East Basketball Club Withdraws From VG Summer
Tortola-based East Basketball Club has officially withdrawn from the Virgin Gorda Summer Jam Basketball League following an incident that left players stranded on the sister island. The Oct. 24 ordeal forced the squad and coaching staff to sleep overnight in a local bar, leading team management to conclude that a delayed written apology from organizers was insufficient.
Tortola-based East Basketball Club has made the official decision to withdraw from the Virgin Gorda Summer Jam 2026 Basketball League, announcing that a formal written apology issued by tournament organizers was not enough to resolve ongoing concerns regarding player welfare, accountability, and respect.
The team's leadership confirmed the move in a statement issued on Monday night, following an October 24 incident in which team members were left stranded on Virgin Gorda after a scheduled fixture. The travel debacle forced the squad's players and coaching staff to spend the night sleeping in a local bar.
Although the league's organizing committee issued a written apology three days later, players and management remained unconvinced that the gesture demonstrated the necessary accountability and remorse. In their public statement, club representatives highlighted that the choice to step away from the tournament was difficult but necessary.
The team emphasized that an apology must be backed by genuine remorse, accountability, and meaningful corrective action. The club maintained that standing down was essential to protect their athletes and ensure they feel respected, valued, and safe during competitive engagements across the territory.
A representative from the VG Summer Jam Committee confirmed the club's departure from the tournament, briefly stating that East is no longer participating in the 2026 league. However, the committee declined to provide further comment regarding the circumstances surrounding the stranding or the logistics failure.
Efforts to reach East head coach Nehassie Chalwell for additional remarks were unsuccessful. East, who recently captured the championship title in the 2026 Winston Bolus National District League, extended an apology to their supporters for the abrupt mid-season exit. The club acknowledged the dedication of its fan base and urged basketball enthusiasts across the Virgin Islands to continue supporting the VG Summer Jam, noting that competitive matchups and talented teams remain in the tournament.
Primary source: VINO