GUYANA successfully launched the Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships on 15 days’ notice, demonstrating the nation’s capacity to host major regional sporting events following an emergency relocation.

The Championships, which feature over 120 athletes from nine nations, are scheduled to run from November 23-29, with matches primarily held at the National Racquet Centre.

The host change became necessary after Hurricane Melissa impacted the original host, Jamaica.

GSA President David Fernandes confirmed the move was to ensure the event’s continuity, noting the tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

“It was imperative to give others a lifeline,” Fernandes said at the launch, citing the CAC qualification deadline of December 1.

While Team Guyana had already secured their own qualification in August, the GSA prioritised regional participation.

Fernandes praised the rapid mobilisation by government and corporate stakeholders, which confirmed the country’s logistical capability for major sports events.

Corporate support was highlighted, with ENet and ExxonMobil Guyana affirming their investments in the sector. Robert Hiscock, Head of Mobile Networks at ENet, cited squash’s “proven track record of success” as a key factor in the support.

In a gesture of solidarity, the GSA announced that any financial surplus generated by the tournament would be donated to relief efforts in Jamaica.

Guyana’s National Sports Commission officials, including Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Deputy Chair Cristy Campbell, noted that state investment in facilities was allowing the country to emerge as a regional events hub.

Host nation Guyana, which has held the regional title for the past four consecutive years, enters the competition as favourites.

Participating countries include Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.