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Saint Lucia Kings Secure CPL Playoffs Berth With Convincing Win Over Guyana Amazon Warriors

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News Americas, PROVIDENCE, Guyana, Fri. Sept. 15, 2023: The Saint Lucia Kings secured their spot in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoffs with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that ultimately didn’t pay off as their innings struggled until the final five overs. Despite some late power hitting, the Amazon Warriors could only manage a total of 167-5, which seemed below par initially.

Colin Munro of St Lucia Kings bats during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

A chance for a catch falls short of Matthew Nandu of Guyana Amazon Warriors during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League T20 match between Guyana Amazon Warriors and St Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 14, 2023 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley Allen – CPL T20/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

The Saint Lucia Kings confirmed this by successfully chasing down the target of 168 runs, doing so with 15 balls to spare.

The Amazon Warriors had a slow start, with Matthew Nandu being run out for three within the PowerPlay, leaving them at 35-1 after the initial six overs. The CPL’s leading run-scorer, Saim Ayub, was dismissed for 16 in the ninth over, with the score at 50-2.

However, Shai Hope and Azam Khan, followed by Khan and Shimron Hetmyer, contributed to rebuilding the innings. Late fireworks from Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd boosted the total, adding 72 runs in the final five overs to set the Kings a target of 168.

The Kings made light work of the chase, with Colin Munro and Bhanuka Rajapaksa forming a destructive partnership of 132 runs from 82 balls. Rajapaksa was dismissed for 86, and Munro followed shortly after for 55, but the job was already done. Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza finished the chase with three overs to spare.

This victory secures the Kings’ place in the playoffs with one game remaining.

Final Scores: Saint Lucia Kings 170-3 (Rajapaksa 86, Munro 55; Shepherd 1-15, Tahir 1-34) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 167-5 (Khan 40, Hope 38; Joseph 2-31, Raza 1-14) by seven wickets.

The Gambling Industry In The Caribbean Is Thriving In 2023: Here’s How

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 1, 2023: At the end of 2021, there were over 5,000 slot machines in Puerto Rico. Both Aruba and the Dominican Republic had over 3,000 such machines in the same period. Clearly, slots are big business in the Caribbean.

But what else is contributing to the ever-growing gambling industry in the region?

Industry Growth

Apart from a brief blip in 2020 following the pandemic, the gambling industry in the Caribbean has shown steady growth since 2017 and is projected to continue growing nicely over the coming years.

By the end of 2022, it was thought that the casino games market would be worth $1.22 million in the region, with an annual growth rate between then and 2027 of 11.12%. Casino apps were particularly valuable in the Caribbean, with in-app purchases in such apps worth almost $775,000 and paid app revenue of just over $5000.

The sector’s success in the region could partially be attributed to Antigua and Barbuda becoming the first online gambling license issuer, back in 1994. Licenses are comparatively expensive to obtain here, with an interactive gaming license costing £100,000 (around $127,000). However, customers at casinos holding this license are well-protected, with National Anti-Money Laundering Regulations, Counter-Terrorism Financing Regulations and Know Your Customer Policies all being required by these operations.

Although not as old as Antigua and Barbuda’s gambling license, Curaçao’s is one of the biggest in the world. It’s thought that gambling licenses account for around half of the island’s GDP, and that 40% of the world’s gambling licenses are issued by Curaçao. As for how many sites hold such a license, estimates put the number at around 12,000.

Caribbean Casinos Are Among the Biggest in the World

Many tourists flock to the Caribbean, not only to enjoy the world-class beaches, but also to gamble at some of the region’s casinos, many of which can rival Vegas and Macau’s.

For example, Puerto Rico is home to 18 casinos, with the largest offering over 400 slot machines. Another resort on the island covers over 7000 square feet, so guests are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to gaming options.

The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, the organization that oversees gambling on the island, reported that revenue from slots doubled during the second half of 2021, with casinos generating a total revenue of $165 million after paying out prizes and running costs.

Caribbean Themed Slots Are Always Popular Worldwide

The popularity of the Caribbean theme has trickled into the online gaming industry in the US and further afield, too. Such themed games are becoming increasingly prominent on online casino platforms, like the ones recommended here.

For example, there’s Caribbean-themed games such as Caribbean Gold. In this pirate-themed slot game, players can stack up comical pirate ships and trunks packed with lots of treasure. It’s here you can find access to free games, and you could even bag yourself a chance at the Grand Jackpot. Another game is Carribean Holidays by Novomatic, which is a 5-reel, 20-payline slot. The game features special symbols, a bonus game and autoplay options, but it has a fairly low RTP of 93.01%.

Caesars Sportsbook Goes Live With Mobile Sports Betting In Puerto Rico

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Aug. 28, 2023: With its latest rollout, Caesars Sportsbook is breaking new ground in the Caribbean betting sphere. It’s worth the hype, considering Caesars Sportsbook has been a force to reckon with in North America. Better yet, it’s only fitting that the entertainment media bring their Americas counterparts for the ride.

For the first time, Puerto Rican punters can now place bets through the Caesars Sportsbook mobile betting app. The app launch also complements Casino Sportsbook setting up shop in Puerto Rico through the Casino Metro in 2022.

Similar to bettors in Caesars Sportsbook states in the US, Puerto Rican residents can get the app in different ways. Smartphone or tablet users can download the app from the iOS or Play Store. If you prefer using a desktop, visit caesars.com/sportsbook online. Once you’ve downloaded the app, visit Casino Metro to finalize the registration process.

President of Caesars Digital, Eric Hession, hailed the mobile betting app as a game-changer that will complement Casino Metro. He also thanked Caesars’ partners and the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission for ensuring that Caesars Sportsbook is available throughout Puerto Rico.

So, what are the perks bettors will enjoy? Caesars Sportsbook mobile app will provide a smooth betting experience with bonuses, promotions, various deposit methods, intuitive features, and fast payouts. Eligible Puerto Rico players can also access a diverse market featuring cross-sport game parlays and in-play betting options, among other items.

Bonuses are a bookmaker’s necessity, and Caesars Sportsbook rightly includes a welcome bonus for new bettors. When you place a first stake of at least $50, the sportsbook will reward you with a $50 Bonus Bet, whether you win or lose. What about non-residents visiting Puerto Rico who like sports betting? Once a few hitches are sorted out, non-residents will be able to sign up on the app.

Apart from the user-friendliness and promos on the app,  Puerto Rico bettors will for the first time enter the unrivaled Caesars Rewards program. The mobile app will swiftly link your sports betting preferences to the Caesars Sportsbook reward program.

The reward scheme works as a tier-based system. For each bet placed, you’ll earn Tier Credits that further build one’s status and Redeemed Credits. You can redeem the latter to unlock unique Caesars Rewards experiences and holidays at designated destinations.

The Caesars Sportsbook at Casino Metro is called ‘MetroBets with Caesars Sportsbook.’ It’s an exciting setup with three betting windows, more than 25 HD TV sets, 14 self-serving betting kiosks, and an odds board where you can keep track of events. The MetroBets platform also accepts cash deposits and will assist you in withdrawing your winnings from your mobile account.

Responsible betting is one of Caesars Sportsbook’s cornerstones, with the bookmaker having responsible gaming features that bettors can access on the app. Some tools you can use to control your betting include daily time limits, deposit limits, spend limits and cool-off time limits.

Windies Cricket: Will Everything Be Alright?

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By BASIL SPRINGER

News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Weds. Aug. 23, 2023: Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley recently inspired hope and excitement across the region for the revival of West Indies (WI) cricket during the 22nd Annual Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture.

She challenged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to engage in disruptive innovation to build on the core pillars of brand, history, culture, unity, talent and may I add, the spirit of the legendary “Fire in Babylon” film.

In any successful WI cricketing resurgence the following are paramount: (1) robust governance (note that under the existing CWI structure many WI cricket fans are disenfranchised, i.e., they are deprived of the right to vote for the CWI leadership); (2) well-being and sustainability of players and staff; (3) enhancing the overall experience for supporters; (4) access to adequate infrastructure and modern technology; and (5) public and private sponsorship.

A significant driving force behind the revival is a thriving marketing strategy to develop sustainable revenue streams in response to the demand for live cricket, global TV audiences, strategic advertising opportunities for countries (tourism linkages) and businesses (products and services), and attractive membership packages for supporters so as to foster deeper engagement of stakeholders with the iconic WI cricket brand.

The revival extends beyond the men’s cricket team to encompass all aspects of cricket in the Caribbean. Efforts should be made to promote and develop women’s cricket and nurture talent across various age groups. With a plethora of formats available, from the traditional Test matches to the shorter white ball games, the WI cricket revival will cater to diverse cricketing preferences, ensuring a vibrant cricketing ecosystem.

To revive the WI cricketing legacy, a strong emphasis needs to be placed on training across various dimensions. Mental conditioning helps players overcome challenges and perform consistently at the highest level. Physical training enhances fitness, agility, and endurance, enabling players to endure the grueling cricketing calendar. And honing cricketing skills embraces excellence and ensures the team’s competitiveness against the world’s best.

Test cricket began in England in 1877. My grandparents were born around that time. The WI men’s team’s first international test series was in 1928. WI first beat the mother country in Tests (3-1; with no matches drawn) in 1950.

Starting in 1980, the WI team produced a staggering 15-year period of unrivaled Test success, where they went unbeaten in 29 series – winning 20 and drawing nine. Between 1982 and 1986, they were good enough to reel off seven straight series victories. The WI cricket brand was stellar.

Since then, there has been a steady decline culminating with the devastating reality that the WI team, two-time champions in 1975 and 1979 and finalists in 1983, did not qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup for the first time in the history of the tournament and is struggling in all formats of the game.

PM Mottley stated that she could not snap her fingers and say like Bob Marley, “everything’s going to be alright. Wishing and wanting will not be enough, what is needed is a change by CWI in the governance model.”

I support PM Mottley’s call.

There are six territorial organizations which constitute CWI, associated with Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago and the Windward Islands. The Barbados Cricket Association is an entity set up by an Act of Parliament in 1933 to administer cricket in Barbados. These six organizations need to be replaced by an “International CWI Club”, say, to administer cricket in the Caribbean.

The logical next step is for CWI to meet with the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket to prepare a scope of work and hire an appropriate team of West Indian organizational change consultants (from home and abroad) to design and implement a WI cricket revival strategy.

It’s time to change our strategy in order for everything to be alright.

West Indies Coach Envisions Change on the Horizon

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News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl, Weds. Aug. 16, 2023: In the wake of a significant Twenty20 series victory by the West Indies cricket team over powerhouse India, White-ball head coach Darren Sammy says he and the team are committed to driving change within West Indies cricket.

After seven years without a series win over their Asian rivals, the West Indies team secured an impressive eight-wicket victory in the decisive T20 International at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Sunday, August 13th, securing a 3-2 overall verdict.

Shai Hope, of West Indies takes a shot during the fifth and final T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Amidst West Indies’ failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup last October and the upcoming 50-over World Cup, Sammy disclosed ongoing discussions with Cricket West Indies President Dr. Kishore Shallow and newly appointed Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, to shape the future.

Romario Shepherd, of West Indies bowls during the fifth and final T20I match between West Indies and India at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 13, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

“Our aim is to reshape the culture – the work culture, involving everyone,” said Sammy. “In collaboration with our new president, Kishore, and the director of cricket, we’re initiating changes. I ask for patience because transformation won’t happen overnight, but we’re establishing measures to bring about positive change.”

He added: “To our fans, I urge patience. Our efforts are focused on effective change for West Indies.”

Over the last year, West Indies cricket has experienced significant shifts, including the departure of head coach Phil Simmons, director of cricket Jimmy Adams, and captain Nicholas Pooran following the T20 World Cup qualification challenges.

Sammy has already established strong relationships with new captains Shai Hope (ODI) and Rovman Powell (T20), praising Powell’s leadership during the recent T20 series.

“I have great respect for Rovman. He’s strategic, and our conversations have been productive, as he mentioned in the press,” said Sammy.

“We sat down with him last weekend, and as a leader and captain, I simplified things for him. He even said, ‘Coach, I’m proud of you.’ We communicate openly, which creates a valuable partnership. It’s about teamwork and the team’s improvement, setting egos aside,” he added.

Sammy also observed the emergence of a promising new team, singling out all-rounder Romario Shepherd for his strong “work ethic.”

“Young Romario Shepherd has been steadily building his confidence with each game,” Sammy acknowledged. “He’s been consistently focused over the past few months, and we’ve seen his dedication firsthand. The results are a testament to his efforts and dedication.”

West Indies Lose To India In Lauderhill

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News Americas, LAUDERHILL ,Fl, Sat. Aug. 12, 2023: The West Indies cricket team were earlier today beaten by nine wickets by India, in the fourth Twenty20 International at the Central Broward Regional Park (CBRP) in Lauderhill, Fl.

Sahi Hope of West Indies takes a shot during the fourth T20i cricket match between India and West Indies at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 12, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Scores:

WEST INDIES 178 for eight off 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 61, Shai Hope 45; Arshdeep Singh 3-38, Kuldeep Yadav 2-26).

INDIA 179 for one off 17 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 84 not out, Shubman Gill 77).

West Indies’ Odean Smith bowls during the fourth T20i cricket match between India and West Indies at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 12, 2023. Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Scoreboard

India’s cricket team members (front) shake hands with their West Indies competitors after winning the fourth T20i cricket match between India and West Indies at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, on August 12, 2023. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

WEST INDIES

K Mayers c wk Sanju Samson b Arshdeep Singh 17

B King c Kuldeep Yadav b Arshdeep Singh 18

S Hope c Axar Patel b Yuzvendra Chahal 45

+N Pooran c Suryakumar Yadav b Kuldeep Yadav 1

*R Powell c Shubman Gill b Kuldeep Yadav 1

S Hetmyer c Tilak Varma b Arshdeep Singh 61

R Shepherd c wk Sanju Samson b Axar Patel 9

J Holder b Mukesh Kumar 3

O Smith not out 15

A Hosein not out 5

Extras (w2, nb1) 3

TOTAL (8 wkts, 20 overs) 178

O McCoy did not bat.

Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Mayers, 1.4 overs); 2-54 (King, 5.4); 3-55 (Pooran, 6.1); 4-57 (Powell, 6.5); 5-106 (Hope, 12.5); 6-118 (Shepherd, 14.2); 7-123 (Holder, 15.3), 8-167 (Hetmyer, 19.2).

Bowling: Axar Patel 4-0-39-1; Arshdeep Singh 4-0-38-3 (w1); Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-36-1; Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-26-2 (w1); Hardik Pandya 1-0-14-0; Mukesh Kumar 3-0-25-1 (nb1).

INDIA

Yashasvi Jaiswal not out 84

Shubman Gill c Hope b Shepherd 77

Tilak Varma not out 7

Extras (lb5, w5, nb1) 11

TOTAL (1 wkt, 17 overs) 179

Suryakumar Yadav, *Hardik Pandya, +Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal did not bat.

Fall of wickets: 1-165 (Shubman Gill, 15.3).

Bowling: McCoy 3-0-32-0; Hosein 4-0-31-0; Holder 4-0-33-0 (w1); Shepherd 3-0-35-1 (w2); Smith 2-0-30-0; Powell 1-0-13-0 (nb1, w2).

Result: India won by nine wickets (18 balls remaining).

Series: Five-match series level 2-2.

Toss: West Indies.

Player-of-the-Match: Yashasvi Jaiswal (India).

Umpires: Gregory Brathwaite, Leslie Reifer Jr.

Tears As Jamaica’s Story Book Reggae Girlz Lose To Colombia

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News Americas, MELBOURNE, Australia, Tues. Aug. 8, 2023: Tears were shed today as Jamaica’s story book Reggae Girlz rise in women’s soccer world cup history was stopped by Colombia in the Round of 16 match at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Colombia’s victory over Jamaica was secured by a crucial second-half goal from Catalina Usme, leading them to a 1-0 win and a historic spot in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. The match at the packed Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Tuesday witnessed a frenzy of excitement among Colombian fans as many of the Girlz cried openly.

Jamaica’s defender #19 Tiernny Wiltshire reacts at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between Jamaica and Colombia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, also known as AAMI Park, in Melbourne on August 8, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Jamaica’s midfielder #02 Solai Washington (L) cries at the end of the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between Jamaica and Colombia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, also known as AAMI Park, in Melbourne on August 8, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Up until halftime, the game had been tense and physical, but it truly came to life after Usme’s breakthrough in the 51st minute. This marked the first time Jamaica’s defense had been breached in the entire World Cup, prompting both teams to attack relentlessly.

Tiernny Wiltshire and Atlanta Primus of Jamaica look dejected after the team’s 0-1 defeat and elimination from the tournament following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Kameron Simmonds of Jamaica shows dejection after the team’s 0-1 defeat and elimination from the tournament following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Drew Spence of Jamaica reacts during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia. (Photo by Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The “Reggae Girlz” of Jamaica fought hard and had opportunities to level the match, but eventually bowed out of the tournament with a valiant effort, having made it to the knockout phase in their second World Cup appearance.

Atlanta Primus of Jamaica shows dejection after the team’s 0-1 defeat and elimination from the tournament following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Jamaica’s solid defense had kept Colombia’s talented player Linda Caicedo quiet on the left flank for most of the game, forcing the South Americans to wait until the 38th minute for their first decent scoring chance, which unfortunately went wasted.

Referee Kate Jacewicz had to intervene due to Jamaica’s physical play, issuing yellow cards to defender Chantelle Swaby and midfielder Drew Spence just before halftime.

Catalina Usme of Colombia goes down injured as Colombia plays Jamaica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. (Photo credit: Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

It was Usme’s brilliance that broke the deadlock, as she skillfully maneuvered past Jamaica’s defender Deneisha Blackwood and scored a well-placed, left-footed strike inside the far post.

Tiernny Wiltshire of Jamaica and Mayra Ramirez of Colombia battle as Colombia plays Jamaica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. (Photo credit should read Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Jamaica had a golden opportunity to equalize three minutes later when Blackwood’s corner found Jody Brown in front of the goal, but Brown’s header hit the base of the left post.

Carolina Arias of Colombia celebrates with fans after beating Jamaica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. (Photo credit: Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

As the regulation time dwindled, Jamaica desperately pressed forward, trying to find the equalizer. Drew Spence came close to scoring with a header in the 82nd minute, but it narrowly missed the left post, allowing Colombia to hold firm until the final whistle.

Despite the disappointment of not scoring in the World Cup, Jamaica’s attacking force Khadija Shaw, known for her impressive record at Manchester City, remained positive in a post-game interview, acknowledging that progress is being made in women’s football.

“We just have to be proud of our performance and lift our heads up,” Shaw said in a post-game television interview. “The gap is closing.”

West Indies Win Thriller In Trinidad

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News Americas, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Thurs. Aug. 3, 2023: In a thrilling encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, West Indies and India faced off in their first T20 International. Despite India’s previous Test and One Day International series victories, they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of West Indies. Debutant Tilak Varma shone with the bat for India, but Romario Shepherd’s composed bowling at the death secured the win for the hosts.

West Indies emerged victorious by a mere four runs, dampening India’s spirits in their 200th T20 International. Having dominated the Test and One Day series, India entered the match with confidence, but West Indies displayed an excellent bowling performance to claim the win.

Obed McCoy (L) and Jason Holder (2L) of West Indies celebrate the dismissal of Axar Patel (R) of India during the first T20I match between West Indies and India at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 3, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Batting first, West Indies set a target of 149 runs in their 20 overs, led by the contributions of Nicholas Pooran (41 off 34) and captain Rovman Powell (48 off 32). Despite a below-par total, their exceptional fielding and bowling efforts compensated for it.

Shimron Hetmyer (L) and Romario Shepherd (R) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Tilak Varma of India during the first T20I match between West Indies and India at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 3, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

India’s openers, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan, fell cheaply, but Suryakumar Yadav (21 off 21) and the debutant Tilak Varma (39 off 22) injected pace into the innings. Varma’s debut performance was remarkable, hitting two sixes in his first two scoring shots. However, Romario Shepherd’s exceptional fielding skills resulted in crucial dismissals, including a diving catch to remove Yadav and a spectacular catch to dismiss Axar Patel.

Obed McCoy (L) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Axar Patel (R) of India during the first T20I match between West Indies and India at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 3, 2023. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

With Jason Holder’s impressive performance (2 wickets for 19 runs), West Indies tightened their grip on the match. In the final over, Shepherd had nine runs to defend, and he did so with excellence, dismissing Kuldeep Yadav with a brilliant yorker to secure West Indies’ victory.

The five-match T20I series presents an opportunity for West Indies to make a strong comeback, and they have gained the upper hand heading into the second game in Guyana.

Jamaica Reggae Girlz Make History – In Photos

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News Americas, MELBOURNE, Australia, Weds. Aug. 2, 2023: Jamaica Reggae Girlz made history today as they tied a match 0-0 with Brazil to advance to the knockouts after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match in Melbourne, Australia.  Brazil finished third in the group.

The result, coupled with the other Group F game between France and Panama, meant the Girlz advanced as runner-up and will face the winner of Group H in the next round.

“Just to see these girls and to see a country like Jamaica be able to do this, it’s unbelievable to just watch it while I’m alive right here standing,” Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson said in his post-match interview.
“It’s unbelievable. I thank the girls for doing this for the country and the country should be proud. I need a cup of beer and I’m good. I’m not a big drinker. I will enjoy.”

See all photos from celebration here

Jamaica’s players celebrate qualifying for the last 16 after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 2, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Will Murray/Getty Images)

Khadija Shaw of Jamaica celebrates after their team advanced to the knockouts after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Jamaica players celebrate in the dressing room after their team advanced to the knockouts during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Kaylssa Van Zanten of Jamaica celebrates in the dressing room after their team advanced to the knockouts during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Chantelle Swaby of Jamaica celebrates with teammates after qualifying to the round of sixteen following the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Khadija Shaw of Jamaica reacts after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Khadija Shaw of Jamaica hugs Marta of Brazil after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Konya Plummer of Jamaica and Khadija Shaw of Jamaica celebrates after their team advanced to the knockouts after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Tiernny Wiltshire of Jamaica celebrates qualifying for the last 16 after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 2, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Will Murray/Getty Images)

Team Antigua Island Girls In ‘The World’s Toughest Row’

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News Americas, ST. JOHN’S ANTIGUA, Thurs. July 26, 2023: In an extraordinary display of courage and determination, Team Antigua Island Girls, an exceptional all-female rowing team from Antigua and Barbuda, has achieved yet another momentous victory. Celebrated across the twin-island Caribbean nation for their historic accomplishments, these inspiring athletes are known as the first all-female, black team to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Team Antigua Island Girls are an all-female rowing team from Antigua and Barbuda comprised of Elvira Bell, Christal Clashing, Samara Emmanuel, Kevinia Francis, and Junella King. Collectively, they are four athletes and a skipper.

On July 23 2023 team members: Christal Clashing, Kevinia Francis, and Samara Emmanuel completed the Pacific Challenge Row Race, rowing from Monterey Bay, California, to Kauai, Hawaii, covering approximately 2,800 nautical miles in forty-one days.

Team Antigua Island Girls’ Christal Clashing, Kevinia Francis and Samara Emmanuel celebrate their accomplishment having arrived in Hawaii after forty-one days at sea for the Pacific Challenge. (Photo courtesy: World’s Toughest Row)

This remarkable endeavor, undertaken as part of the inaugural 2023 Pacific Challenge, spanned forty-one days at sea and was dedicated to a noble cause. The team’s extraordinary journey not only demonstrated the strength and resilience of women but also raised funds for building a home to support vulnerable girls in need.

The team embarked on this mission with a profound impact in mind: to raise funds for a charitable cause – building a home for women in conflict with the law, offering them a second chance in life and fostering women’s empowerment.

Overcoming immense challenges, Team Antigua Island Girls rowed an astonishing distance of approximately 2,800 nautical miles across the Pacific, participating in what is known as ‘the world’s toughest row.’ Starting their journey in Monterey Bay, California, they concluded their triumph in Kauai, Hawaii. Among fourteen competing teams, the Island Girls emerged as true champions, standing strong alongside their fellow all-women team, Row Aurora.

Speaking on behalf of Team Antigua Island Girls, Kevinia Francis expressed their vision, stating, “Through our efforts, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of women’s empowerment and provide a brighter future for young girls who deserve a second chance in life.”

The triumph of Team Antigua Island Girls has garnered widespread admiration, drawing praise from notable figures. The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment in Antigua and Barbuda, commended the team, hailing their dedication to raising funds for young girls in need as truly honorable. Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, also lauded the Island Girls’ efforts, highlighting their unwavering spirit and commitment to representing their nation on the international stage.

As witnesses to their inspiring journey and advocates for their cause, we are called to support Team Antigua Island Girls and their noble mission. Together, we can make a difference, nurturing compassion and generosity to steer young women towards a future filled with hope, opportunity, and empowerment.

For those interested in learning more about Team Antigua Island Girls or contributing to their cause, please visit their GoFundMe page (https://bit.ly/island-girls) or make direct contributions to the Caribbean Union Bank account #20004631 in St. John’s, Antigua.