PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

JAMAICA'S REGGAE Boyz have surged back to the top of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) ratings after their title success in the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championship.

The Jamaicans jumped 18 places up FIFA's Coca-Cola December rankings, released yesterday, leaping from 83rd to 65th in the world, while unseating Cuba as the region's No. 1 side.

It is the first time at the top of CFU in 18 months - since June 2007 - for the Jamaicans, who spent several months this year outside the world's top 100, including October, when they sat an at all-time low, 116th.

Runners-up

Digicel runners-up Grenada were also among the big movers on FIFA's list this month, climbing 21 places to No. 118 in the world, as they re-entered the CFU's Top 10 at No. 5.

Trinidad and Tobago enjoyed the longest reign - six months - at the top of the CFU's 2008 rankings, but are ending the year second to Jamaica, with Cuba third and Haiti fourth.

Jamaica beat Grenada 2-0 in Sunday's Digicel Caribbean Championship final at the National Stadium for their fourth regional title.

CFU RANKINGS

1. Jamaica (65)

2. Trinidad & Tobago (77)

3. Cuba (79)

4. Haiti (102)

5. Grenada (118)

6. Barbados (122)

7. Bermuda (124)

8. Antigua & Barbuda (128)

9. Suriname (129)

10. Guyana (131)

11. St Vincent &

the Grenadines (133)

12. Puerto Rico (142)

13. Netherlands Antilles (152)

13. St Kitts & Nevis (152)

15. Turks & Caicos Islands (168)

16. Bahamas (170)

17. Cayman Islands (172)

18. St Lucia (176)

19. British Virgin Islands (180)

20. Dominican Republic (185)

21. Dominica (191)

22. Aruba (193)

23. US Virgin Islands (195)

24. Anguilla (201)

24. Montserrat (201)