The national netball team, the Vincy Jewels, received a triumphant homecoming welcome following their return from Barbados, where they officially secured qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. The achievement, earned by placing second in the Americas Netball World Cup qualifiers, marks St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first Netball World Cup qualification in 24 years. Coinciding with the nation’s 47th anniversary of independence, government leaders and sports administrators celebrated the qualification as the ultimate national independence gift.
The path to qualification tested the team’s physical and mental fortitude. After opening the regional tournament with a victory against America, the Vincy Jewels suffered a heavy 30-point setback against Trinidad and Tobago. Rather than becoming demoralized, the squad rallied through subsequent fixtures, culminating in a dramatic overtime victory in their final match to guarantee second place and automatic qualification.
Standout goal shooter Marian Frederick delivered an extraordinary performance throughout the tournament, achieving a 95.25 percent shooting accuracy that included a perfect shooting game. The squad featured a blend of local talent and overseas players with Vincentian roots, including Justine Sansson and Summer Artsman, alongside co-captain Kamisha Antwine, Cristiana Christopher, Kyla Miller, Josianne Antwine, Zani Vincent, Kana Charles, Chalissa Davis, Jamira Coombs, and Shaniah Pompy.
The team’s preparation drew strength from practice matches against the male national squad, the Vincy Warriors—defeating them three times in four practice encounters to build court toughness—as well as tactical guidance from Delrice Duncan and physical conditioning under trainer Chester Morgan. Head Coach Natasha Baptiste Samuel and Assistant Coach Akil Matthews led the technical staff alongside Team Manager Jovanni Roberts.
Speaking at the official welcome ceremony, Minister of Sports, Culture, Youth, and the Creative Industries Kashaka Cupid commended the squad’s character, describing their performance as an outstanding demonstration of true Vincentian spirit. Minister Cupid confirmed that the government is fully committed to funding and assisting the squad’s multi-year campaign heading to Sydney 2027.
Minister Cupid also announced ongoing policy initiatives to establish gainful, structured employment for national athletes, ensuring that sports stars receive professional stability without being forced into career fields that do not align with their athletic pursuits. Recognizing the substantial financial resources required for international competition, the Minister issued an open call to corporate entities across St. Vincent and the Grenadines to invest in women’s sports development and partner with the state.
Team Manager Jovanni Roberts expressed gratitude to the team’s sponsors and supporters, highlighting the spiritual foundation and daily devotions that sustained the squad through high-pressure matches. Looking ahead to World Cup preparations, Roberts outlined key athlete welfare needs, including state-assisted medical diagnostics such as MRIs and X-rays for injured players, dedicated gym access, and organized transport following late-night training sessions.
Addressing structural sports development, Coordinator of Sports and Physical Activities Roxel John revealed that a 45-page strategic proposal has been submitted to government ministers. The roadmap proposes establishing a dedicated sports development entity equipped with a state-of-the-art biomechanics laboratory to provide modern diagnostic science and performance tracking for all national athletes.
Capturing the emotion of the homecoming, Assistant Coach Akil Matthews reflected on the historic milestone: “We went to Barbados with a dream. We return home with a World Cup qualification. And now, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we are going to Sydney.”
