Tricia Robinson, the incumbent president of Netball Jamaica (NJ), is beaming with pride as she reflects on her tenure, pointing to the progress under her leadership.

Since succeeding Paula Daley-Morris in 2020, Robinson thinks she has steered Netball Jamaica “pretty well” under trying circumstances, in particular the re-emergence of competitive action after a two-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there continues to be speculation whether Robinson will seek re-election at the annual general meeting due this year, she is keeping her plans under wraps for now. According to her, the immediate focus remains fixed on advancing Jamaica’s netball while she is at the helm.

“Given the resources that I have, I think we have done pretty well,” Robinson told the Jamaica Observer.

“We are number four in the world. We are Commonwealth [Games] silver medallists. We are World Cup bronze medallists. So I do believe that we have continued on the foundation that was laid.

“You know, when you see the girls work really hard and they are rewarded with medals for the podium finishes, it gives you a really joyous feeling. You see when they’re hurt, you see when they play through the pain, you see them succeed, I feel like a proud parent,” the president further said.

Robinson highlighted the importance of supporting young athletes outside of a career in netball. She said that the goal is to prepare them for seamless transitions into the world as responsible citizens.

“I was brought over to netball — business house (competition) — by Dorothy Black and was brought over to Netball Jamaica by the late Cora Ricketts. And it is good to help young people, not only on court, but off court, because there is life after netball. And we have to ensure that after netball they transition into the world as seamless citizens,” she said.

President of Netball Jamaica Tricia Robinson (left) is all smiles as she collects a symbolic cheque from vice-president, client relations, Beryllium Limited, Tania Hall (right) during a function at the Old Hope Road-based offices of Guardsman Group on July, 20, 2022. Participating in the presentation are Guardsman Group Executive Chairman Kenneth Benjamin (centre) and Sunshine Girls (second row, from left) Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Shimona Nelson, and Latanya Wilson. Also pictured is Netball Jamaica Director Leonie Phin.

Robinson said NJ is committed to youth development, focusing on grass roots programmes and fostering talent from a young age.

She said they have recently concluded tournaments for Under-16 girls and are actively partnering to create a strong youth programme.

“We… recently concluded the Youth Summer Invitational and the Island Vibes Tournament for the Under-16 ladies. And we’re really looking to partner in terms of the youngsters, the feeder programme, the babies, the grass roots,” she said.

Robinson also said NJ is in collaboration with the Male Netball Association (MNA).

The MNA has achieved success, defending their title at the regional championships and Robinson said that a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) will guide the national programme.

“We are currently working on an MOU with the MNA. They did very well at the regional championships. Well, in fact, they defended their title at the regional championships. We are looking to finalise the MOU.

“Our focus at this point in time is to guide the national programme aspect of their association. So whatever goes for the male goes for the female. We’re really looking at that. So we’re looking at a one-year MOU in the first instance,” Robinson stated.

The men’s national team, having finished as champion, has secured a spot at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026. According to Robinson, this is a significant accomplishment, showcasing the strength and potential of the team.

“I am very proud of them,” she said.