KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a heart-warming tribute to one of netball’s most stalwart champions, Netball Jamaica unveiled its newly renovated training residence, now aptly renamed the Marva Bernard Netball Chalet.
The surprise renaming, held this past weekend at Widcombe Road in Kingston, brought the former Netball Jamaica president to tears of joy as she reflected on the honor and the hard work that led to this transformation.
The significant renovations were guided by Bernard herself, alongside her dedicated committee, the Friends of Netball House. For Bernard, the moment encapsulated years of passion and tireless commitment to providing a world-class home for Jamaica’s netball players.
“It’s a really huge surprise. It’s a huge honor, and it’s just overwhelming,” Bernard said, visibly emotional. “This house is the home for the people who are doing the work in the fields. So if this is where they are to come and sleep and live, they must have comfortable beds, they must have clean, new sheets, and they must be in a place where we would live ourselves.” She added, “That has been the driving force for me over the years… to make this HGTV-ready.”
A legacy honored
The netball house’s origins date back to 2010 when Prime Minister Bruce Golding gifted the property to Netball Jamaica under Bernard’s leadership. Golding, who attended the reopening ceremony, expressed pride in seeing his vision fulfilled.
“It’s gratifying to see the property used to advance the sport in such a meaningful way,” Golding said, commending Bernard’s role in maintaining and improving the space over the years.
Bernard’s decorated leadership career includes serving as Netball Jamaica president from 2006 to 2015, as well as holding pivotal roles in Americas Netball and World Netball. Earlier this year, Bernard once again spearheaded efforts to renovate the property, rallying sponsors, former players, and stakeholders who share her unwavering love for the sport.
An oasis for netball’s past, present and future
The celebratory event brought together prominent figures in Jamaican netball, including Simone Forbes, current First Vice President of Netball Jamaica, and Sasher-Gaye Henry, coach of the Sunshine Girls. Also in attendance were stars of the present and future, such as Khadijah Shaw, Adean Thomas, and rising prospects Abigail Sutherland and Ashley Kentish.
Forbes lauded the chalet’s revitalization and the decision to honor Bernard’s unmatched contributions: “With phase one of the refurbishing complete, focusing on the living and dining areas, there’s still more to come. But we felt that Mrs. Bernard has done yeoman’s work in getting netball to where it is today. It was only fitting that the house be named in her honor, and I’m delighted that she is so pleased.”
Henry echoed the sentiment, reminiscing about the importance of the space for athletes: “It has a special place in my heart. This was our home away from home as players. I’m thrilled that today’s generation can enjoy a well-furnished, comfortable space where we can truly prepare our players for success. It’s a dream come true for netball in Jamaica.”
Support and future plans
The renovations were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Signus, Progressive Grocers of Jamaica, Derrymon Trading, Hi-Pro, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica Public Service, Proven, JN Bank, LASCO, and Courts Jamaica, among others. Notably, Courts Jamaica has twice furnished the property, further cementing its role as a valued partner in Jamaican netball’s growth.
Alan Beckford, speaking on behalf of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, highlighted the government’s commitment to ongoing improvements: “The Minister plans to conduct a thorough analysis to determine additional needs for the house. With the input of quantity surveyors and structural engineers, we can assess how best to enhance this incredible gift for the future.”
The reopening event underscored a shared vision among stakeholders—to provide Jamaica’s netballers with a nurturing environment where they can focus, thrive, and elevate their game to world-class standards.
A milestone moment for Netball Jamaica
The renaming of the residence in Marva Bernard’s honor stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and transformative leadership. With this newly refurbished space, Netball Jamaica signals its commitment to fostering talent and propelling the sport to even greater heights on the global stage.
For Bernard, the legacy she has built—and continues to shape—remains a beacon of hope for the future of Jamaican netball.
