The Social Development Commission (SDC) Hanover Double 7 Domino Competition was successfully launched, electrifying communities across the parish and setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of quarter-final action. The inaugural matches, held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Lucea Bus Park, saw thirteen community teams battle in a high-stakes knockout format, with the top eight securing their spots in this Saturday’s critical playoff round.
The tournament, a flagship community development initiative by SDC Hanover, has become a powerful unifying force, backed by a strong coalition of partners including the Hanover Municipal Corporation, FILCO Gas, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Lucea Hardware and Elected Representatives. This broad-based support underscores a shared commitment to harnessing cultural touchstones like dominoes to foster parish-wide unity, civic engagement, and local economic activity.
“The energy and sportsmanship displayed on Saturday are exactly what we envisioned,” said Mrs. Tova Trench-Anderson, Parish Manager for SDC, Hanover. “Dominoes is in our blood as Jamaicans; it’s a cultural activity that brings together generations. The SDC Hanover Double 7 is more than a competition, it’s a catalyst for community empowerment. We are using this platform to encourage participation in community-based organizations, strengthen collaborative efforts, and build camaraderie in our communities. This is the SDC’s mission in action.”
The substantial $375,000 prize pool, with a top prize of $150,000 for the winning team, has ignited fierce but friendly rivalries from the bustling streets of Lucea to the coastal vibes of Green Island. The competition has also generated a palpable positive economic ripple effect, with local vendors and SDC’s Local Economic Initiatives (LEIs) reporting increased foot traffic and sales during the event days.
The opening weekend of the tournament was defined by intense competition and energetic crowds. Among the standout performers was the Cacoon CDC Domino Team, which hails from the Cacoon community. Composed of a diverse mix of farmers, fishers, tradespeople, and retired civil servants, the team has become a local sensation. They have been practicing nightly in a newly refurbished container building, a space that will soon serve as a multi-purpose community resource. Once completed, the facility will function as a homework assistance and skills training centre, in addition to providing a permanent meeting space for the Cacoon Community Development Committee (CDC).
“This tournament has already done so much,” said Mrs. Christeen Hooper Johnson, president of the Cacoon CDC and manager of its Domino Team. “It has brought neighbours together, given us something positive to focus on, and created a real sense of anticipation. Win or lose, we’re already benefiting from the camaraderie and greater interest from our community residents in what we as the CDC can do for them.”
The action continues with the quarter-finals this Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Lucea Bus Park, starting at 1:00 PM. The four victorious teams from this round will advance to the semi-finals, all leading to the grand finale on Saturday,August 30, 2025, where the first-place team will claim the championship trophy and the $150,000 top prize.
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