Rock and Come e’en Kaschaka Cupid

THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the new Cabinet of St Vincent and the Grenadines last Tuesday, December 2,2025, at the official swearing in ceremony at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, revealed that Kaschaka Atiba Mbane is the Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries. To some, it may be the obvious choice, granted he comes from a sporting background as a former St Vincent and the Grenadines and Windwards cricketer.

In addition, Cupid is the current first vice-president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. and has served in managerial positions of the Vincy Premier League (VPL).

Whatever were the factors that deemed Cupid the fittest for the job may be immaterial at this juncture as he has taken the Oath of Office, and has duly been appointed to oversee his various portfolios, with sports being one of them.

Therefore, let us welcome him to the job and wish him the best in his tenure, as sports is integral to national development, social cohesion, and indeed, economic upliftment.

Up front though, there is no honeymoon period for you Mr. Cupid, as you should be on the ball already and prepared mentally, physically, and otherwise for the task ahead.

Immediately, Mr Cupid you are charged with the responsibility of surpassing whatever developments and innovations your predecessors have accomplished.

With the portfolio of youth under your belt, sports provides that happy marriage as the youth population consumes the bedrock for the posterity of the various sporting disciplines that are practised here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Obviously though, as the new man on the job, it will be critical that you make an analysis of what is in place rather that which has been working.

We do not expect you to come in and make wholesale changes immediately, but judiciously discern the current operations on what obtained within the ministry and among the sporting disciplines which too form part of your mandate.

Suffice it to admit that there are plenty things to fix, inclusive of placing sports as a viable outlet for our people rather than merely to pass time.

The new Minister who has the responsibility for sports- we know you emerge essentially from a Cricket background- will have to learn the nuances and dynamics of the other disciplines, but must not show bias to the sport that you are intimately knowledgeable about, but be a minister for all.

Hence, it is imperative that from the get-go, you make as a matter of duty and whetting your feet, to have a conversation with all national associations, federations, and unions, which is key towards establishing a cordial relationship and setting the framework for common ground and familiarity with your new undertaking.

Mr. Cupid, as you are aware St Vincent and the Grenadines has been chosen to host the Americas Netball Qualifiers here next October.

The country’s selection was based on the solemn promise by the former administration to erect an indoor facility at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex, in time for the qualifiers.

Hopefully, your administration is of like mind, and you will use your goodly office to convince the person with the purse strings that having the facility done in time for the hosting of the qualifiers, and save the country some unwanted embarrassment.

That will leave an indelible mark and legacy as you dutifully dispense your duties.

Again, prepare to roll up your sleeves, listen to wise counsel, shut out the noises, seek assistance from the tried and tested, and ensure that you add value to sports here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

And, although your placement in that ministry is subject to change, purpose that you will be visible, fair, and most of all, view sports as a bridge among social contentions, political divides and economic despair.