Sports

Barbadians Encouraged To Support ICC World Cup Cricket Matches

As Government readies the country for the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Final, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, is appealing to Barbadians to throw their full support behind the event.

Addressing a media briefing, Minister Griffith, who declared that Barbados was in a ready position to stage the event, indicated that while the Government was meeting its obligations, there is a need for thousands of Barbadians to volunteer their time and resources to make the event an absolute success.

“We are looking to have a major volunteer push in relation to this particular event because the status of it alone requires that we have hundreds if not thousands of volunteers on island coming out to support the Government, in terms of making this a success. We at the Ministry have started the process of putting a volunteer programme in place not only for the World Cup, but for subsequent events that would be happening on the island,” he said, during the briefing held in the boardroom of his Ministry’s Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, St Michael headquarters.

Barbados is expected to host the final of the June 1 to 29 showpiece, as well as eight other games throughout the tournament, three of which are Super 8 (quarterfinals) games. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and 200 journalists to the island.

The Minister explained that $50 million has been allocated to upgrade Kensington Oval, which has the capacity to accommodate 18,000 people. He said the funds will also be used to facilitate infrastructural work at locations earmarked for practice matches which are the 3W’s Oval, Cave Hill; Police Sports Club at Weymouth; and Windward Cricket Club, Lucas Street, St Philip.

However, he stated that while the Government is pulling its pockets, Barbadians who want to make a contribution to nation building have the opportunity to get involved in the process of helping the country to host the event.

“Now, one of the things that I want to speak about as well is the fact that this is not only the World Cup that is happening in 2024 here. We are looking at legacy in terms of this particular event. The fact that we would have done it on two previous occasions means that we have an idea of what is required to stage that event.

“And I am making a call because this event is not about the Government, this is about all of us that live on the island. We would have seen a video that recently went viral in terms of the friendliness of our citizens here and I am asking all Barbadians to be involved in the process.

“Whatever you think is necessary to chip in to help make this a success, then the Government is asking you to do such…. We are putting not only the country on show, but we are putting the region on show. And I believe that if all of us come together to make this a reality, then the success would be the same, if not bigger than what transpired in 2007 and 2010,” he said.

Noting that the event would not only evolve around Kensington Oval, where the matches will be played, Mr. Griffith said fans are expected to take in the sights and scenes around the island, providing a perfect opportunity for community tourism to shine.

He suggested that Barbadians could potentially earn money through promoting aspects of their communities and the staging of cultural events.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the National Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee headed by Ambassador Noel Lynch and Roland Toppin, respectively, for hitting targets as it relates to putting critical measures in place.

“There is also a legacy component that after this event we would have a facility that is fit for purpose. We are building a profile that Barbados can host international events and do so in a successful way. So, I really want to say thank you to those two committees and everyone who is involved in the process. I think we are ahead of the curb so to speak in relation to the preparation process,” Minister Griffith said.

Meanwhile, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s, Sports Manager, Kamal Springer, said over 200 journalists will call Barbados home for the event’s duration. He added that the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) will be the venue for the media, and is currently undergoing enhancements to meet world-class standards.

The Sports Manager also indicated that the enhancements not only elevate the LESC to accommodate the needs of the global press, but also contribute to boosting Barbados’ reputation as a capable and sophisticated host for international events. (PR/GIS)

Sports

DEHRING NEW CEO OF CRICKET WEST INDIES

Article by David Harris

Chris Dehring is the new chief executive officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI) the Jamaican was selected from a pool of over 50 applicants representing Europe, Australia, India, Afghanistan, and the Caribbean.

He replaces Johnny Greave who step down from the position in October after seven years.

A successful businessman and entrepreneur, Dehring is the founder of SportsMax, and the co-founder of Jamaica’s first investment bank Dehring, Bunting, and Golding which grew into a financial powerhouse and was eventually acquired by Scotiabank.

His entrepreneurial portfolio includes ReadyTV Jamaica’s first digital broadcast service, and ReadyNet the country’s first satellite internet provider. Dehring also served at Cable & Wireless where he was a member of the Senior Executive Membership Team.

A former chief marketing officer of CWI, Dehring was the managing director and chief executive officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean.

“West Indies cricket has always held a special place in my heart. As a unifying force and a symbol of pride for our region, I am honoured to return to an organisation that holds great significance to our people. Together with the CWI team and stakeholders, I am committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and reigniting the passion for West Indies cricket, both at home and globally”. Dehring said.

His tenure begins on February 1, he will be based at CWI headquarters at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Meanwhile, Darren Sammy has been named the coach for all senior West Indies men’s teams and will take charge of the Test side from April 1. The former West Indies captain was named the white-ball head coach in May 2023, while Andre Coley took over the reins of the Test side at the same time.

Sports

Black Knight Bikers Celebrate 10 Years of Brotherhood, Adventure, and Community Service

Article by Deanzer Roberts

As part of their 10th-anniversary celebrations, the Black Knight Bikers Club hosted an Awards and Gala Night to honor the achievements of its members and sponsors and to commemorate a decade of camaraderie, resilience, and shared passion for biking.

The event, held at the Coast Guard Base on Saturday November 16^th 2024, brought together club members, supporters, and special guests for an evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration.

President Fabian Reeves, who has served at the helm of the club for the past ten years, opened the night by expressing his pride in how the Black Knight Bikers have evolved from a group of enthusiasts into a family bonded by mutual respect and a commitment to responsible riding. Reflecting on the journey, Reeves remarked, “This club has always been about more than just the rides. It’s about the friendships we’ve built, the lives we’ve touched, and the impact we’ve made together.”

A key highlight of the evening was Reeves’ announcement of a leadership transition. After a decade of dedicated service, he revealed his decision to step back temporarily to focus on his well-being, taking an annual sabbatical. Vice President Kevin “X” Wickham will step into the role of Acting President, with Adrian ‘Ace’ Rock assuming the position of Vice President. The announcement was met with resounding support as members applauded the new leadership team, confident in their ability to guide the club forward.

The Club’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Deanzer Roberts in delivering the keynote address reflected on the club’s journey from its inception to its current status as a recognized leader in advocacy and community service.

“Our club has grown beyond being just a group of bikers. We are community leaders and advocates for important causes like anti-bullying and breaking stereotypes about bikers. Together, we have created a legacy of service and unity,” said Ms. Roberts during her address.

She also recounted the club’s dedication to causes such as anti-bullying campaigns and breaking stereotypes about bikers.

“We’ve proven that bikers are more than their leather jackets and helmets. We are citizens committed to creating a positive legacy through charity work, advocacy, and mentorship,” said Ms. Roberts

The night also featured an inspiring awards ceremony to recognize members who went above and beyond in contributing to the success of the club. Honorees included:

Dwayne Cumberbatch – Man of Valor for his resilience and mentorship.

Kelian Adonis – Most Influential Biker for offering guidance and mentorship.

Davie Best, Dexter Austin, Donovan Hippolyte – Most Reliable Team Members for their unwavering dedication.

Joni Batson – Most Charitable Member for her selfless support of the club’s charitable efforts.

Deanzer Roberts – Best Journalism Award for promoting the club’s values in the media.
Tamisha Worrell – Outstanding Administrator for ensuring the smooth operation of the club.
Nicola Henry – Most Proficient Member for her creativity and determination.
Maurita Forde – Most Dependable Club Member for her steadfast commitment.
Kevin Wickham – Prestigious Leadership Award for his exceptional dedication to the club.

As the evening came to a close, Reeves raised a toast to the club’s bright future. “Here’s to the road ahead, to new adventures, and to the memories we’ll continue to create together,” he said.

Sports

NO PLAY AND NO CHAMPION

Article by David Harris

The CG United Super50 Cup final between Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad, was abandon on Saturday without a ball bowled; after the captains Raymon Reifer (Barbados Pride) and Jon Campbell (Jamaica Scorpions) failed to attend the toss of the coin.

As a result of the unprecedented action by Reifer and Campbell Cricket West Indies (CWI) has decided that there will be no champions for this year’s tournament.

The day/night match was scheduled to start at 1 pm but was delayed for over four hours because of heavy rain and the covers were removed from the pitch after 5 pm. The match officials decided to reduce the to a 20-over-a side game if play started at 6.17 pm.

Both teams were informed that the toss would be held at 6 o’clock, but neither Reifer or Campbell appeared at the toss. Shortly after 6.30, the members of each team began shaking each other’s hands before going into their dressing rooms.

Meanwhile CWI in press release issued on Sunday said they are planning to review the tournament regulations in light of the unprecedented double forfeit.