FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other world football executives are in Saint Lucia for the 40th Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Congress, which takes place this weekend.
The famous event, which acts as CONCACAF’s general assembly, will welcome approximately 250 foreign delegates, making it one of the most significant sporting events in Saint Lucia’s history.
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir stressed the initiative’s importance in boosting sports development and cultivating great athletes on the island.
The Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) is organizing the event in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant government departments.
“For a small island like Saint Lucia to be recognized and equipped to host a CONCACAF Congress is significant,” Casimir said at a recent press conference.
“This demonstrates our strong social and economic position in the region.” “We have the dynamics that a global entity like CONCACAF seeks for such an occasion,” the sports minister continued.
Casimir emphasized the island’s progressive football accomplishments, including a variety of programmes ranging from grassroots to the inaugural Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), which has enabled player compensation for the first time.
“Our football programme is closely monitored by CONCACAF and FIFA,” the Sports Minister added. “We implement a comprehensive ‘cradle to grave’ approach to football development, establishing a pyramid structure that begins with community participation and schools’ competitions.”
He elaborated on the programme’s performance features, which include renowned coaches such as Earl “Ball Hog” Jean and Stewart Charles Fevrier developing the top Under-15 players, with a focus on nutritional education and professional growth.
During the meeting, Casimir intends to address issues such as SPFL officiating. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting qualified referees from other islands to ensure that Saint Lucia’s semi-professional matches are properly controlled.
He also believes that the congress will provide opportunity for local sports administrators to purchase new equipment for athletes.
Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire stated that this event will not only boost sports tourism, but will also cement Saint Lucia’s title as the ‘Best Corporate Retreat Destination’, which it received two years ago.
“This event will enhance our MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) appeal, drawing more visitors to our shores,” he said. “Once the A’ILA Resorts hotel development at Mt. Pimard is completed, it will serve as our centerpiece for promoting Saint Lucia as a premier destination.”
SLFA President Lyndon Cooper noted that holding this big event raises the country’s profile and exceeds expectations. He expressed gratitude to the government and organizations such as the Saint Lucia Tourism Association (SLTA), Export Saint Lucia, and the Events Company of Saint Lucia for their important assistance in organizing this event.
“This congress will showcase Saint Lucian hospitality and demonstrate that we are fully capable of executing events of this magnitude.”
A celebrity match took place yesterday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground as part of the historic event here.