**CONGRATULATIONS, CHESLEY AUGUSTINE, ACCA, MBA!**
The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association family is proud to celebrate one of its own. Chesley Augustine, President of the Sint Maarten Volleyball Association, FIVB Certified International Beach Volleyball Referee, Certified Indoor Volleyball Referee and Level 3 Volleyball Coach has graduated with a Master of Business Administration from the London School of Business and Finance. It adds to an already impressive achievement as a qualified ACCA member.
Chesley's journey shows that volleyball is led by talented, educated and dedicated people who bring professional excellence on and off the court. The discipline that builds champions in the gym also builds leaders in the boardroom.
To every young athlete reading: you don't have to choose between your education and your passion. You can pursue both and excel at both.
Here is Chesley's journey, in her own words:
I began my professional studies through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), building a strong foundation in accounting, finance, strategy and business management.
Continued progressing professionally while balancing a full-time career, family responsibilities and my involvement in volleyball.
Successfully completed my ACCA qualification and went on to achieve ACCA membership, marking an important milestone in my professional accounting career.
Used my ACCA studies as a pathway to further my education and pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF).
The MBA allowed me to expand beyond technical finance and throughout this journey, I continued developing my career in finance while remaining actively involved in volleyball as a coach, referee and administrator.
In September 2026, I travelled to London to celebrate the completion of my MBA and attend my graduation — fulfilling a major personal and professional goal.
For me, this journey is a reminder that professional development does not have to come at the expense of the things we are passionate about. With discipline, sacrifice and consistency, it is possible to continue growing academically and professionally while still contributing to the sport we love.
Newly certified coaches return home to strengthen volleyball programs across the Eastern Caribbean
TORTOLA, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), in partnership with the BVI National Olympic Committe, British Virgin Islands Volleyball Federation and sponsored by Olympic Solidarity conducted a FIVB Coaches Course Level 1 Volleyball in Tortola, BVI, from August 17–21, 2026. The five-day course brought together coaches from 11 National Federations across the region — Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, host British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia — for a valuable opportunity to strengthen coaching knowledge, sharpen technical skills, and build greater capacity for volleyball throughout the region.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in classroom sessions, quizzes, and hands-on practice, including leading their own coaching drills — putting new skills into immediate practice alongside their peers.
The course was led by Coach Rick Bevis, a veteran educator and coach with expertise in Coaching Education, Sport Leadership, and Educational Sport Psychology. His applied research and scholarship focus on the youth sport experience, and he has coached at every level — from grassroots to high performance — in Canada and internationally, in both indoor and beach volleyball.
“Investing in our coaches means investing in the future of the sport,” ECVA said in congratulating the newly certified coaches.
All participants successfully completed the course and are now certified FIVB Coaches Level 1 Volleyball . “To every newly certified coach: your dedication this week is an investment in the future of volleyball across our region. Now, go back to your respective National Federations and execute! Congratulations, and we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!”
Frigate Bay, St. Kitts – June 24, 2026 – The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) is pleased to announce a full week of beach volleyball development activities to be held in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts, bringing together coaches, referees and athletes from across the region from July 6th - 12th, 2026
In collaboration with regional and international partners, ECVA will stage a Beach Volleyball Coaches Course, a National Referee Course, an International Continental Referee Course and a Training Camp & Athletes Development Forum. All activities are scheduled around the ECVA U20 Beach Volleyball Championship and will take place primarily at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Frigate Bay.
These initiatives reflect ECVA’s ongoing commitment to building capacity and raising standards in all areas of beach volleyball: coaching, officiating and athlete performance. By bringing world-class instructors and facilitators to the Eastern Caribbean, ECVA is investing in the sustainable growth of the sport and creating new pathways for regional talent.
ECVA President Glenn Quinlan noted that these activities form part of a broader strategic effort to strengthen volleyball throughout the Eastern Caribbean:
“The ECVA continues to build capacity across the national federations, ensuring that the ECVA is always ready and that the growth opportunity for all is there to embrace. By equipping our coaches, referees, and athletes with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, we are laying the foundation for long-term success and excellence in the region.”
Further details on course schedules, Instructors/Facilitators and participants will be announced through ECVA’s official social media channels in the coming days.
For Ray Robinson and his sons, J'den Robinson and Kailo Robinson, volleyball is more than just a game - it's a bond that continues to grow stronger with every match.
What makes their story even more special?
They didn't always want to play.
Like many young people, J'den and Kailo once stood on the sidelines, unsure, uninterested, and perhaps a little reluctant. But with time, encouragement, and the quiet influence of their father, the sport found its way into their hearts. Today, that same hesitation has transformed into passion, discipline, and pride.
Now, all three take the court together as part of the Young Vets Volleyball Team - not just as teammates, but as family. And not just participants, but key players, forming part of the starting six, leading with strength, unity, and purpose.
Their impact goes beyond the indoor court. The Robinsons also compete on the sand, representing on the beach volleyball circuit with the same intensity and unity that defines them indoors. Together, they have proudly represented Dominica at the national level - a testament to their commitment, talent, and shared love for the sport.
Ray, a seasoned veteran of the game, having played since 1996, has not only built a legacy through his own dedication, but through the numerous talents he has molded for Dominica in both indoor and beach volleyball. Molding which did not skip his home, as his journey is now reflected in his sons - in their movements, their mindset, and their passion for the game.
This is what legacy looks like. Not just what you achieve, but what you pass on.
Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, shared experiences, and showing up for each other. Whether it's sports, music, or simply spending time together, the moments we create with family often become the stories that define us.
So here's to building legacies - not just in championships, but in connection, encouragement, and love. Because sometimes, the greatest victories aren't just on the scoreboard...... they're in the family.
Brenda Allen, ECVA Manager has achieved a significant new milestone in her journey of service through sport with the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC). Through the successful completion of the intensive International Olympic Committee (IOC) Certificate Safeguarding Officer in Sport Programme, she has further strengthened SKNOC’s commitment to athlete welfare and the creation of safe, respectful sporting environments.
After eight months of intensive study, assignments, and continuous evaluation in the programme, Brenda has officially earned her certification as a Safeguarding Officer, a role that sits at the heart of athlete protection and welfare.
What began as a course quickly became a calling. Brenda describes the programme as “enlightening and empowering,” opening her eyes to the many unseen ways athletes, especially young ones, can be better supported, protected and heard.
“Safeguarding is not just about policies and procedures; it is about protecting people and ensuring that athletes can thrive in healthy environments,” she shared.
Armed with this knowledge and international best practices, Brenda is now even better equipped to help build safe, inclusive, and respectful sporting spaces where every athlete can focus on what they do best: competing, growing, and dreaming without fear.
The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) proudly congratulates Brenda Allen on this outstanding achievement. Her dedication is a reminder that true champions are not only found on the court, but also behind the scenes, standing up for the safety and dignity of every athlete.
Ericka discovered her passion for volleyball later than most athletes, beginning her journey at the age of 26. Despite starting later in life, she quickly embraced the sport and joined her first team, No Limit. Playing primarily as an outside attacker and opposite attacker, Ericka brought determination and energy to the court, developing her skills while contributing to her team’s dynamic play.
Volleyball soon became much more than just a sport for Ericka. It provided her with a strong sense of belonging and community. Through the challenges of training, competition, and teamwork, she experienced significant personal growth. The game helped strengthen her self-confidence, improved her mental health, and taught her the value of perseverance both on and off the court.
Beyond the physical aspects of the sport, volleyball also allowed Ericka to build meaningful and lasting relationships with teammates and others in the volleyball community. What began as a new activity at 26 evolved into a powerful and positive force in her life, shaping her character and reinforcing the importance of resilience, connection, and passion. Due to her positive attitude, Ericka was entrusted to take on the role of Competition Leader during SEVA’s 2025 Championships.
The transition from player to competition leader has proved to be anything but difficult for her. She stated that with the same skills you apply on the court, you apply as Competition Leader. Communication, strategic thinking, and coordination.
Sabinah Clement, holds the positions of; Vice President of the ECVA and Member of FIVB Board of Administration, and Head of International Financial Centres, Global Incorporations Vistra Licence Holdings (BVI) Limited.
Sabinah Clement has dedicated her lifetime to sports, excelling both as a distinguished multi-sport national athlete (athletics, netball and volleyball) and as a passionate and highly regarded sports administrator.
Her commitment to advancing the development of sports and the interests of athletes has been demonstrated through her active participation on various executive and advisory boards across local, regional, and international sporting organisations.
As a legal and corporate governance professional, she has become a pivotal voice in shaping policies and regulations that prioritise athletes' well-being and the principles of good governance in sports.
Driven by an unwavering passion for fairness, equality, and athlete-centered decision-making, Sabinah has earned widespread recognition and numerous accolades on the global sporting stage. Her tireless advocacy for inclusive policies, particularly for women in sports, and transparent governance has left a lasting impact on the sports community.
Sabinah’s contributions to the world of sports are particularly notable in her work with volleyball and the Olympic Movement, where she has held and continues to hold various influential roles. These roles have allowed her to champion initiatives that elevate the standards of excellence, integrity, and fairness in the sporting arena.
* 1st Vice President of the BVI Olympic Committee
* Member of the Board of Administration of the International Volleyball Federation (“FIVB”), the world governing body of volleyball.
* 1st Vice President of the Board of Administration of the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (“NORCECA”).
* Longstanding member of the Legal Commission of FIVB – a working group responsible for advising on constitutional changes, corporate governance and providing general guidance to the Board of Administration.
* President of the Legal Commission of NORCECA.
* Former Chairperson of the Disciplinary Tribunal of FIVB – a tribunal responsible for considering and rendering decisions in respect of disciplinary and anti-doping matters involving member federations, athletes and other bodies of the international organisation.
* Vice President – Eastern Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Federation
* Governance Officer of the Virgin Islands Volleyball Association (Also served as the President for 12 years and Treasurer for 8 years)
* Compliance Officer of the BVI Olympic Committee and Virgin Islands Volleyball Association. Also appointed as Designated Person for both organisations for reporting purposes to the Financial Investigation Agency.
In her professional life she is the Head of International Finance Centres of Vistra, a global corporate solutions company, where she has responsibility for its global incorporations businesses across a number of jurisdictions including BVI, Cayman Islands, Seychelles, Samoa and Delaware. She holds advanced degrees in Law, Corporate Governance and Business Administration.
Brenda Allen, committed and versatile volleyballer, transitioned from track & field to volleyball in 1986 while in high school and quickly rose through the ranks to join the national team. Determined to earn court time, she trained with both female and male squads, mastered all front-row positions, and secured a permanent starting role. Her club career with the Rebels and national team assignments saw her excel as an outside hitter, middle blocker and opposite when tactical needs demanded.
Career highlights and awards
- National and regional competition: represented her country at OECS, Leeward Islands, and World Championship Qualifiers.
- Beach volleyball: began competing in 2010; represented the national federation at four CAC Games (first appearance, 2010 — 8th place; most recent, 2023). Won the inaugural ECVA Beach Championship (St. Lucia) with partner Shanicia Dyer and earned bronze at ECVA 2023 with partner Genelle Lake.
- Individual honors: MVP (OECS, ECVA, Leeward Islands), Best Server, Best Reception, Best Outside Attacker, Best Middle Blocker, Best Scorer, All-Tournament selections.
- Collegiate achievements: attended Lindenwood University on a partial volleyball scholarship (1999); four-year varsity starter, All-Tournament Team, Scholar-Athlete, All-American, and consistent Honor Roll recipient while earning a BA in Marketing and later an MBA in International Business. Coached a junior varsity team during graduate studies.
- COACHING: Brenda Began coaching while still an active player and continues as a beach volleyball coach, developing players at national and junior levels. Led junior team to training camp in Paraguay (2025) and served as Chef de Mission for the national Pan Am junior team.
- OFFICIATING: Active local referee and official at regional events, including referee duties at the inaugural U19 ECVA Beach Tournament (St. Kitts, 2023), and is also the Secretary General of SKAVA.
- SPORTS ADMINISTRATION: Recently elected to the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) and serving as Secretary of SKAVA. She also serves as the ECVA Administration Assistant/Manager and on the Control Committee overseeing games operations: athlete safety inspections, fair play enforcement, rules compliance, and ensuring athletes’ voices are heard.
Philosophy and legacy
An athlete and leader who believes hard work, adaptability and giving back open doors to achievement. She attributes much of her development to her mentor and lifelong coach, Glenn Quinlan, whose belief and guidance shaped her on and off the court. She remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of players and serving her sport at every level.
Brenda is also available for coaching, speaking engagements, and sports development consulting. (Contact details available on request.)
𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑅𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑑,
𝐴𝑙𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑡 𝑂𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑜, 
𝑂𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠,𝐾𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑦, 
𝐸𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑒𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐.