For the upcoming year, we intend to reshape our activities. First, we want to ensure that the equipment loaned to schools and community centers are used as much as possible. Therefore, besides the use of the equipment in PE classes and after school programs (respecting these guidelines), we will start with a social project, called “Program Time Keeper”.

We’ll be extending opportunities to  young mothers, specifically those without employment, who can open the facilities and manage the use of equipment several times a week. The Program Time Keepers will take care of the equipment and organize their use so that children and locals can play more frequently.

Community Updates

In Bequia, where the program started in early 2016, we faced some setbacks. Our two main trainings centers are no longer functional. The Police Station in Paget Farm does not fulfill the required security standards anymore and the Bequia Community High School will have reconstructions for an unknown time. Furthermore, one of our main coaches, Rodney Caruth, will no longer work in Bequia and therefore cannot lead regular training session.

In spite of this, we will utilize the boards in schools in Bequia to continue activities there. We also will set up two tables in the office of Dr. Friday, the leader of the opposition. To address the coaching situation. we’ve secured the support of the PE teacher and International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) level 1 coach, Ralph Stowe. VTTF is very happy that Ralph will take over the responsibility to coordinate the activities in Bequia and coach the most promising players of this island. 

Coach Rodney Caruth will now manage the activities on Union Island, the most southern island of the Grenadines. VTTF will begin coordinating activities in the secondary school as well as the two primary schools and the community center which are now equipped for playing table tennis. Rodney’s new role extends to supporting the local teachers and the Program Time Keepers with activities as well as recognizing ITTF club coaches.

On the mainland, there are projects in Barrouallie, Georgetown, Layou, Owia, Sandy Bay and others being planned. In Springs, we discovered an amazing facility where we look forward to adding up to 5 tables.

Of course, many of these programs still require further funding in part for coaches and program time keepers.

Now more than ever, as the island rebuilds, we call on our community to show support. Let’s work together to make these projects a reality for people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.