2014 Fitness Revolution to start on July 14

 Trainers at Fit for Life Gym.

By Linda Straker

Rex Edwards, Head Trainer at Fit for Life Health Club, has warned that the three-week 2014 Fitness Revolution programme will be “rampant” and will stimulate the bodies of all the participants who will be engaging in the programme.

Scheduled to run from July 14 until July 31, the programme will involve hundreds of adults engaging in a 90-minute intense cardio exercise programme on the grounds of the Morne Rouge playing field by various trainers attached to the gym.

Though it’s an initiative of the gym, it is sponsored by a number of corporate bodies who distribute or promote products aimed at encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Edwards noted that during the period, two new initiatives will also be launched, aimed at rewarding persons who are losing weight and attending regularly.

He said that persons who lose weight will be receiving food vouchers while other partners in the initiative will be providing different incentives, which include cash prizes, free phone credit and samples of various products.

Described as the official warm-up for Carnival, because of the heavy involvement of local music, the participants usually involve a significant number of Carnival Mas band members who are using the occasion as a last-minute opportunity to get their bodies in shape for the road.

The initiative commenced in 2012 and during the first year, Fitness Revolution was held for only two weeks and because of the demands from participants, it was held for three weeks in the second year. Officials at the gym said that they are confident that the three weeks are sufficient for the participants to understand and start experiencing the rewards of engaging in a healthy lifestyle practice.

Limacol CPL 2014 set to amaze

The countdown is on to the most electrifying cricketing event in the Caribbean and from the looks of things, all systems are go. The Limacol Caribbean Premier League is set to take the region by storm once again after making a smashing debut last year.

Getting started on July 11, the tournament will be seeing some exciting changes while at the same time staying true to the format that the people of the Caribbean have come to know and love after only one year. In a telephone interview with CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe and Chief Operations Officer Pete Russell, The Grenada Advocate was informed that last year was a success.

“CPL last year was fantastic. We had full stadiums and we sold over 94% of the seats so in terms of an experience, both cricketing and entertainment wise, it was something that I think that the Caribbean hadn’t seen for a very long time. We were delighted with it,” Russell said.

With the major changes coming in the form of an increase in games from 24 to 30, there is also an increase in the number of venues with eight as opposed to six in a bid to reach a wider cross-section of the region. Russell went on to say that they were hoping for much of the same in terms of full houses, exciting cricket and the usual entertainment and added that one of the latest developments included American rapper, Rick Ross, being announced to be on the cards in St. Kitts. Another event expected to create quite a stir is the Ian Botham and Brian Lara charity game in St. Kitts, which will see the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Imran Khan dusting off their skills to the delight of the fans.

The franchises are pretty much staying the same and Russell stated that another big-bill star will be joining the ranks this year. “We have a high-quality lineup for all of the teams. We’ve got the usual West Indies stars and they’ll be lining up alongside a number of international legends as well, such as Kevin Pietersen who is coming to play for the Zouks this year. We are very excited with both the quality of teams and the number of international teams that are being represented.”

O’Donohoe chimed in to say that of the challenges faced this year, the logistics of moving around between the venue countries proved to be the most problematic. He added however, that the organising committee have been hard at it since September and their relationship with LIAT was solid and have been assured that priority is given, flights are on schedule and bags arrive.

“The biggest challenge for us is the fact that, like any other event, there are different islands in which to stage the island, so logistically it can be a real challenge getting around the Caribbean. With any other major event you’re usually in one country in six or seven different locations so to transport everything is probably or biggest challenge in terms of delivering the event,” he said.

Darren Bravo named WIPA Cricketer of the Year

Darren Bravo was thrilled to get some advice from the
legendary Sir Garfield Sobers (right) who was at
the preparatory camp in Barbados. 

Left-handed batsman Darren Bravo was last week Thursday named as the Cricketer of the Year when the West Indies Players Association held its annual awards at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The year 2013 was a special one for Bravo, who finally lived up the high standard expected of him. He scored a career-best 218 against New Zealand in Dunedin; it is one of the highest scores ever recorded by a West Indian in that country.

He was also named as the Caribbean T20 MVP.

Bravo noted that he was proud of his innings in New Zealand especially as it helped the West Indies stave off what looked like a certain defeat.

“We were staring down the jaws of defeat until I put up my hand and did the job for the team. The guys were supporting me along the way as well and it was good to know that we were facing defeat and were able to come out with a draw. I believe that is something to feel great about and I am looking forward to the upcoming series as well,” said Bravo.

As for the upcoming home series against the Kiwis, Bravo noted that it was important that he not only continue believing in himself, but that he sticks to the basics as well.

“The ball might not swing as much as in New Zealand, but New Zealand has a quality bowling attack and I believe they are going to use the conditions to the best of their ability so I believe that it is important that not only myself, but the rest of the team, play their natural game in the best possible way,” said Bravo.

"Their (New Zealand) bowling attack has been doing very well over the last couple of years. We don’t normally bat well twice in a Test,” Bravo said.

“At times we tend to get a decent score in the first innings and falter in the second or the other way around. That is something we need to rectify. When our batsmen get starts we need to carry on and get big scores.”

Bravo was part of the preparatory camp in Barbados where he spent time with the West Indies legend Garry Sobers. One of the things he picked up from Sobers was the importance of creating scoring opportunities, instead of letting the opposition bowlers take control.

“He singled out that I should be able to play all around the wicket,” Bravo said.

“At times the opposition will block your strong area. So you could take those same deliveries and play it through midwicket. You set the field for yourself, rather than let the opposition dictate your pace. I will be looking to do that in this series.”

He added that the time spent with Sobers was invaluable. “It’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life. When he left the camp I really started missing him. He eased my mind as much as possible and he was in the nets working on some technical areas and also sharing a laugh. Wonderful sharing a week and a half with him.”

Other major awards on Thursday went to Stafanie Taylor (Female Cricketer of the Year); Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Test Cricketer of the Year), Dwayne Bravo (ODI Cricketer of the Year) and Sunil Narine (T20 Cricketer of the Year).

Chanderpaul also received a special award as the first West Indian to play 150 Test matches, while Chris Gayle was also honoured as he prepares for his 100th Test match. (PG)

Samaritan Presbyterian School wins Kiddy Cricket Festival

THE Samaritan Presbyterian School is the 2014 champions of the annual Grenada Cricket Association/Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Festival held at the La Sagesse Playing Field on Tuesday, May 20.

The Festival brought together the eight zone champions in a day of thrilling competition. In the finals, the Samaritan Presbyterian School from St. Mark’s defeated their neighbours the St. Patrick’s R. C. School in a keenly contested final to emerge as the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Festival 2014 Champions.

Samaritan Presebyterian School Winners

Samaritan recovered from a rocky start to post a match winning score of 121 runs for 8 wickets; they were led by Lindon Henry with 61 runs. St. Patrick’s lost early wickets due to good bowling from the St. Mark’s team; they eventually finished on 100 runs for 5 wickets with the Festival’s top scorer Shaidon Franklyn with 51 runs.

St. Patrick’s R. C. School, Runners up

A prize giving ceremony concluded the day. The St. Patrick’s R. C. School won the awards for best fielder, top scorer, and top wicket taker along with most improved team and their runners-up trophy. Samaritan Presbyterian won the most disciplined award along with the Champions Trophy.

From October 2013 to March 2014 forty schools competed in the preliminary rounds and eight advanced to the finals. The eight finalists were: St. Patrick’s R. C. School, St. Mary’s R.C. School, Florida Government School, Grand Roy Government School, Crochu R.C. School, Constantine Methodist School, St. Paul’s Government School, and Samaritan Presbyterian School.

Football’s future rests in the education of coaches

FOR the Caribbean region to progress any future in football they first have to educate the coaches.

That was the view of CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb when a press conference was held at the National Stadium on Friday.

Webb mentioned that they are many avenues opened to the Barbados Football Association (BFA) and all they need to do is request what they need.

“Nothing starts at the top,” said Webb who said that they are trying to empower and educate the coaches in an effort to improve the football throughout the region.

CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb (left) presenting
a token to BFA president Randy Harris.

Webb noted that they have not developed their coaches though they are many ex-players who have the good of the sport at heart but do not have the adequate skills and knowledge.

Though the region as a whole lacks what many of the larger football communities have at their disposal, Webb believes that educating the coaches is the way to go.

President of the BFA Randy Harris, made note that at present Barbados coaches do not hold any FIFA European license but they do hold diplomas which is not the same thing.

In the wide ranging press conference, Webb also mentioned the time for talk has long past and it is time for all the stakeholders in football to come together with the common interest and goal and do what is best for football.

As it relates to the World Cup which is next month, Webb said that the Caribbean will first have to improve on many things before they once again have representation in the final.

He mentioned that everyone has their peaks and balances, and in a small territory as the Caribbean those peaks and balances become even harsher.

One of the problems which he identified was that by the time young players reach the age of 17 or 18 years, they lose interest and no longer play the game.

It has been many years since the CONCACAF region has hosted a World Cup and they are going forward with their intention of bidding to host the World Cup in 2026 which will make it 32 years since it last hosted the event. A sustainable Caribbean pro football league is also being looked into as part of his plan along with rebuilding the image of CONCACAF.

Retirement was in thoughts for a long time: Sammy

DARREN Sammy, the West Indies all-rounder who announced his retirement from Test cricket recently, has said his decision wasn’t a fallout of his being replaced as captain by wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin.

Sammy, whose decision to call time on his Test career came hours after he was axed as captain, said he had been thinking about it for a long time. “After the New Zealand series [which West Indies lost 2-0] I sat down with the team management and the selectors and then told myself that we cannot continue like this. Probably my career is on the line. I was very serious about it,” Sammy told ESPNcricinfo.

“It was a difficult decision. If you have been playing cricket as a kid, all you have been dreaming of is to represent your team in Test cricket and I have been fortunate enough to do it. But I thought it was the right time for me to move on. I feel it’s time the West Indies Test team continues to move in a new direction, under a new leader.”

Extending his support to Ramdin, who led Trinidad and Tobago into the semi-finals of the regional four-day championship, Sammy had a word of advice for him as well. “Denesh has been captaining regional teams with distinction but it (leading West Indies) is a difficult job,” he said. “Leading guys who come from different cultural backgrounds and getting the best out of them. I wish him all the best as he tries to the lead West Indies Test cricket forward into a new era.”

Despite marking his Test debut with a seven-wicket haul in the second innings at Old Trafford, or having been heckled as perhaps the slowest-ever West Indies new-ball bowler, Sammy, the first cricketer from St. Lucia to play Test cricket, will be most remembered for having led the West Indies when a player revolt marred Caribbean cricket in 2010.

Junior international tennis tourney slated for mid-April

Some promising tennis players from around the world are slated to arrive in Barbados this month for the 20th staging of the Barbados Junior International at the National Tennis Centre.

The tournament is slated to run from April 12 and conclude on April 19 with players competing in Under-14 and Under-18 age groups for both boys and girls. The Under-18 qualifying tournament and the Under-14 round robin events will begin on April 12, while the main draw of the tournament will get going on April 14.

Tournament Director Sandra Osbourne says they expect the tournament to be a success once again, with players from 30 countries expected to compete. Interest is so high, especially among the Under-18 boys where there are 158 entries competing for 64 positions.

Bahamian tennis player Rasheed Carey who is currently ranked 172 in the world is the top seed among the boys.

In the Under-18 girls’ there are currently 92 entries who will compete for 64 positions. The top ranked female player will be Rafaella Baquerizo from Ecuador. She is currently ranked 102 in the world.

There are 38 entries for the Boys’ Under-14 competition, while there are 17 entries for the Girls’ Under-14.

“This is very good for the girls because last year our girls’ draw was very small. So to have 17 entries coming from Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent is very good,” said Osbourne.

The tournament is part of the International Tennis Federation’s Junior Circuit. (PG)

Grenada Football Association satisfied with Government’s efforts

Newly re-elected President of the Grenada Football Association Cheney Joseph has praised the Minister for Sports, the Hon. Emmalin Pierre, on efforts to strengthen the relationship between the government and the various sporting associations in Grenada.

Joseph was speaking following a meeting between Minister Pierre and the island’s various sporting organizations recently, which has paved the way for improved facilities, additional equipment and a better relationship for all parties involved.

Minister Pierre during the meeting stressed the need for more collaborative efforts among the various sporting associations to have sports in Grenada on par with other Regional and international countries.
She said whereas it is important for the government to support the sporting groups, the onus is on the Associations to find innovative ways of maintaining their sporting disciplines.

President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), Cheney Joseph has described the relationship between the Grenada Football Association and the Minister as an excellent one.

Joseph said for the past year, Minister Pierre through her government has assisted the Grenada Football Association with lease agreements, concessions and financial aid; which has heightened the level of football activities on the island.

He is hopeful that the relationship between the association and the government will continue.

St. David’s Track Blazers did it again!

THE St. David’s Track Blazers sports club proved that it is a force to be reckoned with over the weekend at the 2014 National Championship games.

The 2013 winners reclaimed the championship trophy for another year at the National Stadium recently.

With athletes like Kennisha Pascal topping the individual rankings with 40 points, Nerena Aberdeen and Anderson Peters on 30 points, Theresa Lewis and Dona Lisa Bubb both on 23 points; overall, the team scored 609.50 points.

The Track Blazers were followed by the Tanteen Bullets on 535.50 points. St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School placed third on 305 points, with St. Joseph’s Convent Grenville occupying the fourth position on 258.50 points.

Others teams that participated in the weekend games were: SpeedZone, Mac Donald College, Westerhall Secondary, Beacon Southern Pros, Grenville Secondary School, ACE, St. Joseph’s Convent St. George, Grenada Christian Academy, Boca Secondary School, Presentation Brother’s College, Terminal Velocity Track Club, X-Cel Track Club, X-Ceed Track Club, J.W Fletcher Catholic Secondary School, Happy Hill Secondary School, Thomas Saunders Secondary School, Hillsborough Secondary School.

Coordinator of Sports Conrad Francis is pleased with the level of participation and showcase of talent during the event.

He announced that the selection process of the Grenada team for the 2014 CARIFTA games will soon commence.

The Grenada delegation for the CARIFTA games will be chosen based on performance during the National Champs and INTERCOL games in April.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Religious Affairs congratulates the Grenada Athletic Association and all participants in the National Championships 2014 and looks forward with God guidance to 2015.

Grenada sailors win big at 2014 South Grenada Regatta!

THE 6th Edition of the South Grenada Regatta (SGR) was a weekend filled with fun, excitement, big parties and great entertainment. Grenadians and visitors of all ages took part in the regatta’s wide range of water and shore activities, and the great live music and after-race parties had the house rocking and dance floor hopping all weekend long.

Kicking off the regatta on 5th March was a fantastic ‘floating’ Dinghy Concert in the middle of Clarkes Court Bay, featuring the Rocky Pontoons party band from Switzerland. Their lively tunes and special Grenada songs made for a wonderful kickoff. Some guests came in their own dinghies, but a much larger crowd started the party early by hopping on the Rhum Runner at Le Phare Bleu for a fun-filled journey to and from the concert.

Robbie Yearwood on Island Water World’s Die Hard
won the North South Wines Veuve Clicquot Cup.

This year’s regatta was blessed with superb weather and great racing conditions along Grenada’s south coast. The fleet racing program featured four cup races, plus the esteemed cup for overall winner. 14 boats participated in the fleet races, and the mix of Caribbean and international boats and crew provided an interesting blend of racing talent. Participating boats ranged from a Diam F18 to a Swan 53.

Competition was tight in the Cruising Class, but it was Grenada’s own sailors who took the majority of the fleet racing awards. Friday’s first race was for the ‘North South Wines Veuve Clicquot Cup’, and Robbie Yearwood on Island Water World’s Die Hard placed 1st and was trophy winner, with Peter Champy Evans on Quay 3 in 2nd place, and Jason Fletcher on Apero in 3rd. The ‘Netherlands Insurance Cup’ was the second race on Friday, and IWW Die Hard again placed 1st and was trophy winner, followed by Apero and Quay 3.

The action was close on the high seas.

After a lay day on Saturday, the fleet racing continued on Sunday and first up was the ‘Westerhall Rum Cup’. Yet again, IWW Die Hard placed 1st and was trophy winner, followed by Quay 3 in 2nd, and Piccolo in 3rd. The final race on Sunday was for the ‘Island Water World Cup’, and Mike Bingley on Piccolo pulled out all stops to place 1st, thereby becoming trophy winner and preventing Robbie from taking the grand slam of trophies. Quay 3 placed 2nd, and IWW Die Hard took 3rd.

In the Fun Class, UK’s Tom Batty on Madonna took 1st place in all four fleet races, while Rene Froehlich on Dione and Rodney Hall on Caradow jostled for 2nd and 3rd place. In the Multi-Hull Class, Richard Szyjan on Category 6, the only entry in this class, took 1st place in all four races.
Once all other fleet race awards were presented, excitement grew as next up was the ‘Le Phare Bleu Cup’ for Overall Winner of the 2014 South Grenada Regatta. The crowd cheered loudly as Robbie Yearwood on IWW Die Hard was awarded this much-deserved distinction, knocking last year’s overall winner, Jason Fletcher on Apero, off the podium.

At the end of the awards ceremonies, Grenada’s Senator the Hon. Brenda Hood addressed the audience on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel, who was unable to attend due to the ITB Travel Trade show in Berlin.

“The South Grenada Regatta is a platform which promotes sailing to everyone and is not just for sailors”, said Senator Hood. “We wish to thank the Organising Committee for hosting this successful annual event which supports junior sailing and promotes tourism”, she continued, “and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone back here again in 2015!”

The Junior Sailing Regatta also took place at Le Phare Bleu on Saturday, and these energetic juniors had a great day of racing. Ranging in age from 9-16 years, a total of 15 young sailors competed in Mosquito sailing dinghies; six racers from the Grenada Yacht Club, and nine from Gouyave. Winners of the ‘Under 13 Class’ were: 1st Jamel Charles (GYC), 2nd Avin McPhie & Sharevin Joseph (Gouyave), and 3rd Javon Noel (Gouyave). Winners of the ‘Over 13 Class’ were: 1st Krzim James (Gouyave), 2nd Shaqille Derick (GYC), and 3rd Trevell James & Sharkim Robertson (Gouyave).

SGR’s racing program was wrapped up on Sunday afternoon with fast and fun 15 Horsepower Dinghy Time Trials. 16 competitors tried their luck at being the fastest dinghy driver, but it was Mike Bingley who placed 1st, followed by Adam Rose, and Kenny Modeste.

“Our Organising Committee is overall extremely pleased with this year’s regatta,” said Jana Caniga, SGR Chairman. “We had a good selection of boats, the racers and other participants had a great time, and we had record attendance at all of our nightly parties!”

“We’ve already received many compliments about this year’s regatta from participants and guests,” added Caniga. “There are always things that can be improved upon when organizing an event such as this, but we’re very encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received to date.”

The SGR took place at Le Phare Bleu Marina & Boutique Hotel from 6-9 March 2014.

WI TAKE T20 SERIES

By Corey Greaves

LED by a captain’s knock by Darren Sammy and a Man of the Match performance by Kishmar Santokie, the West Indies defeated England by six wickets and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20 Series at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

West Indies’ Chris Gayle struck some
massive sixes on his way to 36.

They say that someone’s misfortunes can be another person’s blessings, and it was just that when Santokie replaced Sunil Narine, who injured his knee in the first game on Sunday.

The left-hand swing bowler Santokie finished with one of the best bowling figures for a West Indian against England with four wickets for 21 runs.

England’s Jos Butler went on to reach his half century
and steer to the visitors to a respectable total. 

For his effort, he was awarded the Man of the Match title as he helped restrict England to 152/7 after the visitors had won the toss and elected to bat.

However, in what was beginning to look like a nail-biting finish, with the West Indies losing crucial wickets in the later overs, Sammy came to the crease with a level head to steer the team to victory alongside Dwayne Bravo.

West Indies needed 31 off the last three overs and with two overs left, they still needed 22 runs.

That is when Sammy struck Tim Bresnan, first to long off and then to long on for two venomous sixes and put the West Indies in command.

Still many thought the game would go down to the final over, however Bresnan bowled a bouncer that flew over Sammy’s head and was called a wide and the fifth ball of the over was punched through the cover region for the winning runs.

West Indies Dwayne Smith got his team
off to a flying start in the power play. 

Earlier in the West Indies innings, the two openers Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith got them off to a flying start once again as the run rate climbed over 10 runs per over before the first wicket fell at 48.

Smith was the more aggressive of the two batsmen in the opening stages however he was also the first to be dismissed in the fifth over. He went for 30 runs off 16 balls which included two boundaries and three sixes.

The run rate started to decline dramatically after that and Gayle was to the next to go, chopping a ball on his stumps which was delivered by Ravi Bopara after struggling to get away James Tredwell.

But Sammy’s whirlwind innings secured the victory for the home team with 30 runs coming off just nine balls.

England got off to a horrid start and was reeling on 26/3 after Santokie took two of their top order batmen via the lbw route.

West Indies Chris Gayle chopping the ball onto his stumps. 

The recovery was done by Jos Butler and Alex Hales as they put on a 76 run partnership before Hales was out for 40 off 36 balls. However this partnership was aided by a number of dropped catches before one was finally hauled in.

Santokie returned for his final over to take two wickets, which included the dangerous Butler for 67 off 43 balls. Butler’s innings included five boundaries and three sixes.

The final ball of the innings also yielded a wicket as Bravo had Bresnan caught behind the wicket by wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin.

West Indies headed into the final game yesterday assured of the series victory and with the leverage of trying different combinations as they prepare to defend their World Cup title.


SCOREBOARD
England innings
M. Lumb lbw K. Santokie 04
A. Hales c Simmons b D Bravo 40
M. Ali lbw K. Santokie 05
E. Morgan c L Simmons b S. Badree 03
J. Butler c D Sammy b K. Santokie 67
R. Boparao c D Bravo b K. Santokie 14
L Wright not out   07
T.Bresnan c w/kpr D Ramdin b D Bravo 07
Extras (b1, lb 3, w 1) 05
TOTAL 152/7 off 20 overs
Fall of wickets: 13, 21, 26, 102, 137, 143, 152
Bowling: S. Badree 4-0-16-1, K. Santokie 4-0-21-4, M. Samuel 2-0-17-0, R. Rampaul 3-0-30-0, D. Sammy 1-0-17-0, D. Bravo 4-0-34-2, A. Russell 2-0-13-0.

West Indies innings
D. Smith c T. Bresnan b J Dernbach 30
C. Gayle b Bopara 36
M. Samuels c Hales b T Bresnan 28
L. Simmons c w/kpr J. Butler b Wright 19
A. Russell c Hales b T Bresnan 02
D. Sammy not out 30
D. Bravo not out 8
Extras: (w 2) 02
TOTAL 157/5 off 20 overs
Fall of wickets: 48, 75, 111, 116, 116
Bowling: T. Bresnan 3.5-0-51-2, J. Dernbach 3-0-30-1, J. Tredwell 4-0-27-0, R. Bopara 4-0-10-1, S. Parry 2-0-17-0, L Wright 2-0-20-1.

Youth Minister impressed with athletics

Minister with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs Hon. Emmalin Pierre is encouraged by the level of participation from clubs and schools at the 2014 KFC Relay Meet, which was held last weekend at the Grenada National Stadium.

Minister Pierre highlighted how happy she is that months of training and hard work have paid off for the athletes. She stressed that her Ministry has placed sports development on its front burner, and will proceed to ensure that athletes are capable of competing locally, regionally and even on the international level.

She commended her team at the Ministry for working daily with the schools and coaches to ensure that the athletes are prepared to display their talents.

Minister Pierre says her ministry is looking at ways in which its community sports programme can be incorporated into other sporting disciplines, so that good comradeship and enthusiasm in sports will be spread throughout, making the Ministry more capable of setting standards for athletes, that puts them on par with International and other regional competitors.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Sports Mrs. Veda Bruno-Victor is adamant that there is a bright future ahead for track and field in Grenada. As a former Teacher at the Anglican High School, Mrs. Bruno-Victor was pleased to see the students of her alma mater run with much energy, as they captured many first positions during the weekend’s event.

She too commended the coaches for an excellent job in preparing the various teams for the local sporting events.

The Permanent Secretary is optimistic that athletics will continue to blossom and pledged continued support to the athletes.

KFC’s CEO Joseph Ross says his partnership with the Grenada Athletics Association and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to sponsor the National Relay meet is not financially driven however he looks at it as an opportunity for young talent to be showcased and supported.

The 2014 Sporting Season continues as various schools stage their sports meet. The next big athletics event on the calendar for the Ministry is the Inter-Secondary School Championships (INTERCOL) carded for next month.

ICC changes will benefit West Indies cricket

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron said the amended key principles covering governance, financing and structure recently agreed by the International Cricket Council will allow the West Indies Cricket Board to grow and develop the game in the Caribbean and the Americas far more robustly and vigorously.

The WICB was one of eight full members of the sport’s World governing body that supported the key principles at a recent Executive Board meeting in Singapore.

Cameron said the new financial arrangements meant that there will be more revenue for all members of the ICC including the WICB, a Test Match fund to sustain the longest version of the game over the next decade, and a clear pathway for Associate Members nations to become eligible to play Tests.

He said the new financing proposals will allow the WICB to negotiate, on a bilateral basis, tours to other countries for which it will earn direct revenue.

“Increased revenue in these areas will redound to the benefit of West Indies cricket through more funds invested into development, longer first-class seasons and other areas,” said Cameron at a media conference on Monday at the Hyatt Regency here.

“The WICB projects an increase of more than 100 per cent in ICC revenue for the upcoming eight-year cycle of international matches based on the proposals when compared to the previous eight-year cycle.”

He added: “The WICB and all other full members now play international cricket based on the Future Tours Programme which is spread over a period of eight years. It is negotiated between members and compiled by the ICC, and is based on two cycles of four years and it obliges us to play every full member twice – once home and once away – in every four-year cycle.

“Currently, West Indies have the most unfavourable allocation of matches of all the full members of the ICC, based on the current FTP schedule, and this is largely the reason the WICB is set to have a major deficit at the end of the financial year, September 30, 2014.”

Cameron said the newly approved proposals will however, allow the WICB to increase the number of profitable tours it hosts, while reducing the number of unprofitable tours it is obliged to host under the current FTP.

“Based on the proposed bilateral structure, the WICB will be able to negotiate fees when the West Indies team plays in away series, as was the case prior to the establishment of the FTP,” the WICB President told his audience that also included WICB Vice President Emmanuel Nanthan, Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead and Director of Cricket Richard Pybus.

“As the West Indies team continues to regain strength, the WICB will be able to negotiate more for our brand, which is a most significant consideration.”

He said: “Also, where the WICB hosts unprofitable tours, we will now be able to access the newly proposed Test Match Fund to help offset costs.

“We can inform you now that the WICB has already secured commitments from the major boards to play an increased number of matches and series during the next eight-year cycle. This will allow WICB to grow revenue significantly through television and sponsorship with increased opportunities to play against the more attractive teams in the game.”

On the possible introduction of a two-tiered system for Tests that could lead to relegation, Cameron said: “As it stands, the top nine teams – including West Indies – will continue to play Test matches. The risk of ‘relegation’ is only realistic for the 10th-ranked team. West Indies is currently ranked seventh and is in no realistic position to be ranked 10th in the foreseeable future.

“With the increased revenue and a fortified development programme, the WICB is determined to ensure that the West Indies team is nowhere near being ranked 10th in the World, allowing us to continue to play all formats of the game in full – and put us in a strong position to negotiate with every other full member for participation in home and away tours.”

On the impact the new governance structure will have on the WICB, Cameron said: “We want to make it abundantly clear: The WICB has not relinquished any powers as a full member of the ICC. The WICB remains a full member of the ICC with full voting rights on all matters.

“The WICB will be eligible for membership to all committees, chairmanship of all committees, and the presidency and chairmanship of the ICC.”

He said: “As such, I am a member of the Financial & Commercial Affairs Committee and will retain that position following the organisational transition.

“The WICB is extremely confident it will not be hurt by the organisational transition of the ICC and the World governing body will be stronger outfit as a result.”

New women’s competition approved by ICC Board

...Positive progress update on ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh

The ICC Board has approved the introduction of an International Women’s Championship. This bi-lateral competition involving the top eight ranked women’s teams will determine qualification for the next Women’s World Cup.

Competing countries will include Australia, West Indies, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India and Pakistan with promotion and relegation at the end of the first cycle.

Each team will play the others in a series of matches between mid-2014 and the end of 2016, with the top teams qualifying automatically for the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “This is a very positive step for the profile and competitiveness of women’s cricket.

“It guarantees a more regular and balanced programme of meaningful ODI cricket for a broader group of nations than ever before.

“The ICC Women’s World Cup last year set a new benchmark in terms of quality and public interest and with this added context the pathway to the 2017 event in England looks really exciting.”

The bottom countries at the end of the International Women’s Championship will be joined by a number of teams from the ICC’s regional qualification structures to play in an ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier which will determine the final Women’s World Cup participants.

ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014

The ICC Board received an update on the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh that included a report from a recent security meeting in Dhaka and noted the positive progress that had been made.

Emmanuel to replace Sammy in Windwards squad

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Defending champions Windward Islands will be without captain and allrounder Darren Sammy for the upcoming NAGICO Super50 Tournament.

Sammy, the West Indies Test and T20 captain, was named to lead the Windwards, but had to withdraw with an injury.

He will be replaced by fellow allrounder Craig Emmanuel, while Liam Sebastien will assume the role as captain. Andre Fletcher is the new vice captain.

Sebastien was at the helm when the Windwards won the tournament in 2013.

Sammy sustained a hamstring injury during the recent tour of New Zealand and has not fully recovered. He will travel to Antigua this week to continue his rehabilitation with Hector Martinez Charles, the West Indies Team’s Strength and Conditioning Co-ordinator.

“I suffered a Grade 2 injury in New Zealand and it is still not fully healed. I still require some more time to get back ‘on the park’. I want to make sure I’m at peak fitness when I make my return. I’m looking to make a return when we [West Indies] play against Ireland in Jamaica in second half of February,” Sammy told WICB Media.

“We [Windwards] did really well last year under the captaincy of Liam and won the tournament in style... so I’m backing my team to do it again this year. Craig is a good, experienced cricketer who is very capable of performing at this level.”

The NAGICO Super50 tournament will run from January 30 to February 15 and will be broadcast live on ESPN for the television audience and on Caribbean Super Station radio. Matches will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain and Shaw Park, Tobago.

Windward Islands Squad: Liam Sebastien (captain), Andre Fletcher (vice captain), Johnson Charles (wicket-keeper), Tyron Theophille, Mervin Matthew, Craig Emmanuel, Garey Mathurin, Keddy Lesporis, Devon Smith, Dalton Polius, Delorn Johnson, Kenroy Peters, Romel Currency, Alston Bobb.

Four West Indies players retained by IPL teams

Dwayne Bravo is the lone foreign player to be retained by Chennai Super Kings for the 2014 edition of the highly popular Indian Premiere League.

Bravo joins Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Suresh Raina as the players retained by CSK for this season.

Kieron Pollard has been retained by the defending champions and winners of the Champions League T20 last year, Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians have retained a full five players including Rohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga and Ambati Rayudu, who all played a key role in their double success in the previous edition.

According to an official release from the franchise, Mumbai Indians’ owner Nita Ambani said, “The formidable combination of these five players - Rohit, Pollard, Malinga, Bhajji and Rayudu – forms the nucleus of Mumbai Indians. They have exemplified the spirit of Mumbai Indians and are match-winners in their own right. With the retention of the core players, Mumbai Indians look forward to build a stronger, well-knit team and share the joy of an enthralling and entertaining performance with its ever-growing fans in the coming season.”

Kolkata Knight Riders have retained mystery spinner Sunil Narine and captain Gautam Gambhir for the 2014 season.

The three join Chris Gayle as the only other West Indian players to have been retained by their teams. Gayle has been retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore. (PG)

West Indies announce squad for T20Is in New Zealand

HAMILTON, New Zealand – The West Indies Cricket Board advised that its selection panel has chosen a 15-member squad for a series of two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand later this month.

Regular West Indies T20I captain Darren Sammy has been ruled out of selection due to a hamstring injury he sustained prior to the start of the third One-day International against the New Zealanders on Boxing Day in Queenstown.

“Darren is undergoing treatment and should be fit to return to playing duties in time for the Regional Super50 Tournament which starts later this month in Trinidad,” said West Indies team physiotherapist C.J. Clark.

Sammy will not return home immediately, but will remain in New Zealand to continue his rehabilitation under the direction of Clark.

His place in the squad will be filled by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller and ODI captain Dwayne Bravo will lead the side in his absence.

The joining T20I players – Samuel Badree, Andre Fletcher and Andre Russell – arrived in New Zealand on Monday.

Russell will be considered for selection for the final ODI against the Black Caps on Wednesday at Seddon Park here.

Neither Chris Gayle nor Kieron Pollard was considered for selection to the T20I squad due to injury.
Gayle continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the tour of India last November, and Pollard continues his rehabilitation following a knee injury around the same time.

Squad: Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Samuel Badree, Tino Best, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Nikita Miller, Sunil Narine, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Chadwick Walton

Team management unit: Ottis Gibson (Head Coach), Richie Richardson (Team Operations Manager), Andre Coley (Assistant Coach), Stuart Williams (Assistant Coach), C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist), Hector Martinez Charles (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator), Richard Berridge (Video & Statistical Analyst), Virgil Browne (Massage Therapist), Adriel “Woody” Richard (Media Relations Manager)

WIPA CEO Hall resigns

THE West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has announced the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hall.

Hall, who has served the sport in several capacities for more than a decade, has resigned to pursue other opportunities, although he will remain as a Director of WIPA.

“We are sorry to see Michael leave his role as the CEO of the Association,” said WIPA’s President Wavell Hinds.

“He is a more than capable administrator, who provided a steady, level-headed approach to the handling of the players’ business during his tenure.

“We are pleased that he will continue to serve the region’s players by remaining as a member of WIPA’s board.”

Hall joined WIPA in November 2010 as a non-Executive Director, and was appointed CEO in April 2012 following the retirement of Dinanath Ramnarine.

“I am honoured to have served the players of the region through my role as CEO of WIPA,” Hall stated.

“I hope that the players with whom I interacted would have, in some small way, felt the passion and commitment which I believe I brought to the job.

Achievements

“I must thank WIPA’s dedicated and conscientious staff who have given me tremendous support, as well as WIPA’s legal team who have assisted me immeasurably,” said Hall.

Hall’s role in cricket administration began in 2001, when he was appointed Chief Cricket Operations Officer at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). In 2004 he was named Executive Director of Jamaica Cricket 2007 Ltd., where he spearheaded Jamaica’s successful bid response which led to the award of their 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup packages.

He was hired in 2005 as the Cricket Operations Director for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, and led the team which successfully managed the moment by moment activities and logistical movements of all sixteen 25-man squads, and the match officials who took part in the tournament.

WI TEAM OVERHAUL ON THE HORIZON?

Disappointed.

That sums up how West Indies captain, Darren Sammy, feels after the regional side fell to yet another humiliating defeat against New Zealand on Sunday.

The West Indies capit-ulated to 103 all out in its second innings of the third and final Test in Hamilton, leaving New Zealand with a target of just 122 runs. The hosts easily overhauled the meagre total for the loss of two wickets.

Sammy told the media after his team’s horrific performance that he was quite disappointed with the performance, especially as the wicket was a good one to bat on.

“We were thinking anything above 200 on the last day; with the wicket spinning, it would have been a very interesting game. I guess again we are singing the same song. To come here with good batting conditions, it is not a 103 pitch, def-initely not. But credit must go to McCullum and his boys. They looked like they had a plan for each and every batsman, and the way their bowlers bowled on that wicket, it put us under a lot of pressure and we just didn’t have a response,” said Sammy.

The West Indies’ woeful performances in recent time are cause for concern for the usually optimistic Sammy. The St. Lucian admitted that there will be tough decisions to be made and some conceded that some careers, including his own, may just be on the line.

“There are tough decisions to be made by the coach and the director of cricket – some careers are on the line, could be mine as well, you never know. We cannot continue like this. In any organisation, you need to show graft and commitment. The coach keeps saying if we do the same thing, don’t expect a different result,” he said.


Sammy bemoaned the fact that the West Indies seem unable to perform well for a prolonged period of time. He pointed out that the team usually plays well in one innings, but doesn’t back it up in the next.

“You watch us play when we play well and you say, wow, we are moving forward. But then we take two steps forward and then two or three steps backwards, so I think we are not really moving forward. Before we went to India, we were on the back of six consecutive Test wins, New Zealand included. Then we had that tour in India, got beaten miserably. We came here, we escaped in Dunedin, fighting hard where our backs were against the wall. In the last two Test matches, especially here, we had a good first innings total,” said Sammy.

Sunday’s defeat meant that the Caribbean side lost the three-Test series 0-2, following a defeat by an innings and 73 runs in the second Test, which ended two Fridays ago at the Basin Reserve in the New Zealand capital of Wellington. Rain forced a draw in the first Test, which ended three Saturdays ago at University Oval in the South Island city of Dunedin.

The West Indies will now try its luck in the One-Day International Series, which began on Thursday, December 26, in Auckland. (PG)

‘Regional integration must start at grassroots level’

Former long-standing Barbados Member of Parliament, Hamilton Lashley, believes that regional integration cannot be achieved through the efforts of politicians, but by ordinary Caribbean people.

He was speaking at a recent reception at the Divi Southwinds Resort for the visiting Clarke Road United Youth Development Unit from Trinidad and Tobago. The Hamilton Lashley Foundation organised the tour to Barbados and he noted that such relationships augur well for the regional integration movement.

Founder of the Hamilton Lashley Foundation, Hamilton Lashley
(second from left), receives a donation from Coach of the
FirstCaribbean Bank Clarke Road United Youth Development Unit,
Simboodath Beepat. Also in the photo is Gregory Small (left),
Assistant Technical Director of the Foundation and Rodney Simpson
(right), Technical Co-ordinator and Coach at the Foundation. 

“We are very much hoping that this could develop into a very lasting relationship and not a temporary one. Today when we talk about relationships, most relationships in these modern times tend to end in what we call a divorce. We are hoping that this marriage of both teams will augur well for the Caribbean integration movement,” said Lashley.

He made the point that there is the prevailing belief that the Caribbean will be united through the efforts of political parties and the politicians in the Caribbean.


“I tend to take a dissimilar view and my view is that the Caribbean will be united, most likely in our lifetime, but not through the political efforts, but more so through the grassroots interactions and through sports and culture.

The Members of the Clarke Road United Youth Development
Cricket Team with Coach Simboodath Beepat (far back left)
and Ravindra Ramnanan (far back right) . 

“In actual fact, the movement of the Caribbean people in the region clearly should have signalled to the politicians of the region over a period of time that a United States of the Caribbean is not a fleeting illusion and can be a distinct reality if we follow  the trend that has been started by ordinary persons in Barbados and throughout the region interacting with each other,” he pointed out.

The former Member of Parliament for St. Michael South East in Barbados made the point that it was the young people in the region who had a very important role to play in the process.

“The road will not be easy – it will be filled with criticism; the road will be full of ups and downs, but at some point, there will be a nexus, there will be a balance. Each and every one of you are future leaders, and you are the ones who will be given the awesome responsibility of making sure that we as Caribbean people are united as one,” said Lashley. (PG)