Minister Duggins’ Underperformance in Sports and Creative Economy Portfolio

Basseterre, St. Kitts – April 30, 2025 — In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the Federation, the Dr. Terrance Drew-led administration has inadvertently confirmed what many critics have long alleged: Minister Samal Duggins has underperformed spectacularly in his Sports and Creative Economy portfolio.

The government’s very own Midterm Milestone graphic, released by the Government Communications Unit, was intended to showcase achievements—but instead has spotlighted just how little has been delivered under Minister Duggins after two and a half years in office.

Deliverables and Achievements

In the “Your Sports and Entertainment” section of the report, only six modest bullet points are listed—a glaringly short list compared to the grand campaign promises and bloated rhetoric that preceded it. And what’s worse? Many of the so-called “achievements” remain either incomplete, vaguely defined, or lack tangible impact.

HERE’S WHAT MADE THE LIST:

The “Official Launch of the Creative Economy” – but no mention of actual funding programs, industry support mechanisms, or measurable growth.
Renovations to Kim Collins Stadium and Halfway Tree Sporting Facility – renovations, not completions or reopenings.
A “New Football Stadium at Conaree” – with no groundbreaking or timeline provided.
The reopening of New Road Family Park – a minor community park re-opening , framed as a national victory.
Hosting of “Creative Arts and Drum Dynamics Workshops” – nice for headlines, but a far cry from building a thriving creative industry.

MISSING IN ACTION:

No mention of:

Major national tournaments.
Youth athletic and creatives funding.
Completion of promised stadium upgrades.
Infrastructure for the film or music industry.
Investment in talent development or export.

Critics’ Reactions

Opposition voices were quick to pounce. One commentator remarked, “This report card wouldn’t even pass high school entrance exam. Two and a half years in, and the best they can show is a workshop and some paint on a fence?”

Even government supporters are privately grumbling, questioning how a Ministry with such national importance—especially to the youth—could be allowed to drift into mediocrity without real accountability.

Minister Duggins, who has long framed himself as a youthful, visionary disruptor, now finds himself struggling to justify his record—with even his own government’s PR machine unable to gloss over the gaping void in tangible results.

As PM Drew pushes his “Powering Progress” narrative, many are now asking: Progress for whom? Because when it comes to sports and entertainment—the scoreboard shows a brutal loss.

Conclusion

The underperformance of Minister Duggins in his Sports and Creative Economy portfolio is a concerning issue that requires immediate attention. The lack of tangible results and the absence of key deliverables in the Midterm Milestone graphic are clear indicators of the Ministry’s struggles. It is essential for the government to take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure that the Sports and Creative Economy sector receives the necessary support and resources to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the key areas where Minister Duggins has underperformed?

A: Minister Duggins has underperformed in areas such as major national tournaments, youth athletic and creatives funding, completion of promised stadium upgrades, infrastructure for the film or music industry, and investment in talent development or export.

Q: What is the significance of the Midterm Milestone graphic?

A: The Midterm Milestone graphic is a report released by the Government Communications Unit to showcase the achievements of the government. However, in the case of Minister Duggins, it has highlighted the lack of tangible results and the absence of key deliverables.

Q: What are the implications of Minister Duggins’ underperformance?

A: The underperformance of Minister Duggins has significant implications for the Sports and Creative Economy sector, including the lack of opportunities for youth, limited funding, and the absence of infrastructure to support the growth of the industry.