Top 5 — Guyana's Stadium Surge
PLUS: Cricket to debut at Pan Am Games, Sabina Park awaits ICC approval, and more
Whatsup Squad,
Here are the stories making waves in Caribbean sports this week:
⭐️ FEATURE STORY
Guyana to Open Four New Stadiums This Year
Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson Jr. confirmed that four venues will be ready in 2025, with a fifth to follow in 2026.
President Irfaan Ali’s wider plan also includes a 15,000-seat indoor arena—positioning Guyana as the region’s next major hub for basketball, MMA, boxing, concerts, and more.
Bottom Line - These stadium projects represent the largest single-cycle sports-infrastructure spend in Caribbean history and position Guyana as an immediate hub for international events and sports tourism opportunities.
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🏝️ Caribbean
CARICOM Leaders Urged to Broaden Sporting Vision
President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Keith Joseph, has issued a bold appeal to the Heads of Government of CARICOM, urging a fundamental shift in how sport is approached and prioritized across the region.
Joseph called for Caribbean leaders to move beyond the traditional cricket-first mentality and embrace the full breadth of sporting talent and potential that the region possesses.
Joseph acknowledged the historical importance of West Indies cricket, but pointed to track and field as a discipline in need of additional support.
Bottom Line - Joseph argued that sport must be recognized for its economic and social potential. His statements come at a time when the region is making significant strides in track and field, basketball, and soccer.
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🇯🇲 Jamaica
Sabina Park Awaits ICC Approval
New floodlights at Sabina Park were finally installed, but Kingston’s iconic cricket ground still awaits final approval before the day-night Test between West Indies and Australia.
The new floodlights were originally due to be completed early this year, and then by May, but have only recently been installed.
One poorly lit section and a delayed scoreboard upgrade remain sticking points.
The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) remains confident that the ground will be ready, but the facilities will need final ICC sign-off when officials arrive next week.
Bottom Line - This match would mark the Caribbean’s first day-night Test since 2018 (in Barbados). These types of matches are likely to generate more viewership as the day-night timings make it far more bearable for people in Australia to watch live.
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🏝️ Caribbean
Cricket to Debut at 2027 Pan Am Games
Cricket will make its historic debut at the Pan American Games in 2027.
The inclusion of cricket in the 2027 Games, to be held in Lima, Peru, marks a significant milestone for a region where the sport is deeply ingrained in the cultural and athletic fabric.
The announcement follows its confirmed return to the Olympic Games for Los Angeles 2028 and signals a global shift in how the sport is viewed and integrated into multi-sport frameworks.
Bottom Line - This opens fresh funding streams from NOCs and sponsors while elevating the profile of the region’s flagship sport.
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🇬🇾 Guyana
Chelsea Edghill Launches the Edge Series
The two-time Olympian’s event adds 3×3 basketball and criterium cycling to last year’s table-tennis showcase, with KFC and Republic Bank onboard as title sponsors.
The Edge Series will get going July 12-13, at the National Gymnasium, with the 3×3 basketball competition taking centre stage.
Bottom Line - Athlete-led ventures like the Edge Series demonstrate how athletes can build IP, attract brands, and grow the Caribbean sports industry.
Check out Chelsea's full interview
Until next time ✌🏾
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