Joseph: I turned down Grenada because Revs need me

Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

by Simon Borg, MLSsoccer.com

New England Revolution players received a pleasant surprise to start the work week when captain Shalrie Joseph walked into the locker room on Tuesday morning.

Joseph had made up his mind. It was club before country on this go-round as he declined Grenada’s invite to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“I think the best decision was to stay and play for the Revolution,” Joseph told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Tuesday. “I’m the captain. Guys look up to me. They need me to be to there in a time we’re in desperate need. I couldn’t afford to leave them and walk away.”

The 33-year-old had informed the Revolution last Monday that he would accept the call-up, but later in the week he indicated that his decision was not yet final. If he hadn’t shown up at Revolution training on Tuesday, it would have meant he had followed through and joined Grenada.

But last weekend’s home loss to the LA Galaxy played an important part in his decision making.

“I was hoping we would have been able to pick up three points and been able to sit in a more comfortable position in the playoff standings,” Joseph said. “It hurt the team so much that Benny [Feilhaber] is not going to be there [with US national team] and I’m not going to be there. It was going to be a huge void in the middle [of the field]."

“If we had more points and team was playing well, it’d be a different position — I would have been more comfortable leaving and coming back in couple weeks," he added. "The best decision is to stay here [in New England]. I can’t afford to leave my team in this position and play in a Gold Cup tournament. The team needs me more than anything else.”

Another factor in Joseph’s thinking was a groin strain he picked up in Saturday’s match against LA. He said the “game took a toll” on him and he wanted to make sure he received the right treatment and conducted the right workouts to recover from the injury.

The club has yet to announce the status of Feilhaber, who also suffered an ankle injury during the match.

Joseph’s representative communicated the news of his decision to Grenada and the player says the federation was disappointed but understanding. The move also served as a statement to the Revolution that he plans to be in New England long-term and well after his contract expires at the end of the season.

“I want to show them that this is where my heart is and this is how much it means to be with the Revolution,” Joseph said. “One way I can show it is by continuing to play here. [Grenada] understand that this is my job and this is where my future is. This is where I pay my bills. And at the end of day, I have to do what’s best for me.”

Grenada will be left to battle Guatemala, Honduras and Jamaica in Group B of the 2011 Gold Cup without Joseph, who missed out on the 2009 edition due to injury. Sporting Kansas City midfielder Craig Rocastle will hope to pick up the slack although Joseph says to keep an eye on Shane Rennie.

Despite his decision, the Revs captain — who grew up in Grenada and has more than 20 caps for his country — has not entirely closed the book on his international career. However, he hopes younger players are given opportunities in his stead.   

“I’m on tail end of my career,” Joseph said. “I represented my country and I’m proud of what I did there. Hopefully they’ll remember what I did there. Right now I’m concentrating on playing in New England. I want to leave my legacy and I have to win a cup. That’s the only way people are going to remember you.”

Grenada Stadium Project to be completed in phases

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 30, 2011 – The refurbishment of the Track and Field and Football Stadium will be done in phases, according to Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Patrick Simmons.

Speaking in a radio interview on Monday, the Minister reiterated the Government’s promise that the Stadium project will be completed in time for the 2012 track and field season.

He said that the track is among priorities as national athletes prepare for the Olympic Games in London next year.

“Hence the reason why we have decided that that is where we need to start and If we are going to facilitate our athletes for the Olympics, we definitely will have to attend to the track,” said Simmons in an interview with broadcaster Anthony “Jericho” Greenidge.

He said there are concerns about starting work on the track first but believes that when the covering of the main stand is in progress effort will be made to protect the track.

“We need to get the track going since some of our athletes will be returning home for training.”

The government has estimated that the refurbishment of the stadium will cost approximately US$800,000.00 and is expected to make an announcement on the details of the project in the coming weeks.

The Sports Minister said that the lighting of playing fields project is continuing and the parishes of St Andrew and St David are in line for attention.

“We are now getting ready to do Victoria Park in Grenville. We had to remodel the Victoria Park because of the high water table in that playing field. The tendering process is right now on,” he said.

“We are going to use metal poles for Victoria Park because of the water situation there. Then we are going to proceed to La Sagesse in St David.”

Mr Simmons said that Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has engaged GRENLEC (Grenada Electricity Services Ltd) and they have agreed to assist in the lighting of the Hermitage Playing Field in St Patrick.

He said the Parish Sports Councils will be responsible for the management of the various playing fields where the lights are installed.

He also said that, with the assistance of GRENLEC, light meters will be placed at all hard courts and playing fields which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports.

The Sports Minister said preliminary work is being done by a consultant for the rebuilding of the pavilion at the Cuthbert Peters in St John.

“We are now embarking on the start of construction of the pavilion at the Cuthbert Peters Park,” he said. “The model that we are going to use is being worked on now and probably later in the year we should start some construction work in St John on that pavilion that we have promised.”

He said the basketball facility for Grenville is also among priorities for the Ministry in 2011.

“As you may be aware we have a relocation issue because of the Greater Grenville Project and we have identified a lot of land and we have been doing some work there.”

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Shalrie Joseph withdraws from Grenada's Gold Cup Squad

By Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 29, 2011 – Less than a week after announcing his availability to play for Grenada in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Shalrie Joseph has withdrawn from the 12-team tournament scheduled to begin this weekend.

The Grenada Football Team has been advised that Shalrie was carrying a groin injury into the New England Revolution’s game against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night. According to Shalrie’s agent, “during the match, he aggravated the injury”.

The team was also advised that Shalrie had his bags packed and ready to join the Spice Boyz.

“He is unsure when he will next be able to play in a game and regretfully has decided that he must withdraw from the Gold Cup,” the agent said.

The statement also noted that Shalrie will remain in New England “to obtain treatment and care in an effort to recover from his injury as quickly as possible.”

The turnaround came as no surprise following a report in SportingNews.com that Shalrie was having second thoughts about leaving the Revolution for the better part of a month.

“He says he’ll make his final decision after Saturday night’s game vs. the L.A. Galaxy,” the report stated.
“My priority is MLS," Joseph told The Boston Globe. "This is where my work is, this is my job and nothing above that—other than family and my love of the game—is going to come in front of that.

"It’s really hard to leave the Revolution, to leave my team right now, to leave guys I’ve been training with every day, and to leave that hole in the middle. It’s something I’ve got to look in the mirror and make sure this is the right decision I’m making."

Shalrie becomes the second player to withdraw from the Grenada National Team due to injury. Striker Kithson Bain was omitted from the roster after the Carolina Railhawks informed the Grenada Football Association (GFA) that he is suffering from a torn quad muscle.

Grenada plays its opening game in the Gold Cup next Monday against Caribbean rivals Jamaica at the Home Depot in Carson, California.

Sports Minister congratulates Senior Cricket Team

by Michael Bascombe

ROSEAU, Dominica, May 29, 2011 - Grenada’s Sports Minister Patrick Simmons has congratulated the Grenada National Cricket team on winning the Windward Islands Twenty20 Championship in Dominica on Sunday.

Grenada defeated the hosts by 77 runs at the Windsor Stadium, after winning the toss and setting a challenging total of 156 for 5 off 20 overs.

Devon Smith was run out for 79 on the final ball of the innings but after sharing an important fifth wicket partnership of 103 runs with Tade Carmichael, who made 44 off 36 balls. Captain Andre Fletcher made 16.

In reply, Dominica found a resilient Grenada and only survived 14.5 overs in totaling 79 with John Olive and Nelon Pascal each taking three wickets and two wickets apiece for Eamon Alexander and Ronald Ettienne.

The Sports Minister said that the performance of the national team again demonstrates the important role sports continue to play in the daily life of our people. “Sports continue to be a unifying force and our sportsmen are playing their role whether it’s in athletics, football, cricket or any other sport,” he said.

“They showed that they were compact in all areas of the game and this performance is a good sign that our cricketers continue to improve”.

Also extending congratulations to the national cricket team is one of Grenada’s ace runners, Kirani James. In a brief message, James, who is ardent cricket fan, said “congrats to the team”.

Smith was named Most Valuable Player of the Championship. Among the other individual awards for Grenada, Smith had the most runs while Denis George had the best bowling figures.

The victory and performance of Smith came two days after the death of his father.

Grenada establishes Diplomatic Relations with Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, May 27, 2011 – The Grenada Government this week established diplomatic relations with Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Grenada to the United Nations, Her Excellency Dessima Williams signed the communiqués on behalf of the Government of Grenada while His Excellencies Saviour Borg and Mohammed Loulichki signed on behalf of Malta and the Kingdom of Morocco respectively.

The signing of diplomatic relations with Morocco on Friday formalised discussions on economic and technical cooperation between both countries.

Last year a Moroccan delegation headed by the country’s Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri held discussions with officials in St George’s, on assistance in areas such scholarships, fisheries and agriculture.

Earlier this year, the Grenada Government received a shipment of fertiliser from Morocco, following negotiations by former Foreign Affairs Minister Peter David as part of a Grenada-Morocco cooperation agreement.

“This action is consistent with Grenada’s foreign policy and diplomacy of expanding relations across the world, especially with the African continent,” Ambassador Williams said at Friday’s signing.

“Equally, the establishment of relations today marks consolidation of relations which we began recently.”

Though a popular tourist destination for Europeans, Morocco's strongest economic sector is agriculture. Other strong sectors in the Moroccan economy include mining, energy, manufacturing, construction and services.

At Thursday’s signing of relations with Malta, Ambassador Williams said that both countries are formalising the willingness and keenness of “our governments and leaders to strengthen the strong and growing relations which have been developing between our two countries.”

She said that Malta and Grenada have begun to engage in diplomatic training in Valletta, and in collaborations at the United Nations.

“Excellency, although Malta is an advanced European Economy and Grenada a middle-income Caribbean country, we are confident that our friendship is sincere and well founded,” said the Grenadian diplomat.

CARICOM ICT Ministers Meeting Friday in Grenada

ST GEORGE’S, May 26, 2011 (GIS) – Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas will deliver remarks Friday, May 27, at a CARICOM meeting of ministers responsible for Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

It’s the 36^th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on ICT.

Friday’s meeting begins 9.30 a.m. and will be held at the Grenadian Rex Resorts in St. George’s.

Mr. Thomas, who is also Minister of Information and ICT, will be joined at the meeting by Senator Arley Gill, Minister of State for Information, ICT and Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The COTED meeting was preceded by a two-day gathering in St. George’s of regional ICT officials.

One of the items officials discussed, and which will be raised at the ministerial level on Friday, is a draft Regional Digital Development Strategy (RDDS).

According to CARICOM, the RDDS is aimed at guiding regional ICT activities and initiatives, and in using ICT as a critical tool to advance the Caribbean on its path to an information and knowledge society.

The ministerial meeting of COTED comes just one week after Grenada hosted TEXPO, a four-technology exposition of the Grenada Government and the Caribbean Telecommunications Union.

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ACCEPTING THE CALL - Shalrie Joseph will play for Grenada

Updated Story:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., May 24, 2011  – After wrestling with the decision for the past several days, New England captain Shalrie Joseph has accepted a call-up to Grenada and will join the Spice Boyz for the CONCACAF Gold Cup next month.

Joseph informed the Revolution of his decision on Tuesday morning and told MLSsoccer.com that he struggled to reach a final verdict before ultimately deciding to link up with his national team.

“I tried to put my country first,” Joseph said. “I understand that my priorities will always be with the Revolution, but, right now, my country needs me to represent them.”

Joseph's decision means the Revolution will have to cope without two of its three starting central midfielders next month, as Benny Feilhaber was included in the US squad announced on Monday.

Feilhaber will play in his second Gold Cup as he continues to build on his World Cup appearance last summer and retain his status as a mainstay in Bob Bradley's squad.

“It's always been a goal of mine to stay on the team,” Feilhaber said. “Obviously, the World Cup was a step forward for me, and I'd like to continue going forward with the national team and keep progressing.

It's really important for me to still be a part of the team.”

Joseph and Feilhaber will depart for national team duty after Saturday's home date with Los Angeles. Both players will miss at least two matches (June 4 at FC Dallas and June 10 at New York) and could miss a total of five domestic fixtures if their respective nations reach the final.

Revolution coach Steve Nicol said the absences of Joseph and Feilhaber will create a difficult void for his side to fill in the center of the park, but he also said it would give other potential options a chance to impress.
“It's going to be tough to replace the two of them, but, at the same time, it's an opportunity for someone else to come in, do well and make it hard for me not to keep playing them,” Nicol said.

Although Feilhaber and Joseph will link up with their respective national teams next week, both players said they planned to keep an eye on the proceedings at Gillette Stadium as they compete in the Gold Cup.
“You have to make sure and stay focused,” Joseph said about juggling his dual priorities. “The first game is against LA and I know how important it is that we pick up that three points at home against a great team in this league. The MLS season is more important to me right now. Once I go to my national team, then I will focus on that.”

SOURCE: Kyle McCarthy – MLSsoccer.com

Earlier Story:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass., May 24, 2011 - New England Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph has accepted his call-up from Grenada for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The midfielder was included the roster Grenada submitted to CONCACAF for the tournament, but had not yet decided if he would participate until Tuesday morning, when he informed the Revolution he would play in the Gold Cup. 

Joseph will join the Grenada National Team following the Revolution’s match against the LA Galaxy on May 28, and will miss at least two of the Revolution's MLS matches – at Dallas on June 4 and at New York on June 10. He could potentially miss up to five matches, including those against Toronto on June 15, against Chicago on June 18 and at Seattle on June 26, should Grenada advance in the knock-out stages of the tournament. 

Grenada is in Group B with Guatemala, Honduras and Jamaica, and will begin play against Jamaica on Monday, June 6, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. On Friday, June 10, they will face Honduras at FIU Stadium in Miami, Fla., before wrapping up group play against Guatemala on Monday, June 13, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. 

Joseph has made more than 20 appearances for Grenada, scoring one goal. He was previously named to Grenada’s Gold Cup squad in 2009, but had to withdraw from consideration because of a knee injury. He most recently appeared for Grenada in the country’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Costa Rica on June 14 and June 21, 2008. He is a two-time Grenada Footballer of the Year (2003, 2008) and was the 2007 Caribbean Player of the Year. 

SOURCE: New England Soccer News

Kirani James Named SEC Runner of the Year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 24, 2011 - University of Alabama sophomore All-American Kirani James has been named the Southeastern Conference Men's Runner of the Year, the league office announced Tuesday as part of its 2011 outdoor track and field honors.

James won the 400m at the SEC Outdoor Championships to complete in the season sweep in the event after winning the event during the indoor season and earning the SEC's Indoor Runner of the Year honor as well.

His outdoor title came in a school-record time of 44.86, the second fastest 400m in the nation this season and the third fastest in the world. Later in the afternoon he ran the second leg of the 4x400m relay and turned in a split of 44.71 to help the Crimson Tide earn a second-place finish in the event. Earlier in the season he clocked the seventh fastest 200m time in the nation this season with a 20.48 finish at the UTEP Invitational.

In addition to his Runner of the Year accolades, his first-place finish merited first team All-SEC honors. Joining him on the All-SEC teams were his three teammates on the 4x400m relay team, Dwayne Extol, Fred Samoei and Bobby Onyeukwu, who earned second-team honors. Extol was also named to the SEC All-Freshman team as the top freshman finisher in the 400m hurdles.

The team will be in action this week at the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Bloomington, Ind., to compete for the opportunity to a spot in the NCAA Championships. Events begin on May 26 and continue through May 28.

SOURCE: Alabama Crimson Tide

Chinese investors promise investment in Grenada

Text of report by Caribbean Media Corporation news agency website

ST.GEORGE'S, Grenada, CMC - Chinese investors have promised to plough US$200million dollars into Grenada's struggling economy after wrapping up a one week visit to the island. The investors have also announced for a follow-up trip in August to present specific project proposals.

They have signed a number of memorandums of understandings (MOUs) after a busy series of bilateral meeting with top government and private sector officials. "Based on the interest expressed by the visiting Chinese delegation we were able to match that by facilitating bilateral meetings" said Chris DeRiggs, the Director of Private Sector Development in the Ministry of Finance.

"So these meetings have happened and they have been very fruitful and in some instances they have gone to the extent of signing MOUs' "The investors from Beijing are targeting two major hotel projects, including a Four Seasons, which have been affected as a result of the global economic meltdown.

Government has been seeking US$100 million in private sector funding to build the hotel after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cautioned against securing a state loan. Ongoing efforts by British developers to secure funding for the Four Seasons project have failed in light of a tight capital market.

The Chinese have expressed an interest in various other sectors including agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy and tourism. "Right now we are trying to sort out some legal issues and regulations with government" said Fu Zai Song, the head of the 19 member Chinese delegation.

The investors represent presidents and chair of various companies whose finances are managed by Touchstone Capital Partners, a Chinese financial company. "But I think we need a quicker process for our investment. We want to start investment very quickly .We have already discussed with the government for a quicker process" said Song, who is also the chairman of Touchstone Capital Partners.

A Government statement said that the investors have outlined a development plan for Grenada which includes an immediate injection of US$10 million into the economy.

Originally published by Caribbean Media Corporation news agency website, Bridgetown, 23 May 11.

Grenada wins Chelsea Gold again

LONDON, UK, May 24, 2011 - Grenada has won its 9^th Gold Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show taking place in London, UK at the Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Castaway, the name of the exhibit, depicts the changes in climate that behind the tropical idyll a potential threat is posed to the tiny Caribbean Island.

“Grenada chairs the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS) made up of more than 40 small islands from round the world”, says Suzanne Gaywood, Team Leader.  “We want to send a clear message about the importance of preserving the natural riches of islands like Grenada for future generations.  Action now to embrace sustainability can help to ensure Grenada survives as a paradise for the castaways of today and tomorrow, and RHS Chelsea provides an opportunity to raise environmental awareness.’’

A feature of the 2011 exhibit is a bamboo shack topped with a traditional straw roof and just the suggestion of a nearby jetty on the deserted beach.  The main focus is the flamboyant array of flowers foliage and spices which adorn the scene and weave a magic which ensures no castaway would wish to leave such a beautiful, tranquil spot.

The exhibit is sponsored by The Grenada Board of Tourism; Peter & Lana De Savary for Mt Cinnamon & Port Louis; The Calabash Hotel; The Coyaba Beach Resort; Lanwades Stud;  Seafreight Line; John & Joan Buckenham; Hyde Park Tropical Garden; The Hort. Soc. of Grenada; Petite Anse Hotel; Reg & Trish Scarlett; British Airways (Grenada);  Virgin Atlantic; & La Grenade Gardens.

The High Commissioner was high in praise for the efforts of the Grenada-at-Chelsea Team who worked tirelessly for months in preparing the plant material and during the past week with the build-up of the exhibit. “This year is again a great boost for Grenada’s Tourism product thanks to your dedicated efforts, we thank you”, the High Commissioner said.

Team Grenada was joined on Press day, Monday 23^rd May, by Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes OBE, High Commissioner for Grenada, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse and Sharon Bernstein, Grenada Board of Tourism (UK).

For further information contact:-

Suzanne Gaywood, Exhibitor/ Designer

Email: Suzanne@gaywood.dialstart.net

www.grenada-at-chelsea.org.uk  

The Return of Whitsuntide Games

The views expressed here are solely that of the writer and don't reflect or endorse anyone or organisations.

by Michael Bascombe

I took some time off to concentrate on some school work and the Diaspora Youth Summit staged in New York two weekends ago. However, I have not abandoned the campaign to get the authorities to relay the synthetic track and provision of electronic equipment at the Track and Field and Football Stadium at Queen’s Park.

As I continue to build arguments in favour of the track and field stadium becoming a major priority I have been discussing with close friends in the sporting circle about the re-introduction of the Whitsuntide Games. Even without a stadium, this was the region’s premier track and field championship as late as the 90s. The Games re-emerged about a decade ago and in 2004 as an Area Permit Meet of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) but the damage to the track and the apparent theft of equipment following Hurricane Ivan in September of that year dealt a serious blow to the sport.

But history will show that some of the region’s top athletes came to town including the likes of Sherone Simpson, who won the women’s 100m, and was part of the victorious Jamaican 4x100m relay team at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. The Whitsuntide archives also showed that our own Alleyne Francique ran 44.59 seconds in front of his home crowd, his second fastest time during his nine-year international career.

The Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) has indicated their readiness to resume the championship once a new track and the equipment are available. Therefore, the authorities should take the cue and realise the dreams of hundreds of local and regional athletes who otherwise can’t participate in the annual Junior CARIFTA Games but could look forward to keen rivalry at the Whitsuntide Games.

The Whitsuntide Games in June will push the young athletes to extend their training and eventual improvement. That too, will propel and strengthen the club structure as many will participate in representing the respective clubs since at the school level things go to bed after the Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships.

And while on the subject of the national stadium and Whitsuntide Games, whose idea it was to leave out a velodrome in the previous design and construction. Cycling was an exciting and integral element of the Whitsuntide Games in the 70s and 80s, with Grenada producing some outstanding regional cyclists in Everod Samuel and Roger Pierre to name a few.

The return of the Whitsuntide Championships should also encourage and augment the constant appeal for proper club structures similar to those in the 50s and 60s with the likes of Sporting Club, Town Rangers, St George’s Football Club, All Blacks, Atoms, Hurricanes, Dauntless, Green Street, Honved, Carenage, Queen’s Park Rangers and others.

A recent conversation with George “Goatie” Robinson revealed that the track and field clubs in the late 60s and 70s provided good competition over the three days the meet was held. Jet Stars, Striders, St John’s Sports, and Police were the major clubs and then there were teams representing the Eastern Division. Recent additions are Speed Zone, TrackBlazers, Ace, Western Jets, and Southern Pros.

The rebirth of the Whitsuntide Games should encourage the strengthening of these clubs, provide more competition and exposure for our potential athletes and support our sports tourism thrust.

There are possibilities and I can use the Cadet Corp as an indicator of the opportunities that our youths are seeking. Look at the end results after the decision was taken to revive Cadets in Grenada – at least 13 Secondary Schools have functioning units. That could be 13 track and field clubs waiting to spring into action and undiscovered talents waiting to bloom.

The required budget for this project is about US$700,000.00 and Government should see this as an investment in youth, sports and the nation’s future. The majority of this budget is for the Mondo Surface which is estimated at US$550,000.00; the Photo Finish costs US$15,590.00; the Electronic Scoreboard at US$70,000.00 and the Field Events Equipment at US$96,500.00.

Sometime ago, Mike Mc Quilkin shared with me some ideas he believed the authorities could undertake to raise funds for projects like these. Mr Mc Quilkin humbly suggested that specially marked bins should be placed at the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the Cruise Terminal for visitors and nationals who are leaving the island and may want to donate extra currencies.

I support that idea and also suggest that the yacht club, commercial banks, main business centres and foreign embassies and missions be added as collection points. They will be tasked with the responsibility of providing a weekly update to the public through the Grenada Olympic Committee.

The Government could also encouraged Private Sector’s involvement by providing tax deductibles for those who are prepared to make substantial contributions toward the Fund.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and allow good sense to prevail and the authorities put a plan in place to ensure that our athletes are given a world class facility to train and compete, and we can resume staging regional and international IAAF approved meets.

The loss of the use of our Stadium has affected the athletes, as the facility is no longer what it used to be, negatively impacting the progress of our athletic depth and range.

The proper management of any new facility will have to be a priority to ensure that track and field and football could maximise its use and not concerts and other non-sporting events.

But despite my repeated pleas for the refurbishment of the track and field stadium, I am confident that our sportsmen and women will have a first-class facility in the New Year. I am convinced on the basis that the sports ministry, under the leadership of Minister Patrick Simmons and ably supported by his team of experienced personnel including Permanent Secretary Veda Bruno-Victor, Director of Sports Conrad Francis and Co-ordinator of Youth Kevin Andall, has made significant progress within the last year and a half.

They are among the lowest paid divisional heads (category I) in the public service in Grenada but they are delivering, and hopefully, their determination will lead to the refurbishment of the stadium. I remain hopeful!

The National Sports Policy is in the waiting line for Parliamentary approval but segments of the policy have unfolded including the Parish Sports Councils, the lighting of playing fields and an adhoc sports tourism committee.

The timelines for completion of this project are essential since the track and field season begins in earnest in January, though some schools like perennial champion St David’s Catholic Secondary School begin theirs in September.

2011 GOLD CUP ROSTERS ANNOUNCED

NEW YORK (Monday, May 23, 2011) – CONCACAF today announced the 23-player rosters of the 12 national teams participating in the 2011 Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup will begin on June 5 in Arlington, Texas before wrapping up on June 25 at the final in Pasadena, California.  In total, the tournament will be played in 13 venues in 11 cities.

The champion will represent CONCACAF at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

For more information, please visit GoldCup.org.

2011 Gold Cup team rosters

Canada

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga/NOR) , Milan Borjan (SK Rad/SVK), Haidar Al-Shaibani (Nimes Olympique/FRA)

Defenders: Nikolas Ledgerwood (SV Wehen Wiesbaden/GER), Michael Klukowski (Ankaragücü/TUR), Kevin McKenna (Koln/GER), Andre Hainault (Houston Dynamo/USA), , Terence Dunfield (Vancouver Whitecaps), Will Johnson (Real Salt Lake/USA), Dejan Jakovic (D.C. United/USA), Marcel de Jong (Augsburg/GER), Jaime Peters (Ipswich Town/ENG)

Midfielders: Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC), Josh Simpson (Manisaspor/TUR), Pedro Pacheco (Santa Clara/POR), Atiba Hutchinson (PSV Eindhoven/HOL), Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault (SC Preußen Münster/GER), Issey Nakajima-Farran (Horsens/DEN)

Forwards: Rob Friend (Hertha Berlin), Ali Gerba (Impact Montreal), Tosaint Ricketts (Politehnica Timişoara/ROM), Simeon Jackson (Norwich City/ENG), Dwayne De Rosario (New York Red Bulls/USA)

Costa Rica

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Albacete/SPA), Leonel Moreira (Herediano), Donny Grant (San Carlos)

Defenders: Jhonny Acosta (Liga Deportiva Alajuelense), Jose Salvatierra (Liga Deportiva Alajuelense), Oscar Duarte (Saprissa), Dennis Marshall (Aalborg/DEN), Junior Diaz (Club Brugges/BEL), Bryan Oviedo (FC Copenhagen/DEN), Heiner Mora (Santos de Guapiles), Christian Gamboa (Fredrikstad/NOR)

Midfielders: Celso Borges (Fredrikstad/NOR), David Guzman (Saprissa), Jose Cubero (Herediano), Allen Guevara (Liga Deportiva Alajuelense), Christian Bolanos (FC Copenhagen/DEN)

Forwards: Diego Madrigal (Cerro Porteno/POR), Joel Campbell (Saprissa), Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar/RUS), Bryan Ruiz (FC Twente/HOL), Randall Brenes (Brujas), Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake/USA), Josue Martinez (Saprissa)

Cuba

Goalkeepers: Odelin Molina (Villa Clara), Odisnel Cooper (Camaguey), Julio Pichardo (Las Tunas)

Defenders: Yenier Marquez (Villa Clara), Reysander Fernandez (Ciego de Avila), Hanier Dranguet (Guantanamo), Alianni Urgelles (Guantanamo), Jorge Luis Clavelo (Villa Clara)

Midfielders: Yoel Colome (Ciudad de la Habana), Carlos D. Francisco (Santiago de Cuba), Alain Cervantes (Ciego de Avila), Jaine Colome Valencia (Ciudad de la Habana), Alberto Gomez (Guantanamo), Dagoberto Quesada (Camaguey), Francisco Carranza (Cienfuegos), Marcel Hernandez (Ciudad de la Habana)

Forwards: Sander Fernandez (Ciego de Avila), Roberto Linares (Villa Clara), Yaudel Lahera (Ciudad de la Habana), Yosniel Mesa (Cienfuegos), Ariel Martinez (Sancti Spiritus)

El Salvador

Goalkeepers: Dagoberto Portillo (Once Municipal), Miguel Ángel Montes (Metapán) y Juan José Gómez (Firpo).

Defenders: Marvin René González (Águila), Luis Anaya ( Universidad de El Salvador), Moisés Xavier García (Luis Angel Firpo), Steve Purdy (Portland Timbers/USA), Deris Ariel Umanzor (Águila) y Reynaldo Hernández (Vista Hermosa).

Midfielders: Dennis Jonathan Alas (Luis Angel Firpo), Víctor Samuel Turcios (Luis Angel Firpo), Gilberto Baires (Marte), Jaime Enrique Alas (Firpo), Eliseo Quintanilla (Luis Angel Firpo), Ramón Sánchez (Aguila), William Osael Romero (Aguila) y Shawn Martin (Águila).

Forwards: Edwin Sánchez (Universidad de El Salvador), Andrés Flores (Metapán), Rodolfo Zelaya (Alianza),  Arturo Álvarez (Real Salt Lake/USA)

Grenada

Goalkeepers: Andray Baptiste (Police FC), Desmond Noel (QPR), Shemel Louison (Fontenoy FC)

Defenders: Shanon Phillip (Hurricane), Casim Langaigne (Hurricane), Benedict Modeste (QPR), David Cyrus (Ossett Town/ENG), Clive Murray (Paradise), Marc Marshall (GBSS), Leon Johnson (Wycombe Wanderers FC/ENG)

Midfielders: Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution/USA), Shane Rennie (Paradise), Ricky Charles (QPR), Patrick Modeste (QPR), Lancaster Joseph (Hurricane), Craig Rocaste (Sporting Kansas City/USA), Moron Phillip (Hurricane), Dwayne Leo (South Stars)

Forwards: Delroy Facey (Lincoln City FC/ENG), Bradley Bubb (Farnborough/ENG), Marcus Julien (ESS), Anthony Straker (Aldershot Town/ENG), Kithson Bain (Carolina Railhawks/USA)


Guadeloupe

Goalkeepers: Christophe Olol (L’Union Sainte Rosienne), Franck Grandel (Dijon/FRA), Fabrice Mercury (Moule)

Defenders: Miguel Cominges (Southern United/ENG), Jean-Marc Hatchi (Caen/FRA), Julien Ictoi (Moule), Jean-Luc Lambourde (Amical Marie Galante), Mickael Tacalfred (Stade de Reims/FRA), Eddie Viator (Unattached), Ulick Liupede (Naval 1º de Maio/POR)

Midfielders: Stephane Auvray (Sporting Kansas City/USA), Dimitri Fautrai (Etoile de Morne à l'Eau)i, Larry Clavier (Freamunde/POR), Cedric Collet (Beauvais/FRA), David Fleurival (Metz/FC), Thomas Gamiette (Stade de Reims/FRA), Gregory Gendrey (R.O.C. Charleroi/BEL), Loic Loval (Vannes/FRA), Thery Racon (Charlton/ENG)

Forwards: Ludovic Gotin (Moule), Brice Jovial (Le Havre/FRA), Livio Nabab (Caen/FRA), Richard Socrier (Ajaccio/FRA)

Guatemala

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Jerez (Universidad), Paulo Cesar Motta (Mictlan), Juan Jose Paredes (Comunicaciones)

Defenders: Jonathan Lopez (Deportivo Marquense), Henry Medina (Heredia), Gustavo Cabrera (Municipal), Carlos Gallardo (Universidad), Edwin Gonzalez (Mictlan), Cristian Noriega (Municipal), Carlos Castrillo (Comunicaciones), Elias Enoc (Comunicaciones)

Midfielders: Carlos Figueroa (Xelaju), Guillermo Ramirez (Motagua/HON), Gonzalo Romero (Municipal), Wilfred Velasquez (Suchitepequez), Marco Pablo Pappa (Chicago Fire/USA), Manuel Leon (Universidad), Jose Manuel Contreras (Comunicaciones), Jose del Aguila (Comunicaciones)

Forwards: Carlos Ruiz (Philadelphia Union/USA), Dwight Pezzarossi (Comunicaciones), Jairo Arreola (Comunicaciones), Oscar Isaula (Malacateco)

Honduras

Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia), Orlin Vallecillo (Marathon)

Defenders: Mauricio Sabillon (Marathon), Brayan Beckeles (Vida), Edder Delgado (Real Espana), Osman Chavez (Wisla Crakow/POL), Johnny Leveron (Motagua), Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht/BEL), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan/ENG), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic/SCO)

Midfielders: Wilson Palacios (Tottenham/ENG), Hendry Thomas (Wigan/ENG), Javier Portillo (Olimpia), Alfredo Mejia (Real Espana), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Olimpia), Walter Martinez (Beijing Guoan/CHI), Roger Espinoza (Sporting Kansas City/USA), Ramon Nunez (Leeds United/ENG)

Forwards: Carlo Costly (Atlas/MEX), Jerry Bengtson (Motagua), Eddie Hernandez (Platense), Emil Martinez (Motagua)

Jamaica

Goalkeepers: Donovan Ricketts (Los Angeles Galaxy/USA), Dwayne Miller (Syrianska/SWE), Duwayne Kerr (Strommen IF/SWE)

Defenders: Shavar Thomas (Sporting Kansas City/USA), Jermaine Taylor (Houston Dynamo/USA), Demar Phillips (Aalesunds FK), Adrian Reid (Valerenga/NOR), Eric Vernan (Nybergsund IL/NOR), Dicoy Williams (Toronto FC/USA), Ian Goodison (Tranmere Rovers/ENG), Tyrone Marshall (Colorado Rapids/USA)

Midfielders: Omar Daley (Bradford City/ENG), Jason Morrison (Aalesund/NOR), Richard Edwards (Harbour View), Jevaughn Watson (Houston Dynamo/USA), Damian Williams (Nybergsund IL/NOR), Keammar Daley (Tivoli Gardens), Rodolph Austin (SK Brann/NOR), Navion Boy (Tivoli Gardens),

Forwards: Dane Richards (New York Red Bulls/USA), Ryan Johnson (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Kavin Bryan (Sông Lam Nghệ An/VET), Luton Shelton (Valerenga/NOR)

Mexico

Goalkeepers: Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Guillermo Ochoa (America), Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey)

Defenders: Edgar Duenas (Toluca), Ricardo Osorio (Monterrey), Jorge Torres Nilo (Tigres), Efrain Juarez (Celtic FC/SCO), Rafael Marquez (New York Red Bulls/USA), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven/HOL), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar/HOL), Carlos Salcido (Fulham/ENG)

Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Antonio Naelson (Toluca), Christian Bermudez (Atlante), Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Israel Castro (UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo la Coruna/SPA)

Forwards: Angel Reyna (America), Aldo de Nigris (Monterrey), Elias Hernandez (Morelia), Giovanni Dos Santos (Racing de Santander/SPA), Javier Hernandez (Manchester United/ENG), Pablo Barrera (West Ham United/ENG)

Panama

Goalkeepers: Jaime Penedo (Municipal/GUA), Luis Mejia (Toulouse/FRA), Kevin Melgar (Alianza)

Defenders: Luis Henriquez (Lech Poznan/POL), Felipe Baloy (Santos/MEX), Harold Cummings (River Plate/URU), Roman Torres (Atletico Nacional/COL), Eduardo Dasent (Atletico Bucaramanga/COL), Adolfo Machado (Comunicaciones/GUA)

Midfielders: Nelson Barahona (Caracas FC/VEN), Gabriel Gomez (La Equidad/COL), Amilcar Henriquez (Atletico Huila/COL), Alberto Quintero (Ontynient/SPA), Eric Davis (Arabe Unido), Armando Cooper (Arabe Unido), Gabriel Torres (San Francisco), Eybir Bonaga (San Francisco), Anibal Godoy (Chepo), Aramis Haywood (Plaza Amador)

Forwards: Luis Tejada (Juan Aurich/PER), Blas Perez (Leon/MEX), Renan Addles (The Strongest/BOL), Luis Renteria (Real Cartagena/COL)

United States

Goalkeepers: Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG), Tim Howard (Everton/ENG), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Etienne/FRA), Jonathan Bornstein (UANL Tigres/MEX), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover/GER), Clarence Goodson (Brondby/DEN), Eric Lichaj (Leeds/ENG), Oguchi Onyewu (FC Twente/HOL), Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United/ENG)

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (Rizespor/TUR), Michael Bradley (Aston Villa/ENG), Clint Dempsey (Fulham/ENG), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers/SCO), Benny Feilhaber (New England Revolution), Jermaine Jones (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht/BEL), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New York Red Bulls), Jozy Altidore (Bursaspor/TUR), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

About CONCACAF
CONCACAF “The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football” is one of six continental confederations of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and serves as the governing body of football in this part of the world. It is composed of 40 national associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Surinam and French Guyana in the south.

Injury forces Kithson Bain out of Gold Cup

by Michael Bascombe
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 23, 2011 – The Grenada National Football Team received a devastating blow to its preparations for the CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament in the United States next month.

Following an extensive exchange between Head coach Mike Adams, and Carolina Railhawks’ Head coach, Martin Rennie, striker Kithson Bain has been withdrawn from the Spice Boyz roster due to injury.

Coach Rennie, informed Adams that Kithson had been making good progress with a torn quad muscle, but it had broken down again last week. Kithson has not played a competitive game since playing in the Antiguan pro league three months ago and was due to return to action in the next couple of weeks.

"This news hurts us, as we were looking forward to welcoming Kithson home this week, he has a good reputation in the Caribbean and his name on a team sheet earns respect from the opposition,” Adams told the GFA’s website.

“I spoke with both Coach Rennie and Kithson earlier today and felt that the player should remain with his club as the level of treatment and access to remedial resources is better where he is. He is going for an MRI scan on Thursday and the extent of the damage will be known then,” he said.

He said that these types of injuries are a minimum of two to three weeks and usually longer “so the reality is that would count him out, particularly, as he has played no competitive games”.

“We also, have to look at the rules for replacements this late in the preparations, a regrettable situation that we will have to adjust to." 

Four of the five UK-based professional players arrived in St George’s on Sunday evening and will join a training camp which began on Monday. The Spice Boyz play Antigua in a friendly on Friday before departing for Panama and the Cayman Islands for other friendlies ahead of their in Los Angeles on June 3.

Bid process opens for Games of the XXXII Olympiad in 2020

May 23, 2011 (IOC) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today launched the bid process for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in 2020. National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have been invited to submit the name of one city within their jurisdiction as an applicant to host the Games in a little under nine years’ time.

The NOCs have until 1 September 2011 to submit the name of an Applicant City, and these cities will then be required to submit their application files and guarantee letters to the IOC by 15 February 2012. The election of the Host City for the 2020 Olympic Games will take place on 7 September 2013 during the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The key phases and dates of the procedure are as follows:

Pre-registration - For the first time, a number of prerequisite criteria for NOCs/ cities wishing to bid for the Olympic Games have been put in place.

By 29 July 2011	1) Submission of proposed dates if outside normal Olympic Games period (15 July - 31 August) 2) Submission of letter regarding WADA compliance 3) Submission of letter regarding CAS jurisdiction
By 29 August 2011	IOC to reply to NOCs regarding WADA compliance, CAS jurisdiction and the proposed dates

 Phase I - Known as the Candidature Acceptance Procedure, this involves a thorough review by the IOC of each city’s potential to organise the 2020 Olympic Games. Cities will be asked to reply to a questionnaire. Their answers will be studied by the IOC in order to help the IOC Executive Board select the cities that will become Candidate Cities and therefore move on to Phase II.

1 September 2011	NOCs to inform the IOC of the name of an Applicant City
November 2011	IOC information seminar for 2020 Applicant Cities
15 February 2012	Submission of Application File and guarantee letters to the IOC
February - April  2012	Examination of replies by the IOC
May 2012	IOC Executive Board meeting to accept Candidate Cities for the 2020 Olympic Games

Phase II - Known as the Candidature Procedure.  Candidate Cities will be requested to submit their Candidature File, which is an in-depth description of their Olympic project, and prepare for the visit by the IOC Evaluation Commission. The Evaluation Commission will make a detailed technical assessment of each candidature and publish a report at least one month before the election of the host city for IOC members to review.   

27 July - 12 August 2012	Candidate Cities participate in the London 2012 Olympic Games Observers’ Programme
November 2012	London 2012 debrief in Rio de Janeiro
7 January 2013	Submission of the Candidature File to the IOC
June 2013	Report by the 2020 IOC Evaluation Commission
June 2013 (tbc)	Candidate City Briefing to IOC Members
7 September 2013	Election of the host city of the 2020 Olympic Games at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires

All relevant information and deadlines relating to the first phase of the 2020 bid process are contained in the Candidature Acceptance Procedure.

For more information, please contact the IOC Media Relations team: 

Tel: +41 21 621 6000 e-mail: pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit our web site atwww.olympic.org

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