detailing some of the plans, the minister revealed the building would cost approximately G$25M while the internal fittings for the courts are about G$40M.
To fast-track the process, the plan is to begin the installation of equipment at an appropriate point during construction so as not to wait until the building is finished to commence inputting the internal fittings.
Noting it is a joint effort between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and GSA, the minister firmly believes the completion of this facility will place Guyana in good standing to host Central American and Caribbean (CAC), and Pan American Championships in the near future.
“Once it is completed, we will be able to put our bids in of hosting senior games, and all of the sports we have identified as core sports, for which squash is one of them, we are looking to have the larger Championships being held here,” Ramson Jr. told the gathering.
According to Ramson Jr., the aim is to host the Senior Pan American Championships which would be a “big achievement” for Guyana and it will increase the competitive pool.
“It is important we set our targets early about what we want to do and take all of the sports and sports in general,” he lamented.
There is also the “unquantifiable factor” of inspiring the next generation to represent Guyana by being able to see top-level athletes compete in Guyana, and ideally, create a winning culture.
Additionally, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, who had touted the construction of the courts in July as Guyana prepared to host the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, noted its importance that infrastructural development is vital to support the developing Sport Academies.
“This shows that we are doing exactly what we said we would do. I know we are speaking about squash but other disciplines will be able to have this sort of support from the government,” Ninvalle expressed.
Owen Verwey, GSA President, expressed similar by stating, “I am very much impressed that we have moved from the stage of speaking to now seeing implementation in a real form, that does not always happen but where we are going with the reality, is going to take us to a much higher level.”
Adorning that Guyana’s squash has done tremendously well within the Caribbean, this facility will help them make an impact at the international level, and it boosts their capacity to do more intense training.
Meanwhile, the minister said the works on the tennis court will soon be completed and construction will continue on the home for badminton and table tennis, with the foundation already being laid.
The National Racquet Centre opened in November 2011.
Busy time for Jamaica Squash with back to back competitions
The Jamaica Squash Association has been seeing increased action on the courts at the Jamaica Liguanea Club in New Kingston and the Senior Common Room (SNR) at the University of the West Indies campus in Papine with varying activities to attract new players and to provide continuing competition for the members.
First there was the Women’s Squash Week which ran from September 16 to 22 which focused on attracting female players to the sport. There were several females who heeded the call to be introduced to the sport under the guidance of Karen Anderson who is a former national player, long time national coach and current president of Jamaica Squash.
The training sessions were conducted at the SNR while the final session which included actual games which were scored was held last Saturday at the Liguanea Club. That session was dubbed Ladies Lyme and Round Robin Games. Anderson was pleased with the response to the week.
The second set of activities took place this week at the Liguanea Club with ongoing competitions and will culminate on Friday night with the finals of the Liguanea Club Open Handicap competition. That will see three finals starting with Nabeel Jawad and Leigh Dwyer, then Jemel Sterling and Handel Emery and ending with Joey Levy and Mario O’Connor.
The open handicap tournament is opened to all the members of the club and has seen a high level of participation among the membership of Jamaica Squash.
Jamaica's Michail Antonio, Kasey Palmer, and Guyana's Isaiah Jones named in 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A Best XI for September window
JThe September window of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A group stage is now complete, and standout performances have led to Jamaica's Michail Antonio and Kasey Palmer, along with Guyana's Isaiah Jones, being named in the Best XI for the group stage fixtures.
Palmer was a crucial figure for the Reggae Boyz, dominating the midfield with his commanding presence. Defensively, he was a rock, securing eight steals and disrupting the opposition's play consistently. In addition to his defensive work, Palmer was also efficient in possession, completing an impressive 92.42 percent of his passes, making him a key conduit in transitioning from defense to attack. His dynamic performance in the midfield was instrumental in Jamaica's strong start to the Nations League campaign.
Leading Jamaica's attacking efforts, Antonio once again demonstrated why he is one of the country's top forwards. Antonio contributed a goal and was a constant threat to opposing defenses, taking five shots over the two group-stage matches. His ability to put pressure on the opposition and create scoring opportunities played a vital role in Jamaica's offensive strategy. Antonio's inclusion in the Best XI reflects his consistent ability to impact games at the highest level.
Guyana's Jones also earned his spot in the Best XI with a standout performance in the group stage. Jones scored a crucial brace in Guyana’s visit to Martinique, securing the team's first points of the campaign with a significant draw. His efforts were pivotal for Guyana, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts and resilience on the international stage.
The Best XI also features notable performances from players like Nicholas Hagen of Guatemala, who was instrumental in his team's unbeaten start with key saves and a clean sheet against Costa Rica. Costa Rica's defensive duo, Juan Pablo Vargas and Francisco Calvo, made the list for their commanding performances, each contributing both defensively and offensively to Costa Rica's solid start. Honduras' midfielders David Ruiz and Kervin Arriaga impressed with their all-around play, with Ruiz particularly standing out as a young talent to watch.
The inclusion of two Jamaican players in the Best XI highlights the team's strong performance in the early stages of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League. With both Michail Antonio leading the attack and Kasey Palmer anchoring the midfield, the Reggae Boyz have demonstrated their quality and potential as they aim for success in the competition. The recognition of these players also underscores the depth and talent present in the Caribbean football scene, showcasing their impact on the regional stage.
Suriname, Guatemala, Costa Rica register wins in League A; El Salvador also victorious in League B
Suriname, Costa Rica and Guatemala opened their League A Concacaf Nations League accounts with victories, as did El Salvador in League B as the fourth edition of the tournament got into full swing on Thursday.
All battling for Group A honours, Suriname and Guatemala topped Guyana and Martinique 3-1, while Costa Rica blanked Guadeloupe 3-0, as all three teams sit on three points, separated only by a slight goal difference.
Meanwhile, in Group A of League B, El Salvador romped to a 4-1 win over Montserrat, while Bonaire and St Vincent and the Grenadines played out a 1-1 stalemate.
Guyana vs. Suriname
Suriname’s victory away to Guyana spoiled the Golden Jaguars League A debut at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.
After three seasons in League B, Guyana would have hoped to start life in League A on a positive note, but it was not to be.
Djevencio van der Kust sent Suriname in front with an 18th-minute strike. However, Omari Glasgow pulled Guyana level with a 41st-minute penalty conversion for his 11th Nations League goal to extend his tally as the nation’s leading scorer in the competition.
But Guyana’s celebrations were short-lived as Jaden Montor drove home a powerful effort from an angle in the 66th to put Suriname 2-1 up.
Virgil Misidjan then sealed the win for the Dutch-speaking Caribbean island with a tidy 83rd-minute finish.
Costa Rica vs. Guadeloupe
Costa Rica were always favoured to secure three points here and they did just that on home soil at Estadio Nacional in San José.
After a goalless first half, Costa Rica’s captain Francisco Calvo led from the front with an expert header from Joel Campbell’s weighted corner kick to put his team in front in the 50th minute.
Ariel Lassiter doubled the lead in the 77th when he tucked home a right-footer from close range.
Warren Madrigal added another in 81st to cap the win.
Guatemala vs. Martinique
Guatemala extended their all-time unbeaten record at home to eight matches as they bettered Martinique in a first-ever meeting between the two at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores.
Rubio Rubin fired home from Oscar Santis’ cross to give Guatemala a 3rd-minute lead.
After keeping Guatemala at bay thanks to goalkeeper Yannis Clementia, who came up big to deny Rubin and Alejandro Galindo in the 10th and 22nd minutes, respectively, Martinique pulled level in the 51st when Kevin Appin headed home.
However, Guatemala regained the lead from the penalty spot when Jose Pinto converted in the 61st.
Martinique should have been back on level terms in the 72nd, but Brighton Labeau’s penalty kick was saved by Guatemala’s custodian Nicholas Hagen.
That allowed Guatemala to capitalise as Jose Martinez fired home in the 90+5 to secure all three points.
Group A action will resume on Monday, beginning with Guadeloupe against Suriname and Martinique against Guyana. A Central American clash will conclude the day’s play as Guatemala hosts Costa Rica.
Over in League B, El Salvador will be aiming to consolidate their lead atop the group when they take on Bonaire on Sunday, while St Vincent and the Grenadines play Montserrat.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
