Belize, Barbados, and St Kitts and Nevis secure wins in CONCACAF Nations League C
CONCACAF Nations League

Belize, Barbados, and St Kitts and Nevis secure wins in CONCACAF Nations League C

September 09, 2024

The 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League C saw exciting action on Saturday, with Belize, Barbados, and Saint Kitts and Nevis emerging victorious in their respective group encounters. All three teams secured first place in their groups with strong performances that marked winning starts to their campaigns.

Belize delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Turks and Caicos Islands at the TCIFA National Stadium in Providenciales, securing the top spot in Group B. The visitors opened the scoring early, with Orlando Velasquez netting a header in the 12th minute off a free kick from Nahjib Guerra. Jordy Polanco doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, converting a free kick from midfield, and Michael Palacio added a third in the 66th minute from the penalty spot.

Polanco completed his brace in the 73rd minute, slotting home a left-footed shot after receiving a cross from Gabriel Ramos. Belize goalkeeper Charles Tillett preserved his clean sheet by denying Billy Forbes from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, sealing an emphatic victory for the visitors.

With the win, Belize took first place in Group B, holding the edge on goal difference.

Barbados earned a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Bahamas in a tightly contested Group A match at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex in Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands. Zachary Applewhite gave Barbados the early lead in the 10th minute with a strike from outside the box, but the Bahamas leveled the match in the 42nd minute through Brandon Adderley, who headed home a corner from Jordan Cheetham.

Adderley then put the Bahamas in front with a left-footed finish in the 66th minute, but Barbados rallied late. Ethan Taylor equalized in the 80th minute with a header from a corner, and two minutes later, Andre Applewhaite scored the match-winner with a strike from the left side of the box.

Barbados now sits atop Group A with three points, while the Bahamas remain on one point following their earlier draw with the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Saint Kitts and Nevis secured a dominant 4-1 win over the Cayman Islands at the Truman Bodden Complex in George Town, moving to the top of Group C. Kimaree Rogers opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a left-footed finish after connecting with a long cross from Malique Roberts. Tiquanny Williams doubled the lead in the 19th minute with a well-placed shot from the right side of the box and earned his second goal of the match in the 37th minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Gvaune Amory.

The Cayman Islands pulled one back in the 51st minute through Mason Duval, who headed home a cross from Joshwa Campbell, but Dionis Stephen restored Saint Kitts and Nevis' three-goal lead in the 72nd minute with a left-footed strike inside the box.

Saint Kitts and Nevis took first place in Group C, edging out the Cayman Islands on goal difference, with both teams sitting on three points.

These wins mark strong starts for Belize, Barbados, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, who now lead their respective groups as the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League C continues.

 

Ackera Nugent and Stacey-Ann Williams dominate with victories at Zagreb meet
Athletics

Ackera Nugent and Stacey-Ann Williams dominate with victories at Zagreb meet

September 08, 2024

Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent and Stacey-Ann Williams continued their impressive seasons with dominant performances at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial in Zagreb, Croatia, on Sunday. The meet, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold since 2020, featured several standout performances from Caribbean athletes, with Nugent and Williams leading the way.

Nugent, the world leader in the 100m hurdles with her blistering 12.24 set at the Rome Diamond League, once again demonstrated her class, claiming victory in 12.55. Facing a quality field that included former world record holder Kendra Harrison and Olympic silver medalist Cyrena Samba-Mayela, Nugent ran a composed race to comfortably secure first place. Great Britain's Cindy Sember finished second in 12.67, with Harrison third in 12.76. 2022 World Championship silver medalist Britany Anderson of Jamaica finished sixth in 12.91.

In the women’s 400m, Stacey-Ann Williams ran the race of her life, clocking a lifetime best and meet record of 50.00 seconds to win the event. Williams faced strong competition but managed to hold off Norway’s Henriette Jaeger, who ran 50.22, and the USA’s Shamier Little, who finished third in 50.58. Barbados' Sada Williams, showing signs of fatigue after a long season, finished fourth in 51.23.

The Jamaican victories were part of a broader Caribbean presence on the podium in Zagreb. Shashalee Forbes finished second in the women’s 100m, clocking 11.23 behind Gambia’s Gina Bass Bittaye, who won in 11.13. The USA’s Jenna Prandini rounded out the top three with a time of 11.30.

In the 800m, Jamaica’s Natoya Goule ran a strong race to finish second with a time of 1:57.43, just behind Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir, who set a meet record of 1:57.00. Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew finished third in a personal best of 1:57.47.

Meanwhile, in the men’s 110m hurdles, Tokyo Olympic champion Hansle Parchment secured third place in 13.25. Japan’s Rachid Muratake claimed victory in 13.14, holding off American Daniel Roberts, who finished second in 13.18.

 

Shayon Francis tackles the course in Barbados.
Shooting

Hotshot: Ja's Shayon Francis shines at Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting tourney in Barbados

September 07, 2024

Corporal Shayon Francis, one of Jamaica’s accomplished female pistol shooters and brand ambassador for Spectrum Systems Limited, once again showcased her exceptional skills at the recently-concluded Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting Competition in Barbados.

Francis, whose passion for sport shooting unleashes her competitive edge, secured the prestigious High Lady Award as the highest-placed female shooter overall.

The St Thomas native, who honed her skills competing against some of the top shooters locally and internationally, again demonstrated that prowess as she outshone several of her top-tier male counterparts from across the Caribbean and beyond.

The outstanding performance by Francis underscores her dedication to the sport, and the unwavering support of Spectrum Systems Limited has been integral to her achieving these significant milestones.

“We are incredibly proud of Shayon’s achievements on the international stage,” said Andrew Stanigar, Managing Director of Spectrum Systems Limited.

Stanigar pointed out that Spectrum Systems Limited remains committed to supporting Francis’ journey and promoting excellence in sports as she continues to chart a dazzling course in her shooting career.

“Her success is a testament to her hard work and the values we uphold at Spectrum Systems. We are honoured to have her represent our brand,” he added.

For Francis, the performance was a result of her unflinching desire to succeed each time she gets on course. As such, she believes there is still room for improvements.

“My performance was solid, and although there is always room for growth, I’m thrilled to have represented Jamaica with pride. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to my amazing sponsor, Spectrum Systems Limited, for their continued support on my journey to the World Shoot in South Africa 2025. I am grateful for their belief in me,” Francis declared.

Marksmanship is a skill that can be developed and must be maintained. But speed and fitness are also critical components in practical pistol shooting, something that Francis is well aware of.

It is with that in mind why she has no intentions of sitting on her laurels, as she targets more positive performances in the build up for that World Shoot.

“My overall goal is to be on the podium each time I go out to compete and so the aim is to build on this performance, but it will take constant training to make that happen. So, again, I intend to put in some more training time to reap more success,” Francis noted.

Graeme West departs Cricket West Indies after 12 years of service
Windies

Graeme West departs Cricket West Indies after 12 years of service

September 06, 2024

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the departure of Graeme West, who will step down from his role as High Performance Manager on September 30, 2024, after 12 years of distinguished service. West, who joined CWI on June 1, 2012, as the Head Coach of the High Performance Centre at Cave Hill, Barbados, leaves behind a lasting legacy of development and success within West Indies cricket.

During his tenure, West oversaw several critical initiatives aimed at building the future of West Indies cricket. From his time as Head Coach of the West Indies Under-19 Men’s team, where he led them to World Cup glory in 2016, to his leadership in creating the Men’s and Women’s Academy programs at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, West has been a key figure in nurturing emerging talent. He also played a pivotal role in launching the 12-month U19 Pathway Programmes, which are vital in the continuous development of the region’s youth players.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed his gratitude for West's years of service: “I sincerely thank Graeme for his 12 years of service to West Indies cricket. He has contributed significantly to the development of our High Performance system and has overseen many initiatives that we will continue to grow after he departs. We are grateful for his years of commitment and wish him the best as he turns the page to a new chapter in his career.”

Reflecting on his time with CWI, West spoke about the impact the organization and the region have had on him and his family. “I would like to thank CWI for the opportunities provided to me and my family over the last twelve years. I leave the organization as a more experienced coach, a more rounded leader, and a World Cup winner," he said. "Equally important to me are the relationships I have developed with players, coaches and the staff that have supported me throughout my time at CWI and I am sure will continue to do so in the future. My time spent in the Caribbean will forever hold a special place in my heart. My wife and I have raised our children on the beaches of Barbados and Antigua and we have thoroughly enjoyed and embraced the many cultures and diversity across the region.”

West's 12 years of service saw him based for five years at the High Performance Centre in Barbados and another seven years at CWI’s headquarters in Antigua. Beyond his success with the Under-19 Men’s team, West also served as the Head Coach of the West Indies ‘A’ Team from 2016 to 2018, where he led the team to series victories against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

As High Performance Manager, West has been instrumental in the creation of new pathways for young cricketers, both male and female, laying a foundation for future success in West Indies cricket. His departure marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to shape the development of talent within the Caribbean for years to come.

 
 

 
 
Jamaican shooters the toast of Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting tourney in Barbados
Shooting

Jamaican shooters the toast of Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting tourney in Barbados

September 04, 2024

Jamaica’s practical pistol shooters demonstrated exceptional precision, versatility and resilience at the recently concluded Smoking Barrels Xtreme Regional Shooting Competition in Barbados. The team secured top honours in every category, solidifying their reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier competitive shooting teams.

The Jamaicans stood out in this highly competitive Level 3 event, challenging elite marksmen and women from countries such as the United States of America (USA), Suriname, Columbia, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.

As a team, Jamaica secured first, second and third place finishes in the Production Optics, Production and Open Divisions, respectively.

The individual events saw Darin Richards leading the charge, as he copped first-place in the Standard Division and the esteemed International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) President’s gold medal. His outstanding performance set the tone for the entire team.

Adrian Randle and Rohan Wallace finished second in their respective divisions, while Alrice Palmer finished third in the highly competitive Open Division, further demonstrating Jamaica’s depth of talent. Lennie Moulton also placed second in the Open Division’s Senior Category.

The women were also a formidable force, as Yeonie Campbell and Florence Golding achieved a first and second place finish, respectively, in the Production Division lady category.