Vincy Jewels return home to heroines’ welcome

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines national netball team returned home on Monday evening, September,1, 2025, to an official welcome at the Argyle International Airport. The welcome party was headed by Minister of Sports, Orando Brewster, and included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frederick Stephenson, and Director of Sports, Jomadean May.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director May said, “… when I was given the opportunity to lead the Division of Sport, I never knew that the Minister actually send me to lead ‘trained assassins’. You girls don’t miss me at all, right? he said in jest. “ I was looking at the stats, and for example, one of the games I saw Maryann had 36 shots and 35 goals. Trust me, if they send you for me, I surrender,” he said to loud laughter from those at the welcome function.

May said he never knew netball was so exciting until he looked at Fast Five.

“This is a really exciting and momentous occasion for us here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as we celebrate back -to -back championships at the ECCB OECS Netball Championship, and coming out on top again is our very own St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said the Minister of Sports, who flew to Grenada on August 31, 2025, to keep a promise he had made.

“The night before they tried to call my phone, they didn’t get on to me, and there was speculation as to where is the minister? Is he in Grenada, or is he in St. Vincent? But through the grace of the Almighty,” he related.

“ I had a very hectic day on Sunday, but for the entire week, there was one thing on my mind, and that is to make sure that I’m there at the very end with our very own Vincy Jewels.”

Brewster was on hand to witness some of the games played by the Vincentian squad who retained the Gloria Ballantyne Trophy despite losing their final game to Grenada by a single goal.

Arrangements have been made for the team members to have a spa treatment along with a number of other activities in recognition of their achievement.