CNW news – In a striking late development, Guyana has officially been named the new host of the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championships, taking over from Jamaica, which was forced to withdraw from hosting duties.
The announcement came on Saturday from Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., during the National Sports Awards ceremony, less than two weeks before the regional showcase is set to begin. The championships are scheduled for November 23-30 and are expected to draw more than 130 of the Caribbean’s premier squash players.
‘A testament to our investment’
Minister Ramson framed Guyana’s selection as a direct result of the country’s strategic investment in sporting infrastructure, asserting that such readiness is precisely what sets Guyana apart as an emerging sporting hub in the region.
“Look at our ability to host now because of the investment that we’re making,” Ramson declared proudly. “I would like to share the announcement that Guyana is now going to be hosting Senior CASA at the end of the month because Jamaica is unable to host. Guyana is the only suitable location to host because of the investment that we’ve made.”
His remarks drew loud applause from the audience, underscoring a growing national confidence in Guyana’s capacity to stage international sporting events.
A timely home advantage
The change of venue provides a powerful narrative twist for Guyana’s national squash team, who were honored as ‘Team of the Year’ at the very same ceremony. Now, they will have the chance to defend their CASA title on home soil, buoyed by local support and national pride.
For a team that has dominated regional squash in recent years, the opportunity to perform before home fans offers both an emotional and competitive edge. It also reinforces Guyana’s standing as a regional powerhouse in the sport.
A regional tournament with renewed momentum
The CASA Senior Championships — a marquee event on the Caribbean squash calendar — serve not only as a test of individual skill but also as a celebration of regional unity and athletic excellence. With the sudden relocation, all eyes will now turn to Georgetown, where Guyana’s state-of-the-art facilities are poised to host the tournament at short notice.
Sporting observers note that this successful takeover could further solidify Guyana’s reputation as a reliable and capable host for major regional competitions — a testament to years of steady development and commitment to sport at the national level.
