Local umpire, part of Netball history at Commonwealth Youth Games

Vincentian, Moeth Gaymes is delighted that he is part of the historic staging of Fast5 Netball at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG).

An International Talent Identification Umpire, Gaymes is among three umpires from the Americas region who will officiate at the matches. The others are Wayne Benti of St Lucia, and Joel Brown of Trinidad and Tobago.

The umpires panel is completed by Chakatsa Lephole, Lesotho; Sasha McLeod, New Zealand; Louis Cole and James Thomas, England; Rhian Edwards, Wales; and Theophilus Moletsane, South Africa.

Eagerly looking forward to show his mettle, Gaymes told SEARCHLIGHT: “ It is great to have been selected to officiate at this prestigious and historic event as Netball makes waves into different Games…. First it was the Central American and Caribbean Games, and now it is the Fast5 version at the Commonwealth Games”.

Gaymes attributes his rise in the sport, to his constant quest for excellence.

“What I consider one of my greatest attributes is openness to feedback provided by my assessors, and work on my areas that I may show some weakness to become a better-rounded umpire each occasion that I officiate.”

And, with increasing opportunities coming his way, Gaymes is fixed on attaining highest heights.

“ My utmost goal is to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Americas Region at the shortest possible time at Netball World Cup, but I must thank God for blessing me with the talent of officiating and see one of my dreams come true as I climb my way to the highest level,” he said.

Soon, Gaymes will add another entry to his resume when the Fast5 Netball takes place at the Tobago Shaw Park Cultural Complex, starting on August, 8.

Eight teams, grouped in two pools, are contesting for honours. In Pool ‘A’ are Australia, Scotland, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago; with Pool ‘B’ composed of England, Botswana, South Africa and St Vincent and the Grenadines.