Local News
Caribbean Juniors Compete at British Junior Open Squash Tournament
Jakob Noblett-Diaz and Delilah Pease, two of the Caribbean’s leading junior squash players, represented the region earlier this month at the British Junior Open (BJO), held from January 2-6 in Birmingham, England.
Widely regarded as the most prestigious junior squash tournament globally, the BJO attracts elite players and serves as the de facto world championship for most junior age categories.
Jakob competed in the Boys U13 category, while Delilah participated in the Girls U11 division. Both players entered the tournament as reigning Caribbean champions, having won their respective titles at the Caribbean Junior Championships hosted at Tortola Sports Club in July 2024. Their preparation also included competing at the Canadian Junior Open in December, where Delilah won her event, and Jakob secured a plate division victory.
At the BJO, Jakob faced stiff competition against players from Canada, Poland, China, and Japan. He managed one victory, defeating Japan’s Kaisei Arita in straight sets, and concluded his debut tournament in 57th place.
Delilah, making her second appearance at the BJO, improved on her previous 28th-place finish. She narrowly lost her opening match against England’s top-ranked player but rebounded to win three of her next four matches, finishing 19th overall.
National Squash Coach Adam Murrills accompanied the players and praised their performances, noting the importance of exposure to such a high level of competition.
“The British Junior Open provided an invaluable learning experience for Jakob and Delilah,” Murrills stated. “Competing against the world’s best players not only highlights areas for improvement but also fosters growth and resilience. Both players adapted well to the challenges they faced and demonstrated improvement throughout the tournament. I am proud of their efforts and look forward to their continued development.”
Match Results:
Delilah Pease (Girls U11)
- Lost to Ada Brown (England) 11-9, 11-2, 12-10
- Defeated Elsie Griffiths (Wales) 11-7, 11-6, 2-11, 11-8
- Defeated Simone Yuen (Canada) 11-7, 11-7, 13-15, 11-3
- Lost to Nalla Sanaei (USA) 11-5, 11-4, 12-14, 11-7
- Defeated Sashana Istritheran (Malaysia) 10-12, 11-5, 17-15, 6-11, 11-7
Jakob Noblett-Diaz (Boys U13)
- Lost to Chase Facchin (Canada) 11-5, 11-2, 11-9
- Lost to Maciej Dziech (Poland) 11-7, 11-3, 5-11, 11-5
- Lost to Ching Yan Tang (China) 11-4, 11-7, 11-8
- Defeated Kaisei Arita (Japan) 11-6, 11-1, 11-3
Both players are now preparing for the upcoming Junior National Championships in February, where they will look to build on their performances at one of the world’s most challenging junior squash tournaments.
ADVERTISEMENT:
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Shemoi Carey, also known as “Fat Cat,” of Huntum’s Ghut. Carey was wanted in connection with the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt on November 8, 2024. He has been charged with Attempted Murder, Carrying an Unlicensed Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Explosives.
As part of the investigation, two individuals were arrested on suspicion of assisting Carey. Both were interviewed and subsequently released pending further inquiries.
The RVIPF continues to search for a second suspect, 18-year-old K’Shawn Martin of Sand Box Road, and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about Martin’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially at 800-8477 (TIPS), via international dialing at (284) 800-8477, or the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339. Police have assured that all tips will remain strictly confidential.
Authorities also caution that aiding or harbouring wanted individuals is a criminal offense. Under Section 352 of the Criminal Code (Revised Edition 2013), individuals convicted of assisting an offender could face imprisonment for three to ten years.
ADVERTISEMENT:
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) are investigating reports of gunfire in Hannah’s Estate late on the evening of January 8.
Responding swiftly to a report of shots fired, officers of RVIPF found evidence of damage to multiple vehicles and an apartment building in the area.
The investigation revealed what appeared to be bullet-related damage, but no physical evidence—such as projectiles or spent casings—was recovered from the scene, according to a police statement. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Residents of the affected apartment have received assistance from authorities, while investigators continue to comb through leads.
Community members are encouraged to share tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS), through international dialing at (284) 800-8477, or by contacting the RVIPF Intelligence Unit directly at 368-9339. Officials assured potential informants that all information would remain confidential.
Two masked men, armed and dangerous, were caught on surveillance footage storming a business establishment in Cane Garden Bay late last night, January 13.
The footage shows the duo brandishing what appear to be firearms as they made their way into the premises, sparking panic in the usually tranquil community.
In a separate incident reported in the same area, a prominent local businessman was attacked and beaten by bandits who demanded cash. Details about the extent of the injuries or the amount stolen remain unclear.
The back-to-back incidents have put business owners, employees, and residents on edge, with many calling for swift and decisive action from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Community members are urging authorities to deploy targeted strategies to address the recent surge in criminal activity, emphasising the need for an immediate crackdown on perpetrators to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in the area.
Police have yet to release a formal statement.
Caribbean Juniors Compete at British Junior Open Squash Tournament
Shemoi ‘Fat Cat’ Carey Apprehended for Attempted Murder; Police Seek K’Shawn Martin
Man Found Deceased in Abandoned Vehicle in Long Swamp
-
Crime/Police5 days agoPolice Officer Charged Over Internal Security Breach
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoKnife-Wielding Bandit Strikes Again in Tortola, Targeting Late-Night Workers
-
Crime/Police5 days agoVirgin Gorda Police Apprehend Fugitive Linked to String of Burglaries and Robberies
-
Crime/Police18 hours agoMasked Gunmen Strike Twice in Cane Garden Bay
-
USVI News6 days agoGovernor Albert Bryan Jr. Declares January 9 a Local Holiday in Honor of President Jimmy Carter
-
Local News2 weeks agoBritish Virgin Islanders Exempt from UK ETA Requirement
-
Business2 weeks agoSome Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment
-
Crime/Police16 hours agoPolice Investigate Gunfire at Hannah’s Estate, No Injuries Reported