Anderson calls for Jamaican support as senior CASA takes center stage

Jamaica is preparing to welcome the Caribbean squash community for a week of intense competition, national pride and regional camaraderie as the Senior Caribbean Area Squash Championship (CASA) returns to the island from November 22 to 28.

With eight countries expected to compete across six courts at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston, organizers are anticipating an action-packed championship featuring approximately 375 matches, with play scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. daily.

The tournament's return to Jamaica carries added significance after last year's championship had to be relocated following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The disaster forced the island to redirect its attention and resources toward recovery, preventing Jamaica from staging the competition as originally planned.

Now, with the regional squash fraternity eager to make up for the lost year, expectations are high for an exciting homecoming.

Eight nations, seven days and 375 matches

Tournament chairman Gill Binnie believes the extended break has only heightened the enthusiasm among participating countries, with players and organizers alike eager to get back on court.

"I think we're going to have a very exciting event. Because we didn't have it last year, everybody now is geared up. They've missed one year, so they've come out fighting. All the countries are just so excited to be here, and our team here is very excited to play at home."

Joining hosts Jamaica will be Bermuda, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The six courts at the Liguanea Club will be in almost constant use throughout the championship, with the daily schedule expected to run from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 9:00 p.m. on most days, concluding Saturday afternoon.

"There are eight countries, so you've got Bermuda, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (as well as host Jamaica). We start at nine o'clock on the Sunday morning, and we go nine to nine most days, right through to the Saturday afternoon, so it's going to be full squash on every court here."

The team competition will be organized into two pools of four nations, followed by crossover matches to determine the final positions and winners.

“The team competition is done in pools, so they play four teams in each pool, and then they'll do a crossover to see who the winners are, so they don't have to play everybody."

Binnie embraces challenge of bringing championship together

For Binnie, the responsibility of overseeing the tournament extends well beyond the action on the courts.

Although an experienced tournament chairman, she acknowledged that coordinating an event of this magnitude requires considerable organization, particularly with eight national delegations converging on Jamaica. A tournament director will also travel from Guyana to assist with the competition.

"I'm actually tournament chairman. Our TD is coming in from Guyana but tournament chairman I have been many times before but it's a lot of work, you're pulling everybody together because there are so many different facets. It's not just the game, it's the accommodation, it's the transport, it's the food, but I love doing it. It's great fun, and we have a really good week when everybody comes here and I see all my squash friends from many years."

Beyond the organizational demands, Binnie is especially looking forward to seeing Jamaica compete on home soil and has appealed directly to supporters to create an energetic atmosphere throughout the championship.

"They must come out and support our team. Our team needs support, so please come out and make a lot of noise and cheer on our players."

Funding challenges overcome as Jamaica prepares to host

Jamaica Squash President Karen Anderson acknowledged that securing the resources required to stage the championship has been particularly challenging against the background of Hurricane Melissa's economic impact.

With communities in central and western Jamaica among those hardest hit, the recovery process has affected businesses and complicated efforts to secure financial backing for sporting events.

"It's been difficult. It's been a major challenge. I mean, Jamaica, certainly on the Central and Western part of the island, got extremely hit hard by Hurricane Melissa, and the recovery efforts have taken a little time and companies are feeling it, so it's been a bit of a challenge."

Nevertheless, Anderson believes the opportunity to showcase the sport and compete before a home crowd makes the effort worthwhile.

She also acknowledged the additional psychological demands Jamaican players will face, noting that competing at home can bring expectations and pressure that are not always present when playing overseas.

“So, we're really looking forward to see how everybody plays. It's home, there is more pressure playing at home, so you have to handle all of those emotions as well. But that's what it's about. That's what competition is about. It's about being able to perform under the highest levels of stress and pressure. And that's what it is like playing at home so they just got to go out there and perform, and let's make it happen.”

'Physical chess' offers spectators a sporting spectacle

Anderson is also encouraging Jamaicans who may be unfamiliar with squash to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the sport firsthand.

Admission will be free, and she believes the combination of speed, endurance and tactical intelligence makes squash one of the most compelling sporting disciplines to watch.

"Well, it's a fantastic sport. It's free of charge, it's free of cost to come. When people see the speed at which it runs at, it's one of the healthiest sports out there. You really get a challenge in playing it. We call it physical chess because you're really just trying to strategize a person and be attritional at the same time and just run until you drop down. Come out and support Team Jamaica. It's one of the best times in the world. So, make noise, bring your pot cover, bring your spoon with your pot cover, and just make a whole heap of noise. That's what we want. We need that support."

Her appeal is for more than just attendance. The Jamaica Squash president wants supporters to bring the familiar Jamaican sporting enthusiasm into the venue and make the home players feel the full force of local backing.

Wisynco backs Jamaica's sporting ambitions

The championship has attracted significant corporate support, with Wisynco serving as title sponsor through its Wata and Legend Beer brands.

Brittany Thwaites, representing Wisynco and serving as Wata brand manager, explained that the company's involvement reflects its commitment to supporting sporting disciplines that do not always receive the attention enjoyed by more prominent events.

"So, people talk about squash but we feel like maybe you should talk about it more. So, we want to make sure that we're backing Jamaica's dreams. No dream is too small, even hearing some of the players talk about their experiences and getting their kids to see them be in the sport. I've played sports in my life and we just want to make sure that we're supporting avenues for people to not only follow their dreams but also to have healthy outlets."

Other sponsors supporting the championship include First Global Bank, SDF, Guardsman, Levy Cheeks, Blinds Designs, General Food, Marco Polo, Café Blue, Best Dressed, Juici Patties, CPJ, Island Village, Tooksie's, Select Brands and the Liguanea Club.

With preparations advancing, the return of Senior CASA promises to deliver a major week for Caribbean squash while giving Jamaica an opportunity to showcase its players, facilities and hospitality.

For the hosts, the challenge will be to turn home-court advantage and enthusiastic public support into performances worthy of the occasion.