Robinson avoids Netball Jamaica presidency re-election talk
NETBALL Jamaica President Tricia Robinson has remained coy about whether she will seek re-election as head of the association at the annual general meeting (AGM) which is now constitutionally due. Robinson has been president of Netball Jamaica since February 2020, taking over from Paula Daley-Morris who spent four years at the helm of the organisation.
Robinson told the Jamaica Observer that she is focusing on completing the association’s financial audit reports, and once she has made up her mind about seeking re-election she will inform the members of the organisation.
“My focus is on getting our financials, and if I will be contesting, the membership will know,” she said. “We are working on our finances for our AGM, and as soon as that is out the members will get the notice.”
Robinson said Netball Jamaica is still seeking additional sponsorship to cover the remaining costs of administering this year’s Elite Netball League competition. She says it costs $6 million to run this year’s competition but they have only managed to secure close to $4 million in sponsorship so far.
“We have on board Wisynco, through cash and kind sponsorship of $1.3 million; and we have Red Stripe on board with $2.5 million,” she said. “We have a shortfall in our budget to run the league.
“It is a good product. It is a product where you see the top netballers in the country play so we would appreciate and welcome sponsors coming on board.”
The Elite League is Jamaica’s top netball competition from which players often matriculate to the national team. Six teams are currently competing in this year’s championships — reigning champions Manchester Spurs, Kingston Hummingbirds, St James Sharpes, St Catherine Racers, St Ann Orchids, and the national Under-21 team. The competition is being played in a round robin format. The matches include a Powerade Power Play at the end of each quarter where circle-edge shots earn double points. The final is scheduled for the end of July. Games take place at 6:00 pm on Fridays and 4:00 pm on Sundays.