And the debate resurfaces

For more than two decades, there have talks, discussions, feasibility studies, consultations, you name it, with the view of erecting an indoor sports facility here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

From the street corners, among sporting organisations, to the political platforms, the debate dimmed into silence, plateaued and crescendoed depending on the occasion.

What though is evident throughout the various episodes, is the need for such an undertaking as part of the national sporting assets of the country.

However, in all the lamentations, manoeuvrers, confabulations, and interest from various sectors of the Vincentian sporting landscape, the process has stopped at different points.

Hopefully, the recent decision by the current government not to go ahead with the erection of indoor courts at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex to facilitate the hosting of the Americas Netball Qualifiers, will reignite the debate.

St Vincent and the Grenadines had won the bid to host the Qualifier from October 13 to 23, 2026, on the backing of the completion of the facility, as assured by the former government.

But, according to the new government, their “careful consideration by Cabinet”, and review of the requirements associated with the hosting of the tournament, left St Vincent and the Grenadines reneging on its initial choice.

In fact, an announcement via a press release, February 7, 2026, stated: “it would be imprudent to host an international sporting event without the assurance that all facilities meet the highest standards”.

Furthermore, the release informed that the decision was “a pragmatic one, guided by logical realities and a commitment to maintaining the country’s reputation for Netball”.

To some, the release was a politically correct one, drizzled with the regular toppings of rhetoric and public relations jargon.

For others, the non- committal to get the facility done in time, was a political spite and a lack of interest in sports and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On whichever side of the fence one sits, the common stance should be that St Vincent and the Grenadines is in need of an indoor sports facility.

Whilst the issue at hand deals specifically with Netball, any such facility would be multiple purposed.

Hence, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, as well as Gymnastics would be the immediate beneficiaries of such added infrastructure.

Additionally, once erected, it can spur disciplines like Floor Hockey, Badminton, Futsal, and other indoor sports.

Notably, disability sports will have an outlet to flourish as it allows for that type of setting that fits into their operations. Taking the argument beyond an indoor sporting complex fits into the emerging scheme of things, as it is providing limited disruptions in competitions because of adverse weather conditions that may arise.

Relatedly, St Vincent and the Grenadines will be positioned to host regional and international tournaments that require an indoor facility. As a spin off to the hosting are the economic impacts, namely sports tourism and job opportunities for many locals. The case is before the current political directorate to show their worth and to please re-write the wrong by ensuring that within your tenure St Vincent and the Grenadines gets an Indoor Sporting Facility.