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.
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Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut
