In a significant development for Caribbean sports infrastructure, Saint Lucia has received a substantial donation of 1,200 basketballs valued at approximately CAD$24,000 (EC$47,600) through a collaborative initiative between government agencies and diaspora representatives.
The equipment distribution to local institutions and athletic programs was orchestrated by the Ministry of External Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, highlighting the growing importance of transnational partnerships in sports development. The donation materialized through the diplomatic efforts of Henry Mangal, Saint Lucia’s Consul General in Toronto, who established a strategic connection with Tracy Archie Alexander, a compatriot working at Canada’s Wonderland amusement park.
Ambassador Julian Dubois, responsible for Diaspora Affairs, characterized the contribution as part of a comprehensive strategy to systematize basketball development across the island nation. The initiative specifically targets youth basketball programs, with structured support planned for various age categories including under-12, under-15, and under-17 divisions. Distribution plans include allocating 25 balls to each secondary school and providing 100 balls to the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation to bolster organizational capacity.
Glen Guiste, President of the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation, expressed profound appreciation for the equipment infusion, noting that the donation arrives at a critical juncture in the sport’s expansion across the island. Federation officials confirmed the equipment would be immediately deployed to support both school programs and competitive league development, addressing previous equipment shortages that had hampered training capabilities.