Minister Duggins Responds to Community’s Call: Challengers Basketball Facility Restored

Challengers, St. Kitts – For more than a decade, residents of the Challengers community have been crying out about the deplorable conditions of their basketball facilities. Recently, community vlogger Chesel Glasgow gave a public plea, echoing the frustrations of many residents. That call was heard.

On Saturday, 13th September, 2025, the Honorable Minister Ssmal Duggins, Minister of Sports, Creative Economy, et al and Constituency Representative, mobilized various stakeholders alongside community members. Elevate, Vlogger Chesel Glasgow, Sutton, Thompson’s Landscaping, and numerous residents responded, beginning at the break of dawn.

For more than five hours, teams worked diligently to restore the facility. Scores of garbage were removed, the structure and surroundings cleaned, disinfected, and power-washed from ceiling to floor.

Children passing by shared their joy, expressing excitement that they will finally be able to use the court again. Community activist Mr. Watson, long involved in basketball development, praised the efforts:
“We were on the verge of excluding Challengers from this year’s Development League once again because of the poor condition of the facility. Today, I am proud to tell my team that Challengers is back on the scene.”

This initiative is in step with the Prime Minister’s launch of Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue, ensuring youth have safe spaces for recreation, mentorship, and positive engagement.

“Today marks a true victory for the community. When government, stakeholders, and residents join hands, meaningful change becomes possible. My team will now focus on the finishing touches to ensure the facility’s full restoration. I extend sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to bringing pride back to Challengers.”

Director of Elevate, Mr. Junie Hodge, noted his gratitude for the turnout:
“Elevate’s mission is to support individuals as they elevate themselves in society. Collaborations like this move St. Kitts and Nevis closer to being a regional leader in positive transformation.”

Project Coordinator of Elevate, Ms. Alicia Collins, also extended thanks to the Honorable Samal Duggins, Elevate team, including Director Hodge, Ms. Elvia Collins and Ms. Douglas, Mr. Glasgow and community members of all ages who rallied behind the effort, “This was more than a cleanup, it was about restoring hope and giving our youth a facility that reflects their potential.”

Special thanks are extended to Vlogger Chesel Glasgow, Thompson of Thompson’s Landscaping (869) 665-8758, Javier Sutton of Hillside Streamers Cleaning (Power Wash) (869) 665-6445, and the children, youth, and adults who answered the call.

A young man in the community summed up the mood perfectly, “For the first time in years, we feel like Challengers matters again. This court is ours, and now we can play, train, and dream big right here at home.”

The Challengers Basketball Facility is once again ready to serve as a hub of sport, development, and community pride.