BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SPORTS continue to be recognized as a powerful tool for social transformation, and Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew reaffirmed this belief with the recent launch of a 3x3 Basketball Tournament aimed at empowering the nation’s youth.
In response to ongoing concerns about crime and violence in the Federation, Dr. Drew and his team unveiled the tournament over the weekend at the St. Peter’s Basketball Courts, with support from several international sports stars.
“Sports, in our context, is not merely recreation,” Dr. Drew told the audience. “It is an avenue of resistance, of resilience, and of renewal. For our young people who are here and hearing my voice, these courts become your classrooms.”
He went on to describe the lines of the basketball court as symbolic: “lines of discipline, of dignity, of determination.”
The camp is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Prime Minister, the Department of Sports, the St. Kitts Amateur Basketball Association, the Achievers Sports Club, and international guests. Special recognition was given to Mr. Thomas Kelly, hailed as an embodiment of what can happen "when community meets vision."
“Tonight, we write another chapter in that story of progress,” Dr. Drew continued. “Your presence is more than a highlight. It is a headline. It is a sign of hope for our youth. You are living proof that dreams can take you from modest beginnings to magnificent heights.”
Dr. Drew emphasized that young people do not struggle due to a lack of ambition, but rather a lack of access. “This camp is part of my government’s mission to change that,” he said. “Whether through education, employment, entrepreneurship, or sports, we are building a sustainable island state that invests in our people from grassroots to greatness.”
He stressed the transformative power of sport, particularly basketball, which he said offers structure, a sense of belonging, and a healthy outlet in a world that often pushes youth to the margins.
“This is about preparing champions—not just for the game, but for life,” he said. “As the tournament unfolds and the camp develops, let us remember we are planting seeds—seeds of discipline and pride. May those seeds grow into forests of greatness—not only here in St. Peter’s and Saddlers, but across every community in our Federation.”
To the young athletes, Dr. Drew offered words of encouragement: “Play hard, play fair, and dream without borders. Let the echo of your sneakers on this court become the sound of a generation rising. Know that your community, your Prime Minister, your government, your country, your people, and your families are all rooting for your success.”
As the camp commenced, he closed with an inspiring call: “Let the games begin, let the dreams begin, and let us achieve greatness together.”
