By: Curtis Morton
Local Netball icon on Nevis, Ms Jeannette Hull has been reelected as President of the St.Kitts-Nevis Netball Association. This was done at a meeting on July 19th.
The outspoken former top Netballer and administrator stated in a recent interview that even though she had previously resigned from such administrative duties, she has seen the need for a new direction for Netball in St.Kitts and Nevis, as she noted that the sport has seen a decline in recent years within the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis.
Based on the constitution of the SKN Netball Association, she handed over the Presidency in 2007. Since then St.Kitts-Nevis lost its alignment to the international body.
She indicated that there was no longer too much for the Netballers to look forward to, hence the possible reason for the dormancy. She stated that there is limited Netball being played in St.Kitts and virtually none in Nevis.
The last time the St.Kitts-Nevis team took part in the Commonwealth games trials was in 2006, under her presidency. She is adamant that Netball is good for the overall development of women –physically, mentally and for their general health and well being. She opined that the Netball complex in Nevis is ‘a total shame.’
Her association has put some plans into motion for the revival of Netball.
The SKN Association has reapplied for membership with the world body (INF/AFNA) and asked for a waiver of fees due, but has paid current fees.
There is a meeting of AFNA scheduled for this week in Canada but her Association will not be represented because of lack of funds. The airfare alone is in the vicinity of $4,000.00. However, all of the necessary documents have been sent on to the meeting on behalf of the St.Kitts-Nevis Netball Association.
A request has also been made that the next round of preliminary games in the Commonwealth tournament be played in St.Kitts and Nevis.
However, Ms Grell Hull is indicating that certain critical measures for refurbishment of the local stadiums must be done.
For the upcoming Independence celebrations, matches will be played between squads from St.Kitts and Nevis and a team will be selected with an intention to get a Federation team involved in the next Commonwealth games.
She is also aware that for Netball to survive within the Federation, a strong system must be put in place from the Primary school level and her Association is also making plans to initiate a school program.
The St.Kitts-Nevis Netball Association executive reads:
President—Jeannette Grell Hull-Nevis
Vice President—Laverne Dublin-Collins-St.Kitts
Secretary—Ramona Casey—St.Kitts
Treasurer-Vera Herbert-Nevis
PRO—Steven Duggins-St.Kitts
Nominated members
Julie Hanley—Liburd—St.Kitts
Sherilla Nisbett