On the Clive Tannis Hard Court in Port Elizabeth, a grassroots basketball development initiative is quietly but steadily growing: the Bequia Basketball Association (BBA)’s weekly youth basketball camps, which have drawn young athletes from across the island to build fundamental skills, strengthen collaborative teamwork, and foster a lasting passion for the sport. Organization leaders have expressed clear satisfaction with the consistent progress the program has made in nurturing local talent.
The most recent Sunday session stood out as a particularly memorable gathering, thanks to the attendance of three high-profile Vincentian basketball personalities. The guest group included Craiglee Sam, a Vincentian coach based in Taiwan who founded the Breakthrough Basketball Academy; Austin Derrick, a player who has built a professional career competing in leagues across Taiwan and Hong Kong; and Shem Ollivierre, a referee officially certified by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
In an official press statement, the BBA shared deep gratitude for the three guests, noting that their willingness to share hard-earned expertise and mentor young participants has been a powerful inspiration for the next generation of Bequia’s basketball hopefuls. The session also received a notable visit from Prime Minister Godwin Friday, who toured the camp to observe young players’ progress firsthand and publicly voiced his support for the program’s ongoing expansion.
Beyond the visiting guests, the BBA also extended sincere recognition to its core team of dedicated local volunteer coaches, who commit their personal time each week to run the camps. The group includes Kelan Edwards, Denroy Hutchins, Keithroy Lavia, and Jermaine John. The association highlighted John in particular: this July, he will step onto the regional stage as a member of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Men’s Senior National Basketball Team, competing in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers hosted in Guyana.
The BBA also expressed thanks to key program volunteers Diane King and Alana Phillips, as well as former player Adonal Foyle, who generously donated new basketball jerseys for the young camp participants.
As the association makes final preparations for the 24th Annual Bequia Basketball Tournament, organizers are preparing to split current camp participants into competing teams, giving the young athletes the chance to gain valuable real-game experience by taking part in the iconic local event. Beyond the tournament, the BBA has also planned an upcoming referee training workshop, designed to cultivate a new cohort of local officials and reinforce the long-term sustainability of basketball development across Bequia.
From its grassroots youth camps to professional development for officials and elite regional competition, the Bequia Basketball Association reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to creating accessible, life-changing opportunities for young people through sports. Organization leaders say they are eager to watch the youth program continue to expand, empower more young athletes, and deliver lasting success for the Bequia community.