Shakes Criticizes Regional Apathy Before Exciting OECS Boxing Throwdown

David “Shakes” Christopher, the president of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association, sharply criticized boxing organizations across the Eastern Caribbean, urging them to ramp up efforts toward regional sport development. His comments emerged during a press briefing prior to this weekend's Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Invitational Boxing Championships at the Pavilion in Rodney Bay.Saint Lucia, honored to host this event for three consecutive years, attributes its success to the SLBA's consistent execution of efficient regional tournaments, having also hosted the Caribbean Championships earlier this year. In his candid manner, Christopher likened the lack of regional enthusiasm to the ongoing struggles faced by the West Indies cricket team, warning that boxing may risk a similar trajectory without prioritized regional engagement.He stressed that mere membership in the OECS holds little value without proactive involvement. “Regional integration is essential,” he declared, urging neighboring governments to become actively involved in sports development, lamenting the insufficient support for initiatives like “Hands in Gloves, Not on Guns.” "Actions speak louder than words," he concluded.