‘It’s still on’
Netball Jamaica dismisses rumours of tri-nation tournament cancellation
Published:Monday | September 20, 2021 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
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Netball Jamaica (NJ) President Tricia Robinson says there is no truth to reports that the Sunshine Girls’ tri-nation series against South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago (T...
Netball Jamaica (NJ) President Tricia Robinson says there is no truth to reports that the Sunshine Girls’ tri-nation series against South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), set to take place in Jamaica from October 10-23, has been postponed.
Reports said that NJ has not received Government approval to host the event, but Robinson says that they are working closely with the Ministry of Sport to ensure that COVID-19 measures are up to standard for the series.
“I cannot tell that [the series has been postponed],” Robinson told The Gleaner. “We haven’t confirmed any postponement with anybody. Maybe there is something in my email that I havent seen as yet, but I can’t give you anything I dont know about.
“We are working alongside the Ministry of Sport, and they make it comfortable to go through the [protocol approval] process.
“They have provided very good assistance, and we are far along as we have approvals, but they are just trying to ensure everything is in order, so we are all right.
“So we are working towards the deadline and the ministry is working alongside us. We got approval for the resumption of training and to host the league, so we see no issue.”
Some reports also suggest that the South Africans are keeping tabs on the COVID-19 situation in Jamaica, but Robinson says that in the current pandemic climate, everyone is looking for assurances.
“COVID affected some people more than others, but if there is a postponement, we will let you (the public) know,” she said.
Trinidad and Tobago newspaper The Daily Express says T&T Netball Association President, Sherry Ann Blackburn, revealed that she had been in contact with the Jamaican netball authorities as recently as last Monday and that the feedback she received was good.
“The series is on. We have been in contact with Jamaica [last] week and the series is on,” Blackburn was quoted as saying.
The Sunshine Girls returned to training only last month after more than a year out to prepare for the series and the Commonwealth Games, to be held in England next year.