Canaries Hosts Walaba Tournament To Alleviate Crime & Violence

The Community of Canaries is hosting a Violence and Crime Walaba tournament under the theme: Alleviating Crime and Violence.

 The event is being organized by Police Constable 460 Ishmael Narcisse and Police Constable 32 Jayhan Narcisse in collaboration with the Canaries Police Station.

The tournament aims to inspire positive engagement within Saint Lucia’s western region. PC Jayhan Narcisse says the tournament seeks to encourage participants to use their time constructively. He hopes the skills attained in the sporting discipline will dissuade young males from resorting to wayward paths.

He noted, “Through this tournament we hope to use sports as a tool to tackle social issues confronting our communities today. We hope to create a foundation to address the small issues which could lead to the committing of violent crimes. The intent is to bring back community togetherness and ensure a crime free community. Sunday’s turnout was heartwarming. The Various community teams that played on the day from Anse La Verde and Belvedere, the supporters came out in numbers. The team from Canaries Village Bounty Hunters came with their supporters and the team from neighboring Bouton came with the entire community.”

The Walaba tournament began on March 5^th, 2023 and continues until March 26^th.  PC Ishmael Narcisse is encouraging the public to support the initiative after successful commencement of the tournament.

He explained, “The Tournament consists of 8 teams, 6 from canaries including: Bounty Hunters, Dive Saint Lucia Barracudas, Just Jersey, Seaside Boys, Ju Ju Boys and River Crew. We also have a team from Bouton named Bouton elite and a team from Fond St. Jacques named Bigger Boys. We encourage everyone to come out and support the initiative. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere. We also have entertainment for the kids, we have bouncing castles, lots to eat and drink. We are encouraging everyone to come out and have fun in a safe environment and enjoy the cricket Walaba.”

Teams face off every Sunday in March on the Canaries Playing Field. On Sunday March 12 2023 Dive Saint Lucia Barracudas will take on Fond St. Jacques’ Bigger boys at 5pm and Just Jersey will face Sea Side Boys at 7:00pm.

8 teams will face off in hopes of winning the 1^st place trophy and grand prize of $1000 in Cash.

The second and third place teams will be awarded trophies and $700 and $400 respectively.

Sponsors of the event include; Sugar Beach a Viceroy Resort, The Hon. Wayne Girard, Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, KFC, Anse Chastanet Resort, Jade Mountain, Compton’s Entertainment center and Construction Plus, Harris Paints, Bank of Saint Lucia, Dive Saint Lucia, Trophy Center and Rubis.

SOURCE: Canaries Walaba Tournament Organisers