Sport must have a seat at the diaspora table

by Michael Bascombe

The Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 is a significant chance for Grenadians living abroad to engage with the country’s growth. However, it is unfortunate that sports were not among the main topics to be discussed.

This exclusion is particularly noteworthy since many of Grenada's top advocates are linked to the sports community. Numerous professional athletes, coaches, administrators, sports medicine experts, officials, and sports scientists are based in the diaspora. They bring decades of experience, extensive international connections, technical know-how, and a sincere wish to aid Grenada's advancement.

Interestingly, the idea for this type of collaboration was first presented at the Grenada Diaspora Founding Conference in 2011. That gathering aimed to create a framework to leverage the Diaspora's skills, financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and professional knowledge for national development, and sports play an integral role in that vision. It transcends mere recreation. It represents an investment in youth, education, healthcare, tourism, employment, and national identity.

For over a year, various stakeholders in Grenada and the Diaspora have pushed for a National Sports Symposium to align with the 2026 CARIFTA Games. This symposium would unite government officials, private sector representatives, sports organisations, and international specialists to tackle issues surrounding sports infrastructure, pathways for athlete development, governance, funding strategies, sports tourism, and public-private partnerships. Proposals were sent to both the Minister of Sport and the Prime Minister’s Office, aiming to gain governmental backing for what could become a lasting national legacy.

The Diaspora Homecoming could have served as a perfect forum to extend these discussions. Regrettably, it was a missed chance to connect with a community that has already shown its dedication to Grenada through its accomplishments and ongoing contributions.

This should not be seen as mere criticism but as a reminder that sports should be acknowledged as a vital component of national development.

We must ensure that sports retain a prominent role in national conversations, not only during major events but also in initiatives like the Diaspora Homecoming.

Grenada boasts a remarkable pool of sporting talent within the Diaspora. The current challenge is to establish systems that enable this talent to make a meaningful impact on the country's future.

Kirani James set to headline Barbados Grand Prix on July 4

by Michael Bascombe

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, June 13, 2026 - Grenada's Olympic and world champion, Kirani James, is expected to headline an impressive list of international athletes for the second edition of the Barbados Grand Prix, scheduled for July 4 at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex.

The announcement was made by Barbados Grand Prix founder and organiser Aren Spencer during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, where he outlined the unique team-based format that distinguishes the meet from traditional track and field competitions.

Spencer revealed that fans can expect a diverse field of competitors ranging from promising junior athletes and NCAA Division I performers to established professionals, Olympians, and international stars.

"We're very excited about the names that we were able to attract," Spencer said. "There are some professional athletes, some Olympians, some names that Barbados really gets excited about - Shade Williams, Akela Jones, and even internationally, Andrew Hudson from Jamaica, Davonte Howell, Kelly-Ann Beckford, Shafiqua Maloney, and most importantly, Kirani James."

According to Spencer, one of the exciting features of the competition is that the elite athletes are spread across four teams - Lions, Panthers, Eagles, and Falcons - creating a highly competitive and entertaining atmosphere throughout the meet.

"As I mentioned earlier, they're all kind of spread out amongst the teams, so that makes it very, very exciting," he explained.

The organiser also highlighted the participation of several emerging stars, including NCAA Division I athletes such as Grenadian sprinter Nazzio John, who recently qualified for the NCAA Championships in the United States.

Another athlete expected to generate interest is Amir Thompson, the son of former Barbadian sprint star Obadele Thompson.

Spencer confirmed that James has been assigned to Team Panthers, one of the four squads competing for overall honours.

The inclusion of the Grenadian superstar is particularly significant for the organisers, as securing his participation was a lengthy process that took several months of negotiations.

"The announcement of Kirani was huge," Spencer said. "That was something that was in the works for a long time. I have to shout out my dad for that. He was so persistent about Kirani. We negotiated with his agent for a long time."

He noted that uncertainty surrounding James' competition schedule and the timing of the Prefontaine Classic meant organisers had to wait for official confirmation before finalising arrangements.

"We had to wait until the official announcement. That's something we've been negotiating for a couple of months now. We were so happy when that came through, and he agreed to be a part of the event," Spencer said.

For Spencer, James' commitment represents a major milestone in the young competition's growth.

"He's a legend not only in the Caribbean but in the world of track and field," Spencer added. "For somebody like him to be involved in a meet that I conceptualised in my bedroom last year, that's a testament to how far we've come in such a short space of time."

Penn: ANOCES success could reignite discussion on OECS Sports Desk

by Michael Bascombe

ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA, June 6, 2026 - President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES), Ephraim Penn, believes the organisation's early success could eventually help lay the foundation for renewed regional sports cooperation, including discussions surrounding the possible return of an OECS Sports Desk.

Appearing on Saturday's edition of the TalkSports programme, Penn was asked whether there remains a need for a formal OECS Sports Desk, which for years played a role in coordinating sporting initiatives and development programmes across the sub-region.

While stopping short of directly calling for its immediate return, Penn stressed that ANOCES is currently focused on demonstrating that meaningful and sustainable regional collaboration can work before pursuing broader institutional support.

"There's a need for cooperation among the OECS countries, and that is where we have started," Penn said. "It can evolve into further discussion."

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee President explained that ANOCES first wants to establish a successful sporting product through its championships and development initiatives before approaching governments and regional institutions for greater collaboration.

"If we are successful and we have a successful product from ANOCES, then we can go to the governments and to the OECS Secretariat and say, 'Look, we are not just talking. We have a product that can benefit the entire region. How can we work together to help foster better cooperation in the sporting environment for the OECS?''

Penn noted that simply creating a sports desk without a strong foundation of cooperation would not be enough to address the challenges facing sport in the region.

"Setting up a desk is one thing, but we need collaboration and cooperation," he said. "Not only in the sporting sector, but the private sector has to play a key role. Government has to play a key role."

The ANOCES President said the organisation's primary focus is engaging young people through sport, particularly at a time when many countries across the Eastern Caribbean are facing social challenges affecting youth.

"We have looked at the landscape. Our young people are suffering. They are crying, especially our young men," Penn said. "It's a big challenge among young men throughout the OECS. It's not particular to any one island or any one country."

He argued that sport can provide a positive avenue for engagement and development, but warned against waiting for ideal conditions before taking action.

"We cannot just sit down and say we're not going to do this because we don't have a sports desk, or we're not going to do this because we don't have this or that," he said. "We have decided to start, and once we begin to do that, then the other things will fall into place."

ANOCES is currently embarking on its first full year of regional championships, including track and field, beach volleyball, and table tennis competitions, as it seeks to create sustainable opportunities for athletes throughout the sub-region.

Penn expressed hope that successful events would attract support from both governments and the private sector, helping to strengthen the organisation's long-term vision for regional sports development.

"This is the first year, and we are hoping and praying that all our events are very successful and that we present a good product that the private sector would want to buy into and governments would see the advantage of supporting," he said.

The ANOCES President also acknowledged the contributions of those who worked with the former OECS Sports Desk, noting that their efforts should not be forgotten.

"I know there was a lot of work that went into the Sports Desk, and there are people who really did a lot of work that should be appreciated because, just like us, their heart was in the right place," Penn said.

He emphasised that the ultimate objective remains the advancement of athletes and future generations across the OECS.

"We are trying to do the right thing, not only for ourselves, but for the athletes and, most importantly, the future athletes of our sub-region," Penn added. "Let's work together for that."

Penn welcomes renewed discussion on OECS Throws Academy

by Michael Bascombe

ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA, June 6, 2026 - The possibility of establishing a regional Throws Academy remains very much alive within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), according to the Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES) President Ephraim Penn.

Speaking on Saturday's edition of the TalkSports programme, Penn said the concept, which has been discussed periodically over the years, continues to enjoy support among regional sports leaders and could receive renewed attention at upcoming ANOCES meetings.

The idea of a Throws Academy gained traction several years ago, particularly in light of the Eastern Caribbean's growing success in field events, including javelin, discus, shot put, and combined events. Grenada, in particular, has produced world-class athletes such as two-time world javelin champion Anderson Peters and Olympic decathlon bronze medallist Lindon Victor, while several other OECS territories have also developed talented throwers and field event athletes.

Responding to a question about whether the academy could return to the regional sporting agenda, Penn pointed to the continued commitment of Veda Bruno-Victor, General Secretary of the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) and First Vice-President of PANAM Sports.

"Well, if you know Veda, you know it's going to come back," Penn said. "And she's committed to that. And I'm sure that at our meeting in St Kitts, we are going to be building on a lot of things and trying to do things like that."

Penn noted that the concept of specialised sports academies has already demonstrated success within the region and cited the experience of one of the Caribbean's leading athletes.

"I know she's always committed to that. In fact, some of our athletes, including one of our most famous athletes, Kyron McMaster, a hurdler, went to an academy in Grenada when he was very young. So there is proof that it works," he said.

McMaster, the British Virgin Islands' most decorated track and field athlete, has enjoyed significant success internationally, including a 400 metres hurdles medallist at the World Athletics Championships.

Penn praised Grenada's continued contribution to regional sport development, describing the island as a country that consistently exceeds expectations despite its size.

"I think Grenada, among the small countries, always punches above its weight," he said.

The ANOCES President stressed that regional cooperation remains important to maximising the sporting potential of OECS nations and suggested that Grenada's expertise in the throws could be shared more broadly throughout the sub-region.

"It's something that, as you mentioned earlier, in the region, we work on together," Penn said. "We recognise the skills and the talent in Grenada. And if they are willing to help the other OECS countries, I see no reason why we shouldn't take that up and run with it."

The concept of a regional Throws Academy was originally championed by respected athletics coach Paul Phillip of Grenada and has been viewed as a potential pathway for developing the next generation of Caribbean field event athletes through specialised coaching, sports science support, and regional collaboration.

Phillip is also the coach of Anderson Peters.

ANOCES outlines busy calendar of regional championships for 2026

by Michael Bascombe

ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA, June 6, 2026 - President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES), Ephraim Penn, says the organisation has an ambitious programme of regional sporting events planned for the remainder of 2026 as it continues to strengthen sporting opportunities and collaboration across the Eastern Caribbean.

Speaking on Saturday's edition of the TalkSports programme, Penn outlined a calendar featuring five major championships across four sports, while highlighting the return of one of the region's most significant athletics competitions.

"We have the rebirth of the OECS Track and Field Championship, now called the ANOCES Track and Field Championship," Penn announced.

The championship will be hosted in St Kitts and Nevis from July 4-5 and marks the return of a competition that has played an important role in the development of track and field throughout the sub-region.

Penn said the athletics championships will be followed by the ANOCES Beach Volleyball Championship, also in St Kitts and Nevis, from July 10-12.

The regional sporting calendar will then continue with the OECS Swimming Championship in St Lucia from November 6-8, an event that has received financial support from ANOCES, before concluding with the ANOCES Table Tennis Championship in St Lucia from December 6-8.

The ANOCES President said the organisation has been encouraged by the success of recent initiatives, particularly the regional 3x3 basketball programme, and by the level of commitment being shown by member territories.

"All of our countries have committed to compete at the OECS Track and Field Championship, including those without National Olympic Committees, Montserrat and Anguilla, which is great, as all our athletes are going to get a chance again to showcase their talent," Penn said.

He revealed that the Track and Field Championship will also serve as a platform to honour two individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on sport in the OECS.

Among those to be recognised is the late Alphonso Bridgewater, the long-serving President of the St Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee and former President of ANOCES, who died in 2024 after decades of distinguished service to sport administration in the region.

ANOCES will also honour Rey O'Neal, a co-founder of both the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee and the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association, whose dedication to preserving the history of Caribbean athletics has earned widespread respect throughout the sporting community.

Penn announced that O'Neal's book, The History of Track and Field in the OECS, will be officially launched during the championships in St Kitts and Nevis.

"We're going to recognise the contribution of Mr Rey O'Neal to the development of track and field in our sub-region by launching his book, The History of Track and Field in the OECS," Penn said.

"And every island, every country will be surprised as to what is in that book. This is a labour of love, and we're going to unveil that at the OECS Track and Field Championship in St Kitts."