Reconnecting communities through sporting clubs

by Carole Beckford

Jamaica’s communities are in need of a social network to reconnect them and help them feel at home. So much of what community life was like up to 30 years ago is missing, and I suggest that the network of cricket and football clubs can reignite some of that passion and togetherness in communities. 

There are 14 Premier League football teams that compete for national honours and are based on matriculation, spread across the island. Meanwhile, cricket has up to 20 clubs, including parish teams and those with a wider reach. 

I propose that we establish a subscription process to galvanise support, while also mobilising individuals in the communities to feel a part of their respective teams. 

Membership is one way where you pay a small fee and you get to have access to the club’s schedule, home and away; you can purchase team merchandise at reduced cost; you may even get to travel with the team for overseas assignments. Most of these teams have a clubhouse where games are held, and there are several ways to participate in the club’s activities and events. 

Volunteering is a great way to start. 

Becoming a volunteer for a club is probably one of the best ways to get in. That can include anything from ensuring the clubhouse is clean for matches, preparing benches for both home and away teams, providing hydration for the teams, to attending practice so you can meet the players and management. Speaking of management, this would need to go through them so they can track the available personnel. Once that list grows, a roster is established for the season. 

Club Management 

The management must reach out to the wider community through schools – primary, high, and college; the church; and service clubs. It is then very important to know who the businesspeople are. That kind of connection creates the network that will form the basis of your support for at least three seasons. This is hard work, as a database will need to be created so you can reach as many people as possible. 

Engaging those close to you is important, and as many of the management team as possible should participate. 

Social Investment 

When you come from a community and its teams have people from the community with family ties, you almost feel obligated to get involved. The incentive is evident when the team performs well in competitions, and the community then senses growth and progress over a consistent period of time. 

The Venue (Club House) 

The venue is primarily for the sport but also serves as a space where the community can utilise it for appropriate events. At this level, there are other ways to participate, either as a member of the team organising the event or as a paying patron. If the venue is multi-faceted, that is more beneficial as the income generation potential is an attraction to other investors. 

There are existing templates for this, and they should be allowed to be used to reconnect the communities. The man/woman on the ground connects to a school, college, church and office, why not a sports club? 

Let’s get this show on the road. 

Part II will examine a sample club in closer detail to see how the method can be practised. Until next time. One Love!

 

Carole Beckford (@carolebeckford) is a marketing and communications specialist

Grenada Football Association (GFA) concludes Four-Day Elite Youth Coaches’ Workshop

St George’s, Grenada, July 19, 2025 — The Grenada Football Association (GFA) has successfully concluded the FIFA Elite Coaches’ Workshop, a four-day programme aimed at raising the standard of football coaching on the island. 

Held at the FA Secretariat, the workshop brought together coaches from various levels of the sport to engage in advanced training focused on modern coaching techniques, player development strategies, and high-performance principles.

The sessions were facilitated by FIFA technical experts Callum Irving, Simon Jennings, and Margret Kratz, with oversight from Ian Greenwood, FIFA Regional Technical Consultant. Participants were exposed to interactive modules and global best practices designed to strengthen their tactical knowledge and leadership skills.

GFA General Secretary Carl Lee described the initiative as a “pivotal moment” for Grenadian football, expressing gratitude to FIFA for its continued partnership.

He emphasised that the expertise shared will empower local coaches to better nurture the next generation of talent and drive the sport forward.

CANOC Appeals For Change In CARICOM Heads' Approach To Sport

Keith Joseph - CANOCs President

by Keith Joseph - President

Dear Colleagues and Friends 

The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) has taken the bold step in calling for a change in the approach to sport in the Caribbean by the Heads of Government of CARICOM member countries. 

At the level of CANOC, we understand and remain appreciative of the efforts of the Heads of Government of the region in respect of the concerns they have had for the fortunes of West Indies Cricket, the first sporting institution from this part of the world to engage itself in international sports competition. The physical infrastructure in every Caribbean country has been provided, for the most part, by the respective governments, and we are all very grateful for the support that the sport has received with the hosting of international and regional competitions that have delighted populations everywhere. 

As many cricket historians have placed on record, cricket once held the aspirations of the peoples of the Caribbean. The sport was a means of helping us showcase our talent on the field of play and prove ourselves capable of holding our own in head-to-head matches. Success on the field of play translated into Caribbean peoples, while under the yoke of colonialism, being able to walk tall, confident that we were earning respect and that our dignity was increasingly being acknowledged. 

But history has also shown that our peoples have come to display our remarkable talent in other sports, especially in track and field athletics with the sporting excellence of Jamaica’s Arthur Wint, Herb McKenley and the 4 x 400m relay gold medallists at the Summer Olympics of 1948 and1952 respectively. Today, the Caribbean is expected to perform well above their size and economic resources in athletics. Our footballers have shown their worth and continue to prove attractive to international professional teams around the world. 

It remains that in the face of our sporting successes, our CARICOM Heads have apparently got stuck at the level of cricket being seen and treated by them as the single most important sport that holds significance to the peoples of the Caribbean. Not even the world record breaking performances and sprinting dominance of the great Usain Bolt has allowed the region’s political leadership to turn their attention to the global impact of athletics on our international standing, as a result of sport. 

The point that CANOC wishes to drive home today is that with sport being one of the fastest growing industries, we must commit our region, as a collective, to the location of sport tourism as a viable pillar of our respective economies. The transformation of many of the region’s athletes into wealthy members of Caribbean society serves as an incredible incentive to successive generations of the region’s youths, eager to break the back of chronic unemployment, underemployment, gender inequality, youth despondency, vagrancy and incessantly spiralling crime and delinquency. 

In the face of rapidly global change and economic uncertainty, our Caribbean leaders must move to embracing sport in its multifaceted nature, well beyond the narrow confines of cricket. While remaining committed to the rich legacy of cricket, the reality of our successes in an increasing number of other sports must push us to an acknowledgement that we can benefit, economically, socially and otherwise, as a region, through the opportunities for building upon the solidarity and unity that sport engenders.

CANOC therefore appeals to our CARICOM leaders to facilitate a broad-based regional discourse on sport as a major pillar of regional development through unity. We must right the wrongs of our failure to build on the positives of the concept of a West Indies Federation to create a new Caribbean that takes its rightful place amongst the international community, looking after the common interests of our people.

Together or Nothing!

A Sobering Scorecard: West Indies’ Collapse and the Illusion of Administrative Fixe

 

Getty Images

by Michael Bascombe

West Indies cricket suffered another humbling blow on Sunday, losing the third and final Test match against Australia by a crushing 176 runs at Sabina Park in Jamaica. Set a modest target of 204 runs for victory, the home side capitulated for a record-low second innings total of just 27 runs—one of the lowest in the history of Test cricket and a moment of deep embarrassment on Caribbean soil.

The defeat sealed a 3-0 series sweep for the visiting Australians, leaving fans across the region disheartened, frustrated, and searching—once again—for answers. And, as is often the case in times of crisis, the calls for administrative change have grown louder.

There are always those who believe that changing administrators will magically reverse the decline of West Indies cricket. Whether it was Sir Wes Hall, Sir Julian Hunte, Dave Cameron, Ricky Skerritt, or now Dr Kishore Shallow at the helm, there exists a stubborn belief that rotating leadership at the top will somehow produce instant victories on the field.

But this view, though emotionally understandable, is deeply flawed.

History has shown us that leadership alone cannot fix deeply entrenched structural issues. It reminds me of the days when fans in Grenada would call for the dismissal of Ashley “Ram” Folkes or Cheney Joseph every time the national football team lost a match. But even with new faces at the top, the results remained largely unchanged. That’s because success requires more than just a fresh nameplate on an office door—it demands a comprehensive strategy, sustained investment, and, most importantly, a shift in mindset.

Even if we were to gather every West Indies cricket legend—Richards, Lara, Holding, Ambrose—and give them leadership positions today, there would be no immediate renaissance. Why? Unless there is a fundamental change in the attitude, discipline, and commitment of the current crop of players, the cycle of mediocrity will continue.

Talent, which the Caribbean has never lacked, is not the issue. The problem lies in the execution, preparation, and professional culture surrounding the game. Without the hunger to compete at the highest level, the willingness to put in the hard work, and the respect for the maroon jersey, past glories can only serve as nostalgic reminders, not solutions to the present challenges.

This is not a West Indies-specific dilemma. Even Brazil, the spiritual home of football, has tried bringing back legends into coaching and management roles. Yet their national team continues to struggle.

The greatness of the past, while inspiring, does not automatically translate into success in the present.

West Indies cricket finds itself in a similar position. Until we prioritise long-term player development, invest in grassroots programmes, modernise training infrastructure, and instil discipline and professionalism from youth levels up, changing administrators will be like rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship.

The Shell Cricket Academy, once based at St George’s University (SGU) in Grenada, was one of the most promising initiatives ever undertaken for the development of West Indies cricket, spearheaded by Dr Rudi Webster. The academy aimed to provide young cricketers with a structured, high-performance environment that combined technical training with psychological development, fitness, and education.

It was a pioneering model—one that had the potential to transform the cricketing landscape across the region by producing well-rounded athletes prepared for the rigours of international competition. However, rather than rallying around the initiative, internal territorial politics began to creep in. Some territories questioned why the academy was based in Grenada and lobbied for it to be relocated or duplicated elsewhere. Instead of strengthening the initiative collectively, regional divisions began to undermine its foundation.

Dr Webster’s leadership and vision came under pressure, not due to shortcomings in the programme but because of the old, familiar problem of insular thinking and turf protection. Eventually, Shell, the title sponsor and key financial backer, pulled out, disillusioned by the lack of unified regional support and direction. What could have been a flagship development programme for West Indies cricket was left to wither, a victim of short-sightedness and fragmented ambition.

The collapse of the Shell Cricket Academy is a reminder of how internal rivalries and a failure to support long-term development can be costly, not just in terms of missed opportunities but in the very progress we claim to want for West Indies cricket.

There are broader regional efforts aimed at addressing the crisis. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has a dedicated Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, chaired by Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali. The group has held several meetings to assess the current state of the game and chart a roadmap for the future. They’ve reviewed the outcomes of a regional cricket conference and even discussed avenues for funding the sport at the regional level.

Yet even CARICOM’s involvement has its limits. A decade ago, a detailed final report by the CARICOM Cricket Review Panel was submitted following months of consultation with stakeholders. The report included sweeping recommendations on governance reform, many of which have been adopted by Cricket West Indies (CWI). Still, the results on the field have not improved in any meaningful or consistent way.

This raises an important point: regional governments, while having the right to support and scrutinise cricket, must also widen their focus to sports as a whole. Cricket cannot be the only vehicle for regional pride or development. A holistic approach to sports—encompassing education, health, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity—will lay a foundation that benefits all disciplines.

In the meantime, West Indies fans must be willing to face an uncomfortable truth: no single administrator, coach, or cricket legend can wave a magic wand to restore former glory. The change must begin at the grassroots, in the attitudes of players, the systems that develop them, and the values we promote across the sporting spectrum.

The scoreboard at Sabina Park tells a painful story. But it is not the first, and it won’t be the last unless we choose a different path—one rooted in realism, responsibility, and long-term resolve.

Caribbean Anti-Doping Official Warns Athletes Against Participation in Controversial Enhanced Games

by Michael Bascombe

A leading Caribbean anti-doping authority has issued a firm warning to regional athletes to steer clear of the controversial Enhanced Games set to debut in August 2026.

Speaking on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, Dr Adrian Lorde, Chair of the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados, cautioned athletes about the serious health risks linked to performance-enhancing drug use despite the event’s promise of substantial financial rewards.

During the live interview with host Michael Bascombe, Dr Lorde emphasised that the allure of lucrative earnings should never eclipse the potential physical and ethical dangers involved. “Athletes must weigh the immediate gains against the long-term impact on their health and the integrity of their careers,” he said. “Doping carries risks that extend well beyond the playing field, including severe medical complications and lasting damage to an athlete’s reputation.”

Earlier this week, the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) released a formal statement condemning the Enhanced Games concept in unequivocal terms. The organisation labelled the event as “abhorrent,” particularly because it promotes various forms of doping, whether state-sponsored, medically supervised, or otherwise.

“The encouragement of any form of doping, whether state-sponsored, ‘medically-guided’ or otherwise, is abhorrent,” the statement declared. “Those who engage in such practices should not enter clean sport, nor hold the title of champion, record holder or otherwise. Beyond competition, any individual or group that supports these Games should hold no position of leadership in sport or other sanctioned competition.”

RADO further warned that the Enhanced Games represent a fundamental threat to the values that underpin global sport. “The Enhanced Games can be seen as a body which is attempting to undermine and contaminate what the global sports movement continually works hard to protect and preserve.”

Dr Lorde reinforced this position, urging Caribbean athletes and sports organisations to take a unified stand. “We encourage all athletes, particularly those in the Caribbean, to steer clear of the Enhanced Games and the significant risks they entail — both to personal health and to the integrity of sport,” he said.

The National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados and RADO concluded by calling on all Caribbean sports bodies to publicly oppose the Enhanced Games, ensuring that the region continues to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and athlete safety.

A Critical Moment for Caribbean Media: Urgent Need for Strategic Investment and Sustainability

by Michael Bascombe

The announced closure of SportsMax by Digicel, alongside the immediate shutdown of Loop News, marks a significant and troubling moment for Caribbean media. For over 20 years, SportsMax has been a cornerstone of regional and international sports broadcasting, instrumental in developing Caribbean sports journalism and delivering high-quality, culturally relevant programming to its audiences.

These losses expose the precarious state of media sustainability in the region. The disappearance of such influential platforms echoes the past decline of notable institutions like Radio Antilles, the Caribbean News Agency (CANA), and the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). These historic precedents highlight the urgent need to rethink how media operates, funds itself, and remains relevant in an evolving digital landscape and to recognise media as a vital sector deserving of formal support and strategic investment, akin to tourism or agriculture.

Going forward, the path must be one of strategic investment and the establishment of sustainable frameworks tailored to the unique needs of Caribbean media. This includes fostering partnerships between governments, private sector stakeholders, and regional organisations to provide financial stability, infrastructure, and innovation support. It also encourages partnerships among media houses, broadcasters, and educational institutions that will nurture the next generation of Caribbean storytellers.

Without decisive action, the region risks losing not only its media platforms but also its ability to shape its narrative in sports and beyond. The closures of SportsMax and Loop News are a clarion call to stakeholders to elevate Caribbean media from a vulnerable sector to a resilient and thriving pillar of regional identity and development.