When the decision was taken for
Grenada to host the 53rd CARIFTA Games from April 4–6, following Guyana’s
withdrawal, it was met with mixed reactions. There were concerns about cost,
logistics, and national priorities. Yet, in hindsight, it is clear that this
was not just a good decision; it was a necessary one.
The Government of Grenada
deserves commendation for stepping forward with confidence and conviction. To
successfully host two CARIFTA Games within three years is no small feat for a
developing nation navigating economic and structural challenges. Once again,
Grenada demonstrated that size does not limit ambition, nor does it define
capability.
I recall making an early appeal
for national support to the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) when
uncertainty loomed over the hosting rights. Among the first to echo that call
was my good friend, Finley “Scholar” Jeffrey, who recognised, as many now do, that
investing in sport is an investment in national identity, youth development,
and international reputation.
It was therefore no surprise that
Grenada signalled its intent at the Congress in Trinidad once Guyana formally
withdrew. What followed was a collective national effort that culminated in a
successful staging of one of the Caribbean’s premier junior sporting events.
On the track, Grenada’s athletes
delivered a commendable performance, finishing with 11 medals. While Jamaica
dominated the medal standings with 71 medals, including 28 gold, Grenada’s
showing must be viewed through a different lens, one of growth and future
potential.
Competing at home brings unique
pressure. Athletes are not only performing for their country but also in front of
family, friends, and a live television audience across the region and beyond.
That expectation can either inspire or overwhelm.
In this context, Grenada’s
athletes rose admirably.
Deshawn Smart’s gold medal in the
Boys Under-17 javelin, with a throw of 65.09 metres, stood out, not only as
Grenada’s lone gold, but as a mark superior to the Under-20 winning distance of
63.73m.
Kazim Telesford and Annalisa
Brown led the charge among the multi-medallists. Telesford secured silver in
both the shot put and discus, while Brown secured silver in the 800m and bronze in
the 1500m.
Additional podium finishes came
from Nicholas Frederick (U20 800m, silver), Kaelynna Modeste (U17 triple jump,
bronze), Tevaughn Hall (U17 400m hurdles, bronze), Javid Noel (octathlon,
bronze), and bronze for the U20 men’s 4x100m relay team (Ian George, Darell
Daniel, Ethan Sam, and Kneon Mark-Stanislaus).
Equally noteworthy was Ian
George’s fourth-place finish in the U20 100m of 10.39 seconds, an indication of
our sprinters returning to the finals.
Perhaps most encouraging is that
many of Grenada’s medallists emerged from the Under-17 category. This signals a
healthy pipeline and suggests that the nation’s athletics future is in capable
hands.
Off the field, the Local
Organising Committee (LOC), particularly the media coordination team led by
Kwame Hypolite, deserves high praise. Despite inevitable challenges, the
overall execution was solid, and feedback from visiting media personnel was
largely positive.
However, no event of this
magnitude is without lessons.
Concerns raised regarding the
availability of locally produced goods, the culinary experience offered by some
vendors, and the limited adoption of cashless payment systems should not be
dismissed. In today’s global sporting environment, visitor experience is as
important as competition delivery.
As Grenada positions itself as a
reliable host for regional and international events, there are some areas that
warrant attention.
I would
suggest that the establishment of quality guidelines and encourage vendors to
showcase authentic Grenadian products; partner with financial institutions to
ensure widespread availability of digital payment options, including mobile and
card transactions; implement short-term
certification programmes for vendors and service providers in customer service
and food quality standards; strengthen coordination between tourism, culture,
and sports stakeholders to deliver a seamless event experience; continue
investment in broadcast infrastructure and spectator amenities to match the
global reach of the Games; and conduct structured post-event evaluations
involving athletes, officials, media, and fans to inform future planning.
Finally, as we reflect on CARIFTA
2026, attention must turn to sustainability and succession.
There is an opportunity, indeed a
responsibility, to bring new energy into sports administration. The transition
train must begin to move, making space for young, innovative, and committed
individuals to contribute to the continued growth of sport in Grenada.
The challenge now is to build on
this momentum.
Because success, if left
unattended, can quickly become history.
No comments:
Post a Comment