By Admin. Updated 9:56 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
After a successful bid to host the 2026 Americas World Cup Netball Qualifiers St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), is unable to host the tournament.
Sources close to the matter told One News SVG that the bid was made by the SVG Netball Association and it was the second such bid within a year, but the country will not be able to move forward with hosting the tournament.
The bid was made after the previous government reportedly gave a commitment to build an indoor facility to ensure the hosting of the matches in St. Vincent.
The first bid, however, had reportedly met a gridlock after doubt was cast on the country’s ability to host the matches. The process was redone and a second bid was made after a commitment from the previous administration, One News SVG understands.
Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries Mr Kaschaka Cupid confirmed SVG’s inability to host the major tournament in a release to the media on February 7.
“The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has confirmed its decision not to proceed with hosting the Americas World Cup Netball Qualifier, scheduled for 13–23 October 2026,” the release stated.
“The decision followed careful consideration by Cabinet, which reviewed a detailed report outlining the requirements associated with hosting the tournament. After thorough deliberation, Cabinet concluded that the limited timeframe available would not allow for the satisfactory completion of the infrastructural upgrades required to meet regional and international competition standards,” Mr Cupid stated.
“In particular, the upgrades necessary for the courts identified for use during the tournament could not be reasonably completed within the existing timeline without compromising quality, safety, and compliance. The Government determined that it would be imprudent to host an international sporting event without the assurance that all facilities meet the highest standards expected by the sport’s governing bodies,” the sports minister said in the release.
The news is expected to be a blow for the netball fraternity, but the government maintains that its decision is not a lack of support for netball.
“The Government wishes to make clear that this decision does not reflect any lack of support for netball, nor does it diminish the importance of the sport or the valuable work of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association. On the contrary, the decision was a pragmatic one, guided by logistical realities and a commitment to maintaining the country’s reputation as a responsible and credible host of international events,” Minister Cupid stated in the press release.
“The Government remains fully committed to the development and advancement of netball in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Association. Efforts will continue toward strengthening infrastructure and institutional capacity to support future hosting opportunities under more favourable conditions”.
“The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Creative Industries extends its sincere appreciation to the executive and members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association for their initiative, dedication, and enthusiasm in pursuing this opportunity, and reaffirms its willingness to engage constructively as both parties chart a way forward,” the release further stated.
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