Grenada captures track and field title at Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games

by Michael Bascombe

CASTRIES, St Lucia, July 27, 2026 – Grenada captured the Track and Field Championships at the Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games, which opened here on Saturday.

The Grenadian athletes amassed 282 points to finish comfortably ahead of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which placed second with 220 points. Dominica finished third with 207 points, while host country St Lucia scored 193.

Grenada also topped the men’s and women’s team standings. The men accumulated 140 points, while the women finished with 142.

Annalisa Brown led Grenada’s impressive performance and is in line to be named the championships’ most outstanding athlete after winning five gold medals.

Brown won the women’s 400 metres, 800m and 1500m before helping Grenada to victory in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The highlight was her personal best time of 53.83 seconds over the 400m.

Grenada also recorded victories in football, netball, and both volleyball divisions on Sunday.

The male volleyball team defeated Dominica 3-1. After losing the opening set 18-25, Grenada recovered to win the next three sets 25-23, 25-11 and 25-17.

Grenada also overcame Dominica 3-2 in female volleyball. Dominica won the opening set 26-24, but Grenada responded by taking the next two sets 25-16 and 25-7. Dominica forced a deciding set by winning the fourth 25-21 before Grenada completed the victory 15-11.

In football, Grenada edged Dominica 2-1, with Che Charles and Kelroy Peters scoring the goals.

The Grenadian netballers also made a strong start, defeating defending champions St Vincent and the Grenadines 31-20.

Assistant team manager and one of the team coaches, Latisha Collymore, said the team remained in high spirits. With the track and field title already secured, she said the focus was now on carrying that winning momentum into the other sporting disciplines.

Teams from Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are competing in basketball, football, netball, track and field, and volleyball. 

Watch the opening ceremony and track and field championships 

Walters impresses in Germany as Grenadian athletes produce strong weekend

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, May 18, 2026 - It was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Grenadian sportsmen and women across the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe.

Grenadian track and field athletes delivered outstanding performances in collegiate championships across the United States, combining for a total of nine medals — five gold, two silver, and two bronze — while also establishing two national records.

The performances were highlighted by impressive displays at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships and several NCAA Division I Conference Championships.

Away from athletics, Grenada narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees of the Eastern Caribbean (ANOCES) Under-23 Men’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament in the British Virgin Islands.

Grenada lost 17-13 to the host nation in the bronze-medal match, while St Kitts & Nevis defeated St

Vincent & the Grenadines 20-15 to capture the gold medal.

Professional cyclist Red Walters also enjoyed an impressive weekend in Europe during competition at the Bahnen-Tournee Singen in Germany.

Walters finished second in the Men’s Elite Scratch race, third in both the Elimination and Omnium events, and fourth in the Points Race.

However, it was another disappointing outing for Grenada’s national football team, which suffered a 5-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly in Spain on Saturday.

The result continued a difficult run for the national side, which has now lost all four international matches played this year. Grenada previously suffered defeats to Jamaica (1-0), Rwanda (4-0), and Kenya (3-0).

At the NJCAA Championships in New Mexico, Suerena Alexander of South Plains College captured Grenada’s lone gold medal at that level after winning the Women’s Javelin Throw with a personal best and stadium record of 49.57 metres.

Jaylon Calder of Barton County Community College secured silver in the Men’s Discus Throw with a personal best of 53.72m, while Devonni Ferguson of Indian Hills Community College also claimed silver after placing second in the Men’s 400 metres in 46.41 seconds.

Among the NCAA Division I athletes, Jamora Alves of St John’s University produced one of the standout performances of the weekend after winning double gold at the Big East Championships in Connecticut.

Alves captured the Women’s Shot Put with a season’s best throw of 15.46m before returning to break her own Grenadian national record in the Women’s Discus Throw with a winning mark of 55.89m. Her efforts earned her the Most Outstanding Field Performer award.

Jamara Patterson of Louisiana Tech also struck gold at the Conference USA Championships in Tennessee after storming to victory in the Women’s 400 metres in a personal best and meet record time of 51.43 seconds. Patterson later added another gold medal after helping Louisiana Tech win the Women’s 4x400m relay.

At the Big Ten Championships in Nebraska, Nazzio John of Ohio State University clocked wind-aided times of 9.90 seconds in the Men’s 100 metres and 20.23 seconds in the Men’s 200 metres, finishing fourth in both events. He also secured a bronze medal in the Men’s 4x100m relay as the Buckeyes clocked 38.72 seconds.

Meanwhile, D’Angelo Brown of Indiana University established a new Grenadian national record in the Men’s 800 metres with a time of 1:47.69, surpassing the previous record of 1:48.28 held by Nathan Hood since 2022.

Several of Grenada’s collegiate athletes will now shift focus to the NCAA Division I East and West Preliminary Rounds later this month as they continue their quest for qualification to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Equity in Grenada’s Sporting Honours

by Michael Bascombe

It is both fitting and commendable that Grenada continues to recognise the achievements of its young athletes who recently represented the nation at the CARIFTA Games and the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships. These athletes and swimmers have carried the national flag with pride, discipline, and determination. Whether they returned home with medals or not, their representation alone is a significant accomplishment, one that deserves acknowledgement.

To represent Grenada on any international stage is not merely about podium finishes. It reflects years of sacrifice, early mornings, disciplined training, and the courage to compete against the best in the region and beyond. These young ambassadors gain invaluable exposure, develop resilience, and build character. They inspire peers, ignite national pride, and contribute to Grenada’s identity on the global sporting map. In many cases, they also open doors for scholarships, professional opportunities, and lifelong personal development.

Representation, therefore, must always be respected as a form of achievement.

However, recognition must also be equitable.

While the spotlight often shines brightly on athletics, understandably so, given our Olympic pedigree, it must not eclipse the accomplishments of athletes in other sporting disciplines who are equally flying Grenada’s flag with distinction. Basketballers Enel St Bernard and Akinde Redhead continue to make meaningful strides in collegiate basketball in the United States. Cyclist Red Walters consistently represents Grenada on the international circuit, while marathon runner Philomena Robertson remains a lone but determined figure carrying our colours in long-distance road racing.

On the sand, Renisha Stafford and Thornia Mitchell have brought pride to Grenada with their performances in beach volleyball. After securing a bronze medal at the Eastern Caribbean Championships in 2025, the duo elevated their game to claim the 2026 championship title in St Lucia this week.

These are only a few examples. Week in and week out, Grenadian athletes in track and field, basketball, football, and other disciplines are excelling at colleges and in competitions across the United States and beyond. Their efforts, sacrifices, and successes deserve to be recognised in a structured and meaningful way.

At present, the National Sports Awards, organised by the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC), while well-intentioned, remain limited in scope and reach. They do not fully capture the breadth and diversity of Grenadian sporting achievement. As such, there is a pressing need for a more comprehensive and inclusive system of recognition.

Firstly, equitable recognition validates effort. Athletes who feel seen and appreciated are more likely to remain committed to their sport and continue striving for excellence. Secondly, it promotes national unity by ensuring that no discipline feels marginalised. Sport, after all, is a powerful unifier, and recognition should reflect that inclusivity.

Thirdly, recognition serves as motivation, not just for current athletes, but for the next generation. Young boys and girls across Grenada must be able to see pathways to success in multiple sports, not just one or two. When achievements across disciplines are celebrated, it broadens participation and strengthens the overall sporting ecosystem.

Additionally, recognising athletes across various sports enhances Grenada’s sporting brand. It signals to regional and international bodies that Grenada is not a one-sport nation, but a diverse and dynamic sporting country. This can lead to increased opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and development programmes.

Finally, a structured and equitable recognition system contributes to the historical record of our sporting achievements. It ensures that contributions are documented, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.

The way forward requires collaboration between the Ministry of Sports, the Grenada Olympic Committee, national federations, and private sector partners. Consideration should be given to expanding the National Sports Awards or establishing a more continuous recognition programme that highlights achievements throughout the year, across all disciplines and levels.

Clarifying the Role and Impact of TalkSports

by Michael Bascombe

There appears to be a need to bring some clarity to the role and intent of our weekly sports programme, TalkSports.

As a matter of transparency, neither the host nor the co-host is a practising media professional. The host is a former sports journalist, while the co-host is a former track athlete. However, what we bring to the table is experience, perspective, and a passion for the development of sport in Grenada and the wider Caribbean.

When TalkSports was launched a few years ago, it was simply to fill a void, creating a space for meaningful discussion, analysis, and engagement in sports. Today, more than 600 live episodes later, the programme has evolved into a respected regional platform, offering Caribbean-focused commentary and hosting a wide cross-section of voices, including Prime Ministers, Ministers of Sport, administrators, coaches, and elite athletes.

Importantly, TalkSports has never sought to dictate narratives but rather to stimulate conversation. We are encouraged when discussions on the programme lead to deeper national dialogue, and, in some cases, tangible action. The renewed attention to the proposed synthetic track in St Andrew is one such example. While we do not claim sole responsibility, we are proud to have consistently advocated for this development, particularly following the historic win for the St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS) at the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships.

Similarly, our recent focus on track and field clubs, featuring programmes with Spreenters Athletics Club, Altitude Track Academy, and Top Flight Athletics, was part of a planned editorial direction to highlight grassroots development. Our interview with Mr Gary James was arranged well in advance and was intended to showcase his club’s work, not to serve as a post-mortem on the CARIFTA Games, despite the involvement of his athletes at that level.

This brings us to recent commentary referencing TalkSports. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but it must also be grounded in context and understanding.

In that regard, it is worth noting that St Patrick remains the only parish in Grenada without a recognised track and field club. Interestingly, two meets organised by the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) are named in honour of stalwarts from that very parish. This reality presents not just a talking point, but an opportunity.

Rather than critique from a distance, I challenge those with influence, particularly voices from St Patrick, to engage their communities, collaborate with the Parish Sports Council, and work alongside the chairman of the Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (GAPSS), who is also from St Patrick, to establish and strengthen sporting structures, especially in track and field.

TalkSports stands ready to be part of that solution. In fact, I extend an open invitation to the commentator in question to join us on the programme for a constructive discussion on sports development in St Patrick, perhaps beginning with basketball, an area in which he has previously been involved.

At the end of the day, TalkSports is not about personalities or agendas. It is about sport, development, and the collective advancement of our athletes and communities.

InterCol at a Crossroads: Fourteen Years Later, the Call for Reform Remains

by Michael Bascombe

Fourteen years ago, I penned a commentary titled “Urgent Overhaul of InterCol Champs Needed.” At the time, it was a call to action, one rooted in the belief that Grenada’s premier secondary schools’ athletics championships had outgrown their structure and required a more strategic approach.

Today, in 2026, that call still echoes.

To be fair, the Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships, known as InterCol, has evolved tremendously. What was once a school-based competition has now become a national spectacle, arguably second only to Spicemas in terms of public interest, participation, and cultural significance. The energy at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium each year is evidence of its power, packed stands, school colours, and a level of competition that continues to inspire.

The reality is that InterCol has outgrown its traditional framework. While the Grenada Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (GAPSS) has done commendable work in organising the championships over the years, the scale and impact of the event now demand a more permanent and professionalised management structure.

This is not about removing GAPSS from the process, far from it. Instead, it is about strengthening the foundation through a dedicated body or secretariat that works year-round, ensuring continuity, planning, and execution at the highest level. If we can establish and maintain a structured entity to manage Spicemas, then we can do the same for one of the nation’s most important sporting events.

Such a structure should involve key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education and Sports, working collaboratively with GAPSS. This would allow for a more coordinated approach, not just to InterCol, but to the broader development of secondary school sports across Grenada.

Because InterCol is no longer just an event. It is a product. And like any product, it requires strategic planning, branding, marketing, and investment.

Several areas require urgent attention, including Marketing and Promotion; Sponsorship and Commercialisation; Broadcast and Production; Athlete Development; Event Management and Logistics; and the Expansion of School Sports.

InterCol deserves a year-round promotional strategy. The stories of the athletes, the rivalries between schools, and the journey to the championships should be told consistently across traditional and digital media. This is how you build anticipation and deepen national engagement.

Corporate Grenada must be given a clearer, more structured opportunity to invest. With proper packaging, InterCol can attract significant sponsorship, easing the financial burden on schools and organisers while enhancing the overall quality of the event.

The championships have already shown their potential as a broadcast product. However, there is a need for standardised, high-quality production, complete with graphics, athlete profiles, real-time results, and expert commentary to match regional and international standards. This is important, especially with Grenada positioning itself as a host of major events such as the CARIFTA Games.

InterCol should be integrated into a clear national development pathway. It must not be viewed as the final destination, but rather as a stepping stone to higher levels, CARIFTA Games, collegiate athletics, and beyond.

From scheduling to athlete management, medical services to crowd control, there must be a professionalised approach that reduces inefficiencies and enhances the experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Perhaps most importantly, this proposed structure could oversee not only athletics but a wider programme of secondary school sports. Basketball, football, cricket, swimming and volleyball could all benefit from the same level of organisation and visibility, creating a true culture of school-based sport development.

InterCol has reached a point where passion alone is no longer enough. It now requires policy, planning, and professionalism.

Fourteen years later, the conversation must move from suggestion to implementation.

Grenada has the talent and enthusiasm. What is needed now is the structure to match.

Previous commentary: https://mikebas.blogspot.com/2012/03/urgent-overhaul-of-intercol-champs.html  

New GSAL–GNG Proposal Targets Long-Standing Gaps in School Sports

 

Proposed GSAL Could Reshape the Future of School Sports in Grenada

by Michael Bascombe

Grenadians are encouraged to play an active role in the island’s national development, not only through participation but also by contributing ideas, frameworks and innovative projects. One such proposal—rooted in proven international practice and adapted to local realities—is now gaining renewed attention in sporting circles.

A Grenadian, who is himself a product of the highly structured Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) system in New York, has been sharing a similar concept with stakeholders in Grenada. Mr Axel Joseph, who first discussed the idea on the TalkSports programme nearly two years ago, has started to advance the conversation with various stakeholders.

At the heart of the proposal is the establishment of the Grenada Schools Athletic League (GSAL)—a structured, data-driven, and development-oriented school sports league. In its initial phase, GSAL would involve seven sporting disciplines: Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Netball, Track & Field, and Volleyball. Competitions would be organised across Under-13, Under-15, and Under-18 age categories, with an emphasis on proper scheduling, standardised rules, and athlete welfare.

Beyond competition, GSAL is designed to introduce modern sporting management practices into school sports. These include rankings, performance statistics, eligibility monitoring, and clearly defined development pathways. Importantly, GSAL would also serve as a feeder system into a proposed Grenada National Games (GNG)—a multi-sport event to be staged every two years, showcasing talent emerging from schools and communities across the island.

The proposal outlines clear roles and responsibilities for key institutions.

The Ministry of Sports would provide national policy direction and governance oversight, coordinate with the Sports Council, Federations and GSAL, support national talent development pathways, manage facilities and event readiness, facilitate commercial partnerships and sponsorships, and ensure monitoring and evaluation of sports programmes.

The Ministry of Education would play a critical role by aligning GSAL and GNG schedules with examination periods, supporting the participation of all secondary schools, ensuring athlete eligibility and academic compliance, enforcing safeguarding and child protection standards, overseeing medical requirements, and coordinating with the Grenada Secondary Schools Principals’ Games Association (GSSPGA).

The Principals' Association would be responsible for registering schools, enforcing eligibility and discipline, ensuring academic alignment, and holding representation on the GSAL Council—thereby strengthening ownership at the school level.

National Federations would provide technical oversight, including rules, officials, referees, and coaching standards, utilise GSAL results for youth national team selection, and sit on GSAL technical committees to ensure alignment with regional and international standards.

The importance of this proposal cannot be overstated. School sports in Grenada are evolving, but they are also facing growing challenges—fragmented competitions, inconsistent scheduling, limited data, uneven access to facilities, and weak links between schools and national programmes. A structured league such as GSAL, supported by an inclusive national showcase like the GNG, offers a pathway to address long-standing structural deficiencies while preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition.

TalkSports gives unconditional and full support to this initiative, noting that Grenada’s National Sports Policy explicitly encourages innovation, collaboration, and stakeholder-driven solutions. The GSAL and GNG concept represents exactly the type of forward-thinking framework needed to modernise school sports, strengthen talent identification, and ensure that sport continues to play its rightful role in youth development, education, and nation-building.

The proposal for the Grenada Schools Athletic League and the National Games represents a shift from "playing games" to "building an industry." It treats the student-athlete as a valuable national asset.

Grenada’s Enel St Bernard Shines with Double-Double in First Home Game for Indiana State University

by Michael Bascombe

INDIANA, November 7, 2025 - Grenadian basketball prospect Enel St Bernard thrilled fans with a stellar performance in his first home game for Indiana State University, notching a double-double during the team’s commanding 104–73 win over Illinois Tech on Thursday night in NCAA Division I basketball action.

The 6’7” forward from Harford Village, St Andrew, poured in 17 points, snatched 12 rebounds, and added an assist and a steal, marking his first double-double of the season. St Bernard also matched his career-high for points with 17 and remains perfect from the field, hitting 9-for-9 through his first two games.

His impressive display electrified the home crowd and earned him a spot on ESPN’s Top Five, showcasing how far the Grenadian standout has advanced since his early playing days back home.

Former Panola College Coach Joe Kuglioski, who guided Enel’s development before he moved to Indiana State, reflected with pride on his journey.

“From a phone call two years ago to ESPN, Enel is amazing — what a journey,” said Kuglioski.

Enel’s rise from the small community of Harford Village to America’s biggest collegiate basketball stage demonstrates resilience, humility, and hard work. He continues to show that Caribbean athletes can not only compete but also excel at the highest levels when given the opportunity.

The Sycamores are now 1-1 on the season and will hit the road to face Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) on Monday, November 10, with tipoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Indiana State will then travel to Durham, North Carolina, for a highly anticipated clash with Duke University on Friday.

A proud graduate of the St Andrew’s Roman Catholic Primary School and the St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), St Bernard leads the next generation of Grenadian basketball talent. He joins a growing movement of local athletes making their mark on the U.S. collegiate circuit.

The Kellon Baptiste Foundation Inc. supported Enel’s journey as he first honed his talent with them, and Clique Sports Management Group Inc. now manages his career.

Corporate Grenada is encouraged to support Enel’s journey through sponsorships and brand ambassadorships.

Building the Future: Sports Management and Modern Facilities in Grenada

Beausejour Indoor Facility (St Lucia)

by Michael Bascombe

Grenada has long proven its ability to produce world-class athletes across multiple disciplines, track and field, cricket, football, basketball and beyond. Yet, despite this consistent output of talent, the country still lacks a structured system to nurture, represent, and protect its athletes as they transition into professional careers.

One of the most pressing gaps is the absence of a strong network of local sports agents and managers. These professionals are important in guiding athletes through contracts, sponsorships, branding, and long-term career planning. Without them, many of Grenada’s top athletes are left navigating complex professional environments without adequate local support.

At present, the Kellon Baptiste Foundation (KBF) Inc., under the leadership of Kyron Baptiste, stands as the lone local entity attempting to bridge this gap. Its work in supporting athletes such as basketball players Enel St. Bernard and Akinde Redhead is commendable and demonstrates what is possible with localised representation. However, one organisation cannot meet the demands of a growing pool of talented athletes across multiple sports.

As a result, most Grenadian professionals, particularly in athletics, cricket, and football, depend on overseas agents. While these agents provide access to international markets and opportunities, they often lack the cultural connection and personal investment needed to fully understand and advocate for Grenadian athletes. Consequently, much of the financial and developmental value generated by our athletes flows outward, with limited reinvestment into the local sports economy.

Developing a cadre of Grenadian sports agents and managers would significantly shift this dynamic. Local professionals would offer culturally relevant guidance, ensure fair representation, and create meaningful opportunities for athletes both at home and abroad. Just as importantly, this would stimulate job creation and build a sustainable sports management industry within Grenada.

Equally critical to the nation’s sporting future is the need for modern infrastructure, particularly a national indoor sporting facility. Indoor disciplines such as basketball, volleyball, netball, badminton, and table tennis continue to grow in popularity, yet athletes are constrained by inadequate and often outdated facilities. This limitation hampers development and prevents Grenada from hosting regional and international competitions.

A modern, multi-purpose indoor facility would be transformative. It would provide athletes with a professional environment for training and competition, while also positioning Grenada as a viable host for major events, unlocking economic opportunities through sports tourism. Beyond elite sport, such a facility could support grassroots programmes, encouraging youth participation and talent identification at an early stage.

A public-private partnership model offers a practical pathway to realising this vision. By engaging the private sector, Grenada can leverage investment, innovation, and expertise while easing the financial burden on the government. Designed as a multi-use complex, the facility could also serve educational and community needs, maximising its national impact.

Climate change further underscores the urgency of this investment. Increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events are already disrupting training and competition schedules across the Caribbean. Outdoor facilities are particularly vulnerable, with exposure to harsh conditions accelerating deterioration and affecting athlete safety.

An indoor, climate-controlled venue would provide a reliable, year-round solution, ensuring continuity in athlete preparation and competition. In times of natural disaster, it could also serve as a critical community shelter, adding another layer of national resilience.

The time has come to act decisively. Grenada’s talent deserves nothing less.

Concrete poured on Dover Hard Court

HILLSBOROUGH, Carriacou, October 28th, 2011 - The first batch of concrete has been poured as work continues on completing the Dover Hard Court.

This project was initiated by the community group, Concerned Citizens of the Northern District over 10 years ago. It is now being completed by the Community Development Division within the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs.

The construction of the court is a welcome change for young and avid basketballers, who now play the sport in the road.

Plans are already being made for the first basketball game to be played upon completion of the court.

Meanwhile, another project of the Community Development Division making steady progress is the construction of 300ft of concrete road in Petite Carenage.

SOURCE: Deanna Isaac, PRO

2010 National Sports Awards this weekend

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 26, 2011 – Grenada’s sports personalities for 2010 will be announced at a ceremony at the Grenada Trade Centre on Saturday.

Twenty-three nominees from 14 national associations will be vying for the prestigious awards of sportsman and woman of the year.

The ceremony, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held under the patronage of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Carlyle Glean and Lady Glean.

The nominees include World Junior 400m champion, Kirani James; West Indies cricketer Devon Smith and national footballer Kithson Bain in the male category while the female nominees will be highlighted by the performances of CARIFTA and Caribbean Island Swimming Championships gold medallist, Oreoluwa Cherebin; track athlete, Kanika Beckles and netballer Lottysha Cato.

The junior sportsman and woman, selected by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, will also be announced on the night.

Two special awards will also be presented as well as tributes to stalwarts who passed on and contributed immensely towards the development of sports in Grenada.

The guest speaker will be the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin.

The full list of nominees:

Athletics – Kanika Beckles & Kirani James

Basketball – Christa Stephens & Michael Bonaparte

Bodybuilding – Damion Daniel

Boxing – Chloe Toussaaint & Kandel Dowden

Cricket – Devon Smith

Cycling – Sydney George Walters

Football – Rockel Hood & Kithson Bain

Netball – Lottysha Cato

Swimming – Oreoluwa Cherebin & Nicholas Coard

Taekwondo – Aakeem Whiteman

Table Tennis – Giselle Chetram & Agbi Harford

Tennis – Lois Alexis & Yannik James

Triathlon – Aislinn Noel & Ric Hallam

Volleyball – Latisha Collymore & Adam La Feuille

Consul General Derrick James and Office of Diaspora Affairs praised for swift response

by Betty-Ann Lazarus

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, June 9, 2010 - The effectiveness of Grenada’s representatives abroad and the role they play in national development were again highlighted on Tuesday, June 8.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lana Mc Phail, handed over supplies valued at over US$16,000 to two other ministries. They were the Ministries of Sports and Social Development.

More than 21 boxes of pillows, bedspreads, sheets, shower curtains and linens for senior citizens nationwide were donated to the Social Development Ministry headed by Hon. Sylvester Quarless.

Among items donated to the Sports Ministry for the nation’s athletes were four boxes of gear consisting of over 150 pairs of track pants and sweat shirts.

The donations are the culmination of a process that began with a visit to the country earlier this year by Grenada’s Consul General in New York, Derrick James.

While here, Mr James held discussion with Hon. Quarless, focusing on the wellbeing of senior citizens. On his return to New York, the Consul General raised the issue with Grenadians living there and made a plea for help.

The result was the gifts presented Tuesday to Social Development and to the Sports Ministry of Hon. Patrick Simmons.

The supplies to the Ministry of Social Development will be distributed to institutions and individuals identified as being in “dire need,’’ said Mrs Sandra Thomas, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

Media attaché to the New York Mission, Michael Bascombe, was instrumental in coordinating the Sports Ministry donation that was presented to Permanent Secretary, Veda Bruno-Victor.

She complimented the swiftness with which Consul General James and Mr. Bascombe responded to the needs of the nation’s sports people. “Our Athletes do well when they look well, and we are looking forward to great achievements in the London 2012 Olympics,’’ Mrs Bruno-Victor said.

Permanent Secretary Mc Phail said the Foreign Ministry is proud to be the medium through which the needs of a number of other Ministries are met.

She praised the hard work of Consul General James, officials of the Diaspora Desk, and individual Grenadians overseas, for contributing positively to the request for assistance.

NBA STAR SHOOTS HOOPS IN GRENADA

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Feb 5 – Former Miami Heat basketball player Brian Grant took time out this week to shoot some hoops with a group of young Grenadians at the newly refurbished River Road basketball court.

After a great career in basketball, playing for teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Blazers and Phoenix Suns, Grant retired from the game in 2006. As a personal friend of one of the investors in the company undertaking the luxury development at Hog Island and Mount Hartman, Four Seasons Private Residences Grenada, he is planning to buy a property and is on a visit to Grenada to learn more about the beautiful location.

Grant was welcomed by Brenda Hood, Minister of Works, who was representing her own Ministry and the Ministry of Sport, as Roland Bhola, Minister of Sport, who was out of the island.

Grant gave an informal training session to a group of keen girls and boys from the local area, finishing up by giving them all signed photographs.

Grant was interested and pleased to learn how popular basketball is in Grenada, and that there is currently an Inter-School basketball competition being played, with a total of 18 schools taking part.