Sporting Barbados 2023

CREDITS

Publisher - Hiltop Publications Ltd, Cr Hood Road and Navy Gardens Ch Ch BB14032 • Tel: (246) 232 0692

Email - sportingb@caribsurf.com www.sportingbarbados.com www.barbadospropertynews.com

Editor – Pamela L Hiles

Editorial – Pamela Hiles, J Clarence Hiles, Alan Burke, Wayne Archer, Amy Goulding, Eddie Belle, Robin Bradford, Anne Tindale, Mark Wilson, Zary Evelyn, Patrick Craigwell, Paul Hamel-Smith, Brian Talma, Zoe Thornton, Kofi P Hinds, Mark Wilson, Darren Treasure

Advertising – Pamela L Hiles

Photography – J Clarence Hiles, Pamela L Hiles, Peter Marshall, Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Brian Talma, Sandy Lane Hotel, Royal Westmoreland, Apes Hill Golf Club, Brooks La Touche, Randy Brooks, Lucy Agace, Barbados Squash Association, Barbados Football Association, Barbados Rugby Association, Kenmore Bynoe, Barbados Hockey Association, Espen Hildrup, Alan Burke, Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club, St. Nicholas Abbey, Bushy Park Barbados.

Design and Art Direction – Neil Barnard at 809 Design Associates

Distribution – Hiltop Publications Ltd, Printed in Northern Ireland, UK The Material and editorial contained in this publication was deemed correct at the time of going to print but may be subject to change thereafter. No part of this publication should be reproduced without the consent of the publishers.

Copyright 2023 Sporting Barbados

On the cover: Zane Maloney & Kreigg Yearwood during Sol Rally Barbados 2022 Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

WELCOME

watch from the sidelines.

Sporting Barbados has grown from a hard copy magazine to an excellent, upto-date website (www.sportingbarbados. com), where you can explore what’s happening in sport on the island month by month. And of course we’re also all over social media, where you can get real time updates.

visitors the best experiences. We look forward to welcoming the new Apes Hill Golf Resort and Community this year, and to the return of the Sandy Lane Gold Cup in March. There are plans in place to upgrade the National Stadium, and all of these improvements are much needed and most welcome.

Pamela Hiles Sporting Barbados Editor

Welcome to the 25th anniversary edition of Sporting Barbados! One year delayed due to Covid, but back - bigger and better than ever.

My husband came up with the idea of Sporting Barbados. He visited Barbados from Northern Ireland in 1984 - before the days of the ‘world wide web’ - on a cricket tour. He was ‘bowled’ over by the friendliness and hospitality found in our island, and how much there was to offer a sporting visitor. He arrived with 30 friends, and at least a quarter of them have returned multiple times since, bringing family, friends, and falling in love with Barbados one trip at a time. Some have even bought property!

If you think about it, one cricket tour from one place has done so very much to promote Barbados. How much better could it be if ALL sports had the same result? Sports tourism can be a massive boost to any economy, just do the math. And of course, on his visit my husband also met me... and the rest is history.

In time, the Sporting Barbados brand was born and it has been phenomenally successful in showing Barbados in a unique and special light. Somewhere which has glorious sun, sea and sand - but this is NOT the only thing it has going for it. A place where you can bring family and friends, meet locals, partake in sport, or

Bajans have a lot to be proud of. Our island may be small, but for our limited population and resources we have made our name around the world. Few places have as many special cricketers who have been recognised and Knighted. In this year alone, both Sada Williams and Shane Brathwaithe clinched medals in the Commonwealth Games - a Gold for Sada in the 400m a Silver for Shane in the 110m hurdles, and. Sada also won Bronze in the World Championships. We have Zane Maloney excelling in Formula 3 racing, just doing great things, and Karen Meakins won a gold medal for the Over 50s and Mark Sealy a bronze for the over 60s at the 2022 WSF World Masters Squash Championships in Poland. Bajan Jockeys are rocking it all over Canadian racecourses and continuing to pass the post first. Kudos to Matthew Wright for his gold medal finish at the Triathalon in Aquaba.

And the list continues to grow... Innovation is rife here, with our people striving everyday to give our sporting

Sporting Barbados would never have happened without the support and help of so many people. First and foremost, our designer Neil Barnard who has been with us the entire journey and now his wife Kim heading up the social media side. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to them both for their talent and stellar work over the past 25 years. To our printers in Northern Ireland, our photographers especially Peter Marshall, our contributors, the BTMI, The TDC and of course our extremely loyal advertisers. None of it would have been possible without you. A huge thank you to you all for keeping this unique and very special marketing brand alive.

You may choose Barbados for a diving holiday, a golf excursion, or to hike across the East Coast. You may be part of the Barmy Army, or have come to drive our roads for a motor sport event. No matter your sporting passion, there is something for all in Barbados, set on a backdrop of incredible restaurants, duty free shopping and great attractions.

Our doors are open - it really doesn’t get much better than Barbados.

Elite Barbados atheletes from left to right: Shane Brathwaite, Amber Joseph & Sada Williams

FOREWORD

communities and countries together. It is indisputably one of the world’s most popular leisure activities and encompasses persons from all over the world, whether as athletes, enthusiasts or spectators.

It has been an exciting year for sports. Athletes representing Barbados have recently excelled across multiple sporting disciplines. Sada Williams, Shane Brathwaite, Jonathan Jones, Amber Joseph, Zane Maloney, Karen Meakins and Mark Sealy are but some of those athletes who have demonstrated high levels of sporting excellence.

Despite the two-year hiatus thrust upon the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, our athletes are moving forward with commitment and with a sense of purpose. Our experiences in sport for 2022, whether in cycling, swimming, golf, surfing, judo or athletics, have been eventful and none more special than our athletes gaining podium finishes at the XXII Commonwealth Games, the World Athletic Championships, the Pan American Elite Track Cycling Championships, FIA Formula 3 Championship and the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Championships. The successes of all Barbadian athletes have added value to the notion that all nations can aspire to greatness.

Sports, like music, can be envisioned as a universal language that everyone can understand and relate to, and possesses a unifying force that brings persons,

Sports in itself is a multi-billion dollar industry and the last reports from the Global Consumer Survey have indicated that thus far in 2022, revenue from professional sporting activities has reached a total of $501.43b and it is expected to rise to over $707b by 2026. These figures are startling but they represent the true value of sports a major economic player. It is within this context that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment has been working feverishly to elevate sports in Barbados, and to establish sports as a sustainable economic earning industry. In order to achieve this, my Ministry recognizes the importance of tourism to sports development, particularly at the community level and, similarly, the importance of sport to tourism development. The hosting of sports tournaments, training teams and groups, and the hosting of sports related conferences are some of the value- added opportunities that we are pursuing to build our sports industry in Barbados.

Against that background, my Ministry is working with stakeholders to identify and optimize opportunities that would foster the promotion of Barbados as a sports tourism destination. One such opportunity has seen the Ministry collaborating with its state-owned entity the National Sports Council, along with the Barbados Road Tennis Association and the Professional Road Tennis Association to lift the profile of our lone indigenous sport, Road Tennis. At the same time, we are working with Barbados’ Overseas Missions to promote the sport, while facilitating its development across the world.

This year, the Ministry and its partners staged the successful and highly touted inaugural Barbados Road Tennis Open. The Barbados Road Tennis Open sought to significantly raise the profile of road

tennis across the Barbadian landscape. Barbadians were thrilled at the finals at the Garfield Sobers Sporting Complex to witness the battle between the finalists especially new young talent, Mr. Shakeem Nurse, and veteran road tennis player, Mr. Mark “Venom” Griffith, highlighting that the future of road tennis is bright. Spectators were also enthralled with the line technology and instant replays which facilitated fair decisions on questionable line calls. It therefore provided a high degree of professionalism to the sport. The packaging of an event of this nature and at the level at which it was executed, lends not only to the credibility of road tennis as a global sport, but demonstrates the country’s potential to develop a package of events for sports tourism development. The opportunities are endless!

Barbados is already known for hosting international cricket tournaments, and horse racing, bodybuilding, swimming, cricket, hockey and motorsports events which have attracted international participants. We have the potential to do more! The revenue to be generated from sports events, not only for the players and organizers, but for hoteliers, restauranteurs, transportation providers and food and beverage vendors, among others, will redound to the benefit of Barbadians and Barbados as a whole. It is against this background that the Government of Barbados will continue to maintain this strategic thrust of developing world class facilities, including a new National Stadium to support the hosting of world class sporting events, thereby encouraging sports enthusiasts worldwide to visit Barbados for a thrilling sporting and holiday experience.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the team at Hiltop Publications Ltd. as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of producing Sporting Barbados. Your unswerving commitment, and the level of professionalism in showcasing the sporting landscape of Barbados have created a wonderful marketing platform for our island.

The Honourable Charles Griffith, M.P. Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment for Sporting Barbados 2023

BRIDGETOWN

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FOREWORD

Festival of Golf and the Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament.

Cricket will continue to be a major driver in Barbados’ sports tourism thrust with events such as the Caribbean Premier League contributing significantly to the economy, the island continues to benefit from the continued emergence of several locally developed initiatives. The Barbados Ninja Throwdown, Barbados Open Water Swim, Barbados IslandFit Games and Mindful Living Barbados are but a few events that continue to widen the appeal of destination Barbados as a sporting destination.

Destination Diversification

Successful 2022 calendar year

We have had a very exciting, full and eventful calendar sports year for 2022 as we hosted Barbados Sailing Week in January, Last Man Stands (cricket) and WSL in March, The Cozier Perriera Cup (cricket) in April, Sol Rally Show and Sol Rally- King of the Hill in May; Sol RallySuper Special Sunday and CIBC FCIB Golf for the Cure Tournament in June; Philip Als Northwest Passage, CCAN Tournament (swimming) and Barbados Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation in July; Barbados Ninja Throwdown, Barbados Open Golf Championship, Caribbean Equestrian Association Regional Show Jumping Competition and Rascals

The Sporting Industry remains one of the fastest growing niche markets in the world and is important to Barbados. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) reported that sports tourism accounts for approximately 12-15 million international arrivals all over the world each year; and has a growth forecast of around 6 per cent per year in the short term. The sports industry also represents 10 per cent of the world tourism industry with a turnover of approximately USD $600 billion. The Businesswire supports this statement as they forecasted that between 2018-2023, the industry will grow incrementally by 32. 3 per cent year on year which translates to an additional USD $6.12 billion.

Growth in Sports Industry

The Government of Barbados sees the value and importance of ensuring that Barbados’ sporting industry has all the necessary resources to grow. Through hosting major sporting events and raising the levels of these events to international standards, work has begun to diversify destination Barbados and the island is now being seen as a destination capable of hosting world class sporting events. Over the years, the island has hosted several world-class sporting activities such as the Run Barbados Marathon Weekend, Barbados Open Water Swim, Sol Rally Barbados, WSL Barbados Surf Pro, Rugby Barbados Worlds, Sir Garfield Sobers

The two year pause on all sporting events has given us the opportunity to reposition destination Barbados and capitalize on emerging trends in sports tourism where a multiplicity of events are combined with music festivals. It is known that the sporting and events traveler will intentionally structure their itinerary around specific events to enjoy the experience. We remain committed to capitalizing on the different motivators for sports-related travel in order to stimulate growth and enhance our competitiveness.

Motorsport Island

One particular trend of interest to us is the growth of motorsports followers and this year, more focus has been placed on developing and marketing Barbados as MotorSport Island. In May, a small contingent launched a Motorsport and Perfect Holiday activation during Miami Speed Week and this garnered much attention for the island.

Following this, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. further supported SOL Rally Barbados as it was one of the highlyanticipated activities on the Barbados Motorsport Calendar.

We are excited to bring this thrilling motorsport lifestyle and luxurious holidays together for the world’s fastest growing motorsport fanbase; and will continue to work closely with Bushy Park for other upcoming activities and events that support this direction.

Our very own, Zane Maloney has been doing exceptionally well on the international motorsport scene and continues to pave the way for other Barbadians to get out there.

Barbados Beach Wrestling Open 2022 in September; Barbados ITF Cup (Tennis) in October and Barbados Adventure Race and Run Barbados in December.

With such an inspiring and successful sports year under our belts, we are looking forward to the major sporting events we have planned for 2023 as they are sure to further project Barbados as the ideal sports destination for many.

Looking to the future

Our goal is to ensure that Barbados as a destination remains top of mind for the sporting visitor and we intend to continue to take advantage of the various benefits that can be derived from sports tourism. Barbados already has a strong foundation of successfully and strategically capitalising on emerging trends and building out new initiatives to complement our product offerings. For 2023, we will continue to highlight our island, culture and heritage so that not only our loyal repeat visitors return to the island, but also attract travelers who will want to visit and enjoy the authentic Bajan experience.

Sporting Barbados continues to be an important partner as we look to diversify and develop a sustainable tourism product through highlighting the significance of a vibrant and vital sporting industry on island.

On behalf of Team Tourism, I therefore thank and congratulate Pamela Hiles and her team on another successful year of this publication. We thank you for your invaluable support in highlighting the development of sports tourism in Barbados throughout the years.

The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill Minister of Tourism and International Transport

Barbadian Sada Williams winning the Women’s 400m Semi-Final Heat 2 on Day 8 of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, England. Sada went on to create history when she became the first Barbadian woman to win a gold medal in the 400m.

Exclusively at

Limegrove Lifestyle Centre, Holetown, St. James • 246-271-8230 Lower Broad Street Bridgetown, St. Michael • 246-430-2412 www.diamondsinternationalbarbados.com

West Indies’ Jason Holder

Photo: Randy Brooks SPORTING BARBADOS 2023

Barbadian Amber Joseph during a training session at the UCI Track Nations Cup Milton. Milton, Canada in May 2022. Amber won one gold and two silver medals at the 2022 Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Lima, Peru.

Barbadian Josh Burke at “Banzai Pipeline”. Photo: Courtesy of Alan Burke

The current king of local road tennis - Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith. Photo: Kenmore Bynoe

Photo: Peter Marshall

BARBADOS

- 25 Ways to Enjoy Barbados… OTHER THAN THE BEACH!

By Pamela Hiles

Barbados is small, but man are we mighty. 166 square miles of pure sweetness - a pin prick on the map of the world. And we are filled with unique and fascinating things to experience, fuelled by warm and welcoming people… who most often greet you with a frosted glass of rum punch in hand! Who could be bad to that?

I recently met a young couple in the check-in queue at Heathrow Airport, London. He from London, she from Budapest, they were on their way to Budapest for a holiday. When I revealed that I was from Barbados they were curious, however immediately declared that they ‘just aren’t beach people’.

I was shocked, and for the next hour (it was a long queue!) entertained them with tales of the many impressive things Barbados has to offer, in addition to glorious, world-famous beaches. By the end of our time together I was confident I had shown them that our fair island was much more than just a beach, and encouraged them to book Barbados as their next must-visit holiday destination.

Now, as we mark a phenomenal 25 years of Sporting Barbados, I’d like to share 25 of my favourite faces of Barbados with you, in the hopes that you may experience them yourself, or share them with others… Grab one of those frosted glasses of rum punch (I’m partial to Mike’s!) and enjoy.

1. Coastal Exploration…

One of the most wonderful things about Barbados is that you can travel around each of the island’s coastal regions in just a day, along accessible and simple roads. From the bustling South Coast with its bouncy surf, to the calm and tranquil West Coast, up the rugged North Coast full of spectacular cliffs and crashing waves, to the wild and barren East Coast. It’s a joy to take in and a must-do for any visitor, either with help from a guide or your own hired car.

2. Sail the Seas…

The beaches are simply a catalyst for exploring the seas… A catamaran trip along the open waters is the epitome of relaxation, or take a ‘glass bottom boat’ (as it says on the tin!) and see under the water from above. Hire your own speed boat if you fancy, or explore on the back of a jetski, but one way or another, get out on the water and check out Barbados from the outside in.

3. Yo, ho, ho and a Bottle of Rum…

One of our most famous exports… rum. Enjoyed in a crisp rum punch, or neat on the rocks, it’s a firm favourite of locals and tourists alike. Pull up at one of our many rum shops (wooden ‘bars’ on the side of the road and easily spotted) like Lemon Arbour in St. John, Country View in St. George, Chris’ Place in St. James, Wendy’s on Mighty Grynner Highway… the list goes on. Or, formalise your rum education at the likes of the Mount Gay Visitor Centre or Four Square Rum Distillery and Heritage Park. A tour, a taste and ton of fun.

4. Foodie Heaven...

Bajans love their food, and the island is filled with culinary delights for any price point. If fine dining is your thing, then Sandy Lane, Champers, Primo, Tapas, Asian Spice in Holetown, Michael Hinds in Limegrove are all wonderful experiences. Be mindful that many luxury restaurants require booking well in advance. Or, if you

prefer casual, local grub then check out the famous tropical outdoor experience of Oistins, where fresh fish and great music are on the menu in a bustling market setting. For a casual spot to watch the sport, nip into Bubbas or Jakes Island Grill. No matter what, you have to give Chefette a go - Barbados’ local ‘fast food’ establishment where rotis, chicken tenders, ‘wing dings’ and Frosteez ice cream are all beloved by Bajans. There are a staggering amount of food options on the island. One thing is for sure, you won’t leave hungry!

5. Hop on a ZR.

If you haven’t heard, one of our local minibus services is called a ‘ZR’ and a journey in one of these vehicles is a cultural experience in itself! Frequently found zooming up and down the south or west coats, these carriers feature lively music, are jam-packed with travellers, and will stop for you wherever you wave them down. A cheap and quick way to venture across the island, just don’t be expecting too much leg room!

6. Take in a Dinner Show…

Fun for the whole family, the Harbour Lights dinner show is a brilliant mix of live entertainment and great food, housed in the famous ‘Harbour Lights’ nightclub found on the South Coast. With dancing green monkeys, steel pan music aplenty and even limbo dancing, this energetic show is well worth taking in - just be prepared to get up on your feet and dance the evening away!

7. Explore Art…

Barbados is home to many talented artists who specialise in a variety of mediums from painting to sculpture, textiles to pottery. Many restaurants across the island feature an abundance of art for sale, so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for that, but if you prefer to explore galleries, check out Limegrove Art Gallery (found in Limegrove Lifestyle Centre) and the Gallery of Caribbean Art in Speightstown..

8. Visit Earthworks…

What began as a small art studio blossomed into a phenomenal pottery empire, found in the St. Thomas parish of the island. Earthworks is famous for beautiful, functional pottery pieces in distinctive designs, with a range that spans dinnerware sets, vases, traditional wall art and beyond. Many pieces can be custom

made to add that coveted personal touch. Venture to their headquarters to see all available pottery, or simply take a glimpse at the potters at work. Their skill is truly remarkable.

9. Find the Farmer’s Market…

Brighton Farmer’s Market is legendary amongst locals. Taking place in St. George on a Saturday morning, arrive early (approx. 6am!) to soak in the buzz of local craft, fresh food and crisp coffee, all set on the background of the lush countryside. Oh, and of course there’s an abundance of locally-grown fruit and vegetables too! My big tip? Bring a reusable bag - you’ll fill it in no time.

10. Walk on the Barbados Boardwalk…

Found on the South Coast, the milelong stretch of Boardwalk is a great way to

take in the beautiful island scenery while burning a few calories! Used by walkers, joggers, and strollers alike, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean, foliage and sandy beaches - without having to step into the sand. Plus, there are a wide array of cafes and restaurants along the path for when you need to refuel from burning all those calories…

11. See the Racehorses on Carlisle Bay…

One of our most famous stretches of beach is Carlisle Bay on the South Coast, and if you pay a visit early on a morning (6am!), you may just witness some of Barbados’ finest racehorses having a glorious sea bath in the sunrise. It really is a spectacle to see these majestic creatures glide through the waves with the help of their trainers. A true Kodak moment!

12. Glorious Gardens…

Trek to Hunte’s Gardens in St. Joseph to take in the lush tropical gardens of creator Anthony Hunte. A small yet powerful landscape, the creator himself is usually on hand for any questions in the main house, alongside refreshments. Or head to the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, the island’s oldest and largest gardens, designed by Iris Bannochie and found just minutes from the famous Bathsheba on the East Coast. It’s a National Trust property, and if you show your card you just might get discounted entry! Flower Forest is also not to be missed and close to the other two.

13. Try Oistins Fish Fry…

By day, it’s a bustling fish market filled with the freshest sea fare for anyone to buy and enjoy. But by night it transforms into a hive of activity, with vendors selling delicious fish dishes (and more), live music, entertainment and even karaoke if you’re lucky! Park up on a bench and take your pick of the action, or simply watch the locals in action as they play their famous games of dominoes. More show than anything - Friday is the busiest night of the week.

14. Venture North to Speightstown…

Situated towards the top of the West Coast of the island is Speightstown, a town filled with history that in recent

years has developed its own distinctly cosmopolitan vibe while maintaining its 100% Bajan roots. The emergence of a number of trendy cafes and restaurants has assisted this - Baia, Local & Co, Orange Street Grocer - as well as the recently reopened Archers Hall Design Centre, an interiors store full of treasures. At the very least, you must take a walk down the Speightstown Boardwalk - the tranquil, serene views of the sea are second to none.

15. Take a Swim with the Turtles…

It’s not everywhere that you can casually glide into the open seas and immediately find yourself swimming with turtles. Across the South and West Coasts there are

Local & Co, Speightstown

many hotspots for swimming with the sea creatures - including the likes of Sandy Beach or Carlisle Bay on the South, or Port St. Charles on the West. Venture there yourself (googles in hand!) or take one of Barbados’ famous Catamaran cruises where the hosts will give you a guided tour.

16. Follow the National Trust…

Dotted across the island are various National Trust sites, each brimming with Bajan historical significance. Gun Hill Signal Station, The Bridgetown Synagogue, Wildey House, Morgan Lewis Windmill… each telling a unique aspect of local history that is carefully preserved and celebrated by the Trust. Be aware that many of these sites charge a small

admission fee, and some have cafe facilities too.

17. All Aboard the Train…

Yes, a train! And not just any train, a steam locomotive! Pay a visit to the St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway in St. Lucy where you can take this historical train through plantation fields and woodland, all the way to the East Coast of the island. And while you’re there, enjoy all else that St. Nicholas Abbey has to offer, including tours of the Great House and it’s world-renowned rum.

18. Dabble in the Duty-Free…

Did someone say shopping?! Barbados is a duty-free haven, with many retail options available from souvenirs, to

jewellery, clothing and much more. Head to the capital, Bridgetown, to check out the bling in Diamonds International, The Royal Shop or Columbian Emeralds. Or for something local to take home from your travels, Best of Barbados, Ganzee, or Bridgetown Duty-Free will sort you right out. And don’t think you have to just stick to Bridgetown, duty-free stores are dotted across the island. Just keep your eyes peeled.

19. Stroll around Limegrove…

Continuing on the retail therapy theme… no shopping enthusiast should miss the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre when on the island. Billed as ‘the’ premium retail experience on the island, Limegrove is packed with recognisable high-quality shops, including Longchamp, and Michael Kors, as well as local stores, plus renowned restaurants, an art gallery, and even a luxury cinema (table service, no less!). Plus, the centre benefits from pop-up markets on various gifting holiday occasions - the Christmas one is a personal favourite.

20. Check out the Chattel House Village…

Sick of shopping yet? Us neither! Just up the road from Limegrove is the Chattel House Village, a truly unique bevvy of small, colourful huts, each with its own retail offering and circling a lovely little restaurant, Cafe Bar Carizma. A delightful mix of duty-free and beyond, this quaint spot is just bursting with hidden gems across interiors, fashion, food, and art.

Bridgetown Limegrove Lifestyle Centre

St. Nicholas Abbey Heritage Railway

21. Dive into the Island’s History…

History is everywhere in Barbados. The island may have been discovered by the British, but it was settled well before this by the Arawak Indians. You can learn about this, and much more, in the Barbados Museum in the Historic Garrison area. Actually, the entire area around the Garrison is a UNESCO heritage site, with George Washington House, the Clock Tower, and the Military Graveyard all within walking distance of each other. Fascinating, and very interesting.

22. Sweet Bajan Sounds…

Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Dancehall… the vibrant, melodious tunes of Barbados have influenced music around the world. Even the sounds of the steel pan have infiltrated popular music culture! No visit to the island is complete without enjoying some live music, be it at the popular Oistins Fry Fish, in a local bar/restaurant, or at a dedicated concert. Bonus points if you plan a trip during our ‘Kadooment’ (Crop Over) festival in the summertimethe tunes never stop playing!

23. See the Traditional Churches…

Barbados is home to over 100 religious denominations and some say more than 300 churches. Whether religious or not, some of these said churches are magnificent architectural delights, with

distinguished heritage and their own history. And some are found in the most unusual of locations like the St. John Parish Church, which offers extraordinary views of the East Coast.

24. Unwind in the Spa…

Tired of the sun, fun and rum? Need some relaxation? Then a day at the spa is just the ticket! Singita Wellness Spa, found opposite Mullins Beach on the West Coast, is a boutique wellness centre offering indulgent pampering sessions, wellness classes and much more. Plus, many of Barbados’ fabulous hotels offer in-house spa services well worth investigating, and you can even have a massage on the beach if you fancy it!

25. And Last But Not Least… SPORT!

Did you think I would the forget one of the most fantastic things about Barbados, the very foundation on which this magazine was built?! Barbados is BURSTING with phenomenal sports, from cricket to golf, tennis to football, horse-racing to horseriding, surfing, swimming, diving, and so very much more. Just flip through the pages of Sporting Barbados to see what’s going on in sport on the island, and I can guarantee that if sport is your thing, you won’t be bored for a moment.

We’d love to hear your favourite things about Barbados… be them the beach or otherwise! Search for Sporting Barbados on Facebook or Instagram and send us a message with your top picks.

Kensington Oval

St. James Parish Chruch

Singita Wellness Experts at work

Photo: Randy Brooks

FIVE IRISHMEN WALK ONTO AN ISLAND... and into Kensington Oval...

Last year, five seasoned cricket enthusiasts travelled to Barbados from Ireland to watch the West Indies take on England at

several pools, and multiple restaurants including fine dining at L’Azure or Zen, and the more casual Coach House or Don Offrio’s. The Crane Beach is world famous, though the waves are high and swimmers should exercise extreme caution. Also, it has been plagued by sargassum seaweed in recent years, which can dull what is otherwise one of the Crane’s finest features! We finished our stay on the island in Mullins Grove on the West coast, and loved it. Walking distance to Gibbs Beach, and close to brilliant restaurants.”

While on the island, Colin attended five T20 internationals between the West Indies and England, sitting in the 3Ws stand and soaking up the atmosphere. Though, he said, it would’ve made the experience all the more enriched had more locals been in attendance, something Sporting Barbados hopes to see improve in the coming years.

First up - Colin. Colin has been to Barbados many times, with his recent trip marking his 20th visit! He has many friends on the island, including some famed cricketing personalities, and since retiring from his real estate business he makes a conscious effort to return whenever he can.

“I first visited this wonderful island in 1986 on a club cricket tour, and I’ve been returning ever since. Barbados has many different faces… from the Atlantic coastline and Bathsheba, to the lively South coast and St. Lawrence Gap, to the capital Bridgetown, and of course the glitzy West coast. For this trip, I travelled around. First, I stayed with friends in the centre of the island, St. George, enjoying magnificent views of the countryside. Then I ventured to The Crane - a wonderful resort on the South-East coast, which benefits from spacious apartments,

When not at the cricket, Colin is a regular at hotspots across the island. “Champers is my very favourite restaurant, both in the quality of the food and the friendly service, and I also love the rum shop Shakers, near Rockley Golf Course. You can’t go wrong! For something a little bit different, this trip my wife and I went to the Barbados Magic Lounge at Castaways in St. Lawrence Gap, for the intimate Hans Grane Magic show and dinner. The theatre only has space for 30 or so people, and this magician is superb - he is a member of the famous Magic Circle.

“Whilst staying on the West coast, we were walking distance from Seashed, in which we enjoyed many a sundowner and evening cocktail… and the food was spectacular too! The Lone Star never disappoints, and for casual dining, Limegrove Shopping Centre offers many spots.

“To end our trip, a group of us took a private catamaran cruise on the Silver

our famed Kensington Oval.

While each was an experienced cricketer in their day, now these retirees prefer to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the game from the stands. And enjoy they do, with their passion for cricket lasting long into the twilight of their lives.

Sporting Barbados sat down with the Irishmen to quiz them not just on the cricket, but on their entire Barbados holiday experience. What is it about Barbados that entices them… and why should other travellers follow suit?

Harry, Colin & Clarence

Photo: Randy Brooks

Photo: Randy Brooks

Photo: Randy Brooks

BARBADOS

Moon, which only holds twelve. We spent a magical afternoon snorkelling with the turtles or at a shipwreck, with luxurious picnic food opposite Sandy Lane beach, all made more enjoyable by the friendly staff.”

“Barbados is magnificent - and I’ve already planned my 21st visit!”

through the airport on arrival and taken straight to our hotel, the Colony Club, which was lovely - friendly staff, good location. This escort service is something I missed when I arrived last year, with the airport busy and quite hot! Once through, I hailed a taxi to return to the Colony Club. I find taxis on the island fairly priced, and the drivers friendly and knowledgeable.” Harry again stayed at the Colony Club, though felt the recent pandemic may have hindered the hotel upgrading certain facilities, as few (or no) overseas guests resulted in little revenue. Though he enjoyed the location, positioning him close to a bevvy of restaurants he felt were generally good value for money. He even visited the famous Cliff Restaurant, which was expensive, was declared “very good”.

Golf is a particular passion of Harry’s, and he has visited numerous courses across the island. “I played Royal Westmoreland on my first visit, and found it great. On this trip I visited the Old Nine Sandy Lane course a few times, but next time I want to try the championship Sandy Lane course. It looks fantastic!”

This was Guy’s (pictured above) first trip to Barbados, and he travelled solo, staying at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel though connecting with other friends whilst here. He recently retired from the retail buisness, and paints an idyllic picture of his time spent on the island…

Harry (pictured above) spent a lifetime in the hotel business, so he knows a thing or two about hospitality! Since retiring, he spends his time between England, Portugal and Cyprus, squeezing in a few trips to Barbados along the way.

“I first visited the island in 2008, with my late wife Glyce, to watch a full five day Test match between England and the West Indies. We traveled with an official MCC Members Group, and were escorted

Most significant of all of Harry’s observations of Barbados was his admiration for the locals and how welcome they made him feel. “Never in my time in Barbados did I feel unwelcome, or unsafe. This is very different from other countries I have been to! I can understand why the island has a large expat community - it is a comfortable, safe place. Oh, and it would be remiss of me not to mention the local dark rum! Outstanding when enjoyed neat on the rocks!”

We’ll raise a glass to that Harry!!

“My ten days in Barbados were punctuated with long swims in the turquoise blue sea, trips to watch the cricket at Kensington Oval, and many sumptuous meals across the island. I had a fantastic taxi driver, Drakes, who was so knowledge on all aspects of Barbadian culture and seemed to know everyone. I then found out he was Chairman of the Barbados Taxi Association, which explained all the flashes, toots, shouts and waves as we drove around! He was such a character and a fabulous representative

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for the island.

“I highly recommend spending a day exploring the entire island - our day-trip was delightful and solidified that we will be back!”

And we can’t wait to welcome you Guy!

were able to explore all the West coast has to offer. “Shopping is expensive, but there’s a good variety at Limegrove and we loved the Chattel House village. The swimwear at Beth & Tracie is great!

“We went to several restaurantsPaul Owen at the Beach House does a great curry, and Quattro Passi boasts an excellent view, though is pricey! The beach tables at Seashed are lovely, and you can’t go wrong with a trip to Tides. We were disappointed at the Mullins Beach Bar, but more so because the sand on the beach has practically gone!”

Graham and his family are already looking forward to their next visit.

second Test match would be played in Barbados, and booked our trip before it was confirmed. As a result, we got our flights and hotel for a fraction of the cost of what it would have been had we waited until it was confirmed! We stayed in the Southern Palms, and found the food and service to be excellent throughout our stay! We’d definitely return. Though we didn’t always eat in the hotel - on our first day we went shopping for provisions and did find butter to be very expensive - it became the ‘butt’ of a lot of jokes during the week!”

Peter and Steve ventured across the South coast for meals, recommending Harlequin (the favourite!), Primo, Castaways as well as a little bar called Pronto, which he described as basic but did a wonderful lager shandy!

Undoubtedly, the highlight of Peter’s trip was the cricket - in particular seeing Stokes score 100 off of 114 deliveries. “It was a superb innings, and it was a pleasure just to see it.” As well as seeing Root get his 100.

Graham (pictured above), a retired Radiographer, travelled to the island with wife Liz and two good friends. He certainly has his cricket credentials as a former International wicket-keeper for Ireland, and therefore thoroughly enjoyed his experience at Kensington Oval, though commented that the steep ticket prices may be what are keeping locals from being able to attend and enjoy the games - an interesting observation!

Graham stayed at Royal Westmoreland, and had no complaints. “It’s an excellent venue, and the staff were helpful both in the office, and on the golf course! We had a lovely contact called Jodie who couldn’t do enough to help us, booking restaurants, giving advice, arranging car hire.” And from this base, Graham and co

Peter (pictured above) was the owner of a property firm, and being the wellorganised businessman, he kept a diary of his visit! We asked for the abridged version, and he entertained us with how he and his buddy Steve ended up on the island, and what their experience was like…

“We took a ‘flyer’ (guess) that the

Peter’s trip was not short of comical mishaps - he had a sore throat at one point (“I blamed the air conditioning, my friend Steve blamed the bottle of wine I’d had!”), a nasty sunburn, and even broken flip-flops that ended up in the bin, but he described it as the “trip of a lifetime” and that he would definitely be back. We couldn’t ask for higher praise than that!

Thank you to Colin, Harry, Guy, Graham and Peter for taking the time to share their experiences - I think we can all agree that five Irishmen walked onto an island… and loved it!

BARMY ARMY

After 27 years the Barmy Army are there for good!

In the Nineties the English fans were a strange lot with their chanting, weird songs, trumpeter, T-shirts, caps, bags, flags, banners, and clapping from a ringleader. However, they now have a fixed presence in the modern game, not just on the Test grounds in county cricket, but all over the world. The Barmy Army now tour and travel with numbers. Their presence can also be measured in dollars, as visiting teams have made a huge boost to tourism, particularly in the West Indies.

The Barmy Army love Barbados and over the years thousands of fans have made it a must to visit Kensington Oval, the mecca for cricket lovers and, a return to their Paradise island.

The Barmy Army are often gathered together in small groups but over the years their presence is now felt at entire grounds around the world.

All they need is a chant from a ringleader and they immediately rally … ”We are the Barmy Army…” as if there is any doubt!

Barbados tourism was boosted by their attendance in 2022 at Kensington Oval where English fans outnumbered locals at the Bajan’s home ground, and it looked more like an English county ground rather than the home of Caribbean cricket. Local critics claimed it was the high charges and there’s little doubt that the English fans felt likewise, but the Barmy Army rescued the atmosphere to ensure the Oval remained very special in global cricket. With copious beer from the adjoining stalls, hot sunshine and regular singing, it created a wonderful aura.

Many people wonder how the Barmy Army originated?

It was founded in the 1994-95 Ashes Series in Sydney when Michael Atherton was England captain and the founder members were Paul Burnam, David Peacock and Gareth Evans who were travelling with 30 in the group. They started as backpackers in hostels and the Australian media called them ‘Atherton’s Barmy Army’ because the team was hopelessly outclassed, yet they gave 100% to their team.

50 Barmy T-shirts were printed prior to the tour, but at the end of it there were 3,000 printed. It was the birth of the bestknown famous cricket supporters club. Nowadays, it is a thriving travel agency with professional staff and their package includes travelling as part of a group with travel, accommodation, match tickets et

al. Their annual membership includes a staggering 35,000! The Barmy Army has also been involved with various charity and good causes.

From January to March in 2022 a reputed 5,000 England fans were in the Caribbean and from early days the Barmy Army claimed there was ‘unprecedented interest’ in Barbados. In due course, it was not restricted to airlines, hotels and matches, the beneficiaries included restaurants, taxis, watersports, golf, beverages, fishing and cruise charters. Some of the teams combined with club tours. During those three months it was almost impossible to book in many locations.

Look for them in December 2023 when England Men return for the white ball tournament…They are the Barmy Army!!!!!!

A SPORT PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

by Robin Bradford

Sol Rally Barbados 2022 winners Dane Skeete and Tyler Mayhew.

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Mark Thompson & Kurt Seabra. Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

As the protocols introduced by the Government’s Covid-19 Monitoring Unit during the early months of the pandemic were progressively eased during the first half of 2022, so workaday life in the island slowly began to return to some degree of normality . . . as did the much-missed weekend escapism of motor sport. While competitors had managed to compete behind closed doors in some disciplines at either Bushy Park or the Vaucluse Raceway, the island’s vast body of spectators, among the most enthusiastic and vociferous in the world, had been left out in the cold (metaphorically speaking, this being a tropical island and all) for the best part of two years . . .

Their enforced wait was rewarded at the end of March, when the Motoring Club Barbados Inc (MCBI) returned to closed road rallying in the south-eastern parish of St Philip, but that was only a teaser for the bigger events to come. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary, the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) attracted more than 40 entries for its

Shakedown Double Header at the end of April, with huge crowds lining the familiar Malvern stage in St John.

But it was Sol Rally Barbados and its associated events, postponed from 2021, which really confirmed that the Lockdowns and other privations imposed by the pandemic had done nothing to dilute the thirst for motor sport among island fans . . . or the many overseas visitors for whom the event begins as a one-off bucket list trip before becoming an annual ‘mustdo’. Not only were the locals welcoming back the island’s favourite spectator sport, but also joining in a collective National ‘sigh of relief’ that they could once again mix with friends and family in what the General Manager of Sol Barbados Roger Barrow, representing the title sponsor at the Prizegiving, described as “the longest picnic area in Barbados”.

During its evolution from small beginnings as the International All-Stage Rally of 1990 into the Caribbean’s biggest annual motor sport International, the Rally

Sol’s Roger Barrow flags away Zane Maloney and Kreigg Yearwood from the start.

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

The finish of the First Citizen’s King of The Hill at Vaucluse Raceway

Sean Corbin and Emily Kinch.

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Turks and Caicos Rally Team at Sol Rally barbados

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Club’s premier event has attracted more than 600 crews from 32 countries; and each of those competitors has arrived with a service crew, family and friends – in recent years, Sol Rally Barbados has accounted for as many as 4,000 visitor bed nights over a three-week period in a traditionally quiet time of year.

Eight of the competitors in 2022 have now participated 10 or more times, their combined visits adding up to 122, proof positive of the effects of the Barbados Rally Bug, for which no Latin name has yet been identified. A lasting spin-off from Sol Rally Barbados has been the growing number of competitors, both regional and International, who return throughout the year to compete in other rounds of the Rally Club’s Championship. Cars from Jamaica, the Turks & Caicos Islands, the UK and North America are now based in the island and prepared by local mechanics in

a burgeoning motor sport business.

Island ace Dane Skeete and Tyler Mayhew added victory in Sol RB22 to their earlier win in 2019 in the Subaru Impreza WRC S12 in which Skeete’s father Roger had previously claimed three of his 13 wins. Much of the interest, though, surrounded the R5 category, which is fast replacing the WRC class, home to older cars, more expensive to maintain as parts supply becomes a growing problem. Of a record number of 15 entered, including British hotshoe Frank Bird, whose father Paul is a double winner in the island, the attention of local fans was focussed firmly on 18-year-old Zane Maloney, making his rallying debut in a Skoda Fabia R5 owned by his uncle Stuart. Accompanied by experienced co-driver Kreigg Yearwood, the FIA Formula 3 racer became the youngest winner of King of the Hill, now sponsored by First Citizens, and was a

Frank Bird & Jack Morton

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Sol Rally Barbados 2022 winners Dane Skeete and Tyler Mayhew.

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Josh Read and Barry Ward. Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Andrew Graham & Gavin Neate in their AlliSport 90TD5 Land Rover Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

front-runner in Sol RB22 until he crashed out on Sunday’s opening stage.

Zane learned his trade at Bushy Park, winning Barbados Karting Association (BKA) titles before heading to Europe to pursue his dream of a seat in Formula 1. With the logo on his race suit and Trident Motorsport F3 car, Zane has been putting Bushy Park and the island in front of huge crowds as Grands Prix at the world’s most popular circuits – indeed, he claimed his first F3 win at the iconic Belgian circuit SpaFrancorchamps just days before this was written.

In parallel with the global appeal of Sol Rally Barbados and the emerging circuit racing brand that is ‘The Boy from Barbados’, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc has been promoting the destination with the theme ‘Motorsport Island’ to build on the sport’s popularity. Many tourists have already espoused that concept by trying out Bushy Park’s popular Karting Experiences, which attract up to 300 patrons each month, while racers from

Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were finally able to return to action for the first time in nearly two years when Bushy Park Motor Sports Inc’s (BPMSI) Radical Caribbean Cup restarted in July.

Behind the island’s growing international recognition is a calendar of grass roots motor sport under the umbrella of the Barbados Motoring Federation (BMF), to which the BKA, BPMSI, BRC and MCBI are affiliated, along with the Barbados Association of Dragsters & Drifters (BADD), Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL) and Vaucluse Raceway Motorsport Club (VRMSC). The BRC’s autocross and off-road navigational events attract newcomers, while VRMSC’s BimmaCup does so too, but also appeals to former competitors who still need to scratch that motor sport itch on an affordable budget.

And there are two other areas of the sport which the BMF has been concentrating on as the sport has emerged from the pandemic. In July last year, it coordinated the biggest-ever training session

for volunteer marshals and officials, around 150 participating in a four-day programme, including visitors from Antigua, Guyana and Jamaica. And then there’s the virtual world, which enjoyed exponential growth during the Covid Lockdowns. Caribbean Sim Motorsport (CSM), the latest affiliate to join the BMF, runs a Clubman Race Series sponsored by Bushy Park and oversaw the selection process for the BMF e-sports representative who attended the World Motorsport Games organised by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Finally, did you know that Barbados is one of only 10 of the 130 or so countries affiliated to the FIA with a population of less than 1 million? But between BMF President Senator Andrew Mallalieu being a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council and a regular F1 and F2 Steward, Zane Maloney’s strong first season in FIA Formula 3 and the worldwide reputation of Sol Rally Barbados, this little rock really does punch above its weight!

Andrew Mallalieu & Geoff Goddard

Photo: Gerrard Wilson for the Barbados Rally Club

Zane Maloney

Formula 3 race winner Zane Maloney

SANDY LANE GOLF RESORT

JEWEL IN CARIBBEAN GOLF

The Green Monkey

Many people believe Sandy Lane Golf Resort is the jewel in Caribbean golf and with good reason. It has three golf courses in pristine condition overlooking the west coast of Barbados, and has been the iconic haven of the rich and famous for many years. Sandy Lane Hotel has often been quoted as the most prestigious destination in the world for its outstanding quality, customer service, and cuisine.

Quite simply, it is the best! Of course, it comes at a price, both at the hotel and the golf.

Former tycoon British politician Ronnie Tree opened the hotel in 1961 with a

mandate to provide luxury facilities in a hideaway Caribbean island. For many years it was a Who’s Who for distinguished celebrities from all over the world, but it reached another level when five Irish businessmen bought the hotel and 18hole golf course in 1996. Their mandate was to retain its iconic ambience, and to rebuild both the hotel and golf course. The hotel was demolished in 1998 and rebuilt three years later and opened on 17th March St. Patrick’s Day. Renowned US golf luminary Tom Fazio was commissioned to restructure the golf design which was completed several years later with two magnificent new

courses and a retained nine holes from the original 18-hole design by Robertson Ward. Sandy Lane Resort now boasts three outstanding designs-The Country Club, The Green Monkey and The Old Nine, adjacent to the hotel barely 150 yards from the Reception Desk.

The much-loved Old Nine has retained the ambience from some of the original course and the clubhouse where so many golfers enjoyed camaraderie and friendships. It may have lost its lofty image to the bigger courses, but the tradition remains. Many returning guests love the Old Nine with its tall mahogany trees, lush fairways, stunning views

The Country Club Course

alongside some of the most prestigious properties in Barbados, well-guarded greens in magnificently manicured condition. The nine-hole par 36 over 3,345 yards is a testing challenge for most amateurs, and although the Signature parthree on the seventh green may be a short tee shot, everyone loves the opportunity to birdie or perhaps better with its stunning elevated tee box.

The Country Club and Green Monkey share the clubhouse barely a mile from the hotel. The facilities are excellent, with its spectacular setting overlooking the west coast. They include refreshments, restaurant, lockers, caddies, carts and superb golf merchandise from the Proshop. A driving range is also available.

Tom Fazio’s design on The Country Club is user-friendly, with wide fairways although it can be set just as difficult from the challenging back tee boxes. The course is beautiful with rolling slopes, lush fairways stunning views from elevated tee boxes, five lakes and colourful shrubbery and trees. The biggest problem could be the wind, as can will be challenging when it blows. However, it didn’t present too many problems for the winning German duo Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem when Sandy Lane hosted the World Golf Championship World Cup in 2006..

Perhaps the highlight of Tom Fazio’s achievement was his Green Monkey Club design. Carved in an old limestone quarry with some spectacular rock faces it is impressive. The 72-par 7,343 yards course has numerous features including lush fairways, dramatic elevated tee positions, and several lakes. The par-three 16th green was a masterpiece, with the elevated, rock faces and lake behind to capture if the tee shot proves to be too aggressive. To complete the masterpiece, Fazio’s has set the bunker with a grassy bed shaped like a monkey. A genius at his work!

Yes, the Sandy Lane Resort is very special.

To play all three courses, perhaps ‘Utopia!’

Number 7 at the Old Nine

Royal Westmoreland

Sean, take us through your golf journey to being the first and only Bajan British qualified PGA Golf Professional?

It is very interesting being the first and currently only Barbadian who is qualified under the British PGA. This wasn’t even in my plans if I’m being honest, I graduated on May 8th 2010 from my college in Florida and my plan was to stay in the USA and try to play and make it on a mini tour. At this time the goal would have been very difficult since there wasn’t much sponsorship money around and even with great sponsorship it is extremely hard to make it as a playing g professional. A few days after graduation I received a call from Greg at Royal Westmoreland offering me a job as the assistant professional with the opportunity to do the British PGA qualification. This course is a three year course and includes a lot more than playing and teaching golf. They cover golf, business, sport science and coaching. It is the best thing that I could have done after college and it has paved the way for me to meet and interact with some amazing people all over the world.

You are the golf pro at Royal Westmoreland. What does that entail?

Being the golf professional at Royal Westmoreland has entailed many different roles over the years. I started in the membership department and learned how the different membership structures work, after that I was involved with the pro shop ordering, pricing and stock taking. I then moved on to running the golf operations, which is the department that deals with our golfers; for instance, meeting and greeting them and also preparing their golf cart and taking care of their clubs. This department has a huge impact on the golfers experience at the club and it is very important, they will be the last person you see before you go on the golf course and the first person you see when you get off the golf course. Last but by no means not least, I teach. This is by far my most favorite thing to do at work, I have conducted over four thousand lessons in the last 8 years and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with clients and imparting my knowledge on them about this amazing game called golf, that is every bit mental as it is physical.

Tell us a bit about the course and what’s your favourite hole and why?

I have played many golf courses and I would say that Royal Westmoreland is a design that doesn’t get old, the golf course is full of character and beautiful views, you can see the Caribbean Sea on 14 of the 18 holes and if that wasn’t impressive enough it is a location where you can watch some of the most amazing sunsets. Picking my favorite hole isn’t easy as they are so many that I love but if I had to pick a hole it would have to be number 18.

RWM have hosted some professional competitions in the past. Can you tell us about them?

Royal Westmoreland hosted a few professional events. The first one was the Shell Wonderful World of golf and this was in 1997 where Nick Faldo took on Tom Lehman, I was there and watched this match as a 10 year old. I also remember Tom putting on a clinic for the kids and teaching us how to play fades and draws.

Royal Westmoreland also hosted a European senior tour event for a few

Sporting Barbados caught up with Sean Edey – Royal Westmoreland PGA Golf Professional to find out some insights into Royal Westmoreland Golf Course and Club!

years, I think it was 2000-2002. This was a pro-am event and I had the luxury of being able to participate one year and I actually came second in the amateur section losing to a gentleman who is now known as The Most Honorable Desmond Haynes, he never lets me live this down, even though I was only 13 years old, he saved the news paper excerpts and sends them to me on what’s app at least once a year to remind me that I lost to him.

These events were great for the island because it gave some people the opportunity to really see golf at a very high level that they wouldn’t have seen live otherwise. I hope one day we can be a part of another professional event, it would be great for the island.

It’s a very exclusive club. Can visitors play? Can they stay at RWM and Play?

Yes the club is fairly exclusive but we do allow visitors to play. This time is very limited however, they can book a tee time between 10am and 11am and pay the full rate of $300usd if they want to play our golf course. They can also choose to stay with us on property which gives them

more access to the golf course and the facilities such as gym, beach club, pool, tennis courts and paddle courts.

Is there a social side to Royal Westmoreland with competitions etc?

There is definitely a social aspect to the club, we have a very active schedule of tournaments for our membership and their guests which are conducted during the months of November and April. We all know this is known as the tourist season for the island and it is extremely busy during this time.

What’s in the pipeline for 2023?

For 2023, my goal is to increase my clientele and also the clientele of the club. Every year I try to be better at my role than I was the year before, this may include adding different ideas to both my teaching and the club. Always looking forward and never looking back.

BARBADOS GOLF CLUB

Jina Scheper has recently taken over as CEO at Barbados Golf Club and is looking forward to the challenge! She shares some of her plans with SB!

Tell us a bit about your background?

I am Canadian in origin and have lived in Barbados for the past 17 years having lived in St. Lucia before. My professional background is in resort and facility management having managed properties such as Sugar Hill on the west coast.

What excited you about working for Barbados Golf Club?

Golf! The club has so much potential as does golf in Barbados. I wanted to be part of that drive to improve our facility and grow the game on the island.

Tell us about the course and how it fits into the Barbados Golfing picture?

The whole rational for the Golf Club was to provide golf for all Barbadians and also to create a high yield tourism product for the 2000+ rooms on the south coast. The club has evolved and is the heart of golf in Barbados. There is hardly a sportsman in this island who has not swung a club on our course.

Are there any packages to play if you are a long term visitor or local enthusiast?

We offer membership packages that

cater to the individual. For our snow birds there are 3 and 6 month memberships as well as playing cards available. We have beginner’s packages for the up and coming golfer, who may not be prepared to commit to the game yet, and may need some lessons, and a comfortable introduction. For the golfer with confidence we offer an array of memberships as well as pay and play options that can suit any budget.

Does the club have regular competitions and a social side?

The club holds tournaments on the 2nd Saturday of the month called our Monthly Medal. We recently hosted the BGA Open, with players from the US, Australia and across the region. Our Director of Tournaments has already planned some fun events for the season with some fun tournaments planned and some more competitive competitions for the golfer who loves a challenge.

On the social scene Saturdays are our main member days and the club is always buzzing with activity. Mulligans hosts BBQs every Saturday attracting crowds of golfers and anyone looking for a great time in a laid back atmosphere

What’s your favourite hole on the course and why?

Hands down I love 16! This is a par 3 hole set over the lake and as much as it is short often time’s a silly swing will land you in water. When the wind is right I will use my 3 wood and hit straight across on to the green close to the pin. Unfortunately that is a rarity and I more often just lose a ball, or two or three. It is a gorgeous setting and a fun challenge.

Any future plans or major changes for the BGC?

We recently upgraded our fleet of carts and have plans on adding much needed maintenance equipment as well. On the course we will be improving a few tee boxes as well, working to grow an excellent chipping green, so players can take advantage of a putting and chipping green, and cutting back foliage and trees that create blind spots. Plans are in the making to upgrade the driving range with new mats and nets so golfers can practise in comfort. Our long term goal is to commence work on upgrading some of the fairways and cart paths. On a golf course every day is a push to improve.

ROCKLEY GOLF CLUB

What brought you to Barbados and Rockley Golf Club?

Oh, this will be a long answer...

About 10 years ago my husband and I retired and decided to move to beautiful Barbados.

It was a dream we had had for a many years, not so hard to understand as we come from Sweden, a cold nordic country.

We love Barbados because it is outstanding in so many ways... the friendliest people, best climate, the language....extra plus is the access to most items or supplies one needs, wonderful shopping, all different restaurants, music and entertainment. When it comes to different sports and activities the choice is outstanding either if you would like to be entertained or take part...water sports of all kinds, regattas and catamaran tours, cricket, the national sport, horse riding, horse racing and polo, golf with 5 to 6 different golf clubs, marathons and biking, tennis and squash...etc, etc, absolutely amazing !!

Barbados is not only an island with beautiful white beaches. Barbados is such a vibrant, living country and society!....and Barbados has the most beautiful, stunning nature and huge varieties of landscape, just fabulous!

Barbados is a giant country on (a fairly) small area and one can’t help loving it!

About Rockley Golf Club...

I have always said I will start playing golf when I retire. My earlier experience

was not big, I only got a bit in contact with golfing a long time ago in my youth.

We live in the south coast and we had two golf clubs to choose between. We decided that the one nearest us would be the ideal club to join, Rockley Golf and Country Club! It had the nice reputation of being a very friendly and inviting club and that was of course ideal for us not knowing so many people.

My personal history...After some time that we have moved here and settled down I realised I felt lonely and not being a part of something. I even started to feel homesick and had thoughts about actually moving back to Sweden, hard to understand today!

However, as time went along I started to go out on the golf course in Rockley with my husband and practiced playing. We had different lessons with different pros too. I was too insecure to sign up for a tournament but my husband started to play in some of those on Saturdays.

One day the former Ladies Captain, Catherine Dillemann, asked him where his wife was. She had seen us together on the course for some time but never saw me participating on a Saturday. Very kindly Catherine Dillemann phoned me and welcomed me to join the Ladies on a Wednesday! ...I did and it changed my life!

What do you like most about RGC?

Oh, there are so many things I like about Rockley !.....

Ann Thylen moved to Barbados 10 years ago…Joining Rockley Golf Club was the best thing she did!

Number one is probably the friendship and the good atmosphere...

It is so important to feel welcome when joining or just visiting a club. Either you are a low handicaper or a beginner one certainly does feel welcome at Rockley. As said, Rockley is the friendliest club I know and I have met some of my best friends there.

Another thing is I love to walk and the 9 hole course with its alternative tees for the back-9 is a very nice and walkable park course.

It’s maybe not the best course on the island but it is very central situated and accessible and it sure has its challenges too!

A third thing is the atmosphere in the clubhouse, it is always relaxed and friendly. After the Saturday tournaments there is often a bit of a Party and sometimes some entertainment too! Panenka, the restaurant, and its staff is an absolute asset too!

Rockley has some very generous and exclusive sponsors and the tournaments during the high season are on a very good level. Even during the lower season the tournaments winners get quite nice and attractive prices.

You have been the lady captain for the past two years which is a huge honour, what is involved in this?

Yes, it is a huge honour indeed to lead and take care of the lovely “Rockley Ladies”.

What it’s really about is to keep people happy and make them feel they are

included...and it is a great pleasure as we have so many lovely ladies! In the high season there is about 25, or more. There is a variety in skills from low handicappers to beginners..and everyone can participate, that’s the charm of golf! All ladies are welcome!..all ages and many different nationalities are represented too, always interesting!

Wednesdays are “the Lady’s Days” and we play a relaxed game of golf, its more about having fun actually, both on and off the course! The “Apres golf” when we gather in the clubhouse for the prize presentation, is relaxing and we chat with a drink and some snacks, it’s a cheerful and appreciated time.

The Ladies Captain’s task is mostly about planning the Wednesdays, like what kind of tournament, tee time scheduling, corresponding and organising the prizes.

Every year we throw a Ladies Christmas Party, a great event!...something that is organised by the Captain, great fun! Captain’s Day is another event and a fundraising for a good cause and it involves the two Captains, both the Ladies and the Mens Captain.

For me personally being a Captain is also about contributing and a bit of paying back for the good Rockley has given me.

What’s your favorite hole on the course and why?

Hole # 7, is my favorite ! With the big beautiful tree with yellow flowers in the middle, “Pride of India” I have been told is the name of it. It is a distance hole

374/316 yards, par 4, with a hazard area to the right in the middle and bunkers too, both to the right of the green and behind...index 3 and 4. Quite a challenge!

What would you say to someone wanting to come and golf in Barbados and why choose Rockley?

Yes, do come and golf in Barbados!! Barbados is the place for golfing! Ideal climate and several courses to choose from too, great opportunities!

Rockley Golf Club really has its advantages, it is so nearby and easy to reach on the south coast and it has the best value, very price worthy! It is a comprehensive course you can easily walk or cart. There is something for everybody.

You can go out playing on your own or with your friends, whatever you prefer. If you need or would like some guidance you can book a lesson. There is a practice area being made, it’s always good to get some putting practice and to dust off the swing.

You are always welcome to join the pot on a Tuesday or a Thursday. This mostly attracts men but women do join too and then there is of course the Ladies Wednesday.

Saturdays there is always some club tournament. The friendly staff in the Proshop will be happy to help too.

Rockley has many returning golfers that come and stay for different periods of time and some has been coming for ages...

....that gives an idea how well liked and popular Rockley is.

ELEVATED.

YET DOWN TO EARTH.

“Sustainability is something that we take very seriously.” This affirmation comes from the Project Manager at the Apes Hill Golf Resort and Community, Donovan Bagwell, as he describes the major undertaking of redesigning the 18-hole Championship golf course. Apes Hill Barbados is not just building another green; they’re building an eco-system, a community rooted in sustainability which positively impacts the course and residents of the ultra-luxury resort.

First, let’s talk golf.

The Jaw-Dropping Wow Factor at Apes Hill Barbados

The redesign of the course began in 2019. Despite this being an unprecedented period of pandemic and uncertainty, full steam went ahead in stripping the course down to dirt for a total renovation. It’s been a blessing in disguise to build back better, with every effort to place sustainability at the fore.

Leading the redesign was one of the most experienced golf course architects in the world, Ron Kirby, and two of the finest land shapers in the business, Justin Carlton and Gary Shapiro. Initially, the previous golf course architecture was analysed with one conclusion drawn: it needed a wow factor.

Their teamwork allowed Apes Hill Barbados to work intimately with mother nature, highlighting the course’s unique, natural indigenous assets to provide the most memorable golfing experience in the Caribbean.

A Place of Natural Heritage

Roddy Carr, who coordinated the golf project, sums up the focus of the redesign succinctly: “The key focus is to make golf at Apes Hill the most enjoyable golfing experience in the Caribbean. This means softening the golf course considerably by reducing the slopes on greens…and accentuating all the natural assets of the 475-acre site.”

In terms of natural assets, Apes Hill Barbados has an elevated vantage point of nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, straddling both the east and west coasts. From the front 9, you have views to the sparkling Caribbean Sea. From the back 9, you are entrenched in spectacular vistas over the wild Atlantic east coast; deep, winding gullies, indigenous forests,

and rock formations of the Scotland District. This district is critical in Barbados’ history: the area is part of an underwater mountain range that emerged from the ocean millions of years ago. It’s geology is therefore vastly different from the rest of the island, which was formed through tectonic movement.

Natural history this significant deserved a spotlight, and that’s what the redesign brought to the course.

As you putt around from hole to hole, you’ll also pass vibrant patterns of tropical plants and fruit trees. Breadfruit trees, coconut trees, banana trees, coffee, lime trees, agave patches. Not to mention the fluttering pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. There are creatures of all sizes calling Apes Hill Barbados home, from osprey and egrets to families of green monkeys popping in and out of view to see if you can make a birdie.

Good Golf Depends on Good Grass

Even a non-golfer would imagine that maintaining turf grass usually requires an enormous amount of water, fertilizer, and pesticide. But at Apes Hill Barbados, meticulous research led to the selection of an insect-resistant, low-water-consumption Zorro Zoysia grass. This means that the course requires a smaller volume of water and chemical pesticides to maintain it.

“We’re trying to build something that is here forever,” says Ed Paskins, Golf Course Superintendent at Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort and Community, in simple summary of the mission to “grow good grass”.

“We were very careful with the design to focus on reducing the footprint of the grasses that need full maintenance, water and fertilizers.” Ron Kirby adds. “The new Zoysia Zorro grass we planted needs less water.”

In fact, the golf course turf at Apes Hill Barbados is irrigated by 100% rainwater. This rainwater reservoir is located in a farmland area, holding 58 million gallons which are pumped into an 8 million gallon

reservoir on the stunning 16th hole.

Thanks to ground-breaking initiatives like these, the golf resort is on trajectory to become the most environmentally responsible course in the Caribbean.

Environmentally Conscious Construction

Water preservation techniques are also used across the residences. The architecture of the ultra-luxury resort homes embraces sustainable modern practices. For instance, the Hilltop neighbourhood features a bioswale network designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution, beneficially recharging the groundwater.

The homes in the Apes Hill Barbados Golf Resort and Community have been designed to encourage natural ventilation, through the thoughtful siting of the homes and the arrangement of windows and doors, minimizing the reliance on air conditioning. Energy efficiency has also been taken into consideration with the introduction of variable speed pumps, LED lighting and energy star rated kitchen appliances. Homes can also benefit from photo voltaic electrical generation and electric golf cart and vehicle charging ports.

Golf Performance and Teaching Centre

Golfers will appreciate discovering the Performance and Teaching Centre, with state-of-the-art Titleist Performance Institute and PuttView technology, the first one to open in the Caribbean.

There is also a Par 3 course measuring around 1100 yards long in total, designed for all levels of golfers, young and old, to enjoy and have fun together in a casual atmosphere. You can upgrade your golf gear at the pro shop.

But, these golfing extras are just the bells and whistles; it’s Apes Hill Barbados’ down to earth dedication to sustainability and elevated resort experience that truly makes it rewarding.

SANDY LANE CHARITABLE TRUST

The Sandy Lane Charitable Trust (SLCT) has been around for over 15 years and their primary mission is – “Helping the under privileged children of Barbados” by whatever means necessary.

The past two years have been rather challenging for many of us and for the SLCT it was no different. Despite the obstacles, SLCT has remained resilient and committed to the children of Barbados. Without a doubt, this charitable organisation continues to lead with excellence through the most critical times.

As a children’s Trust, their primary and overwhelming concern is for the wellbeing of the children. Giving hope is the most important part of their work and they do so with hearts filled with much love and empathy. The work of the Trust is vast, whether that is through their healthcare, education, or community programmes, they are renowned for championing these meaningful causes to protect and assist those who are too young to help themselves. To learn more about Trust and their work you can visit their website at www.sandylanecharitabletrust.org.

Although, their highly anticipated fundraising Dinner Gala was canceled for the second year, the Board of Trustees altered their 2022 event and hosted a very successful Golf Tournament followed by a prize-giving reception and lunch. A glaring contrast to their usual fanfare gala dinner, although it was great day for all on the greens, with donations forthcoming.

Trustee and Grand Patron Mr Derrick Smith reinforced the Trust’s commitment to their mission and brought to light the ardent need for the Trust to sustain their work, especially during such uncertain times. Mr Smith expressed his gratitude to the Trust’s generous donors for their ongoing support. Despite the pandemic and its reeling impacts, some of their generous donors remained committed pledging their support in recognition of the importance of Trusts’ work. Their act of kindness and generosity has certainly enabled the Trust to sustain their programmes over the past year and provide support to those who needed it most.

As we usher in 2023, we anticipate the return of the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Golf Tournament and Dinner Gala, often referred to as the “event of the season”. Let us hope that donors dig deep in their pockets and help the Trust to raise the much-needed funds to support these worthwhile causes.

Derrick Smith with Bronte Law

Winning Team

Ian Woosnam

Russ Abbott

Local Golfers

The Garrison Savannah on Sandy Lane Gold Cup day

HORSE

THRILLING HORSERACING AT THE GARRISON

by Eddie Belle Photos by Peter Marshall

Horseracing is a big deal at the Garrison and it’s still one of the most popular sports on the island. Its unique racetrack lends itself to an unforgettable experience in true Barbadian style with its mix of visitors and locals. It is a social occasion for some, an opportunity to have picnics and meet with friends as they spread all around the perimeters of the track.

2022 saw a return to a full racing calendar after a shortened 2021 racing season. In February, the track returned to normal pre-pandemic operations with full capacity attendance in enclosed areas and no restrictions for fans on the grounds.

The star of the racing season, the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, run on the first Saturday in March did not take place for the second straight year much to the disappointment of visitors and locals. Instead on that day the Coolmore Stakes, a Grade 1 race run over 9 furlongs for the top-rated horses

was the headliner. The Tanglewood Stakes, a Grade 1 race for Caribbean-bred horses, which also formed part of the Gold Cup day undercard took place later in March. The Gold Cup will return to its rightful place on the racing calendar on March 4th, 2023.

Despite the disappointment of no Gold Cup race, the major focus then was turned to the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is a series of three races for Caribbean -bred horses consisting of The Guineas (7.8 furlongs), Midsummer Classic (nine furlongs) and the Derby (ten furlongs). And it takes an exceptional horse to win all three legs.

The Barbados Derby is the most important and historic race for 3-yearold Caribbean-bred horses. This is the pinnacle, even the loftiest heights for the horse, owner, trainer, jockey and breeder. A race everyone wants to win. It is the

Horseracing is a big deal at the Garrison and it’s still one of the most popular sports on the island.

longest-running race at the Garrison Savannah. The first running took place in 1940 making it the island’s oldest classic race. Over the years the Derby has provided great excitement but there has also been drama and controversy and some very exciting finishes to add to this truly great race.

As with any major event, the Derby has undergone some changes over the years. The major change was lengthening the distance of the race to ten furlongs ( 1¼ miles), from nine furlongs a true stamina test.

In 2022 an exceptional horse named Hurricane, owned by Mrs Gay Smith and trained by Edward Walcott Jr. turned in a scintillating performance to win the Derby becoming only the 8th horse in racing history to win all three legs and achieve the status of Triple Crown winner much to the delight of hundreds of patrons. It was the third win in the classic for the owner and breeder Gay Smith following wins by Knight Rider( 2013) and Butterfly( 2017).

The lone woman jockey Cadejah Arthur made her growing legion of young fans very excited and happy with her historymaking win back in May becoming the second Barbadian woman to win a race at the Garrison Savannah following the exploits of retired jockey Sonia Perkins.

Despite the major challenges facing horseracing after the covid-19 pandemic, new and innovative ways must be found to keep the racing product viable and a with a greater presence on the sporting landscape encompassing all media platforms .We must be positive and everyone work together with all stakeholders to ensure that the sport thrives in order to have a successful future. Don’t miss the night racing evenings at the Garrison Savannah and visit www. sportingbarbados.com for details of racedays/nights.

www.barbadosturfclub.org

EQUESTRIAN UPDATE

by Zoe Thornton

This has been an exciting year for the equestrian community in Barbados. Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen the restart of competitions after a 2-year halt, with roughly 14 competitions held this year. There are currently 3 local riders attempting to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games) in addition to the Pan American Games in 2023.

Dressage riders enjoyed the expertise of several international trainers who came in to hold clinics. The regional Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) and international FEI Dressage World Challenge were judged by international FEI judges Cesar Torrente, Omar Zayrik and Jeanne McDonald. It was thrilling to see new young riders and horses competing in their first competition of this scale.

Barbados also held its first ever Mini CEA Show Jumping and Dressage Challenges. The aim is to encourage more young equestrians, by giving the next generation of riders the opportunity to represent the island on a regional level.

Following the 2019 Pan American team bronze podium finish by Laura Smith, Monique Archer and Zoe Archer we have seen the emergence of 3-phase eventing in Barbados. Interest in this discipline has grown with cross country courses being constructed at several riding stables. Monique Archer and her lovely horse Camross Diamond (left) have qualified for the CAC Games in 2023.

The Grand Prix is being presented by the wonderful pair of Roberta Foster and her mare Chichic in preparation for the CAC Games. This is the Olympic level test which has not been shown in Barbados in over a decade. We have great pride

in her dedication and as a role model for developing riders.

Mackenzie Manning and Ruveyda (below left) proved themselves to be the young pair to watch in dressage in 2022 as they began competing in higher level tests and are aiming for the CAC Games next year.

A new riding school developed during the pandemic: Five Gaits Equestrian Centre. According to owner Kareem Smith “Our goal at Five Gaits is to develop the equestrian sport and recreational

riding for all Barbadians; while being an advocate for the needs and welfare of the horse.”

Professions related to the sport have also seen growth with an increase in training of farriers, equine physiotherapists and veterinarians. This has opened many doors for modern techniques and therapies for horses in every discipline.

Following this year’s activities, we eagerly await what is in store for 2023. https://barbadosequestrian.org/

Monique Archer

MacKenzie Manning

Roberta Foster

P O

by Wayne Archer

Photos by Peter Marshall

Photos by Peter Marshall

The 2021/2022 Polo season began towards the end of November 2021. Thankfully we were eventually granted permission to play Polo from the Covid authorities on island however under strict rules and protocols. This was tough but like everyone involved in sport, the club was delighted to be back in action with play resuming once again.

As a club, we had to look for alternative ways to get us through the season as we had no visiting teams who were able to travel because of the Covid restrictions at the time. That said, we pulled together and came up with a structure we thought would give our members enough Polo and opportunities for them to have a fun filled season both on and off the field.

During the year, we were delighted to welcome some new young members on board . We have four new junior players bringing new life to the club as well as a few International players who have made Barbados their winter homes while at the same time playing Polo. This looks good

for the future of our Polo!

Our 2022/2023 season looks promising as we look forward to the return of our International visiting teams and to some sort of normality.

We have confirmed The Villages out of The US, the return of The Cheshire team, our friends from Canada, Hickstead from the UK, ‘Was Cosa’ polo team from Switzerland and the return of a team from Denmark who played here last year for the first time. Its very exciting to have our Polo back again at Holders and Apes Hill Polo Club!!

There is nothing that can match watching a relaxed afternoon of Polo in Barbados and we aim to bring back the fun and competition as well as the clubhouse atmosphere. There is a small entrance fee and visitors are welcome. ‘The bar is solid’ as they say in Barbados and at many matches you can get afternoon tea and snacks. Check www. sportingbarbados.com for match timings and details.

Hockey is Back in Paradise

CHEERS TO 37 YEARS!

by Kofi P. Hinds, Hon. Secretary, Barbados Hockey Federation

What a year! What a year! 37 is not an often-celebrated number. In fact, one could safely wager that it ranks among the least celebrated and seldom recognized milestones where ages and numbers are concerned. Not this 37 though! In 2022 the Barbados Hockey Federation (BHF) celebrated 37 years of unbroken hosting of the Barbados International Hockey Festival and what a celebration it was. Our beloved Hockey Festival, also affectionately known worldwide as the Banks Festival, was successfully staged again under bright blue skies, golden sunshine, and with cooling island breeze.

Not only was the Hockey Festival celebrating its 37th year, an excellent reason in itself, but there was also cause to celebrate the return of Hockey in Barbados sans many of the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions, as well as the icing on the 37-layer cake - the welcome return of our overseas participants! Notwithstanding all else (such as the fantastic actual Hockey), this is for us the most important aspect of the Hockey Festival – our visiting participants. As was remarked by a local Hockey stalwart just this year, the comradery of the ‘Hockey Tribe’ makes the Hockey Festival truly what it is – an international, yet distinctively Caribbean mix of friends, family, competitors, and good vibes. We were more than delighted to welcome visiting participants – players, officials, and supporters – from the U.S.A., Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and the U.K.

This year we also reintroduced our full seven-day schedule with the full social event roster for the Hockey Festival, because of course, it can’t be much of a Hockey Festival without the appropriate

Festivities, of course. The social events were reimagined and relaunched, much to the approval and enjoyment of all. We kicked-off the week with our opening reception and party for teams, and what an opening reception it was. Hosted for the first time at the new Halo Lounge in the famous St. Lawrence Gap, teams were treated to cultural experiences, modern dancers, local mixes and fare, with DJs and MCs ensuring the vibes kept flowing. This amazing start set the pace and the atmosphere for what was a tremendously fun and exhilarating week of Hockey and festivities.

Participants were treated to full days of Hockey in the four competition categories: men’s, women’s, mixed and open masters (35 and over), and full evenings of social events. Of particular note was the now popular games night, where teams challenge each other off the field in local popular games like dominoes, cards, and Hockey bingo, all while renowned international chef Adrian Cumberbatch filled the air with his BBQ mastery further tantalizing the senses. Later in the week participants took to the seas to enjoy the popular Festival Party Cruise. This was a night cruise to unwind and have a dance to the season’s best tunes shuffled by the Barbados’ top DJs.

The excitement of the week continued right down to the very last minute, as the tournament moved into its semi-final and final matches, the medal ceremony, and the after-party. After the keenly contested finals matches, local soca artists led the after-party, which was held right on site at the Hockey Centre in Wildey, St. Michael. It was an excellent and memorable week all around.

Outside of the Barbados International Hockey Festival, Hockey is played in Barbados practically year-round, with the local leagues starting in February and wrapping up in November, with some short breaks in between. Over the course of a standard Hockey year, we welcome many overseas teams and clubs for a variety of Hockey tours at all levels - adult, college, and youth. Many visiting teams come as multi-sport teams, and we welcome them all. We look forward and hope to be welcoming you as well in the very near future.

Looking forward to 2023, planning is already underway to grow our beloved sport and the Hockey Festival, which is being hosted from August 20th to 26th, 2023. In April 2023, Barbados is also very excited to be hosting the (Under 21) Junior Pan American Championships for Men and Women, which will see the first major use of our brand-new pavilion and players facility. We already have a few inquiries from international teams who plan to visit with us and participate in the 2023 Hockey Festival, so we are very enthusiastic about 2023 and hosting all teams and participants. Whether you are a player, supporter, official, fan, or you just love the sun, sea, and sand – come join us. Not wanting to give too much away, but we plan on reintroducing our beach fun day – a day with no Hockey and just beach vibes - and there may be a day with paint, rum, a parade, and soca, but you may just have to join us to find out. Come and be a part of the ultimate Hockey experience here in paradise.

See you soon. www.barbadoshockey.org

FRESH WINDS

by Anne Tindale Photos by Peter Marshall

With fairly constant north-easterly winds averaging 10 to 15 knots, flat seas and clear blue skies for most of the year, Barbados boasts some of the best sailing conditions that can be found anywhere in the world, and with many of its veterans having retired from the sport over recent years, the future of sailing in the island now lies in the hands of its up and coming young sailors. It was with this in mind back in 2020 that the Barbados Sailing Association sought assistance from the then Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy to build up its junior sailing programme. With support from the Ministry, the Sail for Life Programme was born and, through the Programme, the Association has been able to teach a large number of Barbadian youngsters to sail who would not normally have had the opportunity.

In addition to enabling the Association to teach so many youngsters the skills of sailing, through the Ministry’s support the Association was able to purchase a fleet of O’Pen Skiff sailing dinghies which arrived in Barbados towards the end of 2021, much to the excitement of the Association’s young sailors. Being only 9 feet in length, the O’Pen Skiffs are usually sailed by 10 to 15 year olds. Their fastplaning hulls provide a dynamic sailing experience to a new generation of young sailors who want as much excitement as

possible out on the water.

It was very fitting that the boats arrived in time to play a major part in the Republic Day Flotilla Parade that took place in Carlisle Bay on 28th November, 2021 to mark Barbados’s transition to a Republic State. Watched by hundreds of Barbadians and visitors alike, the red and white sails of the Skiffs were clearly visible from the shore and were the highlight of the Parade. As they sailed back and forth across the Bay, it gave the Association’s young sailors a chance to show off their sailing skills.

The Skiffs have rapidly become a favourite with the island’s youth sailors and they are providing an excellent pathway to regional and international competition. To help it achieve its goals of sending youngsters to overseas events, the Sailing Association, with

assistance from the Barbados Olympic Association, engaged the services of Uruguayan Olympic sailor and coach, Luis Chiapparro. No stranger to Barbados, having conducted a Coaching Clinic here in 2004, Luis was delighted to return for 2 weeks over the 2022 Easter vacation to conduct an intensive Race Training Clinic for 11 of the island’s top junior sailors. With high winds and large swells providing challenging conditions throughout the 2 weeks, everyone’s sailing skills improved in leaps and bounds.

The Skiffs also played a big part in the 2022 Round Barbados Sailing Week held in mid-January. After being absent from the sailing calendar in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, Sailing Week returned in 2022 with a much expanded version which saw the introduction of a Dinghy Racing Series into the annual event for the first

time. Racing around a triangular course in the seas off the Barbados Yacht Club and Barbados Cruising Club, the young sailors in Sunfish, Taz and Optimists, as well as the O’Pen Skiffs, were cheered on by teams of enthusiastic spectators on visiting yachts moored in Carlise Bay.

In addition to the 2 days of dinghy racing, Kitesurfing, Wing Foil Board Racing and one meter radio controlled DragonFlite 95 Racing were also incorporated into Sailing Week for the first time; the Kitesurfing and Wing Foil Board Racing taking place in the waters off Long Beach and the DragonFlite 95 Racing taking place at Golden Pond in St Philip.

As always, Sailing Week also featured the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race on Errol Barrow Day. A good mix of yachts of different sizes and designs crossed the start line to try to beat the

record in their respective classes. With strong, north-east winds gusting to 25 knots and higher, and fairly rough seas, especially rounding North Point where the waves became challenging, a few boats were forced to retire and, much to everyone’s disappointment, no records were broken, but a good time was had by all. This was then followed by the 2 day Coastal Racing Series, and winds in the region of 15 knots out of the north-east and fairly flat seas made for excellent sailing conditions and tight competition in both the CSA and Non-CSA Classes.

Looking forward to 2023, the sailing season is scheduled to kick off with the 2023 Round Barbados Sailing Week in January and this will be followed by dingy and offshore events on most weekends throughout the season, which usually runs into mid-July.

KICKING GOALS ON AND OFF THE FIELD FOOTBALL IN BARBADOS

by Amy Goulding

During the domestic season, sports lovers and football fans visiting the island can expect regular local matches and training sessions, official tournaments and competitions, as well as international friendly games with touring teams all throughout the year.

To top it off, there have been some exciting new developments in the world of football in Barbados, making 2023 the perfect time to come and support this little island paradise as a world-class sporting destination of choice.

It’s safe to say – football is one of the most popular sports in Barbados. Despite interruptions to training, match scheduling, and international competition during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, football in Barbados is now officially back and can once again be enjoyed by all.

A Strong Heritage

Founded in 1910, the Barbados Football Association (BFA) (formally the Barbados Amateur Football Association) is the governing body for football in Barbados and is responsible for organizing, promoting, and regulating all football activity on the island.

The BFA has been an affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for over 50 years and is also a member of the Central American and Caribbean Football Associations (Concacaf), Caribbean Football Union (CFU), the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA), and the National Sports Council (NSC).

From a national population of approximately 288 000 people, there are roughly 17 000 active male and female football players in Barbados – from junior level all the way up to Masters –and approximately 71 member clubs registered with the BFA.

The official ‘home of football’ in Barbados is located at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, where both the

BFA Headquarters and the national pitch stand side-by-side.

The national football teams are called the ‘Tridents’ and the ‘Lady Tridents’, reflecting the broken trident symbol on Barbados’ national flag.

Connecting Communities

Given the island’s deep historical ties to the game, football matches in Barbados are notorious for stirring up passion within generations of Bajans, who love to come out and watch their beloved local team play at any and every opportunity they get.

The domestic football season is held between January and August, and football in Barbados plays a pivotal role in connecting grassroots communities as well as in the social development of many of the nation’s young people.

On any given weekend during the official season, visitors are welcome to go along and watch free local football matches all over the island. The national Premier League is played at the infamous ‘Wildey Turf’, while matches for all other divisions can be found at various locations in almost every parish in Barbados; each with its own distinct atmosphere to enjoy.

2022 – The Year That Was …

Although football in 2022 continued to feel the effects of the global pandemic, the island still managed to produce some notable highlights.

At the start of the year, the National Women’s team, the Lady Tridents, embarked on a 2023 World Cup Qualifying campaign as part of their development programme and the overall

push to progress women’s football in Barbados.

Guided by FIFA and Concacaf officials, the BFA also adopted a revised version of its Statutes in 2022, which provide progressive improvements to its governance structure and outline the power and duties of the BFA as a whole.

After a three-year absence, the Barbados Invitational Masters Football Classic (BIMFC) made its return to play last year. Teams at the Masters generally consist of players aged ‘Over 40’ and ‘Over 50’ from as far as the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, and the broader Caribbean region, as well as various local Bajan teams. In a historic moment for Barbadian football, the 2022 tournament also included for the very first time a showcase and exhibition match of home-grown women’s talent to continue to encourage female participation in the sport on the island.

2022 additionally saw the appointment of a new BFA Technical Director and Senior Men’s National Head Coach, and kicked off a brand-new chapter for football in Barbados with a visit from FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Kenny Jean-Marie, who reiterated FIFA’s commitment to supporting the development of football on the island at all levels.

Towards the end of 2022, the highlyanticipated ‘official return to football’ in Barbados was launched through concurrent tournaments – the Republic Cup and the Women’s Super League – and an innovative new ‘BFA Career Hub’ was introduced as part of the BFA National Programme to guide and assist players

and staff to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

2023

– What’s in Store?

Now that the replacement of the turf at the home of football has been completed, the playing surface of the national football field impressively meets FIFA Field Certification criteria, enabling Barbados to host even bigger and better international matches and competitions.

Once such match is the Concacaf Nation’s League Qualifier which will be held in Barbados on Thursday 23rd March 2023 between the Barbados and Cuba Senior Men’s National teams. It signals the return of the Nation’s League in Barbados, and it is one match that is sure not to disappoint both players and fans alike.

From 26th to 29th May, the Masters will again be played in Barbados and this year marks the 25th continuous year of Masters Football Sports Tourism. As one of the biggest Masters football tournaments in the Caribbean, it is a definite ‘must see’ for any sports enthusiast visiting our shores, and always draws an eager crowd who come to support the local and international teams going head-to-head for the winner’s title.

In fact, Barbados has a history of welcoming a variety of visiting teams to play ‘friendlies’ and other competitions at various times throughout the year, and this invitation extends into 2023 and beyond. There has even been keen interest from international college-level football teams in countries like the UK, USA, and Canada to come and play against the local talent on the island to build on their skill sets and diversify their playing experience.

Developing the Game

Supported by the FIFA Forward Programme, various local upgrades have been rolled out to develop and expand the BFA Headquarters and provide a more modern infrastructure so that all aspects of football in Barbados continue to be world-class.

FIFA Forward has additionally partnered with the BFA to implement a five-year Talent Development Scheme (TDS) which enables Barbados access to some of the best technical specialists in the world to help support and strengthen local players. Notably, Barbados is the only country in the Caribbean to be selected to participate in this pilot project which commenced at the start of the year.

2023 will see a clear focus on the growth of the women’s and youth arms of football on the island, with numerous development camps planned for local children (and visitors), the implementation of the game more firmly in schools, and the creation of partnerships with educational institutions to provide scholarship and exchange opportunities for those involved with football in Barbados.

Strategies to nurture local talent will be a priority in 2023 in order to strengthen the next generation of Barbadian footballers and to assist the game itself to reach great new heights.

Want to know more?

For the most up-to-date training, match scheduling, and international competition fixtures please contact the BFA at office@ barbadosfa.com or +1 (246) 538 2255. For general BFA information, visit www. barbadosfa.com .

RUNBARBADOS

by Zary Evelyn

Run Barbados is thrilled to be back in 2022 after an absence in 2020 & 2021 due to Covid restrictions. The Run Barbados Series has been in existence since 1983 and we aim to leverage the history of this formidable Barbadian brand to create the leading Sports Tourism event in Barbados.

Building on our success in 2015-2019 where we saw participation across the events increase by 65% over 2014 with a record 2,765 people participating in 2019 we are expecting a further 15% growth in 2022 due to the pent up desire from runners in Barbados and across the world to participate in this magnificent Running festival.

The move to the East coast is being well received by Runners locally and internationally and will also boost participation. The East Coast will be an exciting new location offering many new experiences attractive to Visitors and Locals. For one the views are spectacular and the cool ocean breezes will be welcomed by all runners. Also, less concern from Runners about running with cars and buses on the road.

Our 2022 Finisher medals are designed with the spectacular East Coast scenery highlighted and are sure to be a big hit with the Runners.

Run Barbados is also excited to partner with Marathon Foto the international industry leader in race photography and with Sportstats one of the best Race timing companies in the industry.

Website: www.runbarbados.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/RunBarbadosSeries Instagram: www.instagram.com/runbarbados/ Twitter: www.Twitter.com/RunFunBarbados Email: runbarbados@gmail.com WhatsApp: 1(246) 243-6902

Barbados is the best choice for your ‘Destination Run’ vacation. Combine your Vacation with your passion for running. We target runners looking for a great vacation which allows them to mix the fun with a Run or two. Our motto ‘Come for the Run & Stay for the Fun.’

Barbados has so much to offer as a holiday destination –Hotels, Restaurants, Excursions, Sports, friendly people, beaches. The island is very tourist friendly and it’s safe to go off on your own adventure

ROAD TENNIS

Kim Holder and coach Francisco Lewis celebrate after Sheldene Walrond hits the ball into the net at game and match point

TENNIS

The sport of Road Tennis in Barbados has a historical background which dates back to the 1930s.

Evidence of its discovery and development leads us to the small communities or villages of New Orleans, Eagle Hall, Carrington Village and Tweedside Road. In those early days groups of young men began moving from village to village in search of recreational activities. These trips led them to the upscaled communities of Belleville and Strathclyde where upper class Barbadians played the sport of Lawn Tennis .

While watching the game these young men noticed balls being struck over the

fence. They quickly collected these balls and hastily returned to their villages. Using a marl stone or vine they drew a court measuring 23 feet long by 12 feet wide with a centre line on the road and using their hands they began to play a similar game. In time using ingenuity they removed the fur covering from the Lawn Tennis ball. Wooden circular racquets replaced the use of their hands and a piece of wood held in place by four (4) large stones was used as a Net to divide the court into two (2) equal sections. These improvements resulted in the birth of Road Tennis our indigenous sport. From time to time several new features

and changes were implemented to enhance the sport as it got more popular. For example, the court is now painted in a variety of bright colours and now measures 21 feet long by 10 feet wide inclusive of side and base lines which are painted white or yellow. Additionally there are four (4) governing lines which are either painted white or yellow. The Net which is supported by two side sructures measures 11 Feet long, 8 inches high and 2 inches thick .

The sport is now played by Females and Males (singles or doubles) in categories from Juniors to Masters.

by Patrick Craigwell • Photos by Kenmore Bynoe

Mark Venom Griffith proved his regal status in road tennis once again.

HOW TO PLAY THE SPORT OF ROAD TENNIS

1. All players should have a racquet, ball and their sporting gear

2. Always make sure that the Net is in place so that the court is divided into two equal sections.

3. The players decide who will serve the ball first.

4. The Server must first toss the ball into the air strike the ball into his/ her section which travels over the Net and bounces into his/her opponent’s section – This is considered a legal serve.

5. The receiver must then strike the ball over the Net back to his opponent’s section who must only hit the ball after the first bounce.

6. This process is called rallying the ball and must continue until the ball is struck out of the playing area, struck into the Net

or if an error is committed by either player.

7. The Server’s score must always be called first followed by that of the receiver.

8. The Service alternates every five (5) points and a winner is declared at twenty – one (21) points. In the case of a deuce game a player must win by two (2) clear advantage points, at this stage the service alternates at every point.

9. A deuce game is when both players amass twenty (20) points.

10. At the end of each game in the 2 best of 3 or the 3 best of 5 , players must switch positions. In the case of a tie-breaker players must switch positions when either player reaches ten (10) points. However, in the shot gun or single game elimination, players must switch positions when one (1) of the two (2) players scores ten (10) points.

SOME LOCATIONS WHERE ROAD TENNIS IS PLAYED IN BARBADOS

1. Dover , Christ Church

2. Golden Square Freedom Park, Bridgetown

3. Silver Hill, Christ Church

4. Diamond Corner, St. Peter

5. Gall Hill, St. John

6. Belfield Complex Black Rock, St. Michael

7. Tennis Town , Warrens, St. Michael

8. Road Tennis Elite Academy Government Hill, St. Michael

9. Deighton “Pa” Roach Road Tennis Facility Bush Hall, St. Michael

10. The Garrison Historics Road Tennis Courts, St. Michael

At the local level the sport of Road Tennis is governed by the Barbados Road Tennis Association and assisted by the National Sport Council. The aims and objectives of the Association is to manage, develop and promote the sport for all ages so that it may be played for family fitness, exercise, recreation, social wellness in the work place and at the competitive level.

So when you are in Barbados join with someone who is familiar with, and plays the sport, enjoys the healthy benefits, but more importantly embrace our indigenous sport which is a home grown cultural cornerstone . Game on – “LOVE SERVING LOVE” brtaclub.com barbadosroadtennisassociation@ outlook.com

Julian ‘Michael Jackson’ White

Sheldene Walrond

Shakeem Nurse

Queen, Kim Holder with the king Mark ‘Venom’ Griffith

GAME ON!

Bringing Rugby Back To Barbados …

by Amy Goulding

Although recent interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused some challenges for rugby in Barbados, it’s clear that the game is now gathering a renewed momentum, with a bevvy of initiatives in the pipeline for this year, set to create opportunities for all to enjoy the action of the sport at every level.

Visitors to Barbados can get a taste of rugby all year round with regular local matches, training sessions, annual Tournaments and Championships, and ‘Open Day’ activities which are open to the general public.

The Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) also continues to look to upgrade local facilities in order to expand the island’s capacity to host world-class rugby events and to entertain even more international spectators.

Why not make the trip and come and see for yourself why rugby enthusiasts and sports fans alike make Barbados their number one holiday destination of choice?

Rugby’s Historical Significance

Rugby matches in Barbados are said to date all the way back to when British troops were stationed on the island in the 1900s, and it is because of such noted deep historical ties that Barbados is officially known as the birthplace of rugby in the Caribbean.

In fact, since these early days, the national ‘home of rugby’ has remained as the Garrison Savannah which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and key tourist attraction on the island; emphasising the early military connections with rugby in Barbados.

Formed in 1964, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) is the governing body for the rugby on the island, responsible for organising national team fixtures, training sessions, domestic rugby activities, and international tours.

Since its formation, the BRFU (one of the founding members of the original Caribbean Rugby Football Union) has gone on to become a full member of World Rugby, Rugby Americas North (RAN), and the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA).

Despite being one of World Rugby’s smallest full members, the BRFU has consistently guided the growth of rugby

on the island over the years, which has seen a steady increase in popularity both locally and from overseas touring teams.

What began as a single rugby team in Barbados, now impressively includes both Men’s and Women’s club and national teams, as well as a School’s Rugby Programme in local primary and secondary schools. Barbados has also been known to attract rugby clubs from the UK, Canada, and neighbouring Caribbean islands, all keen to compete in paradise as well as make new lifelong friends within the global rugby fraternity.

What’s Been Happening?

Despite disruption to regular rugby activity on the island due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was actually the year of the re-emergence of rugby in Barbados, with both local and international play seen as development opportunities for players and officials to hone their skills and get back into the swing of ‘all things rugby’ ready for this year.

Last year, the national Men’s 7s team still managed to tour the Turks and Caicos Island and win all of their matches, take part in the Colorado 7s, as well as compete in a couple of RAN tournaments.

The rugby Juniors restarted their

practice sessions, as did both touch and tag rugby, and the rugby veterans.

Women’s rugby also took some major steps forward in its ‘Recruit and Rebuild’ mission to redevelop the rugby programme for women in Barbados. Newer players were introduced to both regional matches and local games, and the more experienced women’s players were reacclimatized back into rugby life. The Women’s team reentered the international rugby arena with a development trip to St. Lucia – impressively placing second in the tournament.

Rugby Barbados also became more socially responsible in 2022, joining the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition as a way to help fight childhood obesity in Barbados.

2023

– What Can You Expect?

This year, rugby in Barbados will be

ramping up in all aspects of the sport, but particularly in the areas of youth and women’s development.

The schools and World Rugby’s Get Into Rugby (GIR) programmes are both set to hit the ground running, with both primary and secondary schools participating in tag rugby tournaments, as well as in skills development training. These initiatives introduce over 1000 children each year to the sport of Rugby in Barbados and are crucial to the development of the sport on the island.

2023 will also see a big general recruitment drive for rugby in Barbados with club programs in various locations being set up to build a more sustainable future for the game, while coaching and referee development will also become a larger part of the broader local rugby agenda.

There will be plenty of action to enjoy

all throughout this year with community rugby matches played weekly (usually on Saturdays) at the Garrison Savannah. These games are FREE to watch and generally draw a diverse crowd.

While the annual local season is officially from September to February, the rugby 15s season is generally from March to June, the 7s tends to be played from September to December, and touch rugby is played all year round – so you’ll definitely never be short on rugby matches to watch in Barbados.

Rugby fans can also come and see the teams going through their paces at their training sessions held on various nights of the week and weekends.

For the most up-to-date rugby scheduling and event information, please email the BRFU barbadosrugby@ olympic.org.bb or visit the BRFU Facebook page @rugbybarbados.

DIVING INSIGHTS AROUND BARBADOS25

by Lucy Agace

Photo by Lucy Agace

1. Hard to find and rare to see, seahorses are resident on various Barbados reefs. But at one particular dive site, the Cement Plant Pier located off the north/west of the island, there is a far greater chance to see one. It has been recorded that at least 10 were seen on one dive!

2. Green turtles are found all over the island and you don’t need to dive in order to see them. There are a number of snorkelling boat trips offered on the south and west coasts that will take you out to swim with these amazing creatures. Or simply go snorkelling in Paynes Bay.

3. Barbados is lucky to also have Hawksbill turtles that are a resident feature of the coastline and outer reefs. They can be found nesting onshore along the south and west coasts at night during the nesting season which is mid-June to September and the eggs hatch between mid-July to mid-October. Get in touch with the Barbados Sea Turtle Project to find out more.

4. Snorkelling or diving on the Carlisle Bay ship wrecks should not be missed. There are six wrecks of varying size and at various depths. All manner of marine life can swim by including rays and turtles

In support of the 25th anniversary of Sporting Barbados magazine I have compiled 25 favourite or stand out diving or marine life related insights of Barbados. Whether you’re a scuba diver or just a holidaymaker I hope that these brief highlights will entice you to keep coming back to this beautiful island of sandy beaches, rum punches and the relaxed Caribbean heartbeat.

Barbados is blessed with a good variety of hard and soft corals, brightly coloured sponges like orange, yellow and purple, and complemented by a profusion of beautiful Caribbean reef fish and pelagic fish. With over 39 dive sites sprinkled mainly off the west and south coast barrier and fringing reefs, Barbados has plenty to offer any ability of scuba diver. Even off the beach, Barbados is a good destination to see underwater wildlife and you don’t need a fancy camera to take photos, just so long as it’s waterproof.

and huge schools of reef fish inhabit the wrecks. Swim out from the beach or hire a local safari boat.

5.

Probably the top dive site here is the wreck of the SS Stavronikita, with a length of 365 feet and lying upright in 135 feet on a sandy bottom, this mighty shipwreck provides a truly amazing array of marine life and corals both hard and soft. An underwater photographer’s dream dive. There can be strong currents here and it’s not for beginners.

6. Being part of nature conservation in action is hard to find but each week Dive Hightide Water Sports run a dive with biologists from the University of the West Indies Reef Watchers program to collect turtles. One at a time they bring them up to the boat, give them a full health check and tag them if they haven’t yet been tagged. This can take 10-15 minutes and offers an amazing opportunity to get very close to a turtle. Turtles are not harmed during the check, they breath air and can stay out of the water for up to 8 hours.

7.

If we talk about diving features of Barbados we should point out where to buy equipment. Hazell’s Water World is the local stockist of all things diving and snorkelling and found on the south coast in Bridgetown.

8.

Another west coast wreck but much smaller and accessible is the Pamir which plays host to established corals and reef fish schools. A great recreational dive for any level diver. Standing in 40-60 feet, she has a huge amount of resident sergeant major fish that lay blue-purple eggs on the hull. Also excellent for a night dive.

9. Sitting very close by the Pamir is a sunken yellow submarine about 20 meters away off the port bow. Lying near a coral reef there is always plenty to see.

10. Sharks Hole is the only dive site off the north coast and only available in the summer months due to rough sea conditions at other times. Sharks, usually nurse sharks, are often found taking a rest lying under a rocky ledge.

11. Church Point is a large circular reef about 100 feet in diameter with coral covered sloping edges around the outside. It’s the only circular dive site here and at 50 feet relatively shallow which means you can have a nice long leisurely dive experience.

12. Barbados has its very own Atlantis Submarine experience which runs out of west Bridgetown, and it is sometimes possible to even see it on a

Photo by Lucy Agace

dive. The dive site is called Clarkes Bank and the reef offers a variety of corals and fish.

13. On the south coast Rum Barrel Reef is largely made up of beautiful soft corals called sea plumes and sea rods. Look amongst them and you will be sure to find resting turtles.

14. East coast diving is only available in the summer months when the seas are calmer. Ragged Point dive is only accessible by boat from Consett Bay. The dive is off steep rock faces with some hard corals, but teeming with fish schools such as; barracuda, chub and grunts. Rays and sharks can also be seen on this dive.

15. There are around 7 dive shops on the island that provide diving services for all abilities of divers, including PADI diver training courses. Taking a diving course is a great chance for young adults to connect with this incredible natural environment, meet local people and immerse themselves in a life changing activity. The youngest children can be 12 years old, what better way to keep them occupied!

16. Diving with Nitrox can help divers extend their bottom time and the more mature divers feel less effects of residual nitrogen, which means feeling less tired after a dive. Available from a few dive shops.

17. Night diving is a good time to see reef creatures that prefer to feed under the cover of darkness. Always carry a torch, have a buddy to dive with

and keep it shallow. Wrecks are a great place to experience this and the Atlantis Submarine also offer night tours.

18. At night parrotfish try to hide so as not to be eaten by predators. To do this they find a spot to lie, usually under a rock, and secrete a mucus from their mouth to cover themselves and form a protective cocoon.

19.

Barbados is probably the safest place to dive in the Caribbean because there is a hyperbaric chamber here. Situated in the Garrison, Bridgetown and serviced by a special health unit of the Barbados Defence Force. If a diver needed to re-compress after a dive accident they could do it here, it might save their life.

20. Bell Buoy is one of the few dives where you can see endangered species coral such as Elkhorn and Staghorn coral. Both prefer shallow water, around 15-35 feet, to flourish. This makes them perceptible to being damaged by rough wave action, anchors and fishing nets.

21. Off the south coast 4-5 large pieces of the broken up wreck called Friar’s Craig lie on sand in 40-60 feet. It also lies very near to Asta Reef which is full of sea plumes, barrel sponges and the occasional seahorse. Fish schools of small mouth grunts inhabit a small cavernous part of the wreck where you can also see red gorgonian sea fans.

22. Down in the south Barbados Blue is one of the most marine conservation conscience dive shops

and a PADI Project AWARE Coral Reef Monitoring Dive Centre. They offer experienced divers, with a little time, to get involved and help monitor coral nurseries.

23. High Wire is a southerly dive site covered in hard and soft corals and being an outer banking reef considered a deep dive. The gorgonian sea fans and fish life draw divers here with regular sightings of barracuda, rainbow runners and blackjacks. It’s an outer reef so you never know what may swim past.

24. Lionfish were introduced to the Caribbean by accident a few years ago and because of their ability to mature at an early age and lay millions of eggs a year and have a ferocious appetite for fish they now pose an enormous threat to all the reef stock throughout the region. Here on Barbados they are speared without mercy by most divers and spear fishermen. Once filleted they provide an excellent meal, in fact many restaurants on Barbados include the fish on their menus, it is delicious so give it a try!

25. If you are looking for more information and detail about the diving here there is a popular informative, photography rich ‘Barbados Dive Guide’ book available throughout the island and at most dive shops. I wrote it with an eye to showcase the beauty of the diversity of marine life that exists here. Every photographic subject is named and explained so that the reader can understand and learn about marine life and in addition, I hope, help create awareness for children.

1. Organic Tourism: teaching the kids of the community to kiteboard so they become part of the economic process. Pictured is Judan Clarke who is now a surfer and kiteboarder.

2. Kai Lenny is crowned the Beach Culture World Tour, World Champion at the biggest windsurfing event in the world, the Aloha Classic in Maui. He is by far, the best waterman (windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, stand up paddle surfing and foiling) on this planet.

3. Robby Naish is crowned the Beach Culture World Tour, World Champion in Maui, Hawaii. As Naish Hawaii has been a huge supporter of BCWT and The Global Organic Tourism AcTioN Plan, with the motto: “Giving / collaborating from the heart is living. Receiving is a blessing. Taking breaks the magic and harmony. We are giving from the heart”.

4. Zane Schweitzer crowned BCWT World Champion at Master of the Ocean in the DR. Awarded cash and a coconut tree to plant to continue to life upon earth.

5. Diony Guadagnino crowned BCWT World Champion in Los Roques, Venezula. He brought an amazing amount energy to the movement for a concious lifestyle in relationship to humanity, environment & community.

6. Brian Talma introducing wingsurfing to Barbados.

Photos compliments of Brian Talma

FISHING ADVENTURES

Sporting Barbados caught up with Paul Hamel-Smith: President of the Barbados Game Fishing Association (the “BGFA”) The BGFA’s aim is to encourage sport fishing, organise fishing tournaments and to promote the conservation of fish and other marine life. Paul gave us an idea of what’s happening in his favourite sport…

Deep Sea Fishing is a major sport worldwide. Why should someone come to Barbados to do it?

In October of 2021, Barbados’ Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy deployed several Fish Aggregating Devices (“FADs”) along the deep sea contour. FADs work by providing structure in an otherwise barren open ocean environment thereby attracting greater pelagic fish stocks in those areas. Since the deployment of these FADs, the fisherfolk in Barbados have experienced a significant increase in their catches. In summary, the FADs have improved your odds of having a successful offshore fishing trip!

Also, as a popular tourist destination in its own right, Barbados appeals to fishermen who are travelling with friends or family members. For those who may be less interested in the fishing part of the trip, Barbados boasts a wide range of first class experiences both on and off the water.

Are there any competitions that competitive fishermen can join in, with or without their own boat?

Yes, visiting fishermen can participate in any of the BGFA’s tournaments, either onboard their own boat or by hiring a local charter vessel and crew during tournament days.

You can stay up-to-date with tournament announcements and get regular catch reports by following “Barbados Game Fishing Association” on Facebook and on Instagram @ barbadosgamefishing.

What about visitors who just want a day out?

Barbados has a relatively large fishing charter fleet that can accommodate anglers of every skill level. Whether it is close to the shoreline targeting barracuda, or out by the FADs fishing for large pelagics, anyone can experience Barbados’ offshore fishing. The majority of fishing charter operations are accessible

via social media or private websites and are easily discovered by a quick web search.

What’s the biggest tournament in the year’s Calendar?

On November 4-6th 2022 the BGFA is hosting the Brian Manning Memorial Billfish Tournament, held in honour of a much loved past member of the fishing community and past president of the BGFA, Brian Manning. It is a billfish tournament (meaning that the eligible species are blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish) and is 100% catch and release, with points awarded for each eligible species caught and safely released.

Looking further ahead, the Sir Charles Williams Barbados International Fishing Tournament is scheduled for April 2023. Historically, this tournament has been the largest event run by the BGFA in terms of participation, entertainment and prizes!

SURFING

Alan Burke is a veteran International champion surfer from Barbados. His world rated sons Josh & Jacob are travelling the world competing and representing Barbados at the highest level, he is the Chief Surf Instructor of his family run surf school. He lives and breathes the sport. We asked him a few questions about the sport on Barbados.

Why come to Barbados to surf?

Due to the geographical location of the island we are exposed to basically any ocean energy coming from a weather system , either be a cold front or Low pressure coming from up North during winter months Oct -May or a tropical disturbance from June to Nov ,and

high pressures in-between generating wind swells ,the island is guaranteed to provide at the very least a Ridedable wave everyday ,all year. However for the advance to expert level the prime time is Sept to April.

Where are the best surf spots?

Barbados has approx 80miles of coast line , depending on what’s pushing the swell and from which direction determines what surf -breaks begin to work , there are numerous world class breaks around the island , the well known ones are the obvious Soup Bowl , Duppies ,Maycocks , Brandends ( Aka Drill Hall beach), Freights bay and South Point. The adventurous will find amazing waves with empty riders.

Can people learn to surf here?

The southern tip of Barbados is the best area in the world to learn to surf. On any given day there are a number of surf-breaks ideal for learning, all within a couple minutes drive apart. There are a number of Surf Schools on the island to choose from including Surfboard rental

, one to mention is Burkie Surf School operated by the Multiple Surf champion Burke family of Josh , Jacob and Barbados Sporting Great Alan Burke, that has won countless awards for offering quality surf lessons for all levels.

Is surfing a big sport in Barbados?

Surfing is the fastest growing sport in Barbados and globally all walks of life are learning to surf. Included in the Olympics for the first time in 2020 Japan and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics which will take place on the French Polynesia island of Tahiti , Barbados has a few Olympic hopefuls with world ranked 25 yr old Josh Burke and 27 yr old Chelsea Tuach leading the charge.

Are there any competitions visiting surfers can take part in in 2023?

There will be two World Surf League sanctioned Qualifying Series Mens & Womens events in 2023 , The Barbados Surf Pro 3000 in March and The Thomo QS 1000 in memory of Bill Thomson in November both slated to be held at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba.

GET HEALTHY

You have the biggest and most extensive range of vitamins and heath products on island and also in some other Caribbean islands and ten stores spanning Barbados- How did this all start?

I grew up in the Caribbean. I was born in Trinidad but we moved to Antigua when I was 1 and lived there until I was 4. Then my father joined the foreign service and we came to Barbados. Apart from a year back in Trinidad when I was 13 we stayed in Barbados until I was 18. At that point my father was posted to Algeria and I started working in banking in London. I started all sorts of businesses while there, along with my jobs and when I was 26 and told by the bank that I was not going to be posted back home I quit my job and went back to Barbados on my own! To my horror I discovered that I had no right to live there as my father was a diplomat and he never filed for any status for me or my brother! Luckily I had deep connections who knew me from when I was a little boy and I got my residency/Citizenship sorted. While all that was going on I had to come and go so I travelled to the USA weekly and brought in watches, key rings, ear rings, purses and other general merchandise and sold it to the stores around the island. I met everybody in retail! I quickly realized that New York hotels and cabs from JFK were going to bankrupt me so I

rented an apartment in Miami and flew up Monday to Miami, took the first flight to La Guardia and went back the same day, and flew back to Barbados the next day. The apartment with a room mate cost me the same as one night in the NYC hotel and the cab ride was half. Even better, I got a free car in Miami for 3 days by flying Pan Am and renting with Alamo!! After a year I got short paid by a customer and was stuck in Miami with no car and no money. My room mate was Brazilian and he sold jeans in the flea market on Sunrise which was a mile away from where we lived. That Saturday he paid me $20 to help him sell jeans and I bought a small juice extractor for $7 and something to eat and then he took me to the airport to fly home on Sunday night empty handed...except with the juice extractor!!

Monday morning I bought a case of oranges and bought a few empty gallon glass rum bottles form my Barbadian room mate and squeezed myself 3 gallons of orange juice. I could not drink that much so I took some to a hotel and asked if they would like to buy some. To my surprise they ordered 2 gallons a day! I got a few other hotels to buy it too and I officially started The Juice Factory and stopped traveling immediately!! Of course by then I had status so didn’t need to travel anyway. Why do I give you all this information? When I was in Miami

Sporting Barbados interviews Dr Nick Kelly, owner of the many Nature’s Discount Health food stores on island to see how he got started and what advice he has for a healthier lifestyle!

I would buy myself the vitamins that I wanted and they were much cheaper than buying in Barbados. When I ran out and was not traveling I wrote to the company and asked them if I could buy directly from them. In 1990 there was no internet so no online purchasing was possible!! They wrote back and gave me an export price that was so low I could ship it, pay the 70% duty, mark it up 50% and sell to the stores in Barbados, who then marked it up 40% and the retail price was still cheaper than in the USA!!! I could not resist so I ordered a ton of product and went about selling it to the supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores around the island. Things were going OK but after 8 years I was not being paid by a few large customers in Bridgetown so I decided to open my own retail store. I had no money so this was a huge gamble for me. I had to compete with Jenn who had been there for 10 years so I had to do deals with many suppliers to get good prices so that I could offer discounted prices in Barbados with the club membership. The store took off almost immediately thank God!! Then someone form Aruba came in and said “I want one of these in Aruba!!” I also added another store on the West Coast and then another in Hastings and so it began.

I did not plan any of it. I just wanted to get my vitamins cheaper!! God had other ideas for me. Over the years to help educate the public I was educated myself by Medical and Naturopathic doctors

and eventually wound up a Naturopathic Doctor.

Your mantra - Get Healthy - is a good one as a large portion of the population in Barbados is known to suffer with obesity and related health problems - what advise would you give these people to try and get them on the right track?

Getting and remaining healthy is more than taking a pill. You have to eat real food, not processed foods. You have to move and sweat! You have to think positive happy thoughts. And you have to drink plenty of water all the time. With the right supplements and all the above you will get on that right track. Focus on keeping your gut healthy because that goes most of the way to keeping your whole body in good shape.

Are you as an organization involved in any community sporting or get healthy projects?

We are trying to get together a bunch of sporting groups under the Nature’s Discount banner. The ND Road Tennis club, ND Running Club, ND Walking Club, ND Swimming Club etc. Covid got in the way right when we planned this so it’s soon time to roll them out. We just need leaders in each sport to step up and help us. The plan is to have members join these clubs. We will give them branded T shirts and arrange regular meetings. Then we will partner with other people who are

putting on events in those categories.

What can you offer visitors to the island?

Our general prices are a bit higher than in their own countries due to the fact that we have such high freight charges and duty but we still have some products that travelers can’t buy at home, like Melatonin, and we have a large range of healthy foods so they can cook and eat healthy whilst here. Some of our English supplements are similar prices as those in England so all I can say is come and have a look!!

Sometimes the cost of vitamins etc can be an issue especially now with everything increasing in price. Often you listen to your promotions and it seems like you should take lots of things to be really healthy. If you could tell someone ONE thing that they should take to improve their health, what would that be?

Oh don’t get me started on price rises! We are faced with almost monthly increases by almost all our suppliers, especially those in the USA. I even had a minister accuse me of price gouging recently but invited him to come and inspect our records to see that these increases are beyond our control. Not only that, the freight costs are now three times what they were before Covid! Anyway, my advice is to take 2 things! A good probiotic and a good multi vitamin. With that foundation you will be on the right path!

JOHNO AUSTIN

SKATING TO SUCCESS AGAINST THE ODDS

Barbadian Johnathan Austin is one special young man. Now 19 years old, he has spent a large part of his young life battling a long term chronic condition called Gastroparesis, in which the stomach cannot empty in the normal way. He once lived with a gastric pacemaker in his stomach and has travelled with his family over seven years to the United States for constant treatment and solutions. For one year, Johno was fed through a tube in his stomach for 18 hours a day to maintain weight, watching his fellow peers eating and drinking with him unable to participate. One can only imagine the torture. Thankfully, Johno, a keen skateboarder with his own on- line store called Johno’s Skate Shop now has things under control and he tells us his story.

only 52 pounds, they placed a J tube into my nose directly to my intestine to feed me. That trip lasted a month and I was transferred to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando. After a 24 hour motility study they realized that there was no activity in the antrum of the stomach. I was able to return home with a tube in my stomach that would feed me a very expensive Amino acid based milk that was pumped in my intestines for 18 hours per day, 6oz per an hour so I would be able to maintain my weight.

In September 2015, I qualified for a gastric pacemaker and that was fitted in my stomach and allowed me to eat my first plate of food for over a year. All I can tell you is Chicken Pasta alfredo and pepperoni pizza was eaten a lot while they ensured it worked. The pacemaker did not work consistently and we had several trips over a year to ensure it worked. It was a long process but we were blessed to be able to access the treatment.

When did you or your parents discover you had a medical problem and what happened then?

It all started in February 2014, my dad was dropping me off to school and I did not feel well. I threw up in the car park so we went to the Dr and the journey started from there. Over several weeks I missed school, each time I ate, I would throw up. I had numerous tests and Drs visits until my Dad was recommended to Dr Jhagroo and she recommended that we should go away to Miami Children’s Hospital to help find out the problem. We went away that year 4 times to the hospital and in October I was admitted again weighing

After two years the device settled my issues and I was relatively stable, so I only visited the US once a year to get a check-up at The UF SHANDS HOSPITAL in Gainesville Florida. We are thankful to so many Drs and nurses in Barbados and the US. My present Dr the specialist with the pacemaker / stimulator is Dr Islam and he is a Sir Garfield Sobers fan and a fan of the back in the day West Indies team.

Physically and mentally this must have been a huge challenge. Tell us how you dealt with this mentally and what led you to skateboarding?

Wow, where do I begin, I struggled to cope with the constant prodding , hospitals stays, procedures, medical

tests, IV sticks and drips and bad tasting medicine. In Miami, they had dog therapy where they allow dogs to visit children to cheer them up. I was never really a dog lover before but started to look forward to the visits and it really lifted my spirits. While in hospital I was able to use the computer and I came across a video of someone skateboarding. I was in awe of all the stunts and manoeuvres done in video. From there the only thing on my mind was skateboarding. So, in 2014 after my first Hospital stay diagnosing my illness, when we were discharged, I told my dad I really, really wanted a skateboard. I guess he saw the excitement in my eyes and he went straight to Walmart in Miami and bought a skateboard. I would never forget it had images of Waffles on it. We spent two more weeks in Miami awaiting tests and medication and each day I was outside trying out my new skateboard. I learnt skateboarding through watching Youtube and trying it for myself. For the year I could only feed off the tube and any chance I got while not feeding off of the liquid, I would skateboard. I am not sure if you would understand, my stomach was always empty even though milk was going into my intestine, I was hungry 24/7. It was frustrating but I used my passion for skateboarding to feed me.

Tell us about the shop and how it operates.

Johno’s Skate Shop was conceived while I was in the US in 2020 in the height of the pandemic. I started to get shocking pains by the site of the stimulator and the Dr in Gainesville wanted to check out the problem. My dad and I went to the US and

the Dr explained that the battery on the pacemaker needed changing as it was below 10%. By this time, I wanted to see if my stomach was working and asked the Dr if he could turn it off and discussed the possibility of taking out the stimulator. The Dr explained that the condition will not completely go away but the need of the pacemaker may not be required. He agreed to turn it off and wait a couple weeks to see if I coped with it off. If I did not throw up or feel pain, he would take out the device instead of replacing it.

I was over the moon and just believed that all will be well, my dad, however, was more concerned than me. We had two weeks to wait to see if all was well. During this time, I was discussing the future with my Dad and said if I am doing management and marketing, I think it would be a good idea to set up my own business. With no Skateshops in Barbados and with a freshly built skatepark, I said why don’t I open a skate shop. My dad thought it was a good idea and told me to write a business plan.

My business plan made sense to him and the journey started with the brainstorming on the name of the shop, the development of the brand and finding wholesale suppliers, registering the business, building the website. My dad is a minority shareholder or in real sense my business mentor.

The skate shop was opened on the 14th September 2021. I sold out the majority of skateboards and protective equipment in 3-4 weeks. I have since added roller skates, roller blades, new skateboards and other supplies. While I do deliveries island wide, I also have a display at my home in St James that I am able to invite customers to visit by appointment.

I advertise on social media and having really great branding has assisted my success. Neil Barnard from 809 Design developed my logo after I shared that I wanted it to reflect my love for bright colours, yellow and pink included. All in all, I value my customers and feel that providing excellent customer service is essential as well as delivering a good product. I spend hours researching brands and sourcing supplies to ensure that all of my customers are satisfied.

What about Johno Cares 2? How has that evolved?

While in Hospital in 2014, I asked my dad “why am I sick?” he did not have an answer, I then asked him “Maybe it is to make me stronger”. Then I asked my dad

“stronger to do what?” He still did not have an answer. I then told him “maybe it is to make me stronger so I can help other children” then he said, we will find a way to help those in need in the future, concentrate on getting better first. A video was done of my illness and journey and circulated and over $10,000 was raised. I also worked with Mrs George and the Wills Helping hands where each year a wine and cheese event was done and raised funds for children in need of assistance.

It was crucial for me to include a giveback element through Johno’s Skateshop. In discussions and brainstorming with my family we came up with Johno Cares 2. It really means Johno Cares Too. Our honourable Prime Minister has a slogan Mia Cares and so the birth of Johno Cares 2. This is an initiative where 5% of sales is dedicated to giving back to children in need of medical assistance as well as to assist in the development of skateboarding. In July 2022 we launched Johno Cares 2 with a donation to 14 year old Sapphire who has Scoliosis and this assisted her with getting Physical therapy as she was fitted with a back brace. Raphael who has stage 2 Liver disease and needs operations and visits overseas to manage his illness. In addition we announced our first Johno’s Skate Shop/ Johno Cares 2 Ambassador, where Tarryn Alleyne was identified as an up and coming skateboarder and I sponsored him with skateboard product and possible opportunities for development.

What does the future hold for Johnathan Austin and are you into any other sports?

I am now finished BCC and have my Associate Degree. I am thinking of pursuing a Degree at UWI but leaning towards further developing my business in terms of product and expand in the Caribbean. If I choose not to attend UWI, I wish to develop further by doing a program more hands on in Entrepreneurship, self-development and I am interested in learning how to invest in stocks, cryptocurrency, etc.

I am really focussed on my business so Skateboarding has taken the back seat for the moment but it remains my passion. Roller skating has been a recent interest but growing in popularity. I see myself opening a rollerskating rink with multi-purpose facilities for children entertainment. Whatever I decide to do in the future, I know that I will always do my best, and live by what kept me going over the years. Be strong, never give up and always help others.

THRIVING IN BARBADOS! TRIATHLON

by Darren Treasure • Photos by Kevin Wood

Triathlon is very intense! A 1.5 km swim in deep sea waters, followed by a 40 km bike ride which at times can be an uphill battle on meandering roads, and if that isn’t grueling enough, a 10 km run to finish on legs that feel like jelly; this is triathlon, at the Olympic standards. Three endurance sports all in one, swimming, cycling, and running! There is no doubt, that high level of fitness and endurance is important, and for many this can be a deterrent. However, the good news is that fitness and endurance are not requirements! Although having these competencies make the sport easier to navigate, everyone isn’t training to be an Olympian or an elite triathlete; and no matter how big the feat might seem, participating in triathlon in Barbados somehow makes it all worth it! The chance to run along white sandy beaches to enter crystal clear blue waters to get the race started, should be enticing enough, but add cycling and running in a paradise. Why not Barbados?

The young, the old, the fit, the unfit, the inexperienced, the dedicated triathletes, locals, tourists, newcomers, and funseekers, the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) welcomes all to the sport. BFIT, the governing body of triathlon in Barbados, organizes developmental programs, conducts workshops, and hosts events on an annual basis for all interested persons. For those looking to try the sport for the first time,

there is ‘Try-a-tri, whether you are a tiny-tot or a retired individual, there are agegroup categories; for persons who think it is just too much, don’t like to swim or don’t fancy running, there is the duathlon (a bike and run event) and the aquathlon (a run and swim event). There are options, and the common denominator is that persons get to participate in an activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle, all while enjoying the beautiful paradise island of Barbados.

Triathlon in Barbados began in 1990 and has been steadily on the rise. With the likes of 2016 Olympian Jason Wilson, who came through the ranks of the BFIT Kids Series program, and Elite Triathlete Matthew Wright who has been actively representing Barbados and competing against the world’s best at major multisport games, the sport of triathlon is becoming increasingly popular in Barbados. The growth of the sport can be credited to the many activities and programs facilitated by BFIT. These programs have aided in the development of youth and junior athletes and can be seen in the recent success stories of national junior triathletes, Niel Skinner, Chara Hinds, Zahra Gaskin, and Kayla Renwick, who have all received scholarships to compete collegiately at universities in the USA.

In addition to structured developmental programs, BFIT also hosts several events. One of the top events that attract persons

from across the world is the Barbados National Triathlon. This year, BFIT hosted its 32nd National Triathlon along the Mighty Grynner Highway and Brandons Beach on October 23, 2022. With sports given the green like to proceed after a long pause in activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BFIT has resumed action in one of its most competitive events on the calendar. Over the years, the Barbados National Triathlon has welcomed some of the best competitors from Europe, North America, and the Caribbean.

Once an event on the World Triathlon calendar, the Barbados stop was one where many international triathletes picked up valuable points for their international ranking. “Barbados Continental Cup provides one of the most beautiful courses in the world, which comes only second to how welcoming the people are.” said, Elite Triathlete Tyler Mislawchuk of Canada. This year the National Triathlon event will offer four events: Try-a-tri, which caters to newcomers to the sport, the Olympic distance, and sprint distance for the more seasoned triathletes, and the sprint relay for persons wishing to compete as a team. To register, persons can visit BFIT’s website www.triathlonbarbados.com or find the event on www.raceroster.com.

Come for the competition, stay for the vacation. Bring friends and family and enjoy triathlon in paradise!

SQUASH IN BARBADOS

titles and 3 Caribbean titles. Sealy has also won 8 national titles. It would seem that the strong level of local training and practice was instrumental in helping both of these athletes obtain such accolades on the world stage and both athletes were quick to thank several other local players and the BSA which hired 2 international coaches Mr. Wael El Batran and Mr. Aidan Harrison who assisted them at various stages of their preparation.

Coach Aidan Harrison and Amanda Haywood

Countries represented at BCQS tournament Above: Barbados Team at Junior CASA

Many people regard Barbados as a Caribbean hotbed for squash players of all ages. Barbados squash had a great time in the last 2 years despite the pandemic. During the pandemic the Barbados Squash (BSA) was awarded the resiliency award by the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) and Barbados even got their first world Masters Champion in Squash. Karen Meakins created history this year when the she won the gold medal in the women’s over 50 category at the 2022 Bertard WSF World Squash Championships in Poland. Barbados also claimed a bronze medal at the men’s event where Mark Sealy came third in the over 60 category. Both players are established on the local and regional scene where Meakins has won 15 National

Barbados boast a strong level of junior players and started off their summer in 2022 with their junior national team winning the silver medal for the overall team event at the Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships. In the individual tournament, Sumairaa Suleman won the Girls under 19 title, Darien Benn won the Silver medal in the Boys under 19, Eboni Atherley won the silver medal in the girls under 17 and Daniel Sealy won the bronze medal in the Boys under 13 category. Ben Shepherd (U 13) and Alex Stewart (U 17) placed fourth and Dominic Wilson (U 17) and Lenna Hamati (U 13) won the consolation plate. The team consisted of coaches Aidan Harrison and Richard Walcott with manager Kim Jebodhsingh and 13 players between the ages of 11 and 18, seven of whom were first timers to the championships: Lenna Hamati, Ben Shepherd, Daniel Sealy, Sarrayah Yearwood, Mariella Young and Jules O’ Garro, Joanna Atkins, Eboni Atherley, Alex Stewart, Dominic Wilson, Luke Wilson, Sumairaa Suleman and Darien Benn. Barbados was one of the

by Mark Wilson, photos Barbados Squash Association

first Caribbean countries to develop a school program for squash from which some of our national junior players have been discovered, the pandemic put the program on pause but this year the Barbados Squash Association plans to roll this out again in an even more expanded way. Each year several junior athletes travel to compete in the US and Canadian Junior Open and this tradition has been instrumental in allowing several young athletes both male and female to receive athletic scholarships and places at some of America’s most prestigious universities and boarding schools.

Barbados’ senior players also had a good year as was highlighted in their performances at the Commonwealth games in Birmingham England where a relatively young team of local players including Meagan Best, Amanda Haywood, Khamal Cumberbatch, Shawn Simpson and Jada Smith Padmore represented the island. The team was coached by former England player and now international coach Aidan Harrison and managed by Monty Cumberbatch . The majority of the team represent top universities in the United States. Meagan Best plays for the University of Virginia, Khamal Cumberbatch for Trinity College, Jada Smith-Padmore represents William Smith College and Amanda Haywood previously played for the University of Virginia until she graduated this summer. Shawn Simpson, the eldest member of the team provided some critical experience to the team. Simpson and Cumberbatch won the silver medal in the consolation plate tournament in the men’s doubles.

Barbados followed up their performance at the Commonwealth games with a strong showing at Senior

Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships (Senior CASA). The country was represented by Eboni Atherley, Khamal Cumberbatch, Darien Benn, Shawn Simpson, Muffin Stollymeyer, Jodi Smith-Padmore, Stewart St. John and was managed by Michael Best. Khamal Cumberbatch won the silver medal in the men’s singles tournament and Eboni Atherley won the consolation plate in the ladies’ singles tournament.

Over the years the BSA has put on regular local tournaments to give their athletes opportunities to develop their talent and wherever possible try to expose them to foreign competition. Before the COVID 19 pandemic , the BSA had put on a Spring Break Junior tournament where players from North America and other Caribbean islands were invited to compete with local talent and simultaneously enjoy a family holiday. The BSA has also put on some PSA tournaments where top professional squash players visited the island to compete. The tournaments were supported by squash fans of all ages. In addition, the Barbados Squash Club (BSC) also hosts exhibition matches to satisfy the local appetite for squash.

Perhaps the largest squash tournament in the island is the annual BCQS Masters tournament which takes place annually at the BSC . Next year the tournament

will be held from May 17-20, 2023 at the Barbados Squash club. The last BCQS tournament had more than 130 players from over 12 different countries. The tournament offers everything for the sports tourist; friendly hosts, reasonably priced accommodation and a good level competition in +35, +45, +55 and +65 categories in addition to a number of fun-filled events surrounding the tournament. The competition also features a Catamaran tour of some of the island’s best beaches at the end of the competition.

The BSA would greatly like to increase the number of squash courts in the island. At the moment the BSC in Marine Gardens has 3 international standard singles courts and 2 of which are air-conditioned glass courts. The club also has a bar where you can enjoy drinks and snacks after your lesson or match. The Pleasant Place Club on Dayrells Road has one stand alone court. Recently the Uplands Squash facility was added to the squash scene, this features an international soft ball air-conditioned singles court along with a café and day spa. All of the squash facilities have professional coaches who offer lessons to players of all ages and skill levels. The Barbados Defence Force also has a squash court which facilitates the schools’ program and National training.

The Barbados Team at the Commonwealth Games

TENNIS HAYDEN LEWIS TALKS

PHOTOS BY ESPEN HILDRUP

Sporting Barbados caught up with prominent player Haydn Lewis to get a run down on the Tennis scene on the island. Tennis is widely played competitively and for leisure and most hotels have courts.

Haydn, tell us a bit about your background in tennis in Barbados!

Tennis has always been a part of my life. I started at a very young age and by 12 years old I was traveling to compete throughout the Caribbean and in Florida. As I became older the amount of travel and competition increased and by 17 I was the #1 ranked male tennis player in Barbados.

I’ve traveled the world competing on the professional circuit and representing Barbados in the Davis Cup and other competitions such as the Pan American Games and the Commonwealth Games.

How strong is the game of tennis on the island?

I would say tennis in Barbados is strong regionally. We are definitely one of the top if not the top island in the Caribbean region for tennis. We currently have players who are overseas in the States with university scholarships Kaipo Marshall, Steven Slocombe and Hannah Chambers. . As well as some up and coming players who are starting out on the professional

circuit Xavier Lawrence and Mathew Foster-Estwick. So watch out for this young talent.

Are there competitions that overseas competitors can come to? If so what are they?

Yes, we currently have two international junior tournaments, one in April. I would love to see some men’s and women’s professional tournaments on our yearly calendar. Some years we host the Davis Cup here but that is not a set fixture on our calendar.

Anything planned for 2023?

Oh yes for sure. Representing Barbados is a huge passion and honor for me. We have Davis Cup in February 2023 which will be held in Barbados. Also for 2023 there is the Pan American Games in Chile and I will be looking to travel to Germany in the summer to play in there Summer pro league. So 2023 is looking to be a busy year and for me the preparations have started from now.

Haydn is Based at Rockley Golf Club where is is often seen coaching. He can be reached at +1-246-251-6851 or haydnlewis246@gmail.com

You can also get more information on at www.tennisbarbados.org