Sports

JAI-BARI IS READY!

No batsman can score 495 runs made up in part with two innings of over 50 and three centuries, (100 not out vs UWI, 105 vs Pickwick and 104 vs Police) in a series without drawing attention to himself. So, few people should be surprised that Jai-Bari Yarde has the attention of selectors and has been called up for national trials.

Jai-Bari Yarde is the hard-hitting opening batsman for Empire Elite team. It is upon his shoulders that the team has had its winning way in this year’s touraments.

Who is Jai-Bari Yarde and where has he come from? He is no newcomer to cricket, having started playing the game as a fast bowler at the Charles F. Broome’s Primary School with intentions to emulate his bowling heroes, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, Jai-Bari has spent many hours practicing his fast-bowling skills. His interest and efforts were noticed by the school’s Physical Education (PE) teacher Mr. Harbin who soon enrolled him in Herman Griffith primary school cricket. He continued his fast-bowling ways into his secondary school years playing for the Foundation School.

A knee injury while playing for Barbados Cricket League (BCL) began the transition from bowling to batting. Jai-Bari always wanted to be a bowler but quickly adjusted to batting. He developed his naturally aggressive style of batting by playing lots of tape ball cricket. In this type of cricket, a batsman must develop super-fast hand and eye coordination for in many cases the surfaces and the length of the pitches are not standard. Cricket is very often about making the most out of an opportunity. Jai-Bari got an unexpected opportunity to open for the BCL team. He knew he was under pressure to perform well. In the game which was against St. Catherine, he made ninety runs. To prove that his maiden knock as an opener was not a fluke, he scored a half-century in both innings in the next game against Wanderers. From the BCL he went on to play for Wildey and it was there that he defined himself as an established batsman.

In 2017 Jai-Bari joined the Empire Club he found the going rough as it was difficult to maintain a play in the elite division team and he often found himself playing in lower divisions. He admitted that he went through a period of re-examining his batting style. After adjusting the approach to his batting, Jai-Bari noticed improvements and is now pleased to be getting bigger scores.

This year has seen the rewards for his persistence. His returns with the bat have placed him at the top of the heap and a selection for the national team trials. With Jai-Bari’s current form, they are few players who should earn a place as a batsman before him. He is aware that at 34 years his age can work against him, but he is confident that he can perform at the national level if given the chance to do so.

Making the most of an opportunity is in Jai-Bari Yarde’s cricket DNA and given the purple patch that he is in no one should be surprised to see him in a Barbados team. (Article & pics by C.Williams)

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.