Building the Future: Sports Management and Modern Facilities in Grenada

Beausejour Indoor Facility (St Lucia)

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada has long proven its ability to produce world-class athletes across multiple disciplines, track and field, cricket, football, basketball and beyond. Yet, despite this consistent output of talent, the country still lacks a structured system to nurture, represent, and protect its athletes as they transition into professional careers.

One of the most pressing gaps is the absence of a strong network of local sports agents and managers. These professionals are important in guiding athletes through contracts, sponsorships, branding, and long-term career planning. Without them, many of Grenada’s top athletes are left navigating complex professional environments without adequate local support.

At present, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation (KBF) Inc., under the leadership of Kyron Baptiste, stands as the lone local entity attempting to bridge this gap. Its work in supporting athletes such as basketball players Enel St. Bernard and Akinde Redhead is commendable and demonstrates what is possible with localised representation. However, one organisation cannot meet the demands of a growing pool of talented athletes across multiple sports.

As a result, most Grenadian professionals, particularly in athletics, cricket, and football, depend on overseas agents. While these agents provide access to international markets and opportunities, they often lack the cultural connection and personal investment needed to fully understand and advocate for Grenadian athletes. Consequently, much of the financial and developmental value generated by our athletes flows outward, with limited reinvestment into the local sports economy.

Developing a cadre of Grenadian sports agents and managers would significantly shift this dynamic. Local professionals would offer culturally relevant guidance, ensure fair representation, and create meaningful opportunities for athletes both at home and abroad. Just as importantly, this would stimulate job creation and build a sustainable sports management industry within Grenada.

Equally critical to the nation’s sporting future is the need for modern infrastructure, particularly a national indoor sporting facility. Indoor disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, and table tennis continue to grow in popularity, yet athletes are constrained by inadequate and often outdated facilities. This limitation hampers development and prevents Grenada from hosting regional and international competitions.

A modern, multi-purpose indoor facility would be transformative. It would provide athletes with a professional environment for training and competition, while also positioning Grenada as a viable host for major events, unlocking economic opportunities through sports tourism. Beyond elite sport, such a facility could support grassroots programmes, encouraging youth participation and talent identification at an early stage.

A public-private partnership model offers a practical pathway to realising this vision. By engaging the private sector, Grenada can leverage investment, innovation, and expertise while easing the financial burden on the government. Designed as a multi-use complex, the facility could also serve educational and community needs, maximising its national impact.

Climate change further underscores the urgency of this investment. Increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are already disrupting training and competition schedules across the Caribbean. Outdoor facilities are particularly vulnerable, with exposure to harsh conditions accelerating deterioration and affecting athlete safety.

An indoor, climate-controlled venue would provide a reliable, year-round solution, ensuring continuity in athlete preparation and competition. In times of natural disaster, it could also serve as a critical community shelter, adding another layer of national resilience.

The time has come to act decisively. Grenada’s talent deserves nothing less.

David Riley Highlights Regional Collaboration at CARIFTA

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA, April 6, 2024 - David Riley, head coach of Jamaica’s CARIFTA Games team, has underscored the importance of athlete development and regional collaboration as key pillars for advancing track and field across the Caribbean. Speaking in the aftermath of the 2024 CARIFTA Games, Riley shared his views into Jamaica’s approach and the broader future of the sport.

Riley praised Jamaica’s inclusive philosophy, noting that the country continues to welcome athletes from across the region into its training and competition systems. According to him, this openness not only raises the standard of performance but also strengthens unity and camaraderie among Caribbean athletes.

He pointed to the standout performances of several Boys’ Under-20 athletes, particularly in the shot put and hurdles, many of whom are based in Jamaica for training and development. Their success, he said, reflects the strength and structure of Jamaica’s athletics programme.

On team selection, Riley described the process as intensely competitive, given the depth of talent available. Earning a place on Jamaica’s CARIFTA team, he noted, is a significant achievement in itself.

Looking ahead, Riley outlined the next steps for many of the athletes, with a large number set to compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, while others will transition into training camps in preparation for the World Under-20 Championships.

He also addressed the disruption during the Boys’ 4x400 metres relay, describing it as an unfortunate incident. However, he was quick to emphasise that it did not detract from the overall success of the championships.

Reflections on the 51st CARIFTA Games: A Rollercoaster of Triumphs and Anticlimax

by Michael Bascombe

The curtain falls on the 51st CARIFTA Games, leaving a tapestry of thrilling performances, fierce competition, and an unexpected anticlimax. Held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, the region’s premier junior track and field event once again showcased the depth of Caribbean talent. Nevertheless, its final moments were not without controversy.

After three days of high-quality competition, the Games’ conclusion was marred during the Under-20 Boys’ 4x400 metres relay. An accidental activation of the starting recall system caused confusion among the athletes, resulting in multiple false starts, disruptions, and a disjointed restart. What should have been a fitting climax to a remarkable meet instead lost its rhythm, leaving athletes and spectators alike with a sense of unfinished business.

However, that moment should not overshadow the overall success of the championships. Throughout the three days, athletes displayed exceptional ability, resilience, and sportsmanship, delivering performances that captivated audiences and reaffirmed the strength of Caribbean athletics at the junior level.

Jamaica once again asserted its dominance, securing a 38th consecutive title and topping the medal table with 84 medals.

Credit must go to all involved in organising the Games. From the athletes who gave their all in every race, jump, and throw, to the officials, organisers, sponsors, media personnel, volunteers, entertainers, including local acts and visiting Junkanoo performers, and passionate spectators, each played an essential role in bringing the event to life.

Attention now shifts to Trinidad and Tobago, the next host nation. George Comissiong, President of the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT), has already indicated the country’s readiness. Preparations have been ongoing since 2023, with plans to also host the CARIFTA Aquatics and Cycling Championships over the same Easter weekend in 2025, positioning Trinidad and Tobago for a comprehensive celebration of Caribbean sport.

In reflection, while the 51st edition may have concluded on a slightly muted note, the essence of CARIFTA remains intact. It continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent, fostering regional unity, and inspiring the next generation of Caribbean sporting excellence.

Beckford Calls For Caribbean Sport Development Fund

KINGSTON, March 8, 2024 - Sport Marketing Specialist, Carole Beckford, is calling on CARICOM and Caribbean Governments to give up 1% of their 2024 - 2025 budgets towards a Sport Development Fund. Additional sources could come from agencies that already have work in the region. 

Beckford says, "With all the focus being placed on the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, T20I World Cup Cricket, World Cup Football men and women, plus all other international competitions, the region has to be placed in a better position to win on and off the field." She also believes that a comprehensive plan with specific eligibility criteria can be developed to identify where the allocation goes and how much is allocated. 

The Fund aims to focus on 

• Technical 
• Infrastructure 
• Marketing and Business Development 
• Research and Development 

The funds are to be distributed based on criteria designed to enhance the four areas listed above. 

Technical - There are several categories of athletes preparing for numerous regional and international games/championships over the next ten years, who would require access to the most durable equipment. There could be a first-time allotment of funds to import the listed and approved equipment. The applicable duty waivers could be applied as incentives. This could be for five years initially. 

Infrastructure - All regions have facilities to host major events, and most need upgrades. The awards could be granted based on which country has commitments to host any regional and/or international events over the next ten years. The allocations would be based on detailed plans for upcoming events. 

Marketing and Business Development - The athletes have largely done well on the field of play, but their post-life plans could be enhanced by opportunities in the marketplace and ongoing awareness of how to plan for life changes. The allocations here would be based on the business plans and their forecast. 

Research and Development - The suggestion that talent alone is enough does not hold; therefore, there are reasons why athletes continue to perform. However, with all the environmental and related issues, times are changing and could impact how sports are managed, governed, and even hosted. Funds here would focus on discussions on how the Caribbean can manage its resources more efficiently. 

The recommendation is for a Team with expertise in: 

• Commercial Planning 
• Marketing 
• Finance and Planning 
• Governance 
• Academic Development 

Globally, the sports industry is estimated to be worth at least a billion dollars, and there is more to access, but athletes need to be better prepared. 

The Caribbean, as a region, is a sporting destination, but there is always an opportunity to capture a bigger part of that global market with more intentional planning among the nations in the region.