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Articles by Rachid Parchment
SMART PLAY - Jamaica Observer
SPEID... we’ll do what we have to do in the right moments (Photo: AFP) Speid focuses on ‘proper football’ as Reggae Boyz host Guatemala JAMAICA’S Reggae Boyz will be in action at the National Stadium tonight, hosting Guatemala in their Concacaf Nations League A opener at 7:00 pm. Interim head coach Rudolph Speid says the main goal for his team is to play smart, adapt, and do the basics well.
‘Tegat’ Davis blasts schoolboy football format
FERNCOURT High Head Coach Paul “Tegat” Davis has criticised the current format of schoolboy football, arguing that the reduced number of matches is limiting opportunities for players to develop and compete against the best teams. Davis, who is strongly opposed to the changes, described the format as “ridiculous”, and warned that teams could spend months preparing for a season only to have their campaign end after just six matches. “In my zone, Ferncourt have six games, so you play six games.
UNCLEAR WHISPERS
Questions surround the management of Jamaican forward Dujuan “Whisper” Richards following his season-long loan switch from English Premier League club Chelsea to EFL League One side AFC Wimbledon. Social media reports and online speculation have circulated claiming that the 20-year-old Reggae Boy has parted ways with long-time agent Craig Butler and Phoenix Sports Management.
‘He who has the gold’
Veteran administrator Tony James says FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to privatise world football is “underhanded”, but cautions that developing nations under severe financial stress will find the promised US$40-million payout nearly impossible to resist. James, who led the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) from 1985 to 1992 and has spent over 50 years working in football, offered a sharp critique of Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
Road to Wimbledon
LONG before Alyssa James was walking into locker rooms at Wimbledon, navigating five-week international tours, or earning a scholarship to the University of Virginia, she was an eight-year-old taking aim at a chair. The chair had been placed on a court by the late Jamaican tennis icon Richard Russell. His method was simple: Set up a target, step back, and serve until you hit it. “He was such a beloved gentleman, a fine gentleman, and a good coach,” James’ mother, Juliet Thompson, recalls.
Quarrie relishing new challenge with UWI women’s track programme
Floyd Quarrie is stepping into a major new role in Jamaican track and field. The USATF Level 3 certified coach has been appointed as a supporting coach at The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he will take charge of the women’s track programme starting September 1. Quarrie enters the collegiate ranks with a proven track record, currently serving as an assistant coach in charge of sprints and hurdles at Immaculate Conception High School.
CASH SQUEEZE - Jamaica Observer
JAMAICA Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts has outlined what he considers a harsh financial reality facing the body, which is managing a tight cash-flow situation after putting significant resources into national team programmes that ultimately missed out on major qualification payouts. International football is a high-stakes business, and Ricketts says the JFF is counting the cost of an aggressive push for global recognition that fell short on the pitch.
Brilliant knock, Sir Garry
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) officials and loved ones have come together to share words in tribute, honouring the life and historic 20-year career of Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed at 89 years old July 17, 2026. Widely regarded as the sport’s greatest-ever all-rounder, the Barbadian legend played 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974. He finished his international career with 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78 and took 235 wickets.
More the merrier
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts supports FIFA’s consideration of expanding the next World Cup to 64 teams. The tournament, hosted this summer by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is the first to feature 48 teams, with previous editions limited to 32 since 1998. That was also the year of Jamaica’s only appearance, where the Reggae Boyz finished third in Group H, behind Argentina and fellow debutants Croatia, and ahead of Japan, who also debuted that year.
Spain ease past Austria with 3-0 World Cup win
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Spain coasted past Austria and into the World Cup last-16 on Thursday, thoroughly outclassing their opponents in a 3-0 knockout win with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header. The European champions controlled possession and sliced through the Austrian defence in a typically dominant performance in Los Angeles, as Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem and singer Rosalia cheered on.
Wellington weathering well
ISSA President Keith Wellingtona ISSA president proud of organisation’s handling of challenges The Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has navigated one of its most difficult periods in recent years, staging competitions amid disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa last October and lingering challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
TAKING CHARGE - Jamaica Observer
Jamaica surged to the top of the medal count at the 53rd Carifta Games, winning 20 medals, consisting of eight gold, eight silver, and four bronze, on the opening day at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s, Grenada. Jamaican sprinter Shanoya Douglas overcame a slow start to win gold in the Girls’ Under-20 100m in 11.13 seconds (-0.8 m/s), while her teammate Natrece East took bronze in 11.41. Alexxe Henry of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) claimed silver in 11.39.
GOD’S CALLING - Jamaica Observer
Winning 11 ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) in just over a decade would be enough for most coaches to relax. Few have dominated high school athletics like Michael Dyke and the Edwin Allen High School girls’ track programme since he took over in 2012. But Dyke isn’t the type to become complacent. “I was probably given a gift from God,” Dyke told the Sunday Observer. “I love to help, especially student-athletes, to progress.
Edwin Allen paint Frankfield blue and white
Frankfield, Clarendon was blue and white on Monday morning as Edwin Allen High School students, staff and community members celebrated the school’s 11th ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ Athletics Championships title. Fresh off their victory on Saturday, the team returned to a rousing reception on campus, where vuvuzelas blared and the schoolyard came alive with music and dancing. The festivities transitioned into devotion as the champions arrived with the trophy.
Protect our kids
INAPPROPRIATE comments under social media posts covering track and field events — even those featuring youngsters captured in the heat of competition — have become quite frequent in the local space. While such behavior is inappropriate when directed at adults in competition, it is also seen affecting children participating in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) and other junior meets, raising concerns about the overall environment surrounding youth athletics.
‘I’m disappointed’
Fans are seen scattered in the grandstand at the National Stadium during the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls Athletics Championships (Photo: Garfield Robinson) Wellington stands by 100m schedule change; let down by crowd support For Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) President Keith Wellington, the decision to move the 100m finals from day four to two at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) was always about protecting athletes, in spite...
Tighter security for Champs following breach
ISSA President Keith Wellington has warned that tighter action will follow after a fan breached security and ran onto the track during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) on Wednesday. Wellington described the incident to the Jamaica Observer as one that “should not have happened in the first place”.
FIX THE BOWLING!
Veteran commentator Joseph “Reds” Perreira says West Indies must quickly fix their bowling after a nine-wicket defeat to South Africa in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight Group 1 match in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. West Indies made 176 for eight from their 20 overs, but South Africa raced to 177 for one in 16.1 overs. “The bowling was ragged and [head coach] Daren Sammy and company will have to look at how they can improve this bowling,” Perreira told the Jamaica Observer.
ON THE BRINK! - Jamaica Observer
JAMAICA’S Under-17 Reggae Boyz are on the brink of a third qualification for a FIFA Men’s U-17 World Cup and need just one more positive result to secure a place in Qatar later this year. They face Canada in their final Group G match of the Concacaf Men’s U-17 Qualifiers in Alajuela, Costa Rica, today at 3:00 pm Jamaica time, knowing that a draw will be enough to secure qualification. Victory, however, would remove any doubt and crown a strong group campaign.
HOT ON ICE! - Jamaica Observer
As the Winter Olympic Games begin in Milan, Italy, today, Sport Minister Olivia Grange says Jamaica is no longer seen as a novelty act on ice but as a competitive force in winter sports. The Games run until February 22, and Jamaica will not only compete in three bobsleigh events and alpine skiing, but continue its battle against the belief by many unfamiliar with the programme that the country is a plucky underdog punching above its weight in an unusual environment.
‘FIT FOR PURPOSE?’
AS the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) moves toward implementation of its revised World Anti-Doping Code on January 1, 2027, concerns are emerging in Jamaica that aspects of the new framework, despite reforms aimed at fairness and athlete welfare, could further marginalise athletes from the Global South. The 2027 code, approved in December 2025 at the sixth World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan, South Korea, introduces several athlete-focused changes.
Melissa aftermath still felt by western schools sports
Nearly four months after Hurricane Melissa hit western Jamaica on October 28, many schools are still struggling to get back to normal, and that struggle is reflected in their sports programmes. That reality was laid out on Monday morning at the Jamaica Observer’s Monday Exchange, where Sagicor Foundation, and Running Events Jamaica officials, and their partners gathered at the newspaper’s headquarters to discuss this year’s Sagicor Sigma Run.
‘NOT YOUR ENEMY’
For years, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) was viewed less as a partner in sport and more as an enforcer — an institution defined by controversy rather than care.
WRONG TURN! - Jamaica Observer
Jamaica’s key athletics stakeholders have distanced themselves from the Enhanced Games, making it unequivocally clear that the country remains firmly opposed to any competition that permits the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
LOCKED IN! - Jamaica Observer
Interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid says Jamaica’s preparations for the FIFA Intercontinental play-offs have required what he sees as a careful balance between squad planning and opponent scouting, with the immediate focus being on getting through the first game. The Reggae Boyz will face New Caledonia in the opening play-off match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on March 26. The winner will advance to face DR Congo at the same venue five days later.
'SPEID-Y' DECISION - Jamaica Observer
(From left) Interim senior Jamaica men's football team head coach Rudolph Speid, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Operations Manager Omar McFarlane, and JFF Technical Director Wendell Downswell address the media during a press conference at JFF headquarters in New Kingston, St Andrew, on Wednesday morning.
SECOND BITE OF THE CHERRY
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts is cautiously optimistic after the draw for the Reggae Boyz’ FIFA World Cup 2026 play-off campaign, emphasising the federation’s plans to appoint a new head coach and prepare the team for March’s matches in Mexico. The play-off comes after Jamaica missed out on automatic qualification, drawing 0-0 with Curaçao on Tuesday.
Rico Henry adjusting after Reggae Boyz debut, eager to help team
Rico Henry finally made his debut for Jamaica on Thursday night, stepping onto the field in Port of Spain only hours after receiving international clearance to represent the Reggae Boyz. The Brentford defender came on at left back in the second half of Jamaica’s 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago, capping a tense week that saw him obtain his Jamaican passport just two days earlier.
JFF pleased with improved relationship with Reggae Boyz
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) General Secretary Roy Simpson says improved communication and cooperation between players and administrators have made their World Cup qualifying campaign much smoother than in previous years. Simpson says the JFF now works directly with players on travel and accommodation arrangements, preventing the misunderstandings that once led to public criticism.
ALMOST HOME - Jamaica Observer
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were forced to settle for a tense 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday night, a result that now makes Tuesday’s clash with Curaçao in Kingston a must-win affair.
‘Take care of business!’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Former national defender Tyrone Marshall says Jamaica’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign is on a promising path, but has urged the squad to maintain focus heading into decisive final games. The Reggae Boyz meet Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their penultimate qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time.
‘I’d die for Jamaica’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Reggae Boyz defender Damion Lowe says the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa has deepened his love and determination to fight for Jamaica, both on and off the field. Lowe, who took part in disaster relief efforts last weekend, says the experience left him shaken but inspired. “To be honest, depressed, sad, angry, distraught,” Lowe said, in trying to describe his feelings about scenes he witnessed.
RENEWED RIVALRY - Jamaica Observer
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will be seeking to take another major step towards World Cup qualification when they face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their penultimate qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. The two Caribbean rivals last met in September when Jamaica secured a 2-0 victory in Kingston. That result continued a recent pattern of success for the Boyz, who have won four and drawn two of their last six meetings against T&T.
McClaren expresses confidence in Reggae Boyz attacking options
Jamaica’s senior men’s football team head coach, Steve McClaren, says his blend of youth and experience in the team’s attack means he’s not needed to consider other options. The Reggae Boyz left for Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Tuesday, for their important FIFA World Cup qualifier against the host nation on Thursday, and McClaren says he finally has what he considers a settled squad ready to do what’s needed to qualify the nation for its second World Cup appearance since 1998.
CAPACITY TO COPE
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which left widespread devastation on Jamaica almost two weeks ago, particularly in the island’s western parishes, the question of when sports should resume has sparked national debate. Some say restarting competitions, such as the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), could bring a sense of normality and hope to a grieving nation. Others insist it’s far too early, given the physical and psychological toll of the disaster on athletes, coaches, and communities.
Peak excitement as India’s women eye maiden World Cup title
NEW DELHI, India (AFP) — It is a regular net session at a cricket academy in New Delhi, but the joy among the colourful jersey-clad young girls is unmistakable. They have a shimmering new source of inspiration, after the Indian women’s team pulled off a stunning victory against favourites Australia in the women’s World Cup semi-final on Thursday.
A REAL SISTERHOOD
Reggae Girlz Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr says building team spirit was a key factor for him this week as they prepare for Concacaf W Qualifiers next month. Jamaica defeated hosts Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) 4-1 in an international friendly in Couva on Tuesday, with Jody Brown scoring twice, and Natasha Thomas and Tianna Harris providing the other goals. Nikita Gosine got T&T’s goal. Busby said it was important to continue gelling his team, as many new players have arrived over the past year.
Barefoot to bright lights
Daniel Hylton is a 25-year-old with his sights firmly set on becoming Jamaica’s next biggest name in boxing as he now goes pro. Trained by former World Boxing Council Caribbean Boxing Federation welterweight champion Sakima Mullings, Hylton is confident the timing is right to make the transition from amateur boxing. Hylton spent his time playing in the streets of Central Kingston before following his older brother to watch him train at the Stanley Couch Gym on East Queen Street.
APPEALS PENDING - Jamaica Observer
Attorneys for both Andrew “French” Wright and Oneil Hope, both found guilty on multiple counts of fraud, say they will appeal the decision made by the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Wright, Hope, and a third party, Rudolph Barnes, were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud; acquisition, use, and possession of criminal property; engaging in transactions involving criminal property; and larceny as a servant.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
AFTER their 4-0 victory over Bermuda in their opening Group B Concacaf World Cup qualifier on Friday, Jamaica senior men’s national football team Head Coach Steve McClaren praised the blend of leadership and youthful energy that powered the team to a strong start. McClaren says a vital role was played by goalkeeper and Captain Andre Blake whose pre-match message, despite not being in the squad, set the tone for the team.
Brazilian quartet happy to take Sandals Golf title in ‘friendly’ Jamaica
The Brazilian team of Fernando Nunes Ferreira, Breno Luz, Raphael Abreu, and Ricardo Dantas is happy to have won the 11th staging of the Sandals Latin American Travel Advisers Golf Tournament in what it describes as a warm and friendly environment on Wednesday.
Gore pleased with podium finish in Germany
Jamaican race car driver Tommi Gore is upbeat after his performance in Round 4 of the ADAC GT4 Germany season at the Sachsenring Circuit in Saxony, Germany, at the weekend. Gore and his Israeli teammate, Alon Gabbay, drove their Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport car to their first podium of the season, finishing third in the first race and then 10th in the second.
‘It’s better here’
Antigua and Barbuda Falcons Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Miller says the franchise has received better support from that nation’s Government than when it operated as the Jamaica Tallawahs. This is the Falcons’ first season in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 cricket tournament since changing territories, and Miller, the former Tallawahs CEO, describes the new relationship with Antigua and Barbuda as fruitful.
GUNNERS ROUT LEEDS
LONDON, England — Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two Arsenal goals as the Gunners gave Leeds a harsh lesson in the step-up to the English Premier League with a 5-0 win at Emirates Stadium yesterday. However, victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard hobbled off injured just eight days before Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool.
Davia Richards off to Florida Memorial University
HAVING conquered everything in front of her, including leading Frazsiers Whip to its third-consecutive national championship, national striker Davia Richards will be heading to Florida Memorial University. The 21-year-old swept all the major awards, from Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot to the Best Celebration accolades. Richards was unstoppable and clearly the star and face of the Jamaica Women’s Premier League.
JFF promises pleasing decision for angry fans after Gold Cup disappointment
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says several issues will be addressed regarding what he describes as a poor showing by the Reggae Boyz at the Concacaf Gold Cup recently. Ricketts, who was speaking at the relaunch of the JFF’s Coaching Education Programme on Thursday morning, said it was necessary to apologise to the public for the team’s performance, which he describes as disappointing.
‘IT HURTS!’ - Jamaica Observer
FORMER West Indies cricket team captain Sir Richie Richardson says the blame for the team’s recent performances should not rest solely with its players. The Windies have had poor results on tour in England and Ireland since last month, having drawn a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series 1-1 with Ireland, then being swept 3-0 by England in an ODI series, then 3-0 in a Twenty20 International series.
Optimism in Trinidad and Tobago following WCQ draw
THERE is optimism within the two-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) about that nation’s chances during FIFA World Cup Qualifying (WCQ) matches. T&T’s senior men’s national football team, referred to as the Soca Warriors, advanced to the final round of qualifying and have been drawn in Group B with Jamaica, Curacao, and Bermuda.
A WOMAN’S GAME? - Jamaica Observer
Speculation about who the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) will appoint as its new general secretary has led to debate about whether the role should next be given to a woman. Two persons who have weighed in on this are former president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Peter Moses, who is also the president of Real Mona FC, and women’s football coach and pundit Kadeesh Fishley.
FM Smith wins Robert Wheeler Chess Open 2025
FM Shreyas Smith won the Open section of the IA CM Robert Wheeler Chess Championship held at the Liguanea Chess Club June 7-8, 2025. Second place went to FM Raheem Glaves, Javene McGowan was third, the veteran Michael Diedrick fourth, with Camperdown High School student Taniel Barrett rounding out the top five places. “This is a great win for FM Smith, who consistently does well in our Open events.
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