Football administration in St. Kitts and Nevis has a new president. Former St. Kitts and Nevis national player Atiba Harris was elected President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) at the 2021 SKNFA Ordinary Congress held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Sunday August 29th. Of 26 votes available, Harris garnered 15 votes while his challenger Don Grant received 11. Shawn White was elected First Vice President and Cuthbert Caines Second Vice President.
In his first address as President, Harris said: “Looking forward to raising the standard of football in St. Kitts and Nevis. It’s going to be with inclusiveness, equality, fairness all across the board, both in St. Kitts and Nevis. Whatever is happening in St. Kitts should be happening in Nevis as well.” He pledged to prioritise youth development — “I strongly believe we can qualify for a youth World Cup” — and women’s football, and to seek the go-ahead from health authorities before resuming the suspended SKNFA Premier League. “We have to be very cautious. With the numbers increasing we have to sit down with the Ministry of Health and with the Minister of Sports to see what’s the best way forward. Once we get the go ahead, we look to start football immediately because the footballers are eager to play and the fans bring the atmosphere.” Outgoing president Anthony Johnson, who served three terms, congratulated the new executive and spoke of the accomplishments during his tenure. Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas also extended congratulations, citing Harris’s “technical experience as an international iconic player” and noting Dr. Terrance Drew’s full confidence in the new president.