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Black River Primary provide bright spark for community
February 27, 2026
Black River, arguably the town hardest hit by the devastating category five Hurricane Melissa in October, had some reason to smile last Friday after Black River Primary School defeated Brompton Primary 15-9 for the Insports St Elizabeth Primary Schools netball title.
However, the football team was not as fortunate, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Glen Stuart Primary in their final at St Elizabeth Technical High School on Wednesday.
Assistant coach of Black River Primary, Sasah Thompson, pointed out that even though the institution has not resumed full schooling as yet, the girls were very motivated despite very limited training and resources.
"The competition had started when the storm came, and our goal poles were mangled and there was no training because we didn't have a goal to train with. So we had to improvise," said Thompson.
"But the girls were confident. We were the only team that did not lose two matches. We wouldn't have gotten in the training we would have wanted, so we are really proud of what they have accomplished," she said.
She revealed that there was a consideration to withdraw from the competition, which would have disappointed the girls. However, the school found ways and the teachers came on board.
"As a result we can celebrate despite what is happening around us, but a lot of people wouldn't know what happened here in Black River and to the Black River Primary and Infant School. Up until now we have not fully recalled the students. Grades one and two have not come back. The senior school came back in January and about three weeks ago grade three came back," she noted.
She added that they were confident of victory, as they overcame their biggest threat, Santa Cruz, in the semifinals.
"The ladies were not afraid of Brompton. Their biggest challenge was Santa Cruz. Our two most challenging games were the ones with Santa Cruz. We had a very challenging first-round match and when we got them in the semis the girls were nervous. Once they got over Santa Cruz we knew we would win because when we met Brompton and won by a 20-5 score."
In the third-place match, Santa Cruz beat Hopewell 20-5.
In the football final, Janore Watkins scored the game's only goal as Glen Stuart Primary upstaged Black River Primary for that title.
The title was the first ever for Glen Stuart and coach Peter-Shawn Davy said the team exceeded all expectations.
"From the first two matches I saw a team that stood out and they exceeded all expectations and delivered. This is our first title. Normally I coach track and field but I did a (football) coaching course because we want to do well and this is the result," he said.
In the third-place match, Fullerswood Primary, with goals from Dmitri Witter and Kyle Rashford, beat Hopewell 2-0.
