SKNFA and Fans Decry Warner Park Football Suspension Until August

The St. Kitts-Nevis football community is in an uproar following a decision by the Ministry of Sports to render the Warner Park Football Stadium unavailable for two months during the peak of the football season. This decision, communicated through a letter from Director of Sports Jeffrey Hazel, cites the St. Kitts Music Festival and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Cricket Tournament as the reasons for the stadium’s closure from June 28th to August 28th, 2025. This announcement has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of mismanagement and deliberate sabotage against the Ministry and its head, Hon. Samal Duggins. The core issue lies in the perceived prioritization of cricket and other events over football, raising concerns about the Ministry’s commitment to the sport’s development.

The controversy stems from the scheduling conflict between major events and the football season. Critics question why the Music Festival, a key factor in the stadium’s unavailability, wasn’t relocated to alternative venues such as the bypass road, Cayon field, or Frigate Bay lawn. These locations, they argue, would have accommodated the festival without disrupting the football schedule. The decision to prioritize the Music Festival and CPL over football has been interpreted by some as a sign of disrespect towards the sport, its players, and its dedicated fan base. This sentiment is further fueled by the lack of consultation with the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) prior to the decision, adding to the perception of disregard for the sport’s governing body.

The situation is exacerbated by the perceived silence of Minister Duggins, who has left his Director of Sports to face the brunt of public criticism. Duggins’ perceived inaction has been seen as a continuation of a pattern of alleged mismanagement and missteps, further eroding public trust in his leadership. His perceived absence from the public discourse on this issue is interpreted as a lack of accountability and a failure to address the concerns of the football community. This perceived lack of leadership has intensified calls for a resolution and fueled speculation about the Ministry’s true motives behind the stadium closure.

The football community’s frustration is amplified by the perceived disparity in treatment between football and other sports, particularly cricket. The extended closure of the stadium for events primarily focused on the cricket field has raised questions about the allocation of resources and the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a balanced sporting landscape. This perceived favoritism towards cricket has fueled accusations of a deliberate attempt to marginalize football and stifle its growth within the country. The lack of alternative arrangements for football during the stadium closure further strengthens this perception of inequity.

The SKNFA and the broader football fraternity are now demanding immediate action from Minister Duggins. They are urging him to either reverse the decision regarding the stadium closure or to develop a contingency plan that accommodates football activities without disrupting the ongoing season. Crucially, they are emphasizing the need for genuine consultation and transparency in any future decisions affecting the sport. This demand for inclusivity reflects a desire for greater respect and recognition for football’s importance within the national sporting landscape. They see this not merely as a scheduling conflict but as a fundamental issue of respect for the sport, the players, and the dedicated fans.

This incident has highlighted deeper concerns about the management of sports in St. Kitts and Nevis. The perceived lack of planning and communication has exposed systemic issues within the Ministry of Sports, raising questions about its capacity to effectively support and develop all sports, not just cricket. The controversy surrounding the Warner Park stadium closure serves as a stark reminder of the importance of equitable resource allocation, transparent decision-making, and genuine consultation with all stakeholders in the sporting community. The football community’s strong reaction underscores the passion and dedication that exists for the sport and the need for its rightful place in the nation’s sporting landscape. The long-term consequences of this decision remain to be seen, but the incident has undoubtedly damaged the Ministry’s credibility and its relationship with the football fraternity.