Guyanese spinner Gudakesh Motie has been named as part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the inaugural ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), scheduled to run from November 26 to December 7, 2024. Motie, a consistent performer for the Warriors since his debut in 2021, will bring his experience and skill to a formidable squad as they compete for a US$1 million prize fund.

Motie’s contributions have been integral to the Amazon Warriors’ success over the years. In the recently concluded 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 17 wickets at an impressive average of 18.64. His consistency helped propel the Warriors to the CPL final, continuing his strong form from the previous year when they clinched the championship in 2023.

The 29-year-old spinner joins a talented roster of Guyanese players, including Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, and Keemo Paul, as the Amazon Warriors prepare to face off against international teams Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria.

The Global Super League marks a significant development in international T20 cricket, with the tournament drawing teams from around the world to Guyana’s National Stadium at Providence. Over 11 matches, the participating teams will battle for the title and a share of the lucrative prize pool.

As a local star with international pedigree, Motie’s inclusion strengthens the Amazon Warriors’ chances in this inaugural competition. The spinner is known for his ability to control the game in the middle overs, a skill that will be crucial against top-tier opposition in the GSL.

Motie, along with the rest of the Amazon Warriors squad, will aim to leverage home advantage as they seek to make history in this first-of-its-kind tournament. The Global Super League promises to showcase the best of T20 cricket while providing a platform for local talent to shine on the international stage.

Fans of the Amazon Warriors and cricket enthusiasts across Guyana are eagerly awaiting the action-packed tournament, which is expected to further elevate the region’s reputation as a hub for world-class cricket.

Guyana defeated Barbados 4-1 in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League Play-In series at the Barbados Football Association Technical Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados on Friday

The Concacaf Nations League Play-In consists of a home-and-away direct elimination round. The aggregate score winner in each matchup will advance to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims.

Niall Reid-Stephen opened the scoring for Barbados in the 17^th minute, his seventh goal of the current campaign, with a left-footed strike from inside the penalty arc.

Omari Glasgow equalized for Guyana nine minutes later with a left-footed strike inside the penalty area.

Then, 14 minutes into Glasgow added a second to his tally in the by pouncing on a deflected ball in the penalty area.

Osaze de Rosario extended the lead in a minute later with a chip over the goalkeeper to capitalize on an error from the defense.

Enoch George scored in the 90'+2 to put a bow on the victory, connecting on a timely pass from Isaiah Jones.

Guyana will host Barbados in the second leg on Tuesday at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, Guyana.

Windsor Estates, Guyana’s leading luxury home designer, will be supporting the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL). They will be using the platform of the GSL to promote their latest project, Windsor Laguna.

The Windsor Laguna project will leave a permanent mark on Guyana`s real estate landscape. The project, located in the greater Ogle area and consisting of 110 acres, is centred around a revolutionary five-acre blue water lagoon, unrivalled recreational facilities, and resort-style amenities, including a 25,000-square-foot clubhouse and state-of-the-art home design options meant to leave an impression. This chic gated community is intended to be comparable with any luxury gated community in North America.

 Danny Sawh, Chairman and CEO, Windsor Estates, said: “I am delighted to support the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League and the vision for Guyana to have a world-class sports event of its own. Just as the GSL brings top cricketers from around the world to our shires, so Windsor Estates brings global standards of residential design and construction to Guyana.”

 Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the GSL, said: "I am delighted to welcome the first Guyanese company to sponsor this exciting new event. Many thanks to Windsor Estates, and we look forward to more support from the corporate community of Guyana as we seek to make the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League an outstanding success."

Guyana and West Indies cricketers Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul are lending their support to the budding cricket stars of Region One, standing behind the Under-13 Tapeball Competition with a generous sponsorship of $300,000 for the first-place cash prize.

The tournament, which kicked off recently at the Kamwatta Recreation Ground, is organized by the Sebai Primary School PTA and is being held under the impactful theme, “End Child Labour.”

Shepherd, who has been a longtime supporter of the event, and Paul’s involvement mark a strong show of commitment to nurturing youth talent while raising awareness around child labour in the region.

The final match, scheduled for November 16 at Fitzburg Recreational Ground, promises to be a grand affair.

Thanks to the International Organization for Migration, champions will receive beautifully crafted trophies, while the Ministry of Labour has sponsored trophies for sub-regional winners and runners-up.

The competition is the result of a combined community effort, with other sponsors stepping forward to offer their support, as Orlando Rogers of One Plus Total Solutions and Skywest Charter Service have donated the $200,000 second-place prize.

Meanwhile, ASP Chandradat Kooldeep, Maureen Rebeiro, Pro Red Resources, Peter De Freitas, International Imports and Supplies, Breeze Enterprise, Frontier Pharmacy, Mr. Ram Supreme Construction, Toshau Barmeter, CDC Chair Matthew’s Ridge, Alana James Amin, and the Department of Education Region One have all contributed to making the event a success.

Giving the lineup of young talent from various primary schools competing, the Under-13 Tapeball Competition is not just a game but a platform for personal growth and an important message to combat child labour in the community.

Cricket Victoria has unveiled a formidable squad for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to debut at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from November 26 to December 7. With the lure of a $1 million prize, five international franchises – the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria – will compete in a series of 11 T20 matches. Cricket Victoria's squad, brimming with a mix of seasoned internationals and promising talent, will aim to make a mark in this inaugural tournament.

Leading the charge for Victoria will be top-order stalwart Jon Wells, whose experience will be invaluable in high-stakes moments. Joining him is USA international Corey Anderson, known for his powerful hitting and versatility. English batsman Joe Clarke and West Indies wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton add further strength to the lineup, bringing their unique skill sets to an already diverse team.

Adding to the international flair, Victoria will feature a trio of USA players: all-rounder Sanjay Krishnamurthi, off-spinner Karima Gore, and fast bowler Juanoy Drysdale, each poised to showcase their T20 prowess on the global stage. Also rounding out the squad are pace options David Moody and Max Birthesal, alongside wicketkeeper Scott Edwards and emerging talents Blake McDonald, Farzan Chowna, Carmi Le Roux, and Callum Stow.

With a tight schedule of group-stage matches ahead, Cricket Victoria is setting its sights on finishing in the top two to earn a place in the final on December 7. In this first-ever GSL tournament, they’ll have to battle through a talented field to compete for the title and the considerable prize, hoping to cement their place in GSL history.

West Indies pacer Matthew Forde has been named in the Rangpur Riders squad for the upcoming 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), a T20 showdown set to take place from November 26 to December 7 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. This exciting tournament marks the debut of the GSL, featuring five international teams competing for a USD$1 million prize fund over 11 matches.

The Rangpur Riders have assembled a dynamic squad blending experienced Bangladeshi talent with key overseas players. The team includes Bangladesh internationals Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Afif Hossain, and Mahedi Hasan, all known for their T20 prowess. Additionally, Matthew Forde brings West Indies flavor to the squad, while England’s seasoned campaigners Wayne Madsen and Zak Chappell add valuable experience alongside USA’s Harmeet Singh.

Complementing this core group, the Riders' squad also includes Bangladeshi players Mohammad Saifuddin, Saif Hassan, Rishad Hossain, Arafat Sunny, and Kamrul Islam, ensuring a strong blend of youth and experience.

The 2024 Global Super League, featuring teams from Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders, and Victoria, will showcase global T20 talent in its inaugural edition, with each team vying for the championship title. The competition promises a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans, with Rangpur Riders setting their sights on making an impact in the tournament’s opening chapter.

Jamaica's bodybuilders made their mark at the 51st Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships in Georgetown, Guyana, held from October 19-20, bringing home five medals in a competitive field that featured over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries. While the host nation dominated the event with 25 medals, Jamaica held their own with two gold and three silver medals.

 Leading the charge for Jamaica were Rayon Henry and Sean Taylor, who both captured gold in their respective categories. Henry, fresh off winning a national title, triumphed in the Medium Class (176 cm), showcasing his refined physique and superior form. Taylor, competing in the Short Class (170 cm), delivered a standout performance after a challenging year, rebounding from earlier fourth-place finishes in the Muscular Men’s Physique and Men’s Physique Short Class to claim the top spot.

 Nicolas Wilson also impressed on his international debut, taking home a silver medal in the highly competitive Bodybuilding Middleweight category (80 kg). Wilson's disciplined preparation paid off, as he made a strong impression against seasoned competitors, proving that he's a rising talent in the sport.

 On the women’s side, Jamaica’s national champion Dianne Brown captured a silver medal in the Bikini Fitness Tall Class (169 cm). A former pageant expert, Brown dazzled both the audience and the judges with her flawless physique and commanding stage presence, solidifying her place among the top contenders in the region. Shana Davis Roman added another silver to Jamaica's medal tally in the Fitness Challenge, displaying exceptional athleticism and versatility in the demanding category.

 Natasha Gordon also delivered commendable performances, placing fourth in both the Bikini Fitness Open and Masters divisions, contributing to the overall success of Jamaica’s six-member team, which was led by former JABBFA and CAC President, Lt. Col. Bruce Bartley.

 Despite competing against a large field of athletes, Jamaica’s bodybuilders proved they could hold their own on the international stage, bringing home valuable hardware from the prestigious event.

Guyana put on a dominant display at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships over the weekend, securing 333 points to top the overall standings. The host nation fielded 25 athletes and took home 25 medals, including seven golds, edging out Barbados, who finished second with 327 points. El Salvador placed third with 165 points.

The highlight of the event for the host nation was Emmerson Campbell, the National Men’s Physique Champion, who earned a prestigious Pro Card after winning gold in the Men’s Physique up to 173cm category. Despite finishing second in the overall pose-off, Campbell’s physique was deemed superior, securing him the professional status he had been striving for over the years.

 Remalton Siland also delivered an impressive performance, winning gold in the Men’s Physique Masters Open and earning two bronze medals in fitness and the seniors up to 170 cm category. Julio Sinclair added to Guyana’s success with a gold in the Men’s Bodybuilding over 90 kg.

 Delrae Mclean claimed bronze in the Men’s Bodybuilding Masters 40-49 years class and silver in the seniors up to 75 kg. Overseas-based athlete Rawle Greene took silver and bronze in the men’s bodybuilding seniors up to 85 kg and the masters class.

 Guyana’s medal haul continued with Anthony Bayley, who won gold in the Men’s Junior Physique, and Christina Ramsammy, who secured two silver medals in the Bikini Masters over 35 and Women’s over 35 Bodybuilding categories. Angelica Barroncas earned silver in the Wellness Masters over 35.

 Additional medalists included Jamal Pollydore, Joel Caldeira, Orlanzo Valenzuela, Kadeem Bowen, and Christopher Anthony, rounding off a dominant performance by the host nation at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships.

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, 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.

Guyana’s squash sensation, Ashley Khalil, is celebrating an extraordinary achievement after winning three gold medals at the 2024 ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championships, held in her home country from August 18-24. Khalil’s remarkable performance highlighted her dominance in the sport as she claimed top honors in the Women’s Doubles, Women’s Team, and Overall Team events.

Expressing her joy and gratitude on social media, Khalil shared her excitement about the triple success. “I’m thrilled to share that the 2024 ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championships have concluded, and I’m honoured to have won three Gold Medals!” she wrote, celebrating her victories in front of her home crowd.

Khalil, who has become a household name in Caribbean squash, gave special thanks to her doubles partner and sister, Ashley deGroot-Khalil, with whom she secured a third consecutive gold in the Women’s Doubles event. The duo's synergy on the court has made them a formidable team, and their latest triumph solidified their status as the best in the region.

“I’m also grateful to my amazing teammates—Mary Fung-a-Fat, Larissa Wiltshire, Akeila Wiltshire, and Kirsten Gomes—and the entire Guyana contingent,” Khalil continued. Their collective efforts ensured that Guyana stood out as the top team in the tournament, bringing home the Overall Team gold as well.

The championships were not just a personal triumph for Khalil but also a proud moment for Guyana. She took the opportunity to acknowledge the support that made it all possible, giving a “huge shoutout” to the event’s sponsors—ENet, Discover Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana, KFC Guyana, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport—as well as the dedicated physiotherapists and fans who cheered them on.

Beyond the medals, Khalil emphasized the importance of the relationships she has built through the sport, particularly with her fellow competitors. “It’s always a joy to reconnect with my CASA friends, who have truly become like family over the years. The camaraderie and support within our community make this tournament even more special,” she said, highlighting the unique bond shared among athletes in the Caribbean Squash Association.

As Ashley Khalil basks in the glory of her latest achievements, she looks ahead to even more victories on the horizon, with her eyes set on further cementing her legacy in Caribbean squash.

“Here’s to celebrating this achievement and looking forward to even more victories ahead,” she concluded, with love and pride for her country, Guyana.

Jamaica’s Shanque Williams will be the lone Caribbean representative in the women’s 400m semi-finals at the World Under-20 Championships, while Guyana’s Malachi Austin headlines four semi-finalists in the men’s event following contrasting performances in the morning session in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday.

It was an overall tough session for Caribbean representatives to start day two of the five-day championships, as only three men and three women progressed to the 400m hurdles semis, while only Jamaica’s Jade-Ann Dawkins progressed to the triple jump final.

Williams was the only athlete to progress to the semi-finals. She placed third in the sixth and final heat in 54.22s.

Prior to that, Cuba’s Camila Rodriguez (55.24s) and T’anna Liburd (55.91s) of St Kitts and Nevis were fifth and seventh in heat one, as both missed out.

Guyana’s Narissa McPherson also found the going tough in heat two, where she placed fifth in 54.67s. The same is true for Jamaica’s Abrina Wright (54.63s), who was sixth in heat three.

Another Guyanese, Tianna Springer (54.49s) and Tyhra Charles (55.87s) of St Vincent and the Grenadines, placed fourth and eighth, respectively, in heat five, as they also missed out.

On the men’s side of action, Puerto Rico’s Jarell Cruz (47.68s) progressed from heat two, where he placed third, while Jaylen Bennett (47.88s) of St Kitts and Nevis and Jamaica’s Jabari Matheson (49.34s) were fourth and fifth and missed out.

Another Jamaican, Kemario Bygrave, booked a spot in the semi-finals as he placed third in heat three in 47.39s.

Grenada’s Joshem Sylvester (48.49s) was sixth in heat four and missed out, along with Trinidad and Tobago’s Kyrell Thomas (48.02s), who placed sixth in heat six.

However, Guyana’s Austin (46.92s) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Clement (47.63s) both progressed from heat five, where they placed second and third, respectively.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 5:45pm Jamaica time on Wednesday.

Earlier, only three Caribbean athletes progressed to the women’s 400m hurdles semi-finals following contrasting performances in their respective heats.

Michelle Smith of the US Virgin Islands led all qualifiers as she topped heat two in a brisk 57.85s to book her spot in the next round, while Kei-Mahri Hanna (1:04.84) of the Bahamas finished down the track.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jenna-Marie Thomas (1:01.91) also missed out after she placed seventh in heat three, so too did Jamaica’s Deschanique Douglas (1:05.43), who placed ninth in heat five.

Jamaica’s Kelly-Ann Carr (1:00.61) and Haiti’s Gloria Guerrier (1:00.65) both progressed from heat four after they placed second and third, respectively, behind Australia’s Alesha Bennetts (59.04s).

Interestingly, the Caribbean will also have only three representatives in the men’s semi-finals, led by Jamaica’s Daniel Wright, who topped heat two in 51.42s to advance. Trinidad and Tobago’s Dorian Charles (53.65s) placed fifth in the same heat and missed out.

Cheyne West, another Trinidad and Tobago representative, placed fourth in heat five in a new personal best 52.18s, which was good to advance as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers.

The next non-automatic qualifying spot was secured by Jamaican Trevoy Smith, who clocked 52.15s for fourth in heat six.

Meanwhile, Taysha Stubbs, the Caribbean’s lone representative in the women’s javelin failed to progress. She placed 11^th in qualifying Group A with a best mark of 44.28m.

In the women’s triple jump, Jamaica’s Jade-Ann Dawkins will be the lone Caribbean representative in the final, as she placed fourth in qualifying Group B with a mark of 12.82m.

Her compatriot, Jaeda Robinson (12.53m) and Cuba’s Ariday Giron (12.21m), both missed out on the final after finishing 13^th and 15^th in qualifying Group A.

Barbados and Bermuda were among teams that opened their 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series campaigns in convincing manners with 6-2 and 4-0 victories over St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada on Friday.

The tournament being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago started as expected, with Barbados dominating proceedings in a lopsided Group A, Tier II affair against St Vincent and the Grenadines. Games are played over 70 minutes.

Barbados broke the deadlock in the fourth minute through Maleek Peters, who tucked away a rebound after St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Kevon Phillips saved captain Jamarco Johnson’s effort.

They doubled the lead four minutes later, courtesy of Sacha Pounder, who finished a pass from Trey Barker.

St Vincent and the Grenadines pulled one back in the 17th when Jomain Ollivierre latched onto a through pass from Beau Hoyte and fired past goalkeeper Shaquan King.

Barker’s second assist came in the 32nd when he played a cross to Johnson, who finished from a tight angle to put Barbados 3-1 up at the break.

St Vincent and the Grenadines again reduced the deficit in the 42nd through Xavier Thorne's own goal. However, that was all they would get from the contest, as Barbados took control from there when Peters completed his brace in the 45th.

Substitute Rajari Rollins in the 50th with an easy finish from a Barker assist to make it 5-2 for Barbados. Barker was eventually rewarded for his efforts with a strike of his own in the 59th to complete the 6-2 scoreline.

Bermuda 4-0 Grenada

Bermuda also dominated their first match of Tier II Group C against Grenada at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Jeon Wolfe got Bermuda’s show going with a quick brace in the sixth and seventh minutes. He opened the scoring with a tidy finish from a Zydon Lightbourne Furbert assist and then slotted into an empty net a minute later.

An unfortunate own-goal pushed Grenada further behind, before Lightbourne Furbert capped Bermuda’s win with a 38th-minute strike.

Anguilla 1- 3 Turks and Caicos Islands

Over at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Turks and Caicos Islands scored a comfortable 3-1 win over Anguilla when the teams met in Tier II, Group B action.

Turks and Caicos struck first in the fourth minute courtesy of Wilsony Charles, who made no mistakes from close range. They doubled the lead a minute later when Khazaiviyon Basden-Darvol converted from the penalty spot, and that just about signalled the writing on the wall for Anguilla.

Anguilla pulled one back in the 36th through Zahir Hennis, who tucked home at the far post. However, Turk and Caicos restored their two-goal cushion and, by extension, wrapped up the win when Charles completed his brace with a well-driven shot from just outside the 18-yard box.

Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 Guyana

Antigua and Barbuda scored a 2-1 win over Guyana in Tier II Group A play at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Captain Shemar Walters opened the scoring for Antigua and Barbuda in the second minute with a well-taken effort.

Guyana's Mark Glasgow pulled his team level when he fired home in the 15th to keep things interesting.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Luke Harney Rogerson restored Antigua and Barbuda’s lead with a 21st-minute effort.

Though they continued to create chances, Antigua and Barbuda failed to add to their tally, but will hope to improve their scoring form in their next encounter on Sunday.

Bonaire 2-1 St. Lucia 

Bonaire secured a 2-1 hard-fought victory over St Lucia at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Tier II, Group C.

St Lucia dominated the opening moments, mainly through Randall Monroe, as the Bonaire defenders found the lanky winger’s running and technical ability difficult to handle. The St Lucians were rewarded for their early hard work and took the lead in the match through an own goal.  

Monroe got in behind the defence, and his cross found Eustace Blackstock on the back post. Blackstock’s redirected header came off Bonaire’s Julian Garcia Henriquez to give St. Lucia a 1-0 lead.

Bonaire drew level through Rayvion Simon, whose powerful volley from the top of the penalty area left Jervonti Toussaint rooted to the spot.

Margall Statie then gifted Bonaire the lead in the 32nd minute when got on the end of a Rushando Arrow whipped cross and finished with a expert header. 

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday. Bonaire plays Bermuda, and St Lucia takes on St Maarten.

Dominica 3-0 British Virgin Islands

Dominica blanked British Virgin Islands 3-0 when the teams met in Tier II Group B at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Che Etienne opened the scoring in the 11^th with an easy finish through the legs of BVI’s custodian, Trevon Steven. 

Taran George quickly made it 2-0 in the 12th with a comfortable finish from close range. He later completed his brace and his team’s victory with a 28-minute strike.

Dominica play the US Virgin Islands at 6:00 pm on Saturday, while BVI play Turks and Caicos Islands at 4:00 pm. 

As the world gears up for the track and field segment of the Paris Olympic Games, set to commence on Friday, athletes from various Caribbean islands are brimming with excitement and high expectations. These athletes, contesting a diverse range of events such as the 100m, 400m, 800m, and decathlon, are ready to execute with pride and passion, but more importantly, with hopes that the hard work done over the past four years will bear fruit on the global stage.

Having completed the final phase of their preparations at Complexe Sportif de l’ile des Vannes, ahead of competition, the athletes—Aliyah Abrams, Shakeem McKay, Shafiqua Maloney, Cejhae Green, and Lindon Victor—took time to share their eagerness with Sportsmax’s Alex Jordan.

Guyana’s Abrams, 27, who will contest the women’s 400m, is especially enthusiastic, as she seeks to create history by securing her country’s first ever track and field medal at the Olympic Games. The country’s lone medal to date was earned by boxer Michael Parris at the 1980 Olympic Games in Russia.

“It (the atmosphere) has been great, the weather has been good, and training has been great. This is my third day out and everything is coming together well, so I am excited. It is going great for me; I just want to really hammer throw the rounds and make sure I don’t leave anything off the track essentially. So I just intend on giving it my all and just doing my very best so I can make the final,” said Abrams, who will be making her third-consecutive Olympic Games appearance.

Another quartermiler, Shakeem McKay of Trinidad and Tobago, echoed similar sentiments as he hopes to make a memorable debut at the global multi-sport event. The 21-year-old, along with Jereem Richards, will carry the Twin Island Republic’s flag in the men’s 400m.

“It (being at the Olympic Games) is a dream come true,” he declared.

“I am just taking it day-by-day as it comes; I am not letting it get to my head or anything; I am just here to get the job done. Today (Thursday) was a fairly easy day; we had a couple sprints, accelerations, block starts and so on. So today was really just to prepare for tomorrow when we get on track,” McKay added.

The 100m dash, often regarded as the marquee event of track and field, will see several Caribbean sprinters vying for gold. Antigua and Barbuda’s Cejhae Green is among those that will line up in the men’s event.

Green, 28, is also making his third Olympic Games appearance.

“I am as ready as I can get. If you’re not ready by the time you get to the Olympic Village, then you’re in big trouble. I am feeling really good; actually, today was a really good day. Sometimes training doesn’t go as planned, but today was a good day…coach was happy, and once the coach is happy, I can’t complain,” Green shared.

Maloney, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is one of the Caribbean’s middle distance hopefuls in the women’s 800m. The 25-year-old, who holds her country’s indoor and outdoor national records, is now eager to make her mark, as opposed to her debut outing at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

“Honestly, in Tokyo, I was not in a good place mentally, I was lacking experience and just wasn’t aware of what it takes to compete at the top level. Now I have more experience, I have been running for a couple years now, I am now on the professional circuit; and I am a lot more prepared mentally and physically,” Maloney explained.

“I am out here chasing a medal like everybody else; just take it one round at a time and get to the final, but I can’t think about the final until I get past each round. So one round at a time, and when I get to the final, I can think about the medal. It doesn’t matter what you ran before you came here; it is about what you do here, so you have to show up and compete,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Grenada’s Victor, will contest the decathlon, a grueling two-day event that tests an athlete’s versatility and endurance across ten disciplines.

Conferred with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) earlier this year, Lindon, 31, is hoping to make his country proud on this his third Olympic Games appearance.

“I have to compete and be a good ambassador for my country first and foremost. Once I compete hard, compete well, and do what I need to, I think Grenada will be proud, and a medal would be a cherry on top of that,” Victor stated.

With the stage set and the athletes ready, the world will be watching as these talented individuals strive for Olympic glory.