Inter-Primary and Interschool Championships Postponed Due to Continued Unavailability of Kim Collins Stadium.

Minister Samal Duggins is facing mounting criticism and pressure amidst a string of failures across his ministerial portfolios, encompassing Sports, Agriculture, the Creative Economy, and the Cannabis Development Authority. The most recent setback involves the postponement of the 2025 RAMS Inter-Primary and TDC Interschool Track & Field Championships, a major sporting event for young athletes in St. Kitts and Nevis. This marks the second consecutive year the championships have been delayed due to the unavailability of the Kim Collins Stadium, despite repeated assurances from Minister Duggins that the venue would be ready. This broken promise has ignited widespread frustration among athletes, coaches, parents, and sports enthusiasts, adding fuel to the existing discontent over Duggins’ performance across his various ministries.

The postponement of the championships is not an isolated incident, but rather the latest in a series of failures that have plagued Duggins’ tenure. He is facing mounting pressure to resign or be reassigned. Critics argue that he is demonstrably overwhelmed and lacking the competence to effectively manage the critical portfolios under his control. The issues extend beyond the realm of sports, impacting key sectors of the Federation’s economy and development. The agricultural sector has voiced concerns over Duggins’ leadership, claiming their livelihoods have been negatively impacted. Similar discontent reverberates within the creative industry, where stakeholders accuse the Ministry of the Creative Economy of hindering growth by competing with, rather than supporting, local creatives.

The repeated failures and unfulfilled promises have eroded public trust in Duggins’ ability to deliver on his commitments. The postponement of the championships serves as a stark example of this pattern of incompetence. Despite assurances given well in advance of the 2024 edition of the games, the Kim Collins Stadium remains unavailable, forcing the cancellation of the 2025 event. The St. Kitts & Nevis Athletics Association (SKN Athletics) cited logistical issues, the lack of a suitable venue, and ongoing delays in finalizing a date – all factors directly related to Duggins’ unkept promises – as reasons for the postponement. This leaves young athletes in limbo for a second year, disrupting their training schedules and denying them the opportunity to compete.

The widespread dissatisfaction with Duggins’ performance has sparked calls for accountability and decisive action from Prime Minister Terrance Drew. The question remains: how long will the Prime Minister tolerate these continued failures before intervening? Duggins’ inability to effectively manage his ministerial responsibilities has far-reaching consequences, hindering the development of key sectors such as sports, agriculture, and the creative economy. The continued delays and unfulfilled promises are not only detrimental to these sectors, but also erode public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

The future of the interschool championships remains uncertain. While SKN Athletics has committed to finding a resolution, the lack of suitable infrastructure presents a significant challenge. Without a clear timeline for rescheduling, athletes and coaches are left in a state of uncertainty, while parents and fans demand answers and accountability. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective leadership and decisive action to address the ongoing issues plaguing these vital sectors.

The mounting pressure on Duggins and the chorus of calls for his resignation or reassignment reflect the widespread frustration and disappointment with his performance. The repeated failures across his ministerial portfolios have not only impacted the specific sectors under his control but have also raised broader concerns about his competence and leadership abilities. The postponement of the championships for the second consecutive year serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unfulfilled promises and ineffective leadership. As the hashtag #DugginsFailsAgain gains traction on social media, it reflects the growing sentiment that Duggins is running out of time and excuses. The question now is whether Prime Minister Drew will heed the calls for change and take decisive action to address the ongoing crisis.