2025 National Basketball Championship Opens at New Montrose Hard Court

President Suzette Jackson Encourages Unity and Perseverance Under the Tagline #REBOUND

The 2025 National Basketball Championship officially tipped off on Saturday, November 1st, at the New Montrose Basketball Facility, marking a significant milestone for basketball in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This year’s tournament represents a major rebound for the sport, as a national championship has not been held in several years.

Seven teams will compete in the Senior 5v5 Division, with fixtures to be released shortly. The championship will also include 3×3 U17 competitions, providing expanded opportunities for youth participation and development.

In her opening remarks, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF), Suzette Jackson, reflected on the Federation’s progress since her election two years ago. She spoke candidly about inheriting a “poor state” of affairs but emphasized the Federation’s ongoing efforts to rebuild amidst challenges such as limited human and financial resources.

President Jackson expressed sincere gratitude to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Olympic Committee (NOC) for its continued financial and institutional support. She highlighted the Federation’s new tagline, #REBOUND, explaining:

> “Rebounds win games, but they also serve as a reminder to keep pushing forward when you feel defeated — in basketball and in life.”



FIBA Americas Board Member, CONCENCABA General Secretary, and SVG Sports Ambassador, Sabrina Mitchell, also addressed the audience. She revealed tentative plans for a Caribbean FIBA Men’s Qualifying Tournament in 2026, expressing optimism that SVG would again be represented on the international stage. Mitchell reaffirmed her confidence in Jackson’s leadership and encouraged members of the local basketball community to contribute their “time, talent, and skills” toward growing the sport nationwide.

The SVGBF Executive outlined several future initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and community engagement. A particular focus will be placed on addressing the underrepresentation of women in basketball and advancing the Federation’s community development mandate.

Games Secretary Vasha Adams, who participated in a 2024 basketball apprenticeship in the United States, is collaborating with the Federation to establish a local women’s engagement program, inspired by her overseas experience. Additionally, the Federation plans to strengthen its outreach to key communities and schools across the country to encourage youth participation and foster community spirit through basketball.

The opening ceremony concluded with the Players’ Pledge, delivered by Junior Peters, followed by an exciting exhibition match between the Arnos Vale Heatseekers and the Sion Hill Pacers, with the Heatseekers edging out their opponents 43–40.

With the 2025 National Basketball Championship now underway, the SVGBF invites the public to attend and support the games as the tournament unfolds.


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Contact:
P.O. Box 1667, Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Tel: (784) 530-1585
Email: [email protected]

Signed:
Ella Mitchell-Sutton
Public Relations Officer, SVGBF


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Executive Members – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF)

President: Suzette Jackson

1st Vice President: Winston Snagg

2nd Vice President: Ramon Johnson

3rd Vice President: Renitta Morris-Peters

Treasurer: Tevin H.S. Bynoe

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer: Jada Peters

Public Relations Officer: Ella Mitchell-Sutton

Games Secretary: Vasha Adams

Committee Members: Wayne Williams, Otmar Marshall


Affiliated to: [Insert affiliations – e.g., FIBA, NOC, CONCENCABA, etc.]