With the longtime vision of a Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championship set to come to fruition, Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant-Brown says it represents a transformative step toward greater regional collaboration and growth for Caribbean gymnasts.
Grant-Brown shared her views during the Championships’ launch on Thursday, as she beamed with delight about the prospects of fostering development for the next generation of gymnasts in the region through the event, which she believes will become a staple on the calendar for years to come.
Mayberry Investments and Supreme Ventures Limited will serve as main sponsors for the inaugural staging to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre on November 29-30.
“We are excited about this and the fact that we are the host for the very first one. It's really a channel that we're going to use for development within the region. As a region, we want to develop together; we want to do things together because that is the way to go. Right now, we are behind most of the other regions in terms of the Asians, the Europeans, and the Africans; even within our own PanAm region, our small Caribbean unit is behind,” Grant-Brown told SportsMax.Tv during the launch at JAGA’s Slipe Road base.
“So we want to ensure that what we are doing will help with our development and will help to keep kids in the sport because it would mean they have something to look forward to. That is one of the drawbacks. When they get to a certain age, they don't want to do the sport anymore because there's nothing really to motivate them. So hopefully this will help to motivate and help them to work hard to be the best, so it's very important to us,” she added.
Grant-Brown stressed that the Carifta Gymnastics Championships, which will feature competitors aged 7 to 20 from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, will provide young gymnasts with an unprecedented opportunity to gain experience and exposure on a larger stage.
“When Caribbean nations come together to compete, it's real competition. We compete harder against each other than we do any other nation. So expect tight competition and camaraderie because they are also friends, and I am sure they will all be competing at the highest level. But again, this championship is more than just a competition; it’s an investment in the potential of young athletes who will be able to showcase their talent and passion for gymnastics,” Grant-Brown shared.
That said, Grant-Brown expressed gratitude to the sponsors, coaches, and everyone involved in making this inaugural event a reality, as she looks to the future of the championships and the continued growth of gymnastics in the Caribbean.
“The planning phase to put this together was very short, so I must commend these countries for really committing to this aspect of the development process. I think we are doing something good, and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but we have sponsors that actually called us to be a part of this whole journey with us, and if they're calling, it means we are visible. It means we are doing something well, and we just want to continue,” a beaming Grant-Brown said.
“With this event, we are building a legacy for young gymnasts. This is just the beginning. The Carifta Gymnastics Championships will be a stepping stone to regional and international success, and we are proud to lay the foundation right here in Jamaica,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Desiree Wheeler, senior marketing manager at Mayberry Investments, emphasized that their involvement in the Carifta Gymnastics Championships aligns with their mission to support and promote young talent in the region.
“Mayberry has always had a long-standing relationship not only with the JOA but also the Gymnastics Association, so over the years, it's just been incredible to watch their growth. As a company, we understand the importance of nurturing young talent from an early age.
“So with this being a regional competition, it's really amazing because not only does it bring light to Jamaica as a gymnastics hub, but the sport also fosters discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic—traits that will benefit these young athletes both on and off the mat and just further build the gymnastics community,” Wheeler stated.
For Chloleen Daley Muschett, the corporate communications and PR manager at Supreme Ventures, their involvement is an investment in youth empowerment and also in Jamaica’s role as a sports destination.
“This partnership with gymnastics actually comes through our partnership with the JOA. So, you know, we recommitted this year to supporting the JOA for another five years, and so gymnastics is one of those sports that we are definitely attaching our name to. We're very proud to be a part of this inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championship,” she noted.
“We feel like investing in the sport locally is great, but when you bring in other countries within the region, you have an opportunity now to have real development. We are excited about what can come out of investing in grassroots events like this, and so we hope to see in the not too distant future Jamaica and other Caribbean countries participating even more consistently at the Olympics in gymnastics,” Muschett ended.
NB: The Carifta Gymnastics Championships can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.
Trinidad and Tobago has named a 52-member team for the inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will see a plethora of the regions rising stars showcase their skills at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, from November 29-30.
The team to represent the Twin Island Republic across 10 categories was selected after a recent two-day trial event at Woodbrook Youth Facility.
Gymnasts were selected from eight clubs, with Tots & Tumblers (28) and Olympia (14) set to field the most representatives at the event, which will also see Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, along with host Jamaica, in action.
Thema Williams Gymnastics Academy (three), Gymnastics Explorers and Lees Gymnastics qualified two, while Academic Flippers, Golden Stars Gymnastics Academy and Mucurapo Artistic Achievers all qualified one athlete.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Gymnastics Federation explained that athletes who qualified were required to make minimum scores and finish in the top four positions within their level and age group to earn an automatic placement on the team.
“The fifth and final spots within each level and age group were subsequently awarded to the fifth place all-around qualifiers out of the trials event,” the federation said in a statement.
Anabeth Vargas (Panama) and Mabel Moreno (Colombia) officiated at the trials.
Team:
USAG Level 1 – Andaya Singh, Azalea Pierre, Brittney Joseph, Genesis Canzius, Imani Regis, Janicia Hall, Krisanne Ramoutar, Ricquel Marcellin, Sophie Espinoza, Yarii Alexander
USAG Level 2 – Ashley Castillo, Avni Lopez, Eemaan Boucaud, Harleigh Chin Leung Kam, Keira-Leigh John, Kenzie Gonzales, Larisah Nevins, Miya Mondesir, Savannah Thomson, Xara Rampersad
USAG Level 3 – Arya Hagley, Bren Newallo-Badal, Cacique Darbeau, Isoke Morgan, Jael Baker, Kyra Johnson, Zariah Dopwell-Gittens, Zoey Ottley
USAG Level 4 – Aaliyah Gosai, Annabelle Aanensen, Asia Ali, Jaelyn Heywood, Me’Hera Callendar, M’Kaiyah Williams, Onia Hepburn
USAG Level 5 – Alicja Chang Kit, Alissa Mathias, Gabriella Christopher
USAG Level 6 – Chelsea Edwards, Haley Caldeira, Soriya Alleyne
USAG Level 7 – Amba Boodansingh, Gabrielle Webb, Michaela Francis, Shanika Joseph, Tessica Laurence, Tyanna Edwards, Yandy Stafford
USAG Level 8 – Annaleigh Edwards, Dailia Burke, Kathryn Alexander
USAG Level 9 – Alora Morang
PAGU Hopes – Shanika Joseph, Yandy Stafford, M’Kaiyah Wiliiams (level one), Annaleigh Edwards, Alora Morang (level two), Dailia Burke (level three)
The latest World Netball (WN) rankings, updated on October 6, 2024, have brought both challenges and successes for Caribbean teams. Jamaica, the region’s highest-ranked team, continues to shine, maintaining its position at number four in the world with a rating of 187 points. Despite the changes in the rankings, the Sunshine Girls remain a force to be reckoned with, trailing closely behind the world’s top three teams, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Jamaica’s steadfast ranking is a testament to the team's consistent performance on the international stage. While the Sunshine Girls didn't experience a shift in the rankings, their position solidifies their reputation as a top contender in global netball, with eyes set on future competitions to close the gap between them and the leading nations.
However, not all Caribbean teams were as fortunate. The Barbados Gems have had a difficult run, losing all three of their matches in the Paradise Ranking Series against Northern Ireland. As a result, their rating dropped by three points, causing them to slip from 15th to 16th in the world rankings. This setback highlights the challenges the Gems have faced but also emphasizes the competitive nature of the sport, where small margins can make a big difference in standings.
Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago, once a dominant force in the region, remains in 12th place with 92 points, holding steady in the rankings but still working to regain their former glory. The team's potential remains high, but consistent performances will be necessary to break back into the top 10.
In the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada faced a dip, dropping one place to 20th following the results of the ECCB International Series. The Spice Girls will look to bounce back in future matches as they continue to build on their promising talent and infrastructure. On the other hand, St. Lucia enjoyed success, jumping five places to 33rd after winning three of their five games in the same series, signalling growth and improvement for the island nation.
Other Caribbean teams experienced mixed fortunes. Antigua and Barbuda dropped three places to 36th, while the Cayman Islands moved up one spot to 38th, showing signs of progress. Dominica, however, slipped two places to 44th, highlighting the ongoing challenges some teams face in maintaining consistency on the international stage.
The updated rankings reflect not only the competitive landscape of international netball but also the importance of ongoing development and support for Caribbean teams. While Jamaica continues to be a beacon for the region, the ups and downs of other Caribbean teams illustrate the need for investment in talent and resources to remain competitive at the global level.
As the region's teams prepare for future tournaments, the latest rankings serve as both motivation and a reminder of the work that lies ahead. For Jamaica, the goal remains to climb higher, while for other Caribbean nations, the journey is about pushing forward, improving performance, and reclaiming spots in the global top tier.
St. Kitts and Nevis have secured their place at the top of Group C in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League, following a 1-1 draw against the Cayman Islands on Tuesday night at Warner Park in Basseterre. This result allowed the Sugar Boyz to finish their campaign unbeaten and claim promotion to League B.
The match saw both teams fighting hard for their positions, with Zachary Scott of the Cayman Islands opening the scoring in the 61st minute. Scott found the net with a powerful left-footed shot, assisted by Wesley Robinson, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. However, St. Kitts and Nevis responded dramatically in the dying moments of the match when an own goal by Cayman Islands defender Joshwa Campbell in the 99th minute leveled the score, allowing the home side to remain undefeated in the group.
With the draw, St. Kitts and Nevis finished the group stage with three wins and one draw (3-1-0), cementing their first-place finish and promotion to League B.
The Cayman Islands also earned a reward for their impressive campaign, despite the draw. With a 2-1-1 record, the Cayman Islands finished as the best second-placed team across all groups in League C, securing their promotion to League B and a spot in the Concacaf Nations League Play-In.
In Group A, Barbados completed a flawless campaign with a resounding 6-2 victory over the Bahamas at the Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Bridgetown. Despite an early scare when Brandon Adderley put the Bahamas in front in the 6th minute, Barbados quickly responded through Andre Applewhaite, who equalized just two minutes later.
The Bajans took control of the match soon after, with Niall Reid-Stephen converting a penalty in the 14th minute to give Barbados the lead. Further goals from Sheran Hoyte (26'), Omani Leacock (47'), and Applewhaite again in the 52nd minute secured a commanding lead. Hoyte added his second of the night in the 64th minute to cap off the scoring for Barbados, ensuring they finished top of Group A with a perfect 4-0-0 record and promotion to League B.
The Bahamas managed a second goal through an own goal by Nicoli Brathwaite just before halftime, but it was not enough to prevent a comprehensive defeat. The Bahamas finished the group stage with a 1-1-2 record, falling short of the CNL Play-In.
Belize also wrapped up a successful group stage campaign in Group B, defeating Turks and Caicos Islands 3-0 at FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Jordy Polanco headed in a corner in the 28th minute to open the scoring, followed by a volley from Moisés Hernández in the 40th minute to double Belize’s lead.
Krisean López completed the scoring in the 57th minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to secure Belize’s fourth consecutive win, sealing first place in Group B and earning promotion to League B. Belize’s defense was impenetrable throughout the group stage, with goalkeeper Charles Tillett recording four clean sheets as his side went undefeated without conceding a goal.
The Turks and Caicos Islands finished third in Group B, narrowly missing out on second place due to goal difference, while Anguilla claimed the runner-up spot in the group.
With these results, St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, and Belize join the list of teams promoted to League B for the next edition of the Concacaf Nations League, highlighting the region's competitive and exciting football scene.
Reigning champions Jamaica is set to field the largest team to the Caribbean Golf Association's (CGA) Four-Ball Golf Championships, as 64 players from eight countries are set to contest this year’s edition of the tournament scheduled for October 17 to 20 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Jamaican contingent comprises 20 players, with hosts Trinidad and Tobago fielding 14 players, while Barbados and Bahamas are set to field 10 and eight players, respectively. Bermuda (6) with Cayman Islands (2), Puerto Rico (2), and St. Lucia (2) have also been confirmed for what should be a competitive event at the Plantations Golf and Country Club.
Jamaica copped the overall title last year ahead of the Bahamas.
They were victorious in the Ladies 25 plus, as well as the Men's Senior and 70 plus divisions, while the Bahamian players copped the Men's Mid-Amateur and Super-Senior Categories. Trinidad and Tobago claimed the Ladies' 45 plus honours.
The teams are scheduled to arrive in the Twin Island Republic on Wednesday, with the opening ceremony set for Thursday at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort.
Tournament action will get underway on Friday and continue until Sunday, starting at 8:00am each day, with an award ceremony to follow on the final day.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, and Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, are both expected to grace the tournament with their presence.
St Kitts and Nevis Senior Men’s National team head coach Francisco Molina has named his squad for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League home matches in October. The team will face off against the British Virgin Islands on October 9 and the Cayman Islands on October 15, with both matches set to take place at Warner Park at 3:30 pm.
The squad will feature experienced goalkeeper Julani Archibald, who will be relied upon to provide stability between the posts. He will be supported by defenders such as Kai Trotman, Ash-on Maynard, and Kalonji Clarke, while Raheem Hanley and Omarion Liburd add versatility to the backline.
Midfield will be anchored by Malique Roberts, Marvin McSheen, and Devion Harvey, who are expected to drive the team’s transition between defense and attack. Mervin Lewis and Nequan Browne will also play pivotal roles in midfield, with the likes of Tyquan Terrell and Yohannes Mitchum adding creativity and energy.
Kyle Kelly and Tiquanny Williams will be tasked with providing the attacking flair, while Kimaree Rogers, Dequan Hamilton, and Gvaune Amory add depth in forward positions. Javern Matthew, Shevene Boston, Jahlyan Burt, and Dionis Stephens are all set to contribute to the team's efforts as well, with Trimar Samuel and Jahmarli Connor adding further options to the squad.
The squad also boasts the experience of Romaine Sawyers, who will bring leadership and composure to the midfield, making him a key figure in the team's campaign.
As St Kitts & Nevis look to build on their performances in the Concacaf Nations League, these home matches offer an opportunity for the team to secure valuable points and continue their push toward regional success.
Anguilla and Cayman Islands began their quest for promotion on a winning note as they blanked Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands (BVI) in contrasting manner in League C of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) on Wednesday.
Anguilla’s 2-0 win over Turks and Caicos Islands represents an historic feat as it was their first-ever victory in the Concacaf Nations League, while Elijah Seymour's solitary goal in Cayman Islands’ 1-0 win over BVI also had a hint of history on it. His goal marked the 1,000th goal in the Concacaf Nations League’s five-year history.
With the wins, Anguilla and Cayman Islands assumed pole position in Groups B and C, respectively, while Group A remain evenly poised after the Bahamas and US Virgin Islands played out a 3-3 stalemate.
Anguilla vs. Turks and Caicos Islands
Germain Hughes (58th) opened the scoring for Anguilla at TCIFA National Stadium when he pounced on a loose ball and slotted home.
Lamar Carpenter (74th) notched the second when he drove home a left-footer from deep inside the 18-yard box.
US Virgin Islands vs. Bahamas
It was a closely contested affair at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in Christiansted, as host US Virgin Islands fought hard for their come-from-behind stalemate.
Lesly St Fleur gave Bahamas a second-minute lead in a frantic start as he converted from the penalty spot.
US Virgin Islands were back on level terms in the 27th thanks to Naqwan Henry, who got on the end of Rakeem Joseph’s pass and slotted home.
However, Bahamas regained the lead in the 37th as Wood Julmis expertly headed home from Jordan Cheetham’s weighted cross.
Brandon Adderley added another in the 58th, with a close-range effort to put Bahamas 3-1 up.
But US Virgin Islands were in no mood to surrender the points and pulled one back through Joseph in the 77th, before Gabriel Catone-Highfield headed home in the 86th to secure the host a share of the spoils.
British Virgin Islands vs. Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands dominated proceedings for most of the way, but British Virgin Islands fought bravely to keep their hosts at bay until the 84th minute.
That was when Elijah Seymour’s all-important left-footed strike secured all three points for Cayman Islands, much to the delight of the fans at the Truman Bodden Complex.
The much-anticipated fourth edition of the Concacaf Nations League gets underway on Wednesday, when 16 League B teams begin their hunt for promotion to taste League A action in the tournament’s next edition.
Split into four groups, the countries will face each other twice during the FIFA Match Windows in September, October, and November. However, unlike previous editions, matches will now be played at a centralized venue per group to help alleviate some of the travel challenges in the region.
Group winners will be promoted to League A, while fourth-place finishes are relegated to League C. Additionally, the tournament will help to decide berths for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Group A
El Salvador, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Bonaire comprise the first group. El Salvador returns to League B after being relegated in last year’s tournament, while Bonaire makes its debut after earning a promotion from League C.
Montserrat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will try to build on their 2023/24 Nations League campaign, in which they both finished with nine points.
Group B
Curaçao, Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Saint Martin are the teams drawn into Group B.
Saint Martin was promoted to League B, coming off an undefeated run in last year’s Nations League, while Curaçao is back in League B for the first time in three years after being relegated from League A. Grenada is also back after being relegated for the first time in four years.
Meanwhile, Saint Lucia, which tallied 10 points last year, will be hoping to ascend to League A for the first time.
Group C
Haiti, Puerto Rico, Aruba, and Sint Maarten round out Group C.
Aruba returns to League B for the first time since 2019/20 via promotion. Haiti also is back after being relegated.
Sint Maarten and Puerto Rico will rely on top scorers Gerwin Lake and Ricardo Rivera to lead the way.
Group D
The four teams in Group D are the Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.
Dominica arrives via promotion from League C to rub shoulders with Dominican Republic, and Antigua and Barbuda, who are on the hunt for a first-ever League A promotion, while Bermuda aims to improve after going 2-2-2 in last year’s edition.
At the conclusion of the group stage in November, the four group winners will qualify for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Group Stage, and the two best second-place finishers will advance to the 2025 Gold Cup Prelims.
The Gold Cup Prelims are scheduled for March 2025.
Meanwhile, League C action is also scheduled for Wednesday, with Bahamas and US Virgin Islands to open their Group A accounts. Barbados is the other team in the group.
Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands are set to cross swords in Group B, which also includes Belize, while British Virgin Islands will visit Cayman Islands in Group C, which also has St Kitts and Nevis.
At the end of the Group Stage in October, the three group winners and the best second-place finishers will advance to the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Play-In. The Play-In will take place in November 2024.
St. Kitts and Nevis' Senior Men's team head coach, Francisco Molina, has unveiled his squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches, as the Sugar Boyz prepare to take on the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands in crucial League C encounters.
The Sugar Boyz will play in two matches at the Truman Bodden Stadium in the Cayman Islands. On September 7, they face off against the Cayman Islands, followed by a clash against the British Virgin Islands on September 10. These matches are crucial for the team’s aspirations in the CONCACAF Nations League, and Coach Molina is confident that his squad has what it takes to rise to the challenge.
The squad, carefully selected for the task at hand, features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. In goal, the team will rely on the expertise of Julani Archibald, who will be supported by Kai Trotman and Joshua Warde.
In defence, the Sugar Boyz will look to Malique Roberts, Omarion Liburd, and Andre Burley to provide stability, while Marvin McSheen and Raheem Hanley add depth and versatility to the backline.
The midfield is anchored by the dynamic Tyquan Terrell, alongside Jahlyan Burt, Kyle Kelly, and Yohannes Mitchum, who bring a blend of creativity and tenacity. Nequan Browne and Mervin Lewis are expected to contribute their experience, while Theo Wharton offers an additional attacking option.
Upfront, the team boasts an array of attacking talent, with Tiquanny Williams and Javern Matthew leading the charge. They will be joined by Kimaree Rogers and Shevene Boston, whose speed and agility are sure to trouble opposing defences. De'quan Hamilton and Dionis Stephens add further firepower, while the promising G’vaune Amory rounds out the attacking lineup.
As St. Kitts and Nevis aim to make their mark in the competition, the nation will be eagerly watching, hopeful that the Sugar Boyz can deliver strong performances and bring home vital victories.
The 36th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship (CAJGC) teed off in vibrant fashion on Tuesday evening with a colourful opening ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Hosted by the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), the event welcomed teams from eight countries to compete in the prestigious tournament.
This year’s championship sees participation from teams representing the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and host Jamaica. The opening ceremony set an enthusiastic tone for the competition, which had been rescheduled from July due to the passing of Hurricane Beryl.
Jodi Munn-Barrow, president of the JGA, extended a warm welcome to all teams and expressed confidence in a successful tournament. "Everything is in place for a very good championship," Munn-Barrow stated, emphasizing the meticulous preparations made despite the earlier postponement.
Eduardo Figueroa, coach of defending champions Puerto Rico, expressed high expectations for his team, indicating their strong preparation and determination to retain the title.
Alison Reid, manager of the Jamaican team, acknowledged some logistical challenges resulting from the rescheduling but remained optimistic. "Some persons who planned to compete when it was scheduled for July are no longer available, and the team will have fewer numbers than previously committed," Reid said. "However, the team will still put on a good show."
Jamaica’s coaching duo, Jonathan Newnhan and Jason Lopez, also shared their confidence in the team’s potential. Newnhan highlighted the team’s thorough preparation, while Lopez pointed out the advantage of competing on the Caymanas Golf Course, where the team has been practicing extensively.
The Jamaican team features talented players including team captain Mattea Issa, Trey Williams, Aman Dhiman, and Ryan Lue, all competing in the Under-18 category. Players will also compete in the Under-15 and Under-13 categories for both boys and girls.
Peter Levey of the major sponsor British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) expressed his company’s delight in supporting the event. "We are very happy to be on board for this year’s staging of the CAJGC as it represents a very good opportunity to support the development of youth sport," Levey remarked.
The championship boasts a wide array of sponsors including Restaurants of Jamaica (KFC), Sandals Foundation, WATA, CMK, Jamaica Pegasus, Fleetwood Jamaica Limited, R&A, Island Car Rentals & Tours, Digicel Business, Titlest, and several others, demonstrating strong community and corporate backing for the event.
The competition tees off on Wednesday at 8:00 am with the first of three rounds of 18 holes each, concluding on Friday. The closing ceremony will follow the final round, celebrating the achievements of the young golfers.
Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands delivered a standout performance in the men's 50m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, advancing to the semifinals with the second-fastest time in the heats. Competing in Heat 10, Crooks finished second with a blistering 21.51 seconds, just 0.19 seconds behind Australian Cameron McEvoy, who clocked 21.32 seconds.
Crooks' impressive swim highlighted a strong showing for Caribbean swimmers, who competed fiercely across various heats at the Paris La Defense Arena, albeit with less fortune. The Cayman Islands swimmer’s advancement is a significant achievement, making him the sole Caribbean athlete to move forward in this event.
Elsewhere in the competition, veteran swimmer Dylan Carter from Trinidad and Tobago in Heat 8, finished with a time of 22.18 seconds, not enough to advance him to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, several Caribbean swimmers made their Olympic debuts with commendable performances. Troy Nisbett of St Kitts and Nevis competed in Heat 2, finishing fifth with a time of 28.71 seconds. Dominica's Warren Adam Lawrence took to the pool in Heat 4, clocking 24.67 seconds to finish sixth.
In Heat 5, Alex Joachim from St Vincent and the Grenadines made his debut with a time of 23.59 seconds, finishing fifth, while Aruba’s Mikel Schreuders secured third place in the same heat with a time of 22.14 seconds.
Despite their valiant efforts, the overall rankings saw Nisbett placing 69th, Lawrence 52nd, Joachim 45th, Schreuders 26th, and Carter 29th. While they did not advance to the next round, their participation and performances demonstrated the talent of Caribbean swimmers on the Olympic stage.
In a thrilling display at the Paris La Defense Arena, the Caribbean swimmers demonstrated their athleticism in the men's 100m freestyle with outstanding performances, but mixed results.
In heat two, Suriname's Irvin Hoost finished fourth in 52.99s, while St Lucia's Jayhan Odlum-Smith (50.39s) finished second in heat four, but their times were not good enough to advance.
Heat five saw Bahamian Olympic debutant Lamar Taylor clock a new National Record of 48.84s, and he was also the first swimmer to go sub-50 on the night. Barbados' Jack Kirby finished third in 50.42s.
Aruban swimmer Mikel Schreuders followed Taylor’s suit in heat six, as he too stopped the clock in 48.84s, before Dylan Carter (49.35s) of Trinidad and Tobago finished eighth in heat seven.
However, the night belonged to Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands, who performed admirably to finish third in a blistering 48.01s in heat eight.
Crooks advanced to the semi-finals with the fifth fastest time overall, a mere 0.44 seconds behind the fastest qualifier, American Jack Alexy. The other Caribbean competitors ranked: Hoost (68th), Odlum-Smith (44th), Taylor and Schreuders tied for 26th, Kirby (46th), and Carter (34th).
Collymore, Persaud and Crooks failed to progress in women’s 100m freestyle
Grenada's Tilly Collymore, Guyana's Aleka Persaud and Cayman Islands’ Jillian Crooks all performed exceptionally well in the women's 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena, but like most of their male counterparts, failed to make the final cut to the semi-finals.
In heat one, Collymore finished second in 58.84s, just 0.65 seconds behind the winner. Persaud (1:01.29) placed fourth in the same heat, while Crooks (56.15s) finished seventh in heat two.
By virtue of their times, Crooks was 23rd overall, Collymore (26th), and Persaud (28th). Sweden's experienced campaigner, Sarah Sjöström, was the fastest qualifier in 52.99s.
Still, the Caribbean ladies had much to celebrate as Collymore, 16, is an Olympic debutant, while Persaud, 18, the youngest member of the Guyana team, was gracing the global multi-sport showpiece for a second time. She finished 55th in the 50m freestyle in Tokyo 2020 with a time of 27.76 seconds.
Crooks, 18, was also enjoying her second Olympic Games outing, having made her Olympic Games debut in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She won three medals at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.
US Virgin Islands’ D'Amour eliminated in men’s Archery
Nicholas D'Amour of the US Virgin Islands lost 6-4 to Japanese archer Fumiya Saito in the men's individual round of 32 eliminations at the Invalides on Tuesday.
Despite a valiant attempt, D'Amour was defeated by a single point in the last set.
D'Amour demonstrated tremendous skill, leading set 2 with a score of 27-24. The Japanese and D'Amour tied sets 1 and 4, with Saito winning sets 3 and 5, defeating the USVI representative by one point in the last set, which determined the outcome.
D'Amour, 22, made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, becoming the first archer to represent the US Virgin Islands. He was eliminated in the first round in a shootout. In 2021, he finished in the top 10 on several occasions, moving him 196 places into the top five in the world rankings. He is also accredited as the 2022 Vegas Shoot silver medallist.
The Caribbean region’s best young golfers are set to descend upon Jamaica’s Caymanas Golf Course soon to participate in the 36th staging of the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championship.
Teams will start arriving in Jamaica on July 1 with the competition set to take place from July 3-5 with the first tee time set at 7:00 AM local time.
There will be eight competing countries and these include hosts Jamaica, defending champions Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
Among these countries, there will be approximately 85 participants taking part in the championships split into the Boys and Girls 18 & Under, Boys & Girls 15 & Under and Boys & Girls 13 & Under categories.
The official media launch for the junior golf showcase was held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Thursday.
“The hosting of this prestigious event represents not only a celebration of golf, but it also fulfils our mandate by providing a platform for our junior golfers to hone their skills in addition to being a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie and youthful exuberance that thrives in our Caribbean region,” said President of the Jamaica Golf Association, Jodi Munn-Barrow, at Thursday’s launch.
Lead sponsors of the July 3-5 championships are BCIC Insurance Company Limited and their CEO, Peter Levy, expressed happiness to be a part of this competition.
“It’s an opportunity for us to reaffirm BCIC’s commitment to youth development through our title sponsorship of this prestigious event,” he said.
“BCIC has always believed in the power of sport to shape our society and we see this partnership as an investment in the dreams and aspirations of young golfers across the Caribbean,” he added.
Also on hand to give a glimpse of what to expect from the course itself was Caymanas Golf Club General Manager, Peter Lindo.
“Our picturesque little course in St. Catherine eagerly awaits the talented young golfers who will be representing their countries. Our course superintendent, Mr. Jerry Hardy, and out groundskeepers have been working meticulously preparing the course taking every measure possible to present optimal playing conditions,” he said.
“We’ve had some unusually hot dry weather up until last week and that little spell of rain has given us an even greener landscape. One of the challenges we’ve had over the years is the deterioration of our bunkers and Jamaica Aggregates Limited were very kind in donating sand which will go a very long way in the resuscitation of the bunkers,” he added.
Other main sponsors for the championship include Sandals Foundation, R&A, Fleetwood, ORCA Golf, Caribbean Golf Association, CMK Bakery and Digicel Business.
In the heart of Nassau, at the Betty Kelly-Henning Swim Complex, history was etched into the aquamarine waters as the Bahamas achieved a feat unparalleled in the annals of CARIFTA Swimming Championships. With resounding cheers echoing through the stands, the Bahamian swimmers surged to victory, clinching their sixth consecutive title..
The stage was set for a showdown of aquatic prowess, with 25 nations from across the Caribbean vying for supremacy. Yet, from the outset, it was clear that the Bahamian team was on a mission — a mission to etch their names into the record books once more.
Led by the indomitable spirit of Head Coach Travano McPhee, the Bahamian contingent unleashed their full potential. With each stroke, each turn, they surged ahead, leaving their competitors trailing in their wake.
Day after day, the Bahamas increased its lead, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind of their dominance in the pool. From the precision of their starts to the power of their finishes, every swimmer embodied the essence of excellence, pushing themselves to their limits and beyond.
As the final day of competition dawned, the tension was palpable. Yet, amidst the nerves, there was an air of confidence among the Bahamian swimmers. They knew that this was their moment, their chance to make history once more.
And make history they did.
With a final surge of speed and determination, the Bahamas clinched their sixth consecutive CARIFTA Aquatics Championship title, sending shockwaves of celebration throughout the nation. Tears of joy mingled with the waters of the pool as the triumphant swimmers embraced, their hearts filled with pride for what they had accomplished.
In the medal standings, the Bahamas reigned supreme, topping the table with 34 gold, 39 silver, and 28 bronze for a total of 101 medals. Trinidad & Tobago followed with 24 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze for 56 total medals, securing second place. The Cayman Islands claimed the third spot with 18 gold, 13 silver, and 19 bronze, accumulating 50 total medals. Jamaica, with 18 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze, earned a total of 45 medals, securing the fourth position. Barbados rounded out the top five teams with 15 gold, 15 silver, and 7 bronze, totaling 47 medals.
Speaking to the Nassau Guardian in the aftermath of their historic win, Coach McPhee expressed his gratitude to his team and the Bahamian people. "This is our house, and we were able to hold it down," he declared, his voice ringing with emotion. "I'm proud to be a part of this team, and I'm very proud of everyone who contributed to this sixth straight win. We're not done yet... next year, we're going for seven straight."
And with that vow hanging in the air, the Bahamian swimmers basked in the glory of their triumph, knowing that they had not only made history but had also etched their names into the hearts of a nation. For in the waters of the Betty Kelly-Henning Swim Complex, the spirit of the Bahamas soared to new heights, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of a team united in pursuit of greatness.
Trinidad and Tobago's young Soca Warriors were among those that opened their Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship qualifying campaign on a winning note, as they downed St Vincent and the Grenadines 3-2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, on Friday.
With the twin island republic playing host to Group D, the anticipation was high that the Brian Haynes-coached young Soca Warriors would put on a show for spectators, but they didn't have things entirely their way, and had to come from two goals down to edge St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Goals from Cody Cooper (36th), Larry Noel (64th) and a last-gasp goal from Michael Chaves (90+5), was enough to give the host victory, after Kirtney Franklyn (3rd) and Steven Pierre (28th) gave Vincy Heat a 2-0 lead.
The other Group D contest was a stroll for group favourites Canada, who hammered Dominica 8-0.
A hat-trick from Myles Morgan (8th, 36th, 47th), as well as braces from Santiago Lopez (26th, 65th) and Sergei Kozlovskiy (86th, 90+4) and one from Kevaughn Tavernier (27th), gave the North Americans the expected start, which propelled them to the top of the standings on goal difference ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile in other group games:
Group A
Cuba started off Group A with a 13-0 beating of Anguilla at the Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua,
Marcos Campos (3rd, 25th, 30th) and David Perez (40th, 47th, 71st) each had hat tricks, Maikol Vega (77th, 90+6) bagged a brace, while Leandro Mena (13th), Michael Camejo (15th), Karel Perez (27th), Cristian Mendoza (41st) and Samuel Rodriguez (62nd) also had goals.
Host Nicaragua also thrilled home fans with an 8-0 victory against British Virgin Islands.
Joab Gutierrez (6th), Francis Castillo (12th, 39th), Kenler Cayasso (25th), Andres Martinez (47th, 61st), Fredy Ortiz (56th) and Izamuel Martinez (81st), got the job done.
Group B
El Salvador got things going in Group B with a 7-0 win over Turks and Caicos Islands at the ABFA Technical Centre in Piggots, Antigua and Barbuda.
Christopher Argueta (26th), Daniel Espana (37th), Walter Menjivar (41st), Wilber Diaz (67th, 80th), Darwin Lopez (90+1) and Nelson Diaz (90+3), got the job done for El Salvador.
Meanwhile, hosts Antigua and Barbuda blanked Guyana 4-0 in the feature contest.
The goals came from Javauhn Parker (2nd), Aiden Jarvis (16th), Christopher Douglas (18th) and Javaughn Jarvis (84th).
Group C
An all-important strike from Daminthly Bernardina (90+3), gifted Curacao a 1-0 win over St Martin at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala.
Guatemala also started positively with a 3-1 win over Barbados in the nightcap.
Hector Prillwitz (17th), Olger Escobar (32nd) and Justin Racancoj (80th) scored for the Chapines, while Rovaldo Massiah (28th), pulled one back for Barbados.
Group E
In Group E, Haiti secured a 4-1 win over Cayman Islands at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.
A hat trick from Bryan Destin (56th, 80th, 90+5) and a goal from Schneilorens Lebrun (12th) was enough for Haiti to see off Cayman Islands, who got their goal from Joshwa Campbell (61st).
The action in the group wrapped up with Puerto Rico blanking St Kitts and Nevis 5-0.
Adrian Biaggi (5th), Sebastian Otero (24th), Daniel Cruz (85th), Luis Medina (88th) and a 47th-minute own goal, saw Puerto Rico to victory.
Group F
Action in Group F gets under way on Saturday, with Bermuda facing Grenada in just their second ever meeting in this tournament, while Jamaica, who were quarterfinalists in Honduras two years ago, will square off against Martinique, both at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.
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