Last Updated on October 9, 2019, 12:44 AM AST by Anthony Morris
When 14 under-18 girls leave the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport early Tuesday morning for Canada via Barbados, they will not be accompanied by the female coach and chaperone, Mrs Hilarine Blanchette.
This is because the Ministry of Sports officials have denied her national leave to travel with the group.
Two parents who wish to remain anonymous for fear of victimization said Monday night, that Mrs Blanchette would have been the only female, along with two male adults who would have accompanied the girls first to Barbados to get their Canadian visas before leaving Bridgetown for Canada to participate in the International HandBall Federation Games.
Mrs Blanchette has been denied national leave by Acting Director of Sports, Mr Anthony Wiltshire. An appeal was made to the Permanent Secretary, Mr Tom Buchanan who has indicated that he was upholding the advise received from the Acting Director of Sports Mr Anthony Wiltshire to refuse to allow Mrs Blanchette to travel with the under 18 girls.
The parents said other parents also reached out to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sports, Hon Shawn Richards, but he has declined to become involved in the matter.
As it stands no female chaperone would be able to travel with the 14 under 18 girls and two males – manager and coach to Barbados and Canada.
One parent said Mrs Blanchette has all the documentation to travel and would have undertake the role of chef for the girls as the team would not be able to purchase the hotel food.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
