Sir Walter St John at 90: A Lifetime of Service, Leadership and Grenadian Pride

by Michael Bascombe

TalkSports

Today, Grenada pauses to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone—the 90th birthday of Sir Walter Eden St John, a distinguished son of the nation whose life has been defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to Grenada and the wider Caribbean.

Born in St George’s, Grenada, on December 27, 1935, to the late Edward and Ellaline St John, Sir Walter’s journey spans nine decades of nation-building, sporting excellence, and public service. Few individuals have shaped Grenada’s sporting and civic landscape as profoundly or as consistently as he has.

Sir Walter’s love for sport began not behind a desk, but on the field. As a young man, he represented Grenada in basketball and athletics, earning regional distinction in 1956 when he competed for the Windward Islands at the Texaco Southern Games in Trinidad, where he captured a bronze medal in the high jump.

That early athletic experience would later inform his visionary approach to sports administration—one grounded in fairness, opportunity, and development.

Between 1972 and 1976, Sir Walter held the rare distinction of serving simultaneously as President of four national sporting bodies: the Grenada Cricket Association, Basketball Association, Football Association, and the National Sports Council. His longest and most impactful tenure, however, came in cricket, where he served as President of the Grenada Cricket Association from 1972 to 2003, shaping generations of administrators and players.

Sir Walter’s influence extended well beyond Grenada’s shores. He served as a Member of the Windward Islands Cricket Board from 1968 to 2003, and as a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board from 1978 to 2003, a period that encompassed some of West Indies cricket’s most iconic eras.

In 1984, he was appointed Assistant Manager of the West Indies Cricket Team during their historic tour of England, further cementing his reputation as a trusted and respected regional sports administrator.

Equally impressive has been Sir Walter’s contribution to public service. Over the years, he served with distinction on numerous statutory and national boards, including the Grenada Electricity Services, the Grenada Board of Tourism, the Rent Restriction Board, and the Grenada Ports Authority, where he spent three terms as a Director, including two as Chairman of the Board.

His dedication to good governance was further demonstrated through two extended periods of service on the Grenada Public Service Commission, totalling more than two decades.

In the private sector, Sir Walter earned equal respect within the Shipping Fraternity, having worked for over 33 years with one of Grenada’s leading shipping agencies, before establishing his own shipping company in 1987, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and professional integrity.

Sir Walter’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 1975, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In 2019, his lifelong service to Grenada and the region was further recognised when he was Knighted as an Ordinary Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

He has also received numerous national and regional awards, including Independence honours, Ministry of Sports accolades, recognition from the Grenada Olympic Committee, the Grenada Ports Authority, the Windward Islands Cricket Board, and Cricket West Indies—each reflecting a chapter of extraordinary service.

Behind the public achievements stands a devoted family man. Sir Walter’s long and distinguished career was steadfastly supported by his beloved wife Yvonne, and their three children—Christopher, Michael, and Marguerite—who share in his legacy of service and values.

At 90, Sir Walter St John represents the very best of Grenada—quiet strength, principled leadership, and service without fanfare. His life story is not merely a record of positions held or awards earned, but a blueprint for nation-building through integrity, commitment, and humility.

As Grenada and the Caribbean salute this extraordinary milestone, one truth stands clear: Sir Walter’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Grenadian sport, governance, and national pride—and it will continue to inspire generations to come.

Happy 90th Birthday, Sir Walter St John.

A true Grenadian gentleman. A life well lived.

 

Grenada Sports at a Crossroads: Collaboration, Not Control, Must Shape the Way Forward

 

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s sports landscape stands at a critical juncture. The talent is undeniable, the passion remains strong, and the potential is vast. Yet, progress continues to be undermined by a recurring problem that the sporting community can no longer afford to ignore: fragmentation, ego-driven leadership, and an outdated culture of control rather than collaboration.

For a small island state like Grenada, collaboration is not optional — it is important. Our limited resources, small population, and shared objectives demand a unified approach. Instead, too often, sport is treated as private property, guarded by a few self-seeking individuals who behave as though nothing can happen without their approval or involvement. This mindset has slowed development, discouraged innovation, and alienated capable contributors who are willing and able to help.

Sports development cannot thrive inside an “exclusive club.” When decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a select few, opportunities narrow, ideas stagnate, and trust erodes. Grenada has witnessed too many instances where progress is delayed, partnerships are resisted, and initiatives fail — not because of a lack of vision, but because collaboration was never truly embraced.

As Grenada looks ahead to 2026, there must be a deliberate and strategic shift in focus. While traditional and high-profile sports continue to command attention, equal effort must be placed on reviving and developing other sporting disciplines that have either stagnated or been neglected. Tennis and Boxing stand out as two such sports that require urgent attention, clear direction, and unified leadership.

Tennis, once a vibrant and competitive sport in Grenada, has suffered from long periods of inactivity and weak organisational structure. Without a coordinated national programme, consistent competitions, and proper development pathways, young athletes are left without opportunities to progress. Reviving Tennis will require collaboration between administrators, schools, clubs, the private sector, and international partners.

Boxing presents an even more complex challenge. The existence of two boxing associations competing for relevance has created confusion, diluted resources, and stalled development. In a small sporting environment like Grenada, duplication serves no one. A collaborative framework — whether through unification, cooperation, or clearly defined roles — is important if Boxing is to regain credibility, attract sponsorship, and provide safe, structured opportunities for athletes.

The way forward requires a broader national consensus — one that includes coaches, athletes, administrators, educators, sponsors, media, and grassroots organisers. Sustainable sports development cannot be driven by personalities; it must be anchored in systems, policies, and shared goals. Transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation must replace secrecy, favouritism, and territorial thinking.

A broader consensus involves listening to those on the ground. Our coaches in the rural parishes and our sporting legends living abroad have a wealth of knowledge that is currently being underutilised because they aren't part of the "established" cliques.

As Grenada positions itself for growth in sport beyond 2026, there is hope that attitudes will evolve. Hope that collaboration will replace control. Hope that sport will be recognised not as a platform for personal power, but as a national tool for youth development, social cohesion, and international representation.

Grenada does not lack talent or ideas. What it needs now is collective will — a commitment to work together for the good of sport and, ultimately, for the good of the nation.

New GSAL–GNG Proposal Targets Long-Standing Gaps in School Sports

 

Proposed GSAL Could Reshape the Future of School Sports in Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

Grenadians are encouraged to play an active role in the island’s national development, not only through participation but also by contributing ideas, frameworks and innovative projects. One such proposal—rooted in proven international practice and adapted to local realities—is now gaining renewed attention in sporting circles.

A Grenadian, who is himself a product of the highly structured Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) system in New York, has been sharing a similar concept with stakeholders in Grenada. Mr Axel Joseph, who first discussed the idea on the TalkSports programme nearly two years ago, has started to advance the conversation with various stakeholders.

At the heart of the proposal is the establishment of the Grenada Schools Athletic League (GSAL)—a structured, data-driven, and development-oriented school sports league. In its initial phase, GSAL would involve seven sporting disciplines: Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Netball, Track & Field, and Volleyball. Competitions would be organised across Under-13, Under-15, and Under-18 age categories, with an emphasis on proper scheduling, standardised rules, and athlete welfare.

Beyond competition, GSAL is designed to introduce modern sporting management practices into school sports. These include rankings, performance statistics, eligibility monitoring, and clearly defined development pathways. Importantly, GSAL would also serve as a feeder system into a proposed Grenada National Games (GNG)—a multi-sport event to be staged every two years, showcasing talent emerging from schools and communities across the island.

The proposal outlines clear roles and responsibilities for key institutions.

The Ministry of Sports would provide national policy direction and governance oversight, coordinate with the Sports Council, Federations and GSAL, support national talent development pathways, manage facilities and event readiness, facilitate commercial partnerships and sponsorships, and ensure monitoring and evaluation of sports programmes.

The Ministry of Education would play a critical role by aligning GSAL and GNG schedules with examination periods, supporting the participation of all secondary schools, ensuring athlete eligibility and academic compliance, enforcing safeguarding and child protection standards, overseeing medical requirements, and coordinating with the Grenada Secondary Schools Principals’ Games Association (GSSPGA).

The Principals' Association would be responsible for registering schools, enforcing eligibility and discipline, ensuring academic alignment, and holding representation on the GSAL Council—thereby strengthening ownership at the school level.

National Federations would provide technical oversight, including rules, officials, referees, and coaching standards, utilise GSAL results for youth national team selection, and sit on GSAL technical committees to ensure alignment with regional and international standards.

The importance of this proposal cannot be overstated. School sports in Grenada are evolving, but they are also facing growing challenges—fragmented competitions, inconsistent scheduling, limited data, uneven access to facilities, and weak links between schools and national programmes. A structured league such as GSAL, supported by an inclusive national showcase like the GNG, offers a pathway to address long-standing structural deficiencies while preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition.

TalkSports gives unconditional and full support to this initiative, noting that Grenada’s National Sports Policy explicitly encourages innovation, collaboration, and stakeholder-driven solutions. The GSAL and GNG concept represents exactly the type of forward-thinking framework needed to modernise school sports, strengthen talent identification, and ensure that sport continues to play its rightful role in youth development, education, and nation-building.

The proposal for the Grenada Schools Athletic League and the National Games represents a shift from "playing games" to "building an industry." It treats the student-athlete as a valuable national asset.

Beyond the 90 Minutes: Why Corporate Grenada Must Invest in Local Football

By Michael Bascombe

TalkSports Host & Sports Commentator

Grenadian football experienced a dynamic, multi-layered display of its potential on Saturday, as three major events unfolded across the island. From the promising talents at the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme to the community-centred Kellon Baptiste Memorial Game, and the high-stakes finale of the Waggy T Super Knockout Tournament, the day served as a reminder that football in Grenada is not merely a sport—it is a lifeline, a cultural force, a builder of identity and opportunity.

At Progress Park in St Andrew, the Oscar Andall Grassroots Programme concluded on a lively note, with dozens of enthusiastic young footballers proudly displaying their skills in the form of a Football-Rama.

This programme is an important investment in Grenada’s sporting future. Grassroots development remains the foundation upon which every successful football nation is built. For many of these children, this is their first structured exposure to discipline, teamwork, and sporting excellence. It is where confidence is fostered, raw passion is guided, and long-term national prospects are planted.

In a country where talent often surpasses opportunity, the Oscar Andall programme fills a crucial gap—providing access, mentorship, and technical development at the earliest stages. These initiatives are important in shaping future stars such as Jason Roberts, Shalrie Joseph, and other national icons yet to emerge.

Meanwhile, at the Morne Rouge Playing Field, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation Inc. hosted its annual Kellon Baptiste Memorial Football Game—one of its two flagship events, now a cherished fixture in Grenada’s sporting calendar.

This event is a living tribute to Kellon’s remarkable dedication to youth development and community empowerment. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved tradition—where football, mentorship, remembrance, and inspiration come together to celebrate purpose.

This year’s edition amplified its impact as the Foundation welcomed Dominica’s first Olympic medallist, Thea LaFond, the triple jump gold medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics and silver medallist at the 2025 World Championships. Her presence conveyed a powerful message to young Grenadians about perseverance, discipline, and the heights Caribbean athletes can achieve.

Joining her was Dr Kala Flagg, a highly regarded physical therapist, athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, serving as Head of Rehabilitation for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

Their contributions—through engagement, expertise, and visibility—elevated the event into a comprehensive developmental experience. Such programming not only honours Kellon’s memory but also actively builds the future he envisioned.

Just a few miles away, the Kirani James Athletic Stadium roared to life as the 15th Annual Waggy T Super Knockout Football Tournament wrapped up with its third-place playoff and championship final.

What Wayne Redhead and his team have achieved over 15 years is truly remarkable. The tournament

consistently attracts top teams from the Grenada Football Association Premier League, creating a competitive spectacle eagerly anticipated each season.

In an exhilarating final, Hurricane FC of St Mark triumphed, defeating the Premier League champions, St John’s Sports, to claim the title and the lion's share of the prize money. Earlier, FC Camerhogne proved its mettle by beating former champions Paradise FC International in the third-place playoff.

The tournament also acts as a financial lifeline for many local players. With over $150,000 in prize money this year alone, and an estimated over $2 million distributed over its history, Mr Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead has fostered a semi-professional ecosystem.

Mr Redhead deserves accolades for his consistency. His professional planning, marketing, and execution have demonstrated that football in Grenada can be a viable industry. His vision aligns with the broader goal of developing a semi-professional league structure.

The closing ceremony also recognised the heart of the tournament—the supporters. Loyal spectators like Lorna Browne and Dominic Clarke received awards, acknowledging that football is nothing without its fans.

Mr Wayne Redhead, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation, and the organisers of the Oscar Andall programme have laid the groundwork. It is now up to the private sector and the government to match this energy with capital and partnership, ensuring that the next generation of Grenadian talent has the platform they so richly deserve.

PHOTO CREDITS: Wayne "Waggy T" Redhead/JCS

COMMENTARY: Too Many Non-Functioning Sporting Associations in Grenada — It’s Time for Action

“Do the Work or Resign”: Call for Accountability Across Grenada’s Sporting Bodies

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada’s sporting landscape is at a crossroads. For far too long, too many of our national sporting associations have existed in name only—barely functional, rarely visible, and almost absent from the task of genuine sport development. The result is a sporting ecosystem in decline, where once-thriving disciplines now lie dormant, facilities crumble, and a generation of young athletes is left without proper guidance or opportunity.

On this weekend’s TalkSports programme, the issue was placed squarely under the microscope. The critique was blunt and overdue. National associations, the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC), and the Ministry of Sports all came in for strong criticism over their failure to ensure accountability and continuity in major sporting disciplines across the country.

Nowhere is this decay more glaring than in the sport of lawn tennis. Once a vibrant pillar of Grenadian youth development—thriving with afternoon training sessions, weekend matches, and an active adult community—tennis has all but vanished from the national conversation.

A recent visit to the Tanteen Tennis Courts revealed a facility in disrepair: cracked surfaces, neglected surroundings, and an unmistakable sense of abandonment. What once was a hub of promise now stands as an eyesore, a stark metaphor for administrative neglect.

Adding to the concern is the near-total silence from the Grenada Lawn Tennis Association. Few, if there were any, public statements. No development activities. No junior programmes. No tournaments. There is no clarity about who currently holds the presidency.

Since the retirement of stalwarts like Richie Hughes, tennis in Grenada has slipped into oblivion—a direct consequence of leadership that has either lost interest or lost direction.

Tennis is not alone. Across Grenada’s sporting landscape, several associations have become what can only be described as “travel outfits”—groups that appear only when regional or international trips are available yet remain invisible the rest of the year.

No grassroots programmes, no talent identification, no coaching development, no competitions, and no policy initiatives.

This behaviour is more than irresponsible; it is a betrayal of the athletes who depend on these organisations for structure, opportunity, and representation.

The message delivered on TalkSports could not have been clearer:

“You need to come out from wherever you are hiding and do something regarding sports—or relinquish your post.”

Grenada cannot afford absentee leadership. If executives are no longer willing or able to function, the honourable path is simple:

Call fresh elections, allow new energy, new ideas, and new leadership to take over, and stop occupying positions that you are not fulfilling.

Sport cannot progress on autopilot. Development requires work—consistent, visible, structured work—and associations that cannot meet this standard should step aside for those who can.

While national associations carry primary responsibility, oversight bodies must also answer tough questions.

Many of these dormant associations are affiliated with the GOC. This means the Olympic Committee has an obligation—not merely an option—to monitor their status, request reports, enforce compliance, and ensure that the organisations representing Grenada internationally are active and legitimate.

Although the Ministry of Sports cannot interfere with internal elections or governance, it can and must demand transparency and accountability from any association seeking financial or logistical support.

Before a cent is disbursed, the Ministry should require: A documented work plan, evidence of recent activity, a development strategy, a record of accomplishments, and clear goals and measurable outcomes.

Without these safeguards, public funds risk being poured into organisations that do little more than exist on paper.

The decline of multiple sports in Grenada is not just unfortunate—it is national neglect. Sports are critical to youth development, community cohesion, national identity, international representation, and economic potential.

If we continue to allow non-functional bodies to occupy leadership roles unchecked, the downward spiral will only worsen.

The public, the GOC, and the Ministry all share responsibility for demanding higher standards. Silence is no longer an option. Grenada’s athletes, coaches, parents, and communities deserve leadership that works—or leadership that steps aside.

As promised on TalkSports, this conversation is only beginning. Next week’s final programme will continue shining a light on the associations that remain dormant, unproductive, and unaccountable.

Because Grenada’s sports cannot—and must not—remain in this state of neglect.

PHOTO CREDITS: Akilah James/2018