PM Dickon Mitchell Announces Plans for Artificial Track at Progress Park

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 9, 2026 - Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has announced plans to install an artificial athletics track at Progress Park in St Andrew, as part of the government’s continued investment in grassroots sports development.

Speaking to GrenadaSports on the final day of the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, Mitchell said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the pathway for young athletes across the island.

“We intend to have an artificial track laid at Progress Park,” the Prime Minister revealed. “St Andrew is clearly a mecca for track and field, and we want to ensure that athletes have access to the right facilities to continue their development.”

Mitchell explained that the move forms part of a broader strategy to enhance sporting infrastructure, promote physical activity, and prepare athletes for international competition.

“We are making sure that conditions mirror international standards as early as possible,” he said. “When our athletes transition to the national stadium, to CARIFTA, and beyond, they are already accustomed to that level.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade playing fields across Grenada, including the installation of lighting to encourage community use.

“It’s about more than competition,” he noted. “We want families to come out, exercise, and engage in healthy lifestyles. That is important for national development.”

Reflecting on the successful staging of the CARIFTA Games, Mitchell praised the collective effort that made the 2026 edition possible.

“The crowds grew every day, which shows that people are enjoying the event,” he said. “I want to thank the volunteers, sponsors, officials, and everyone involved in delivering what has been an amazing Games.”

Beyond infrastructure, Mitchell emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development, including nutrition, coaching, and structured support systems.

“We must pay attention to nutrition and ensure our coaches are continuously trained and upgraded,” he said. “We also need strong club systems to support athletes transitioning out of secondary school.”

He pointed to the role of the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in building a sustainable framework for long-term success.

“We now have a structure in place to support our athletes beyond the school system,” Mitchell added.

On the performance side, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the region’s athletic potential, describing the Caribbean as a global powerhouse in track and field.

“The talent is there,” he said. “I believe the Caribbean has the highest concentration of track and field talent per capita in the world.”

Mitchell also acknowledged the inspiration provided by national icons such as Kirani James, noting their impact on the next generation of athletes.

As for Grenada’s future as a host nation, the Prime Minister struck a balanced tone, supporting wider regional participation while remaining proud of the country’s recent achievements.

“We’ve done our part in hosting, and other countries deserve the opportunity as well,” he said. “But we will continue to support the development of athletics across the Caribbean.”

 

CARIFTA 2026 Positions Grenada for Bigger Stage, Says Kwame Hypolite

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 9, 2026 - Grenada’s successful hosting of the 53rd CARIFTA Games has positioned the country as a viable venue for future regional and even international athletics events, according to Kwame Hypolite, Chair of the Marketing and Public Relations Committee.

Speaking to GrenadaSports on the final day of competition at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, Hypolite said the Games have laid a strong foundation for Grenada’s ambitions on the global sporting stage.

“I think coming out of these Games, it’s positioning ourselves as a viable option for hosting championships at the regional level,” he said. “And possibly preparing us for, maybe in the next 10 years, an international-level meet.”

Hypolite noted that the success of CARIFTA 2026 was built on lessons learned from previous editions, particularly Grenada’s hosting in 2024, as well as careful analysis of subsequent Games.

“We learned from 2024 and even looked at what happened in 2025. That allowed us to anticipate challenges, plan effectively, and put contingencies in place,” he explained. “Early engagement with regional media and structured registration processes were also key to managing operations smoothly.”

Despite a relatively short preparation window, Hypolite expressed satisfaction with the level of commercial support received, acknowledging the realities of hosting two major Games within a short span.

“We were generally satisfied with the support from the commercial sector, though we would have liked more,” he said. “Our focus was on cost management, working closely with the LOC and subcommittees to ensure efficiency and avoid financial strain.”

He added that many of the systems and structures developed for CARIFTA 2026 can serve as a blueprint for future track and field events in Grenada.

“Some of the systems we implemented will continue to be used, even at a smaller scale, and improved upon with new innovations,” Hypolite noted. “It provides a solid organisational framework for future meets.”

A key highlight of the Games, according to Hypolite, was the level of professionalism demonstrated by local officials and administrators.

“The coordination and execution from our officials showed that they are second to none in the Caribbean,” he said. “The overall experience for visiting teams and media was also very positive, and that is critical for our reputation.”

Hypolite was not surprised by the strong turnout of regional and international media, attributing it to the positive feedback from previous editions.

“Coming out of 2024, we heard the satisfaction from media professionals, and we made sure to build on that,” he said. “The level of coverage is important, especially as everyone is looking for the next generation of stars.”

He emphasised that the momentum generated by CARIFTA must now translate into stronger local sports journalism and greater promotion of athletes.

“We need to replicate that level of coverage locally to help propel our athletes even further,” he added.

Crawford Calls for Coaching Overhaul Across Caribbean Athletics

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 9, 2026 - Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medallist, Hasely Crawford, has called for urgent reforms in coaching and athlete development across the Caribbean, arguing that global and regional governing bodies are not doing enough to support smaller nations.

Crawford, who made history at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, was speaking during the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium.

The legendary sprinter, reflecting on the state of modern athletics, did not hold back in his assessment of the role of governing bodies, particularly World Athletics and its regional arm NACAC.

“I don’t think the IAAF (World Athletics) is doing enough for the smaller countries,” Crawford said candidly. “And what is the purpose of NACAC, other than hosting the CARIFTA Games? We need to do a lot more coaching at the lower level.”

Crawford pointed to coaching as the central issue affecting the development of athletics in the region, especially among smaller nations striving to compete with traditional powerhouses such as Jamaica and the Bahamas.

“The problem is coaching,” he stressed. “We need to go back to basics. Coaches are not teaching the fundamentals anymore, things like form, posture, and even how athletes use their eyes when they run.”

A product of disciplined, high-level coaching himself, Crawford credited his success to working under a qualified, experienced coach with deep technical knowledge.

“I had a certified, qualified coach, someone who understood the science behind the sport. That made the difference,” he explained.

He warned against the growing trend of inexperienced coaches working with young athletes, arguing that it can hinder long-term development.

“You cannot become a coach in 17 days,” Crawford said, referring to short certification programmes. “We are putting young coaches with young athletes, and they are not ready. That is a serious problem.”

Despite his concerns, Crawford acknowledged encouraging signs in parts of the region, particularly among emerging nations.

“I’m seeing countries like Guyana and Antigua producing strong athletes with good form. Something is happening there, and they are doing something right,” he noted.

The Olympic champion also highlighted the importance of nutrition and physical development, but maintained that technical coaching remains the foundation for sustained success.

“Look at the Jamaicans, their form is always correct. That is not by accident. That is coaching,” he said.

Crawford’s connection to Grenada runs deep, recalling that one of his earliest international victories came on the island at Queen’s Park, then a grass track venue.

“My first international win was right here in Grenada. I will never forget that,” he said, reflecting on a journey that would eventually lead to Olympic glory.

Now attending the CARIFTA Games not as an official, but as an observer, Crawford said his focus remains on identifying and encouraging the next generation.

“I come here to look for the future,” he said. “I’ve seen some promising athletes, but they need support.”

He is calling on regional stakeholders to invest in experienced coaching, utilise former champions, and prioritise grassroots development.

“We have champion athletes across the Caribbean, use them. Pay them and let them help develop the next generation,” Crawford urged.

 

Pay the Coaches: Pauline Davis Calls for Urgent Reform to Support Inner-City Talent

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 9, 2026 - Double Olympic champion Pauline Davis has issued a passionate call for Caribbean athletics federations to take responsibility for paying coaches, warning that many talented young athletes, particularly from inner-city communities, are being left behind due to financial constraints.

Speaking during the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, the former member of the Bahamas’ famed “Golden Girls” relay team stressed that the current system disproportionately favours families who can afford private coaching.

“I do believe that the coaches should be paid,” Davis said emphatically. “We have to find a way to make sure that coaches are compensated to train these kids. Too many inner-city athletes with talent are being left behind because their parents simply cannot afford the fees.”

Drawing on her own experiences in the Bahamas, Davis highlighted the economic realities facing many families, noting that even basic coaching opportunities can be out of reach for those struggling with the rising cost of living.

“A parent with three children might only be able to support one fully, maybe partially support another, and the third gets very little opportunity,” she explained. “That means gifted athletes are missing out not because of lack of talent, but because of lack of resources.”

Davis, a world junior record holder and the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic sprint gold, said the responsibility must now shift to national federations to ensure equitable access to coaching and development.

“Federations need to take on that task. It cannot just be for kids of means. We must make sure that every talented athlete, especially those from inner-city communities, has access to proper coaching,” she said.

Reflecting on her own journey from Bain Town in the Bahamas to Olympic glory, Davis said her story underscores what is possible when opportunity meets talent.

“Nothing much was expected to come out of Bain Town, but I became a world junior champion and Olympic champion. There are many more like me across the Caribbean; we just have to give them a chance.”

Davis also reflected on the significance of the CARIFTA Games in shaping her career, recalling her early experiences at the championships in the 1980s.

“My first CARIFTA was in 1982 in Jamaica, and I remember being determined to come back stronger. The following year, I won multiple events, and that’s when I was dubbed the ‘Golden Girl.’ CARIFTA has always been a platform for greatness.”

While praising the continued growth of regional athletics, she expressed concern that the sport is becoming increasingly elitist, calling for a collective effort to refocus on grassroots development.

“We need to step back, come together, and figure out how we are going to support these young people, especially those who need it most,” she said.

“We have the talent across the region,” she said. “Now we must be intentional about nurturing it for all, not just a few.”

Davis also commended Grenada for hosting the championships, describing her experience on the island as both enjoyable and inspiring.

“I’m enjoying the people, the excitement, the food. Grenada is a beautiful country with tremendous talent,” she said, adding that her connection with Olympic champion Kirani James, a fellow alumnus of the University of Alabama, made the visit even more special.

Maynard Reflects on CARIFTA’s ‘Magic’ and Legacy of Excellence

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 9, 2026 - Veteran Barbadian sports administrator Esther Maynard has described the CARIFTA Games as “magical,” reflecting on more than five decades of involvement with the region’s premier junior athletics championship.

Speaking to GrenadaSports during the 53rd CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, Maynard traced the evolution of the Games from its modest beginnings in 1972 to the global spectacle it has become.

“It started with just 10 countries and 250 athletes in Barbados in 1972,” she recalled. “Today, we see participation from nearly 28 countries and an average of 650 athletes. The growth has been remarkable.”

Maynard, a World Athletics-certified Lecturer for the Technical Officials Certification System, has been a central figure in the development of officiating standards across the Caribbean and the wider NACAC region.

She emphasised that what sets the CARIFTA Games apart is its cultural and emotional connection with young athletes.

“From as early as 11 or 12 years old, athletes dream of making a CARIFTA team. That passion is unique. It’s not just a competition, it’s part of our Caribbean identity,” she said.

Beyond the competition, Maynard underscored the critical importance of technical education and consistency in officiating, noting that success in athletics extends beyond performance on the track.

“It is vital that officials, coaches, and managers understand not only the rules, but also procedures, especially when it comes to protests and appeals,” she explained. “I have seen cases lost simply because reports were not properly written.”

A respected educator, Maynard has conducted nearly 20 technical courses across the region, helping to build a new generation of qualified officials. She expressed pride in seeing many of her former students now operating at the highest levels of the sport.

“That is part of the growth. Many of those I trained are now at the same level, and I continue to share knowledge with anyone willing to learn,” she added.

Reflecting on her enduring commitment, Maynard described her journey in athletics as “a match made in heaven,” dating back to her first CARIFTA involvement in 1974.

“It has developed my skills and allowed me to contribute as a resource person throughout the region. That keeps me passionate,” she said.

Looking ahead, she urged the next generation of athletes and officials to embrace discipline, education, and personal responsibility.

“You owe it to yourself and your country to put in the work. Success is a partnership between the athlete, family, and association but ultimately, the athlete must drive the process.”