Blackheart Productions Chief Executive Officer David “Shakes” Christopher has disclosed the factors that led his organization to postpone the October 27 fixtures in the 20th edition of the Blackheart Football Tournament.
Two matches—Soufriere vs. Choiseul and Canaries vs. Vieux Fort North—were scheduled to take place at the Soufriere Mini Stadium but were postponed by management.
There was significant hype and anticipation leading up to Sunday’s games. Reports indicate that Blackheart Productions collaborated with several local stakeholders, including the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, to ensure a smooth event.
Vendors had stocked up on Creole-themed produce, prepared to sell at the games, but their efforts were ultimately in vain.
The postponement also followed an exciting start to this year’s Blackheart competition. On Friday night, two thrilling matches saw Marchand upset three-time champions Dennery on penalties, and Roseau defeated Desruisseaux 1-0.
At an emergency press conference on Monday, CEO Christopher indicated that law enforcement had deemed the mass-crowd event a potential security risk due to stretched resources for Jounen Kwéyòl activities. Christopher extended apologies to stakeholders impacted by the postponement.
“I want to apologise to the patrons, to the footballers…this sporting family, and I also want to apologize to all the persons who bought the tickets,” Christopher said. “I want to apologise to [the artists] from Big Belly Season who were here on the island to perform but didn’t get to perform. The reason why we had to postpone that game is because we didn’t get the go-ahead. The security forces highlighted that it would have created a security risk for their stretched resources with the officers being here and there and everywhere.”
Christopher emphasised that Blackheart games are typically crime-free, citing their time in Vieux Fort last year—a period marked by high crime levels in the area. He also encouraged patrons who had purchased tickets to attend upcoming matches and continue supporting the tournament.
“We remember last year when things were red hot and fiery. We were in Bruceville. We were in all the hoods in Vieux Fort encouraging the brothers to come to the game. And all of them were in the Philip Marcellin Ground.”
“We want to encourage all patrons who bought tickets for the games on Sunday to know that the tickets are still valid and can be used for any one of the matches. We really want to say we love you and continue supporting Blackheart.”
The October 27 fixtures will now take place on Wednesday, October 30. Dominican Bouyon artistes Quan and Litleboy, who were initially scheduled to perform on the second match day, will now perform on November 8.
