For many St. Thomians, the name Alva Alphonse Swan may not ring a bell. Coach Tumba, however, speaks volumes. 

On Friday, Senator Marvin Blyden introduced Bill 36-0084, a resolution to honor Mr. Swan – Coach Tumba – for his significant contributions to the sport of basketball. Coach Tumba, he said, has “dedicated his life to mentoring young athletes.”

Sen. Blyden spoke highly of Coach Tumba’s philosophy, which “emphasizes discipline, teamwork and education.” 

“His impact is evident in a number of athletes who advanced to college basketball…We cannot forget and fail to mention that WNBA superstar Aliyah Boston credits Coach Tumba as one of her earliest mentors and influencers,” Blyden said. He maintained that Bill 36-0084 is a “heartfelt acknowledgement” of Coach Tumba’s influences on “many lives” and neighborhoods as well. 

Several of Coach Tumba’s colleagues sang his praises before the Legislature. Patricia Petes enrolled her son in his basketball program during a tough time for her family. “Tumba molded Jeremiah to the guy he's in right now. My son obtained 34 trophies under Tumba,” she said. Ms. Petes now works as an assistant coach in Tumba’s Jah Youths League. “I am here as a witness to the love this man has for children and basketball,” she declared.

Anselmo Frett agreed that the honor was well deserved. “It goes beyond basketball with Tumba,” he said, recalling how the basketball coach regularly mentored youth in the Donoe housing community. 

“I know Tumba Dread have God in His heart,” said Audi Hennemen. He testified that Coach Tumba’s dedication to the community is a “gift given to him.” 

“He care for our community, care for our children…He deserve his flowers, and it's great to know that you all are looking to honor him while he's alive,” Mr. Hennemen said. 

For Mr. Swan, it’s simply “the love of the game.” He thanked his cousins for introducing him to basketball, and recalled how he took it upon himself to begin teaching the generations that followed. “All youth are Jah youths,” he said happily, reiterating his dedication to all young people interested in the sport. 

Having contributed to the community for decades, Coach Tumba told lawmakers that he is currently “rejuvenating.” He encouraged former players who are now adults to “come back in your organization and coach.” 

“It just bring me joy to know that we still have people that are looking out for our young men in this community,” said Senator Franklin Johnson. He joined his colleagues in commending Coach Tumba for his work. “I don't think you know how much lives you have changed and saved by keeping these young men out there on the basketball court,” he added. 

Senator Novelle Francis, too, thanked him for his work, noting its far-reaching impact. “I came from a criminal justice background, which meant a lot of times you have diverted individuals from coming before me,” the senator said.

Lawmakers thanked Mr. Swan for instilling discipline and a sense of pride in countless young people. “You could be the best player. If you ain't behaving right, you will sit down,” Coach Tumba said, a testament to his staunch belief in good behavior on and off the court. “If you're talented and you're not disciplined, after a while, people gonna turn their face to you.”

Senator Kenneth Gittens applauded his approach. “Attitude determines your altitude, and our young people need to understand that,” he said. 

Coach Tumba also places immense value on respect, teamwork, and education. 

With years of experience as a positive influence on young Virgin Islanders, Senate President Milton Potter sought the coach’s advice on reaching more youth. For Coach Tumba, it's deliberate early intervention. “The younger you gonna get a youth, the easier it is to mold them.” 

The opportunity to contemplate Mr. Swan's outsized impact on his community left a lasting impression on those attending Friday’s meeting. “Thank you for having the heart of a lion to work with our young men, because that is one of the areas that we really need a lot of help,” Senator Hubert Frederick said. 

Coach Tumba will receive the key to the territory, a physical reminder of his dedication and achievements.