28 September 2023, Basseterre, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis – Nine
netball teams from across the region will participate in the 3rd ECCB International Netball
Series, which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 29 September to 7 October.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), in collaboration with the Caribbean Netball
Association and the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association, will host the Series under the
theme: Excellence and Empowerment Through Sports.
Teams from seven of the eight ECCB member countries will participate namely: Antigua
and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Christopher (St
Kitts) and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Barbados and the
Cayman Islands will participate as guest teams and for international ranking.
The ECCB’s sponsorship of the tournament demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to the
overall development and empowerment of the region’s women through sports. This
dedication was demonstrated this year through the Bank’s willingness to inject additional
funds to assist the teams with travel expenses given the increase in the cost for regional
travel.
“We applaud Governor Antoine and extend our sincere appreciation to the ECCB for its
enormous level of contribution,” said President of the Caribbean Netball Association (CNA),
Rufina Paul.
The Series will commence with the Official Opening Ceremony on 30 September, following
which, teams will compete for title of Champion at the YMCA in St John’s. The
championship trophy is named in honour of the late Gloria Ballantyne of Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, who was influential in regional netball for several decades.
“The public has been long awaiting some exciting netball action in Antigua and Barbuda
since netball was dormant for couple years on the twin island nation,” said President of the
Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association, Karen Joseph.
The netballers will also participate in a developmental session which will focus on Sports as
an Outlet for Coping with Mental Health. School Counselor, Harriett Warner, will conduct
the session. The participants will also have the opportunity to engage in discussion with the
netball officials about the future of the sport in the region.
Visit the ECCB Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ECCBConnects/) for daily
updates on the matches throughout the tournament.
