Saint Lucian flags were in the building, and the Helen of the West was showcased as part of West Indian Carnival Night in Brooklyn on Tuesday, March 10, as the Brooklyn Nets hosted the Detroit Pistons in an NBA basketball tilt at Barclays Centre. The event was a collaboration between the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Nets forward Terance Mann, the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation and the Nets organisation.
Mann, a veteran swingman whose parents grew up in Saint Lucia, did not play in a blowout loss, 138-100. But off the court, the highlights included Saint Lucian singer Ashley Skerritt performing the US national anthem, fans winning prize giveaways such as plane tickets to Saint Lucia, and a preview of the 2026 Lucian Carnival, taking place July 20-21.
Saint Lucian dignitaries, business leaders, and supporters were among the audience. Special guests for the night included Saint Lucia’s Shorne Benjamin, owner and executive chef of Fat Fowl New York.
With dozens of flags flying in the arena, the event brought Saint Lucian culture to centre court, celebrating Caribbean pride, community, and Carnival energy.
“Great night in Brooklyn! An unforgettable evening of NBA action as the Detroit Pistons took on the Brooklyn Nets. Proud to see history being made with Saint Lucia Tourism hosting a fantastic night of basketball, culture, and international connection,” Benjamin said. “Sports truly bring the world together.”
Louis EA Lewis, CEO of the SLTA, said: “The US remains Saint Lucia’s largest source market, with arrivals increasing by 11 per cent in January 2026. This initiative is thoughtfully designed to engage the wider New York tri-state area and audiences tuning in from home.
“Through these targeted brand collaborations, the SLTA is committed to expanding Saint Lucia’s presence across key markets, deepening connections with the diaspora, and creatively fostering interest among new and returning visitors alike.”
As part of a special ticket offer, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase through a designated link benefited the Terance Mann Complete Player Foundation.
The foundation is committed to expanding opportunities for students by improving access to sports and academics. Mann has made donations to the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation and has pledged his support for the SLBF and the Ministry of Sports in their mission to develop and grow the sport islandwide.
(TF)
