TT pro netballers stuck in Barbados over a month

FOR the past month, TT pro netballers Kalifa McCollin and Daystar Swift have been stuck in Barbados awaiting their final travel exemption document from the TT Government to return home.

The pair ply their trade on New Zealand’s pro circuit and had their competitive season cut short owing to the covid19 pandemic.

McCollin and Swift travelled from Oceania to the Caribbean in late August but since their arrival in Barbados, the duo is yet to receive their remaining documents to board a final flight home.

Thankfully, both athletes are being freely housed by one of the island’s top netballers, Stephanie Patrick. However, after four weeks, their finances are gradually thinning out with no response forthcoming from the Ministry of National Security’s travel exemption officials.

Upon their arrival in Barbados on August 28, they emailed a letter to travelexemption@mns.gov.tt. Another was sent two weeks ago and a third, on Wednesday. To date, they are yet to receive acknowledgement of receipt or any other communication on the possibility of a swift return to TT.

“We had to leave New Zealand because our visas were about to expire. We needed to get to a central location, such as Barbados, where we knew flights were going to and from TT. We have continuously sent messages to the exemption officials but we’ve only been getting automated responses.

“It’s really tough because we have to purchase our own food, pay for transportation and funds are running low. We sent letters to their emailed contact but we’re only getting automated responses saying our message was received. Nothing else after that, no updates, no acknowledgement of our letters, nothing,” said the 25-year old goal-attack.

Both netballers began their first season in New Zealand in 2019, having previously competed for other pro franchises in Europe. McCollin plays for Southern Steel while Swift represents Norther Stars.

They were forced to pay for a seven-day quarantine in Barbados although testing negative for the novel virus before departing New Zealand. According to McCollin, there was a “mishap” and they were mandated to take another test in the Caribbean island.

Both tests returned negative results and they were allowed to a shortened seven-day quarantine period.

With little to do and still miles away from family and friends, McCollin recently opted to visit Patrick’s local club and utilize her time there to share some of her competitive experiences with younger players.

During a practice match, the Bishop Anstey High School graduate made contact with a physical education teacher of Lester Vaughn School. She was then invited to visit the institution to “have a chat” with some of the upcoming players.

“I went in and the feedback was really good. The kids were warm and welcoming and I’ll be back on Friday. Coaching is something I usually do and days kept going by and we were doing the same thing over and over (at home).

“I just wanted to make better use of my time and give back to the youths and share what I can. For me, I am all about development and development of the sport as a whole in TT and the Caribbean. Whilst I’m here, I thought I’d so something progressive and share some skills and drills with the kids,” she added.

After her first session with the students of Lester Vaughn School, Mc Collin was relieved to get some time on the court, after such a hectic but tiresome past few months. The Soul City Sport and Cultural Club (local) representative posted to her Facebook page highlighting her hurdles but expressing gratitude for an opportunity to give back.

“I’ve learnt not to let temporary discomfort get me down or keep me from being who I am. I might be stuck in Barbados as I await an exemption to get home, but it doesn’t mean I can’t make the most of Barbados on my own terms.

“Coaching has always been my passion and coaching kids the greatest joy of all. I believe it starts here, with our young ones who will be the future of netball in the region so I am always happy to give back whatever I can.

“Netball, after all, has afforded me the opportunity to live my dreams. Was really happy to get a chance to interact with the young girls at the Lester Vaughn School today. I hope I made at least a small impact,” she posted.

However, the Valsayn resident is eager to return to TT, having left her family to compete since late 2019. Mc Collin and Swift are grateful for the support they have been receiving in Barbados, especially from the local netball community, who have embraced them as one of their own.

“Stephanie has been so kind to us and we really appreciate what they have done thus far. A couple of the other Bajan netballers reached out to me to ensure I was okay and if I needed anything that was really good on their part. It’s been a year I’ve been away from family and friends so I’m anticipating my return home,” she concluded.