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
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