The Virgin Islands (VI) Senior Men's Volleyball Team lost their first game against Anguilla at the 2026 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Men and Women’s Championship on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Photo: ECVA

Captain of the VI Senior Men’s Volleyball Team said the team had a "bit of jitters" when they began their match against Anguilla on August 12, 2026. Photo: ECVA

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said it was an honour and privilege for the Virgin Islands to host the 2026 ECVA Senior Championship. Photo: Facebook

The game was played at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, where the men went down 2-3 to the Anguilla Senior Men’s Team in a five-set thriller (23-25, 25-16, 24-26, 25-10, and 13-15). 

“To be fair, it seemed like we had a litle bit of jitters at the beginning,” Norville C. Braithwaite, Captain of the VI Senior Men’s Volleyball Team, said. “We dominated the second and fourth matches; I would think the service was on; we were forcing errors on the other team.”

Braithwaite said that for their remaining matches, the team will refine their game, as this was the first game for some team members, while others are back playing after several years. 

“We’re going to try to refine it and see if we can get it more streamlined to where we want it to be so that we can start off on top and remain on top throughout the course of the match.”

Volleyball is a beautiful sport- Premier Wheatley

Meanwhile, during the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said, “It’s our honour and privilege to host you in our beautiful homeland.”

The Premier called volleyball a “beautiful sport”, adding that he is looking forward to good sportsmanship and great volleyball. 

“Volleyball is a sport that involves a great deal of teamwork, and we look forward to seeing that teamwork on the court.” He reminded visiting teams to take the opportunity to experience the VI. 

“Thank you for choosing the Virgin Islands; it does something great for our economy and the opportunity to make new friends.”