Visa denial casts doubt on Griffith's participation in Tests

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls, who are currently preparing for respective two-Test series' in Australia and New Zealand, suffered a major setback in their build-up as one of their players, Ann-Kay Griffith, was denied an intransit visa by the United States Embassy last Thursday.

Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association, told The Gleaner that Griffith, along with seven other members of squad, went to the embassy on the same day and all received visas expect for Griffith.

"I am very disappointed because we are really getting a lot of help from Australia and New Zealand to take these girls down there," said Bernard. "We gave her all the necessary documents that would enable her get the visa and they didn't give it to her.

"They have gone beyond what is really necessary to give us an opportunity to play top-class netball and it is the first time that Ann-Kay (Griffith) has been selected to represent her country and I know that she is very devastated by this," Bernard said.

Jamaicans will oppose Australia

The Jamaicans will oppose Australia on August 8 and 15, respectively, before travelling to New Zealand where they will battle the hosts on August 18 and 21.

According Bernard, it is expected to take up to two weeks to secure the American visa, after which the documents will have to be sent off to Canada to the New Zealand and Australian consulates for visas to be acquired.

She also noted that they are going to appeal the decision, saying "we are not going to give up on this".

Griffith, who plays goal attack, represents Windalco in the Berger Paint Super League competition. She is also a past student of Denbigh High in Clarendon.