Sports
CONCACAF: BVI overseas-based players arrive ahead of clash with Puerto Rico (see video)
Members of the BVI men’s national football team at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Thursday, March 16. The team is preparing for its CONCACAF clash with Puerto Rico on March 23. * Photo by JTV News
(JTV News) — The overseas-based players of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) national men’s football teams arrived ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League clash with Puerto Rico, which takes place on Thursday, March 23 at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town on Tortola.
The players went straight into intense training in preparation for the game, the British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) said in a Facebook post on Thursday, March 16. (Video below shows the team in training on Thursday, March 16)
A video on the BVIFA’s social media page shows the players arriving at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and being greeted by four flag-waving youths at the final exit.
According to the BVIFA, featured are “Tyler Forbes, Jake Forbes, Luka Chalwell, Mekhai Waters, Justin Smith, Miggy Marshall and Levon Williams. Flag Bearers, BDO Youth League Players, Kaylen Williams (AMPS), Dianna Williams (ESHS), Christian Campbell (SGPS) and Emmanuel Campbell (SGPS)”.
Coach of the BVI men’s national team, Chris Kiwomya, had said in an earlier report that the upcoming match will be a difficult game because most of the players on the opponent’s team are professionals.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, obviously,” Kiwomya was quoted as saying in a BVIFA press release. “Puerto Rico are a very talented team with strong players in all areas on the pitch, but we have been working hard and recently held a training camp in Florida, which was excellent, a really good motivation for the players and where I got to see a lot of the players for the first time in a long time.”
He added: “We spoke about how we wanted to approach the game and the players took it on board. We’ve got some good young players in the under-20s and under-17s who are coming forward so hopefully, I will be able to try and give them opportunities in the national team when the time is right. We’ll be looking for the support of the BVI fans and all the people in the Territory to come and support the team. They got right behind the team when we played the Caymans, and they created a really wonderful atmosphere.”
According to the release, Kiwomya said vociferous home support will help the team play even better and that the players did the BVI proud, which they will do again when Puerto Rico comes to town.
“They are 39 places ahead of us in the FIFA rankings and are a team full of professionals who will be technically better than us, but they won’t have bigger hearts than us and if we have more legs than them on the day, with a large crowd behind us, being our 12th man, then when they come to our place we can show that the gap between us is shrinking, so let’s get a big a crowd as possible there and I look forward to seeing everyone on the day and doing our best to make you proud,” he explained.
Ephraim Penn has been re-elected as President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), continuing his leadership for another four-year term. Joining him are returning officers Ms. Sabinah Clement as 1st Vice President, Mr. Lloyd Black as Secretary General, and Mr. Mark Chapman as Treasurer. The election, held during the BVIOC’s Annual General Meeting on December 5, 2024, also saw the addition of Ms. Ashley Kelly as 2nd Vice President and Mr. Zebalon McLean as Member At Large.
The meeting, held at the BVIOC headquarters at Road Reef Plaza, brought together representatives from National Federations (NFs) and the Athletes’ Commission to reflect on the organization’s achievements, plan for the next quadrennial, and recognize outgoing officers. Former 2nd Vice President Mr. Ralston Henry and Member At Large Ms. Gloria Leola Fahie were honored for their contributions to the BVIOC’s development.
The elections were overseen by an independent commission comprising Mr. Wayne Robinson, Mr. Rhennie Phipps, and Ms. Makalia Smith, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
“Our guiding principles align with the International Olympic Charter: to inspire through sports performance and education, empower individuals to excel, and foster collaboration through impactful partnerships,” said President Penn. “We are committed to working with all National Federations and encourage open dialogue to achieve success across all sports in the coming years.”
Penn extended gratitude to the Election Commission for its oversight and to the participating National Federations for their engagement in shaping the BVIOC’s future.
British Virgin Islands Olympian Kyron McMaster added another illustrious accolade to his name as he was officially bestowed the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) on Thursday, November 28, by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.
McMaster, who is currently ranked fourth globally in the 400m hurdles, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “It feels good to be recognised by the British Empire for my due diligence in sports and the British Virgin Islands,” he said in a brief interview following the ceremony. “I don’t take this [honour] lightly.”
Looking ahead, the decorated athlete expressed ambitions for even greater milestones, hinting at a potential future as “Sir Kyron McMaster.”
The OBE title is one of the highest honours conferred by the British monarchy, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions in fields such as military service, community development, and professional excellence. McMaster’s recognition underscores not only his athletic achievements but also his role as a symbol of pride for the British Virgin Islands.
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Premier Wheatley Elected to Lead UK Overseas Territories Association
British Virgin Islands Earns Coveted Spot on New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025″
De Castro Supports Enhanced Policing with Caution Against Unchecked Powers
-
Crime/Police1 day agoPolice Officer Charged Over Internal Security Breach
-
Crime/Police1 week agoKnife-Wielding Bandit Strikes Again in Tortola, Targeting Late-Night Workers
-
Crime/Police1 day agoVirgin Gorda Police Apprehend Fugitive Linked to String of Burglaries and Robberies
-
USVI News2 days agoGovernor Albert Bryan Jr. Declares January 9 a Local Holiday in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
-
Business7 days agoSome Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment
-
Local News7 days agoBritish Virgin Islanders Exempt from UK ETA Requirement
-
Entertainment1 week agoVybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years
-
Local News1 week agoMentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE) BVI Movement Bolstered by $5,000 Drakes Traders Donation