Jamaica’s Karen Anderson was once again crowned the Caribbean’s top female marksman after winning the Amazon Trophy, awarded to the Best Female Shooter at the 2025 West Indies Full Bore Shooting Championships, held at the Paragon Range in Christ Church, Barbados.
The decorated veteran, who had previously lifted the Amazon Trophy in 2014 and 2018, returned to the range with a point to prove after missing last year’s championships. With renewed focus and a clear set of goals, Anderson delivered a consistent and composed performance over the three-day individual competition.
“I have previously won the Amazon Trophy two times, but last year I couldn't compete because I had a prior commitment,” said Anderson, who achieved one of her primary goals in this year's competition. “So it was my ultimate goal this year to take back that title and also to try and finish in the top 10 of the Caribbean overall. I accomplished both and so, you know, it's always heartening to know that I'm coming out on top as the top female shooter in the Caribbean and also in the top 10.”
The championships, which ran from May 17 to 25, attracted top competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, making it a truly international event.
Anderson, who finished ninth overall among Caribbean competitors, was also the highest-placed woman in the entire regional field. “My goal is to try and finish in the top five and to try and win the grand aggregate next year or in the next few years,” she added. “I find that my shooting is just lacking some consistency. I have too many highs and then some drop-offs. If I can minimize those low scores, it will definitely help me to finish in that top five and really attain my goal.”
Jamaica placed third in the long-range team match contested at 900 and 1000 yards, while three of their shooters finished in the top 20 overall. Dr. Dwayne Ford was eighth, just ahead of Anderson, and Major D. John Nelson closed in 16th. Richard Thelwell also performed well, earning second place in the Tyro Class, the division for emerging shooters.
Four of the top five finishers in the individual standings were from Ireland, with Nick Healy (355.34) taking the overall win ahead of Gary Alexander (351.26) and David Calvert (351.24). USA’s Jerry Iliff (350.28) and Ireland’s Rebecca Laird (350.26) rounded out the top five. Antigua and Barbuda’s Anderson Perry (342.21) was the second-highest Caribbean shooter, followed by Guyana’s Lennox Braithwaite and Leo Romalho.
In the team competition, Antigua and Barbuda, under the leadership of Captain Christopher Joseph, delivered a stunning upset to capture the short-range team match title (300, 500, and 600 yards), outshooting defending champions Guyana at all distances. Their historic win marked a milestone moment for the Antigua Barbuda Shooting Club, with strong contributions from Daryl Charles, Edworth Benjamin, Maxine James, Noah St. Clair, Olson Daniel, Thomas Greenaway, Daniel Browne, and Anderson Perry.
Guyana reclaimed some pride by winning the long-range team match, continuing their tradition of dominance at extended distances.