Greetings to one and all!
As we reflect on the events of the past few days, there are a number of things which spring to mind. Our first responsibility is to give thanks for all of our squash community who escaped the wrath of Hurricane Dean. Some have experienced problems, but it has been gratifying to hear the reports of people getting home safely and to see that Jamaica escaped the direct hit which had been predicted and was expected.
The disappointment of having the first CASA Championships in 30 years aborted must be tempered by many factors. The Tournament was heading towards a dramatic climax, which is not unusual in this form of Team Event. We will not have winners in the Team Categories,the Overall as well as Individual Veterans, but we do have two very deserving and worthy Individual Champions.
Gavin Cumberbatch (B’dos) has clearly worked very hard to become 2007 Men’s Champion and is to be heartily congratulated. He achieved a few other firsts in doing so. Karen Anderson (J’ca) has taken a Double Gold, as she not only achieved a long held ambition to be Caribbean Ladies Champion, but ran the Tournament in her capacity as Acting Chairperson in an exemplary way. My congratulations to them both.
The Jamaica Squash Association (JSA) should be proud for taking this event and running it efficiently, even as they reflect on what could have been. JSA President, Maj. John Nelson and his team did a great job. We may not have ended up with some winners, but there were no losers.
There are a number of unresolved issues going forward, as we were unable to hold the General Meeting of the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA). In the shortest possible time these will be discussed by the CASA Executive and the Country Representatives and information will be communicated on these matters.
May I wish you all the very best, and we look forward to meeting old friends again shortly.
Douglas Beckford
CASA President
2007-08-20