Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier FC have suffered another significant blow ahead of their upcoming Concacaf Club Championship campaign and the start of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League, with the departure of star winger Dwayne “Busy” Atkinson.

The influential attacker has completed a permanent transfer to Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship, becoming the latest in a growing list of high-profile exits from the Kingston-based club. The move is pending final work permit approval, after which the American club is expected to make a formal announcement.

Atkinson leaves Cavalier as one of their most decorated and consistent performers in recent years. Having made over 150 professional appearances, the former Kingston College standout played a pivotal role in three Jamaica Premier League titles and was instrumental in Cavalier’s 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship triumph—where he was named Player of the Tournament. His performances earned him a place in the Tournament Best XI and later led to appearances in the Concacaf Champions League.

On the international stage, Atkinson has represented the Jamaica senior men’s national team on six occasions.

Atkinson’s exit comes on the heels of other major player losses, including the recent departures of Jalmaro Calvin and defender Richard King, who have both signed with Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren. The trio—Atkinson, Calvin, and King—were all named to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup Tournament Best XI.

Calvin, who was crowned Best Young Player of the Tournament, brought creativity and composure to the midfield, while King, a composed and intelligent defender, anchored the backline.

Despite the wave of departures, Cavalier still retains a core group of standout players from last season’s title-winning run, including goalkeeper Vino Barclett, defender Jeovanni Laing, and forward Shaquille Stein, all of whom were also selected to the Best XI.