ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Oct. 26,
2026 - Grenada’s Olympic champion Sir Kirani James has addressed political
speculation surrounding a social-media photograph, reaffirming his duty to
represent the country without partisanship.
Grenada’s Olympic champion issued
the clarification on his Facebook page after the image appeared to raise
questions about whether he had endorsed a party or political figures ahead of
the country’s general election.
“This photo does not confirm nor
deny my support for a political party, just as this statement does not confirm
nor deny that either,” Sir Kirani said.
He did not identify a party or
politician in the statement, explain the circumstances surrounding the
photograph or disclose his voting preference.
Sir Kirani acknowledged that his
standing as an internationally recognised athlete gives his actions
considerable public influence.
“I do understand the unique
position I am in and the influence that it can carry,” he said.
He drew a distinction between any
private political views he may hold and his responsibility as a national
representative.
“My duty as an international
representative has always been to represent all of Grenada, Carriacou and
Petite Martinique in a nonpartisan way,” Sir Kirani said.
“The passion and pride to do so
is not determined by who is in political office, but by the support and love of
the Grenadian people.”
James became Grenada’s first
Olympic medallist when he won the men’s 400 metres at the 2012 London Games. He
added silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and was recently
installed as the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees’ first
Sports Ambassador.
His statement comes as Grenada
prepares for a general election on Thursday, November 5.
Sir Kirani used the attention
surrounding the photograph to encourage eligible citizens to participate in the
election and carefully consider their choices.
“To be able to vote in free and
fair elections is an extreme privilege,” he said. “Treat it with the reverence
and seriousness that it deserves, and understand that it is a civic duty for
those of us who are in a position to vote.”
He urged voters to make decisions
based on “a blend of your individual and collective morals and ideals.”
“The power is and always will
belong with you, the people,” Sir Kirani said.
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