The decision not to host Americas World Cup Netball Qualifier ought to be revisited
EDITOR: According to a report in the February 7th issue of iWitness News, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has opted to not host the 2026 Regional Netball Championships, which was scheduled for October 13 – 26.
According to the article, Minister of Sports, Kaschaka Cupid, stated inter alia, “This decision was based primarily on the limited time available to complete the requisite upgrades to the courts identified for use during the competition. Cabinet determined that, within the existing time frame, it would not be feasible to undertake and satisfactorily complete the necessary infrastructural works to meet the required standards.”
This is unfortunate. The decision to host the Tournament was made on October 5, 2025. The current government assumed office on December 3, 2025. Why wait two months to notify stakeholders of this decision?
While hosting a netball tournament may not have been a priority for the incoming government, it is something to which the government was obligated. Therefore, it should have been handled in a more professional manner. The reason given by the minister, insufficient time to complete the necessary infrastructural works, is unacceptable. The period from February 5 to October 13 not only provides sufficient time for the authorities to renovate the facilities, but it also offers opportunities for innovative thinking and regional collaboration.
In 2024 the International Cricket Council (ICC) convened the T20 Men’s Cricket World Championship tournament in New York and the Caribbean. NewYork was chosen as [a] venue, even though it was not a member of the competing teams and did not have an ICC certified cricket facility. The authorities decided to convert a section of Eisenhower Park in Nassau County into an ICC approved cricket stadium.
Against the protest of residents, politicians and members of the business community, the organizers created a professional cricket facility in 106 days. It was costly, no doubt, professionalism has its price. The completed stadium seated 34,000 individuals and was equal to or better than many established cricket facilities. The venue hosted eight games, including the much-ballyhooed match that pitted India against Pakistan.
Following the tournament, the facility was dismantled and the park was returned to its former condition.
Several years ago, an elementary school in New York suburb was destroyed a few days before the December holiday. The Superintendent of Schools convened an emergency meeting of the senior administrative staff. After a few hours of discussion, he presented, to the Board of Education (BOE), a proposal for housing the students. The proposal was unanimously approved by the BOE. The school district engaged the services of a company that specialized in the construction of modular school structures, and within four weeks the students were in NewYork State approved facilities.
The examples above are presented to show what can be done, if the commitment and dedication are present. Recognizing that the government of SVG may not have immediate access to the resources that are needed to replicate the efforts of the aforementioned cricket association or school district, they have more than sufficient time to prepare the facility to host a world class netball tournament.
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines ought to undertake the necessary steps to create a facility that will meet the requirements of the organizers of the Tournament. Hosting the tournament will provide the following benefits, among others: Increased revenue for local hoteliers, vendors, and transportation providers, et al.
Positive exposure and press coverage.
Opportunities for similar activities in the future.
Increased national pride. A world class facility that will be available for future use.
Confidence among the population that Vincis can “get the job done!”
I ask the government to reconsider its decision and proceed with the project, thus proving to the citizenry that their vote on November 27 was not in vain.
Fadhilika Atiba-Weza Brunswick, New York
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