THE 2025 ENet Senior Caribbean Squash Championship team segment commenced Wednesday night, officially opened by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who used the platform to pivot from regional disaster to unified ambition.

After stepping in to host the championships following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, Guyana announced a US$25,000 pledge toward Jamaica’s recovery efforts, immediately underscoring the political and collaborative spirit of the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA).

The President’s pledge will be added to the tournament surplus already committed to relief by the Guyana Squash Association (GSA).

“We are all part of one family in this region,” President Ali affirmed at the Royal International Hotel. He emphasised that the aid, which already includes commitments to repair infrastructure in Jamaica, highlights the region’s shared responsibility as the island rebuilds.

The Team Showdown: Fifth Title or Bajan Upset?

With individual titles already swept by a dominant Barbados contingent, the high-stakes team competition now begins, running through November 29.

Host nation Guyana is hunting a monumental fifth consecutive overall team title, setting up a dramatic showdown with its regional rivals.

Eight nations are competing for glory, but the competition carries extra weight because qualification for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games is at stake. With hosts Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Barbados already qualified, the team championship serves as a critical battleground for the other competing nations vying for the two remaining allocated Caribbean spots.

President Ali charged the athletes to perform with distinction, noting that their performance is an inspiration: “Give your best; every game you play, you will be viewed by younger athletes, who see you as their future. Let this championship be the one that creates history for you. Let it elevate you.”

In a major announcement made during the opening, President Ali detailed significant infrastructure enhancements for the National Racquet Centre, solidifying the nation’s push to become an elite sports tourism destination.

He revealed that the recently commissioned international-standard squash courts will soon be fully air-conditioned, and plans are underway to build dedicated athlete accommodation within the compound.

The President stressed that this enhanced complex must serve not just tournaments, but the wider Caribbean, allowing regional and international athletes to train in Guyana.

“We’re investing in courts all across the country,” President Ali confirmed. “Equipment is being distributed in schools, community centres and villages, and we now have people in the hinterland playing squash. Full facilities will soon be available in hinterland regions.”

The GSA was praised for its quick organisational pivot. Cristy Campbell, Vice-President of the Guyana Olympic Association, applauded the GSA for its ability to “host an event of this magnitude on such notice and execute brilliantly.”

GSA and CASA President David Fernandes was ecstatic, stating: “Seeing these championships come alive is like winning a hard-earned match.”

President Ali linked sports investment directly to the national economic strategy, noting that “Sports is a major component of the orange economy.” The “Orange Economy” refers to the creative industries—like arts, media, and gaming—where intellectual property and creativity drive economic value.

Corporate sponsors echoed the message of unity and growth. Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet, stated: “CASA reminds us how powerful sport can be in bringing people together, and Guyana’s squash is a shining example.”

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Socio-Economic Manager, Launa Carson, added that the “success of the sport is linked to the union of the association as they pull together to achieve the objectives.”

The infrastructure commitment builds on the G$68 million investment in state-of-the-art doubles squash courts, a facility unique in the region. With these new assets, the GSA is already setting ambitious goals, aspiring to host the Junior Pan American Championships in the near future, further cementing Guyana’s status as a regional sporting hub.