Randy Isaac to Celebrate Four Decades of Music with Major Concert in Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

Veteran Grenadian calypsonian and soca artist Randy Isaac is preparing to celebrate a milestone in his career: four decades of music and memories, with a major concert scheduled for July 4, 2026, at the Grenada Trade Centre.

The event, titled “Mr Isaac – 4 Decades of Music & Memories,” will feature a live band along with local and international acts, as the celebrated performer reflects on nearly forty years of a musical journey.

“When I look back at the journey, I feel extremely grateful,” Isaac said. “Forty years in music is not something you plan. It’s something that happens because of the love of the people and the support of the fans.”

Often described as a Cultural Ambassador for Grenada, Isaac has built a reputation as one of the island’s most enduring musical voices, consistently contributing to its carnival traditions whilst reaching audiences in the Grenadian diaspora.

“Grenada has always been my inspiration,” he explained. “Whether I’m singing about the culture, the carnival, or the beauty of the island, my music has always been about representing the land of my birth.”

Isaac first burst onto the calypso scene in 1986, when he secured the St Andrew Junior Monarch title with the socially conscious song “Free South Africa.” That same year, he finished second in the national junior competition, signalling the arrival of a promising new talent.

The following year, he returned even stronger, winning the National Junior Monarch title in 1987 with the song “My Inspiration.”

“Winning the St Andrew Junior Monarch back in 1986 was a turning point for me,” Isaac recalled. “From that moment I realised that music could be a lifelong journey.”

Over the years, Isaac has released several studio albums, including “Salsa She Wants” (1990), “Red Light” (1991), “In Control” (1992), and “Woman.com” (2001). His catalogue features numerous songs that have resonated with audiences both at home and abroad.

Among his most recognised tracks are “Monkey” (1998), “Would You Mind” (2019), “More Gal," "More Mas,” “What You Give Me To Rub,” “Red Light,” “Oh Grenada,” and “It’s A Paradise.” One of his biggest competitive successes came in 1996, when he captured the Soca Monarch title with “Six for Nine.”

Isaac has continued to produce new music in recent years, with releases including “Christmas” (2023), "Land of My Birth” (2024), and "Who Jah Bless" (2025).

Throughout his career, Isaac has accumulated nine major titles, including four Independence Monarch titles in New York and two Groovy Monarch crowns. He has also finished runner-up three times in the Dimanche Gras and Road March competitions.

Music, Isaac says, has evolved significantly since his early days in the industry, but the essence of the craft remains the same.

“Music has changed a lot over the decades, but what never changes is authenticity,” he noted. “Once you stay true to who you are and where you come from, the music will always find its way to the people.”

His upcoming concert places him among a growing group of Grenadian artistes who have staged full-length productions to celebrate their musical legacy. In recent years, performers such as Ajamu, Wizard, and Inspector have also organised major shows highlighting their contributions to Grenadian music.

“This concert is not just about Randy Isaac,” he said. “It’s about celebrating the journey of Grenadian music over the years and thanking the people who have supported me from the very beginning. The fans are the reason I’m still here today,” Isaac added. “From the carnival stages in Grenada to the diaspora in New York and beyond, their support has carried me through every chapter of this career.”

Sports Funding in Grenada: Time to Move From Dependence to Initiative

by Michael Bascombe

For many sporting organisations in Grenada, the search for funding has followed a familiar pattern. Administrators turn to corporate sponsors, government subsidies, or the goodwill of alumni associations, particularly in schools. While these sources have helped sustain sport for decades, the reality is that in a small market like Grenada, they cannot be the only strategy.

The increasing costs of travel, equipment, facility maintenance, and participation in regional and international competitions require a more creative and sustainable approach to fundraising.

Too often, the public image of sports administration appears to revolve around the presentation of sponsorship cheques and photo opportunities. Sponsorship, however, should be the catalyst for growth, not the sole pillar of financial support. Sporting bodies must be prepared to match sponsorship funds with initiatives of their own.

There are local examples that demonstrate how this can be achieved. Several years ago, under the leadership of former president Glynis Roberts, the Grenada Netball Association undertook a series of grassroots fundraising initiatives. These included raffles, car washes, and community stalls, simple but effective activities designed to help finance overseas trips and regional participation.

These initiatives did more than raise money. They mobilised the community, enhanced the association’s visibility, and fostered a sense of shared ownership in the sport’s development.

Schools have also heavily relied on their alumni associations to fund programmes, especially athletics and overseas competitions, such as the Penn Relays. While alumni support is invaluable, schools must also look beyond this traditional route.

One of the most underused opportunities in Grenadian sport is branding. Schools and clubs should develop branded merchandise, jerseys, caps, wristbands, water bottles, and other memorabilia linked to their teams and major events such as InterCol. Supporters are often willing to purchase items that express their pride and loyalty.

At the same time, schools must reflect on how resources are being prioritised. While the marches and displays at schools’ athletic championships are dazzling and crowd-pleasing, far less attention is often given to ensuring athletes are properly equipped for their respective disciplines. Uniforms, training gear, and basic equipment should never become secondary concerns. The excitement of the opening ceremony may capture attention, but the real investment must be in the athletes themselves. Priorities, therefore, need to be carefully balanced.

Sports organisations can also consider community events as fundraising platforms. Fun runs, sports dinners, alumni games, and family sports days can attract wide participation while generating revenue.

Another promising option is digital fundraising. With Grenada’s strong diaspora, online campaigns and crowdfunding initiatives can tap into supporters abroad who wish to contribute to local sports development. Social media platforms make it easier than ever to tell the stories of athletes and programmes that need support.

Clubs and schools should also explore structured membership programmes where supporters contribute small annual fees in exchange for benefits such as merchandise discounts, event access, or recognition in programmes and broadcasts.

Fundraising must be planned and strategic, not merely reactive when travel deadlines approach. Administrators should develop annual fundraising calendars and assign dedicated committees responsible for executing these initiatives.

Corporate sponsorship and government support will always be key pillars of sports development in Grenada. However, the future sustainability of sport depends on organisations demonstrating initiative, creativity, and accountability in resource management.

Sport in Grenada has produced athletes who have excelled on the regional and global stage. To nurture the next generation, our sporting institutions must adopt the same spirit of determination and innovation.

Fundraising should not be viewed as a burden. Instead, it is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between sport and the communities it serves.

Grenada’s Red Walters Climbs World Rankings After Impressive Ride in Santiago

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, March 2, 2026 - Grenadian professional cyclist Red Walters has taken another significant step toward his Olympic ambitions following an impressive series of performances at the Pan-American Track Cycling Championships in Santiago, Chile.

Competing against some of the best riders in the Americas, the United Kingdom-based Walters delivered consistent results across multiple disciplines, highlighting both his growing international competitiveness and his determination to secure qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Pan-American Championships marked the first major qualifying opportunity on the road toward the 2026 UCI World Championships, an important milestone Walters must achieve as part of his Olympic pathway.

Walters finished 7th in the Scratch Race, 9th in the Points Race, and produced two standout performances with 5th-place finishes in both the Elimination Race and the Omnium, the Olympic discipline, narrowly missing out on a podium position.

Despite falling just short of a medal, Walters viewed the competition as an important breakthrough.

“Of course, I was disappointed not to come away with a medal because I truly felt I was capable of one,” Walters said. “But at the same time, I’m proud to represent Grenada and to deliver strong results against world-class competition.”

The performances proved highly valuable in terms of international ranking points. Following the championships, Walters has climbed to 20th in the global rankings, a remarkable achievement for the Grenadian cyclist as he continues to establish himself among the sport’s elite riders.

“Every race now is part of the bigger picture,” Walters noted. “The goal is the Olympics in 2028, and performances like this show that we are moving in the right direction.”

Walters’ campaign continues later this season with scheduled appearances at upcoming World Cup events in Hong Kong and Malaysia. However, plans to compete in Australia have been affected by ongoing geopolitical tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which have disrupted travel arrangements.

Nevertheless, the Santiago results have reinforced confidence within Walters’ camp that Grenada could soon have representation on cycling’s biggest global stage.

“This is just the beginning of the season,” he said. “I’m focused, motivated, and committed to taking Grenada as far as possible in international cycling.”

Grenada Hosts Again — Now CARIFTA Must Look Global

by Michael Bascombe

As Grenada prepares to welcome the Caribbean once again for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 4–6, 2026, expectations are understandably high. The Easter weekend championships have evolved far beyond a regional junior meet; today, CARIFTA represents one of the most important development platforms in global track and field. 

This year’s staging carries even greater significance.

According to NACAC President Mike Sands, who recently appeared on TalkSports, fans across the region and internationally can expect top-quality production and broadcast standards for the Grenada edition. His confidence reflects a reality that cannot be ignored. CARIFTA now enjoys growing global appeal, attracting attention well beyond the Caribbean.

The anticipated attendance of senior officials from World Athletics, including its President and vice-presidents, further raises expectations for Grenada’s staging.

We have confidence that the broadcast will meet the required standard, especially with continued investment in production equipment over the years. But great coverage goes beyond technology. Commentary and athlete analysis will play a critical role in shaping how viewers experience the competition.

Few analysts command global respect like Olympic medalist and NBC analyst Ato Boldon, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading voices in athletics broadcasting. His knowledge, storytelling ability, and familiarity with Caribbean athletes would immediately enhance the Games’ international presentation.

Complementing that experience are respected regional voices such as Terry Finisterre of St Lucia and Jamaican Ricardo Chambers, both of whom bring strong technical understanding and broadcast experience.

Blending these regional experts with knowledgeable local commentators over the three days of competition would create balance, combining international credibility with local storytelling and cultural connection.

As organisers finalise preparations, an important question remains: what lessons were learned from hosting the 2024 Games? Feedback from regional media should guide improvements in media operations, access, and overall broadcast coordination.

Journalists, broadcasters, photographers, and digital media practitioners often experience operational challenges firsthand, whether related to media access, mixed-zone logistics, internet reliability, commentary positions, or information flow. Addressing those concerns early is important.

CARIFTA is no longer just a regional meet. Grenada now has another opportunity to deliver a production worthy of that stage.

Kirani James Embraces Role in Supporting Future Athletes Through Grenada Olympians Association

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, February 28, 2026 - Olympic champion Sir Kirani James says his decision to become involved with the Grenada Olympians Association (GOA) was driven by a strong belief in the importance of athletes supporting the next generation.

Speaking on the TalkSports programme about his involvement with the organisation, Sir Kirani described the initiative as a necessary support system for athletes, particularly within Grenada’s sporting environment.

“When the idea came up, I thought it was a fantastic thing,” Sir Kirani explained. “As athletes, you need that kind of support group, especially at home in Grenada. The question was — outside of the traditional administrations — what more can we do to help athletes reach their full potential?”

The Olympic gold medallist noted that one of the strengths of the GOA lies in the collective experience of its members, many of whom have competed at the highest international level and now bring valuable expertise to athlete development.

According to Sir Kirani, the association aims to ensure that emerging athletes benefit from guidance, mentorship, and access to resources that were often difficult to navigate during earlier generations of Grenadian athletes.

“The group has a really good blend of talents, ideas, and experiences,” he said. “We want to help athletes coming up so that some of the things we went through, they may not have to go through. If they need support or direction, we can help them find the avenues to achieve their goals.”

Sir Kirani also used the opportunity to deliver a strong message to young Grenadian athletes across all sporting disciplines, including athletics, boxing, taekwondo, and other Olympic sports, who aspire to compete on the world stage.

“It is a sacrifice,” he emphasised. “If you want to reach that level and be the best you can be, you have to be diligent, focused, and clear about what you want.”

He encouraged athletes to seek guidance and take advantage of available support systems, noting that success at the Olympic level comes down to discipline, commitment, and mindset rather than shortcuts.

“There’s no big secret to it,” he added. “It’s about how much work you put in, how focused you are, and where your mindset is. If that’s your goal, you have to take it seriously.”