Carib Scope

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  • Deputy Prime Minister Hanley Meets with SKNOC on Transformative National Physical Education Initiative

    Deputy Prime Minister Hanley Meets with SKNOC on Transformative National Physical Education Initiative

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – In a landmark step toward reimagining youth development and education across the federation, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley held a strategic planning meeting Wednesday with senior leadership from the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) to advance a groundbreaking national physical education transformation initiative. The proposed partnership, backed by regional sporting bodies, aims to embed high-quality physical training and Olympic values into the core of the nation’s school curricula over the next five years.

    The SKNOC delegation, headed by SKNOC President Dennis Knight, included Technical Director Lonzo Wilkinson and Brazil-based sports methodologist Léo Cursino, who contributed expertise to the program’s design. The comprehensive National School Physical Education Programme was developed in close collaboration with the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), bringing regional resources and global best practices to the local education system.

    Slated to launch in August 2026 and roll out incrementally through August 2031 in two distinct phases, the initiative includes a wide-ranging set of interconnected components to build sustainable, long-term capacity for physical education across the country. Key provisions of the program include certified professional training for current and prospective physical education teachers, a standardized, licensed national physical education methodology aligned with international standards, a cloud-based digital platform to streamline lesson planning and student engagement, cutting-edge AI-powered pedagogical tools to personalize learning experiences, and a fully accredited undergraduate degree pathway specifically tailored for physical education educators to formalize professional qualifications.

    Beyond physical education infrastructure, the SKNOC also proposed integrating the International Olympic Committee’s global Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) into local school curricula. Knight explained that a locally customized OVEP syllabus would embed the three core Olympic values – excellence, friendship, and respect – into daily school activities, supporting holistic character development for students and strengthening grassroots sporting culture across St. Kitts and Nevis.

    Deputy Prime Minister Hanley praised the proposals as timely, visionary, and perfectly aligned with the government’s existing strategic priorities for education reform, youth empowerment, and community development. He expressed strong enthusiasm for deepening the ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Education and SKNOC to turn the outlined plans into actionable, on-the-ground programs for the nation’s youth.

    “These initiatives present a powerful opportunity to transform how we educate, inspire, and support our young people,” Hanley said in remarks following the meeting. “My Ministry looks forward to collaborating closely with the Olympic Committee to make these proposals a reality for the benefit of our students and our nation.”

    In the coming months, the Ministry of Education and SKNOC will hold a series of follow-up technical discussions to finalize formal implementation plans, secure resourcing, and prepare for the program’s launch in August 2026.

  • Hamilton Bank defends selection of St Mary’s for Penn relays debut

    Hamilton Bank defends selection of St Mary’s for Penn relays debut

    For Saint Lucia, the 2026 Penn Relays marks a historic milestone – it will be the first time a team from the Caribbean island nation competes in the world-famous annual track and field event hosted in Philadelphia. But the road to this debut has been marked by online speculation and social media rumors questioning why St Mary’s College (SMC) was selected as the nation’s representative, prompting sponsoring organization Hamilton Reserve Bank to step forward and set the record straight.

    Hamilton Reserve Bank, the largest global bank headquartered in the Caribbean with more than $6 billion in total assets under management, is covering all travel and participation costs for SMC’s trip to the April 23–25 event. In response to growing public speculation about the selection process, bank representatives have repeatedly emphasized that the process was free, fair, and fully above board, with pre-planning that long predated key local competitions.

    Senior Relationship Banker Lauaina Dupres, who led the coordination for the bank’s sponsorship, shared details of the timeline in an exclusive interview with local outlet St Lucia Times. According to Dupres, the selection process was finalized at least two to three weeks before Saint Lucia’s annual Island Champs competition, which kicked off in early March. Contrary to viral social media claims that the bank overturned the meet’s results – which saw Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School claim the boys’ team title over SMC – Dupres confirmed that the Island Champs outcome had no influence whatsoever on the final selection.

    Dupres explained that the requirements set out by Penn Relays organizers narrowed the field of eligible teams early on. Initially, event organizers requested that Saint Lucia field either an all-boys or all-girls squad, and all team members needed to secure valid travel visas to enter the United States in time for registration. To streamline the process, the bank reached out to Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports for recommendations, and the ministry put forward SMC as an eligible candidate. When the ministry followed up with information about Vieux Fort Comprehensive, the registration deadline had already passed, leaving only SMC positioned to meet all requirements.

    “This was something that happened so fast,” Dupres noted, adding that she was not even familiar with the Island Champs schedule when the initial selection was being finalized.

    Contrary to further speculation that this would be a one-time opportunity limited to a single team, Dupres shared that Hamilton Reserve Bank has long-term plans to expand sponsorship for Saint Lucian track and field at the Penn Relays. Unlike smaller Caribbean nations, established track powerhouses such as Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago regularly send multiple teams to compete at the event, and the bank aims to grow Saint Lucia’s participation to match that level.

    “We are looking to do this again next year, to sponsor more schools, to have three or four teams from Saint Lucia,” Dupres said. “So it’s a trial process. We’re just trying this. It’s the first time that we’re doing something like that… We’re working towards getting some other students and other schools on board for next year.”

    Dupres added that bank leadership was caught off guard by the wave of negative public reaction that followed the sponsorship announcement in early April. Despite the unexpected pushback, the bank remains committed to deepening local partnerships with Saint Lucian educational and sports institutions to create more developmental opportunities for the nation’s young athletes.

    In the lead-up to the team’s departure for Philadelphia, Hamilton Reserve Bank and the St Mary’s College delegation are scheduled to hold a joint public press conference in the coming days to address further questions from the community.

  • Aquatic Centre reopens following completion of maintenance work

    Aquatic Centre reopens following completion of maintenance work

    After a month-long shutdown to address a critical faulty filtration system, the Wildey Aquatic Centre has officially resumed operations, bringing relief to local and national swimming teams that were forced to rearrange their training schedules ahead of key upcoming competitions.

    The facility was first ordered closed by Barbados’ Ministry of Health on March 12, forcing the country’s CARIFTA Aquatic Championships national squad to relocate all training sessions to the pool at Ursuline Convent. Following extensive remedial work carried out largely through community and private support, the Aquatic Centre welcomed swimmers back through its doors on Monday.

    In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Glyne Harrison, president of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association (BASA), outlined the new operational changes introduced to extend the facility’s lifespan and prevent future system failures. Under the updated protocols, the pool will close daily from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for scheduled maintenance. This 75-minute window falls just before the daily peak period when dozens of club swimmers arrive for training, allowing staff to conduct system checks, adjust chemical levels — including chlorine — and let treatments fully dissipate before the facility fills with users.

    Harrison emphasized that BASA is prioritizing proactive maintenance over reactive problem-solving to avoid future unexpected shutdowns. “Our job at the association level is to face issues when they’re highlighted, and we prefer that to be proactively rather than reactively. We also make sure we operate in a way that prevents them from coming back,” he said.

    In addition to the scheduled daily maintenance break, the facility has also been updated with new clear signage reminding all visitors of basic hygiene protocols, including mandatory showering before entering the pool. Harrison explained that natural body oils, topical creams and hair products introduced by swimmers add extra strain on filtration systems, so reinforcing these simple rules helps reduce long-term wear on the equipment.

    Most of the renovation and repair work was completed pro bono, a gesture Harrison said would not have been possible without the support of the local aquatic community. A majority of the work was funded through a trust established to honor the legacy of Angus Edghill, with additional pro bono support from local service providers who stepped up to assist the non-government facility. Harrison noted that operating the Aquatic Centre is a “mammoth task” — unlike many public sports facilities, it receives no direct government funding, and all upkeep costs are covered by membership fees.

    The reopening has been widely celebrated across Barbados’ swimming community, including by David Farmer, the veteran head coach of the recently returned record-breaking CARIFTA Games squad. Farmer said the entire swimming community is thrilled to have the facility back online, with the Sonia O’Neill International Invitational competition just five weeks away, scheduled for the third weekend of May.

    “Everybody is very excited about the fact that the pool has reopened and we are expecting strong attendances. Everybody has started training with that in mind so the pool is quite busy at this point in time,” Farmer said. He added that attendance has dipped slightly this week due to the upcoming school break, but expects numbers to return to normal once classes resume next week, bringing the facility back to its regular operational rhythm.

  • New York Mets open new training facility in Boca Chica

    New York Mets open new training facility in Boca Chica

    In a major push to fortify its global talent identification and development system, the New York Mets have officially launched a state-of-the-art youth player development complex in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, a region long renowned as a hotbed of elite baseball talent. The $10 million facility is purpose-built to serve 16- to 18-year-old international amateur prospects signed by the franchise, delivering a fully integrated, high-performance training and living ecosystem that addresses longstanding resource gaps for young players in the country.

    The sprawling complex packs an array of premium amenities tailored to every dimension of athlete development. It boasts a 10,000-square-foot gym and dedicated nutrition center, a 16,900-square-foot agility training field, modernized training spaces with specialized recovery zones, expanded batting cages, classroom spaces for academic and professional education, and on-site residential suites to house participating athletes. Unlike piecemeal training setups common in the region, the new Boca Chica campus combines every resource young prospects need to grow under one roof.

    Team leadership emphasized that the investment fills a critical need in international player development. For decades, many promising young Dominican baseball players have lacked access to the elite training, wellness, and educational resources that help top talent reach their full potential. The new facility is designed to accelerate both the physical skill growth and long-term professional development of these young athletes, removing structural barriers that have held back many prospects in the past.

    This project is a core component of a broader, organization-wide infrastructure upgrade strategy steered by Mets owners Steve Cohen and Alex Cohen. The ownership group has already committed $60 million to renovate the franchise’s existing player development complex in Florida, signaling a sweeping investment in talent development across the organization.

    Beyond refining the skills of already signed prospects, the new facility is expected to give the Mets a significant competitive edge in recruiting the brightest young international talent, cementing the franchise’s reputation as a top destination for emerging players. It will also accommodate active major and minor league players for offseason training, reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s standing as a central global hub for baseball talent development and innovative training practices.

  • WATCH: Former NBA Superstar Shaquille O’Neal Thrills Fans in Antigua and Barbuda

    WATCH: Former NBA Superstar Shaquille O’Neal Thrills Fans in Antigua and Barbuda

    Basketball fans across Antigua and Barbuda got the experience of a lifetime this week, as legendary former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal made a highly anticipated public appearance on the twin-island nation. The four-time NBA champion, who remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in global sports long after his retirement from professional basketball, drew hundreds of excited supporters to the event, where he took time to greet fans, pose for photos, and share lighthearted stories from his iconic 19-year career in the league.

    Known for his larger-than-life personality on and off the court, O’Neal leaned into his reputation for approachability, interacting closely with attendees of all ages. Young local basketball players in attendance had the rare chance to meet one of the sport’s all-time greats, with many sharing their own career aspirations with the Hall of Famer, who offered encouraging words and advice. Local event organizers confirmed that the appearance far exceeded turnout expectations, with crowds gathering hours in advance to catch a glimpse of the star. Tourism officials in Antigua and Barbuda also noted that high-profile visits from global sports icons like O’Neal help boost the nation’s profile as a destination for high-profile events and celebrity travel, bringing positive attention to the islands’ recreational and tourism offerings. By the end of the public appearance, attendees left with lasting memories, and social media posts from the event quickly spread, generating even more excitement among O’Neal’s fanbase across the Caribbean region.

  • Cricket legends to mentor students in new programme

    Cricket legends to mentor students in new programme

    Across Barbados, a growing number of secondary and tertiary students are gaining unprecedented access to first-hand wisdom from cricket icons and industry leaders, thanks to the new Legacy Talks initiative spearheaded by Cricket Legends of Barbados Inc. This targeted youth engagement program, which launched earlier this year, marks a major step forward in the organization’s ongoing mission to reconnect young Barbadians to the island’s rich cricketing heritage while equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the pitch.

    During a press briefing held at the organization’s Fontabelle headquarters in St. Michael, General Manager Julia Caine laid out the program’s core objectives: to bridge the gap between legendary former cricketers and the next generation, expanding discussions beyond the sport to cover critical topics that shape young people’s lives. From personal discipline and the value of education to navigating career pathways and fostering long-term personal growth, the structured sessions are designed to broaden students’ perspectives on professional opportunities. Since launching in January, the initiative has already welcomed four secondary schools and one tertiary institution, building on the momentum of the organization’s existing successful outreach program, Fun Time with the Legends.

    Launched in 2024, Fun Time with the Legends has already reached 18 primary and secondary schools across the island, with five more visits scheduled for the upcoming academic term. Caine emphasized that both programs work in tandem to deliver structured engagement for young people at every educational level, from primary school through tertiary education. Unlike the more accessible Fun Time program, Legacy Talks is crafted specifically for older students preparing to transition from higher education to the workforce, offering deeper, discussion-driven sessions with topics tailored to their unique needs. Caine noted that the organization is optimistic about the new program’s long-term growth and impact on Barbadian youth.

    The most recent Legacy Talks session was led by Carlisle Best, a celebrated former Barbadian and West Indies cricketer who also enjoyed a long career with the Central Bank of Barbados. Best brought his dual expertise to a session focused on financial legacy, engaging students from Barbados Community College and The Alleyne School with practical, actionable insights that sparked thoughtful, meaningful dialogue among attendees.

    Joel Garner, chairman of Cricket Legends of Barbados, opened up about the organization’s motivation for expanding its school outreach, acknowledging that the sport has not received the consistent media visibility it deserves in recent years. He noted that modern young people are increasingly drawn to digital devices and screen-based activities, pulling focus away from traditional local sports. Garner admitted that the cricketing community made missteps in the past, failing to maintain a consistent visible presence in schools and build robust partnerships with local businesses. To grow the sport across all age levels, he argued, the organization needs expanded partnerships not only with the Ministry of Education but also the Ministry of Sport to create a meaningful, sustainable impact on junior and elite cricket development across the entire island.

    Garner added that the organization’s outreach extends far beyond school programs. Legends of Barbados has also worked closely with the country’s senior national men’s team, hosting informal sessions to help players relax, sharing first-hand lessons on what it takes to reach the top of international cricket, and how to sustain success once they achieve their goals.

    Shareholder and former international cricketer Dwayne Smith shared his personal journey with the sport, recalling how his uncle introduced him to cricket at a young age. While he noted that he did not always achieve every outcome he dreamed of during his career, Smith emphasized that cricket transformed his life, opening doors to international travel he never could have imagined – from Kenya and Australia to New Zealand, South Africa, England and dozens of other destinations. For Smith, cricket provided not only financial stability – allowing him to own a home, a car, and achieve the lifestyle he wanted – but also invaluable life lessons about navigating the world and interacting with people from all walks of life. He expressed hope that more young Barbadians will follow his path and build their own futures through the sport he loves.

  • Pro Shottas lead BFA Division One table

    Pro Shottas lead BFA Division One table

    A midweek round of matches in the Barbados Football Association’s Division One delivered its fair share of twists and turned-up table dynamics, with the league’s leading side dropping unexpected points but still clinging to their position at the top of the standings. On Wednesday, title contenders Pro Shottas were held to a goalless draw by Fitts Village, the lowest-ranked team in the 12-club division that has struggled for form all season. Despite dropping two valuable points in the upset result, the side still holds a narrow one-point advantage over their closest challengers as the campaign progresses. The result left Pro Shottas on 18 points overall heading into the next set of fixtures, one clear of second-placed Empire, who entered the round on 17 points. Third place is occupied by Pinelands, who secured a solid 2-0 win over Technique in their most recent outing to bring their points total to 16. Fourth spot belongs to Notre Dame, who put in a dominant performance to run out 4-0 winners against the Barbados Soccer Academy, pushing their points tally to 15. They hold their placing over Technique on goal difference alone, leaving the fifth-placed side still well in the hunt for a higher position. In other results from the matchweek, Parish Land and Deacons played out an entertaining 1-1 draw, with neither side able to clinch all three points after full time. The clash between Silver Sands and Greens also ended level, finishing 2-2 after 90 minutes of play, while Potential Ballers claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Whitehall to secure three crucial points. After the latest round of matches, newly relegated side Deacons, who dropped down from the Premier League at the end of last season, sits sixth in the table on 15 points. They are followed by Parish Land in seventh on 14 points, with Potential Ballers moving up to eighth on 12 points after their recent win. Whitehall holds ninth place in the current rankings on eight points, while Silver Sands sits 10th with six points accumulated so far this campaign. The battle at the bottom of the division remains tight, with three sides occupying the relegation places at this stage of the season. Barbados Soccer Academy sits in 11th position on five points, just one point above 12th-placed Greens United, who have four points. At the foot of the table, Fitts Village remains rooted to the bottom spot on just two points, despite earning a valuable hard-fought draw against the league leaders this round.

  • Centuries, last-over finishes headline SPL T20 midweek action

    Centuries, last-over finishes headline SPL T20 midweek action

    The Saint Lucia Premier League (SPL) T20 delivered a packed schedule of high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat cricket this midweek, with four franchises—Babonneau Leatherbacks, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions, Ackelles City Blasters, and Micoud Eagles—walking away with crucial wins across two days of competition held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The first day of action kicked off at Gros Islet’s Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds, where the Babonneau Leatherbacks locked horns with the Titans in a contest that came down to the final deliveries. The Titans won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a formidable total of 193 runs for the loss of five wickets by the end of their 20 overs. Opening batsman Djourn Charles anchored the innings with a blistering knock of 79 runs off just 49 balls, while middle-order batter Dalius Monroe provided valuable support with a quick-fire 35 runs from 26 deliveries to push the Titans to their competitive total.

    Chasing 194 for victory, the Leatherbacks endured a tense back-and-forth battle to reach the target, crossing the finish line with just two balls remaining in their allocation. Standout performances from Khan Elcock, who notched 49 runs off 28 balls, and Qwaine Henry, who remained unbeaten on 36 runs from 23 deliveries, guided Babonneau to a four-wicket win. The result propelled the Leatherbacks to the top spot in the SPL T20 overall standings after the day’s play.

    Across the island at Mindoo Philip Park, Dr Freezers South Castries Lions claimed a solid 23-run victory over the Knights, powered by a record-breaking knock from Grenadian star wicketkeeper-batsman Andre “Spiceman” Fletcher. Batting first, Fletcher smashed the second century of the 2026 SPL T20 tournament, racking up 114 runs off only 54 balls to set the tone for the Lions’ innings. Bolton Sayers chipped in with a rapid 29 runs from 17 deliveries, helping the side post a total of 193 runs. For the Knights, bowlers Lee John and Tyrel Chicot turned in the most impressive performances, claiming three wickets for 23 runs and one wicket for 14 runs respectively.

    When the Knights took to the crease to chase the 194-run target, they were bowled out for 169 all out. Top contributions from Simeon Gerson (40 runs) and Lee John (35 runs off 21 balls) were not enough to overcome a dominant bowling display from the Lions. Xavier Gabriel was unplayable for the Lions, finishing with figures of three wickets for just nine runs in two overs, while Daniel Jn Baptiste backed him up with three wickets for 39 runs in four overs to seal the win.

    Action resumed on Wednesday at Mindoo Philip Park, where the league-leading Babonneau Leatherbacks aimed to extend their winning streak to three consecutive matches, but fell just short in a tight contest against the Micoud Eagles. Micoud won the toss and batted first, posting a match-winning total of 188 runs for seven wickets after their full 20 overs. Keygan Arnold anchored the Eagles’ innings with a steady 62 runs off 40 deliveries, while Dominic Auguste injected late momentum with a brisk 27 runs from only 13 balls. For the Leatherbacks, Yunieski Gustave and Tyler Sookwa turned in the best bowling performances, claiming three wickets for 29 runs and two wickets for 29 runs respectively, both from their four-over allocations.

    In response, the Leatherbacks mounted a strong chase that came down to the final overs, powered by a powerful knock from opening batter Dane Edward, who scored 72 runs off 49 deliveries. However, Edward received little consistent support from the rest of the batting line-up beyond Caleb Thomas, who contributed 24 runs. Babonneau was restricted to 183 runs for seven wickets at the end of their 20 overs, falling five runs short of the target and handing the Eagles a hard-fought win.

    At the same time at Francis “Baba” Lastic Grounds, Ackelles City Blasters claimed a three-wicket victory over Choiseul Craft Masters in the highest-scoring match of the midweek round. Choiseul won the toss and elected to bat first, posting an imposing total of 224 runs for six wickets from their 20 overs. The innings was led by a century from Junior Henry, who hit 101 runs off 50 balls, while Trevon James added a quick 33 runs from 19 deliveries. With most bowlers struggling to contain Choiseul’s batters, McKenny Clarke’s figures of two wickets for 27 runs from four overs stood out as the best bowling performance for the Blasters.

    Chasing the 225-run target, the City Blasters reached the mark in just 18.3 overs, led by Kensley Paul’s knock of 91 runs off 51 balls—just nine runs short of a well-deserved century. Jaden Elibox’s explosive 37 runs from 16 deliveries proved equally crucial to the chase, providing the late acceleration needed to cross the winning line. Despite a solid bowling performance from Josan James, who claimed three wickets for 22 runs, the Choiseul Craft Masters could not stop the Blasters from claiming the win, leaving the capital-based franchise with four points from two matches.

  • SVG Sailing Week declared a resounding success

    SVG Sailing Week declared a resounding success

    St Vincent and the Grenadines has cemented its reputation as a world-class sailing and adventure tourism hub following the wrap-up of the hugely successful SVG Sailing Week 2026, an event organizers and participants alike are calling one of the most energetic and widely attended editions in decades.

    This year’s regatta delivered impressive growth across every competitive class, drawing hundreds of regional and international sailors and sailing enthusiasts to the Caribbean nation, while injecting new energy into local communities and small businesses along the competition route. The 9-day event spanned multiple venues, starting with youth-focused junior championship races off the main island of St Vincent before culminating in a dramatic final regatta off the coast of Bequia, blending tight on-water competition, genuine camaraderie between sailors, and joyful celebrations of local Vincentian culture.

    Participation numbers more than doubled compared to 2025, with 24 yachts officially registered for this year’s event, up from just 11 in the previous edition. Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday even joined sailors for the event’s official prize-giving ceremony, highlighting the national government’s strong support for the growing regatta.

    The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, via the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, has celebrated the 2026 event as a resounding success and clear proof of the rapid expansion of the country’s fast-growing sports tourism sector.

    “SVG Sailing Week 2026 is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and hard work,” said Dr Kishore Shallow, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development, in remarks following the event. “In addition to showcasing our country’s stunning natural beauty and rich maritime heritage, this event delivered tangible economic benefits for our people across local communities. As a government, we remain fully committed to investing in initiatives like these that create opportunities, drive tourism, and position St Vincent and the Grenadines as a leading destination on the global stage.”

    The ministry extended formal gratitude to every stakeholder that contributed to the event’s smooth execution, including the SVG Sailing Association, corporate partners, volunteer crews, local host communities, and regional collaborators. Special recognition was reserved for the event’s organizing committee and technical teams, whose relentless dedication ensured seamless operations across all race venues and social events.

    Shallow added, “The outstanding success of SVG Sailing Week this year would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our many stakeholders. I also commend the management and staff, alongside the steering committee, for delivering a first-rate event within a remarkably short planning window. This achievement is highly encouraging as we look ahead to even greater editions in the future.”

    More broadly, the 2026 SVG Sailing Week reflects the current government’s renewed strategic focus on revitalizing flagship national events and unlocking new pathways for inclusive economic growth across the country. Officials have reaffirmed their commitment to building on this year’s momentum, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and expanding the scale and reach of future editions to draw even more visitors and competitors to the region.

    For sailing fans planning ahead, next year’s event is already locked in: SVG Sailing Week 2027 is scheduled to run from March 21 to 29, marking another chapter in the Caribbean nation’s emergence as a top global sailing destination.

  • Grange says gov’t respects World Athletics ruling, urges compassion for athletes affected

    Grange says gov’t respects World Athletics ruling, urges compassion for athletes affected

    In a ruling delivered Thursday that has sent ripples through the global track and field community, World Athletics has rejected an application from 11 elite athletes – among them four of Jamaica’s most decorated current competitors – to change their national representation and compete for Turkey at the international level.

    The four Jamaican athletes affected by the decision include some of the nation’s brightest track and field talents: Roje Stona, the reigning Olympic champion in the discus throw; Rajindra Campbell, who claimed Olympic bronze in the shot put; Wayne Pinnock, silver medalist at both the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships in the long jump; and Jaydon Hibbert, a rising standout in the triple jump who has emerged as one of the world’s top young contenders in the event.

    Following the announcement of the governing body’s decision, Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange released an official statement Friday outlining the government’s official position. Grange emphasized that the Jamaican government has taken full note of World Athletics’ ruling and maintains unwavering respect for the authority of the global governing body of track and field. She noted that because the full adjudication process for the application has not yet reached its conclusion, the government will not be issuing extensive public commentary on the decision at this stage.

    While Grange affirmed respect for the international body’s process, she also made clear that the Jamaican government recognizes the difficult position the ruling has placed the affected athletes in. Calling on the Jamaican public and social media users in particular to approach the situation with empathy and compassion, Grange noted that World Athletics’ decision carries tangible real-world consequences for the athletes, as well as their families and loved ones. The minister stressed that the Jamaican government remains committed to supporting the athletes as much as possible through this process, and will continue lobbying for further action to address the athletes’ circumstances.

    Grange added that the situation surrounding the allegiance change request is both serious and highly sensitive, and should not be treated as an opening to publicly condemn any of the athletes involved. She expressed confidence that all stakeholders involved will work through the uncertain current circumstances constructively to reach a resolution that upholds the integrity of the sport while prioritizing the wellbeing of the competitors at the center of the case.