Whittaker: Traditional media must uphold standards amid social media challenges

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 25, 2026 – Veteran Caribbean sports broadcaster Lance Whittaker believes traditional media organisations must adapt to changing audience habits while continuing to uphold high standards of accuracy and reliability.

Whittaker, appearing on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, said television, radio, and newspapers are facing increased competition as more people turn to social media and other digital platforms for news and information.

“Traditional media is facing a challenge now because I don’t think the percentage of people viewing any major seven o’clock television news in the evening is the same now as it was 40 years ago,” Whittaker said.

“A lot of people now depend on social media for their news, so that’s a challenge for traditional media.”

Despite the changing media environment, Whittaker said traditional outlets have a greater responsibility to maintain their professional standards, particularly when information circulated on social media is not always properly verified.

“Traditional media has to recognise that it has to uphold its high standards and protocols regarding the accuracy and reliability of information because a lot of the social media platforms don’t go through the rigid tests to clarify whether stories are accurate or not,” he said.

Whittaker described the present period as a difficult one for Caribbean media companies, with declining financial returns and the high cost of operating traditional television, radio, and newspaper organisations.

He said he was troubled by the closure of established media entities in the region and questioned whether many private television stations were currently profitable.

“Running a traditional media entity now costs a lot of money, and the financial returns in sales and the commercial returns often don’t match the income of the company,” Whittaker said.

“So, it really is treacherous times for traditional media.”

Whittaker said many broadcasters and journalists are now creating their own podcasts, YouTube channels, and other independent digital platforms.

He believes media professionals must be prepared to adjust to the changing industry rather than resist the opportunities provided by new technology.

“We may be a little bit stubborn if we don’t recognise that we have to pivot a bit and do some of that,” he said.

Whittaker said he had also made that transition following the closure of SportsMax, where he worked, in July last year. He now uses a YouTube page (Lance Whittaker Voice & Motion) to publish his horse-racing content.

“A lot of people are doing that now because, depending on how committed and diligent you are with it, it is a source of income as well,” he said.

Whittaker noted that television has been especially affected because of the high cost of broadcasting, while radio may be in a slightly better position because it is less expensive to operate.

He said some state-owned media organisations continue to receive government funding, but private companies are finding it increasingly difficult to remain viable.

“For me, it’s very troubling, but we have to keep pushing on because I’m passionate about media,” Whittaker said.

“I think it’s important for the media houses to tighten their grip on what’s happening and try to stay afloat and flourish even.”

Watch the entire programme 

West Indies’ batting decline painful to watch, says Whittaker

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 25, 2026 – Veteran Caribbean sports broadcaster Lance Whittaker says the continued decline in the quality of West Indies batting is heartbreaking and painful to watch, particularly for those who witnessed the team’s dominance during the 1970s and 1980s.

Whittaker, speaking on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, was responding to concerns about the West Indies’ batting during the 2025 Pakistan tour and the team’s repeated difficulty in reaching 200 runs.

“I started broadcasting in 1984. In 1984, Clive Lloyd was the West Indies captain, and he transitioned to Viv Richards being the West Indies captain,” Whittaker said.

“At the time, the West Indies were unquestionably the best team in the world.”

Whittaker noted that some sports researchers consider the West Indies team of the late 1970s and 1980s to be among the greatest teams in the history of sport.

“So, to see the West Indies going from that position in the 80s and early 90s to where we are now, it is heartbreaking. It really, really is heartbreaking,” he said.

Whittaker, who has worked in sports broadcasting for 42 years, said he has covered West Indies cricket throughout its decline and believes the region’s batting skills have deteriorated significantly over the past three to four decades.

He recalled discussing the issue with former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who believed that West Indies batsmen had lost the art of batting.

“When he started to see West Indies’ batters looking uncomfortable against short-pitched bowling, it grieved his heart,” Whittaker said.

“In the days back in the seventies and eighties, you bowled short to Roy Fredericks and so on, and spectators would be picking the ball up in the stands.”

Whittaker said many current West Indies batsmen appear uncomfortable against short-pitched and high-quality pace bowling. He added that they also struggle when facing quality spin bowling.

“Our batting quality has just gone down significantly,” he said.

The Jamaican broadcaster also pointed to concerns about pitches, the attractiveness of the regional cricket product, and the level of financial investment in the sport.

He said the infrastructure and facilities used to develop Caribbean cricketers have not kept pace with those available in India, Australia, England, South Africa, and other leading cricket nations.

“Those are problems that need to be fixed because, if they aren’t, we will continue to see the West Indies struggling at the bottom of the table,” Whittaker said.

“What is happening now in West Indies cricket is very, very painful to watch, especially from someone who had seen when we were at the top - and not just at the top, but invincibly at the top.”

Whittaker said Caribbean people took tremendous pride in the successful West Indies teams of that period and described the current difficulty in scoring 200 runs in an international innings as troubling.

“I know people will say maybe sometimes the pitches are affecting the batting performances, but when you have quality as a batsman, you adjust to the conditions, and you find a way to make runs,” he said.

Watch the entire programme 

Whittaker calls for a regional training programme for sports journalists

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 25, 2026 – Veteran Caribbean sports broadcaster Lance Whittaker has called for the establishment of a regional training programme to develop young and aspiring sports journalists throughout the Caribbean.

Whittaker, who appeared on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, said such an initiative could draw on the knowledge and experience of established journalists and broadcasters while providing participants with clear professional standards.

“Yes, I think it would help because there are a lot of people who have a lot to contribute to something like that,” Whittaker said.

The Jamaican broadcaster has spent 42 years in the profession and believes his experience could be useful in helping to prepare the next generation of Caribbean sports journalists.

“As I said, I’ve been in it for 42 years now. I’m semi-retired at the moment, if you want to call it that, and I think I can offer a lot if I were to be a part of a programme training young or budding sports journalists throughout the region,” he said.

Whittaker suggested that the programme should have an established structure, with guidelines and standards covering the various areas of sports broadcasting and journalism.

He said that while there is considerable talent across the region, many young journalists need proper guidance and opportunities to develop their abilities.

“Being guided by a fixed programme that sets the guidelines and the standards by which sports broadcasting should be followed, I think it’s necessary, and I think it would be beneficial,” Whittaker said.

“I don’t think anyone could argue that having something like that throughout the region would not help significantly because there are a lot of talented people who just need to be nurtured and guided in the right direction.”

Whittaker said a coordinated regional approach could help improve the overall standard of sports coverage and ensure that developing journalists are better prepared for the demands of the profession.

“I would suggest that would be a good plan,” he said.

Watch the entire programme 

Whittaker: Administration, coaching and investment key to Caribbean World Cup return

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 25, 2026 – Caribbean sports broadcaster Lance Whittaker believes efficient administration, strategic coaching, and greater financial investment are essential for an English-speaking Caribbean team to return to the FIFA World Cup.

Whittaker, appearing as a guest on the TalkSports programme on Saturday, said the quality of football talent across the region was not in question. However, he stressed that talent alone would not be enough without the proper structures and decision-making in place.

“I think there is quality in the talent available, but to succeed in football, a lot of precision needs to be executed, both from an administrative and a coaching standpoint,” Whittaker said.

He pointed to Jamaica’s unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, arguing that the country had a strong opportunity but was ultimately let down by shortcomings in key areas.

“Jamaicans will tell you that on both fronts, administratively and coaching-wise, Jamaica let themselves down because they had a really grand opportunity to appear at the 2026 World Cup football finals,” he said.

Whittaker identified three areas that regional football authorities must address if they are serious about competing successfully at the international level.

“Efficient administration, high-quality and strategic coaching, and investment in money are the factors for me that can get an English-speaking Caribbean team back at the World Cup,” he said.

The veteran broadcaster also referred to discussions surrounding the possibility of the World Cup being expanded from 48 to 64 teams, which he believes could create additional opportunities for Caribbean countries.

“We heard Gianni Infantino talking about a 64-team World Cup next time and not 48, which means that the window is opening up, if it happens, for more teams to get in,” Whittaker said.

He noted that Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have previously qualified for the tournament, demonstrating that English-speaking Caribbean countries are capable of reaching football’s biggest stage.

“There’s no reason why they can’t,” he said. “But they have to invest properly, and the administrators of these football programmes and the coaches have to know exactly what they’re doing and make good decisions, because there is the potential to get back there as English-speaking Caribbean teams.”

Watch the entire programme 

Boldon hails Stephen Francis as a Global Giant of Track and Field

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, July 10, 2026 - Olympic medallist, NBC commentator, and coach Ato Boldon has described the late Jamaican sprint coach Stephen Francis as "a great period," saying his death represents one of the most significant losses the global track and field community has experienced in decades.

Francis, who died on July 4 at the age of 62, was widely regarded as one of the greatest sprint coaches in history. As co-founder of the MVP (Maximising Velocity & Power) Track Club in 1999, he transformed Jamaica into a sprinting powerhouse, guiding stars such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, and Shericka Jackson to multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.

Speaking with Jamaican sports broadcaster Leighton Levy, Boldon said Francis' impact extended far beyond Jamaica's shores.

"I think no matter where your passport or your allegiance, you realise that Stephen Francis was a great. He wasn't a great Jamaican. He was a great, period," Boldon said.

While acknowledging that Jamaica would feel the loss most deeply, Boldon stressed that Francis' influence reshaped the global athletics landscape.

He recalled that when Francis and his colleagues established the MVP Track Club, many questioned the wisdom of keeping Jamaica's elite athletes at home instead of sending them through the traditional United States collegiate system.

"I remember some of the pushback," Boldon said. "People forget very quickly."

For decades, many of Jamaica's greatest sprinters—including Merlene Ottey, Don Quarrie, Ray Stewart, Michael Green, and later Asafa Powell developed through the American collegiate system before representing Jamaica internationally.

Francis challenged that long-established model.

"He and the people who were integral in starting MVP said, 'Wait a minute, why are we sending our athletes to the NCAA to get run into the ground for four or five years, and then they come back and give Jamaica what's left? Let's change the thinking.'"

According to Boldon, the proposal was initially met with considerable resistance.

"A lot of Jamaicans were like, 'We don't like that. Let's do it the way it has always been."

Francis, however, remained steadfast in his convictions.

"My first memory when I heard that Franno had passed was that this was a man who stuck to his guns when literally an entire population was asking, 'What makes you think this is somewhere we all want to go?'"

Today, Boldon noted, the success of the MVP model has made that debate virtually obsolete.

"Of course, that's not even a thought now."

He said Francis' vision fundamentally changed how athletes around the world viewed their development options.

"It changed the thinking globally. Athletes still have the option to go through the NCAA system, which is a great system, but they also have other options. They can stay at home, develop locally, and still become world-class athletes."

Beyond his coaching achievements, Boldon remembered Francis as someone whose personality often surprised those meeting him for the first time.

"If you see a picture of him, you think, 'That's a serious man.' But you talk to him for 15 minutes, and you realise he's a comedian."

Boldon said Francis' passing marks the loss of one of athletics' true innovators.

"I think this is one of the biggest losses we've had in this sport since I've been alive. A lot of the other great coaches are still around—Bob Kersee and others. So this is monumental."

Grenadians shine and struggle at Penn Relays finale in Philadelphia

by Michael Bascombe

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 26, 2026 - Grenadian athletes delivered a mix of standout performances and tough lessons as the 130th staging of the Penn Relays concluded at Franklin Field on Saturday.

Leading the way for Grenada were Nazzio John and Jamora Alves, both of whom made significant impressions at one of the world’s premier track and field meets.

John produced the highlight of the weekend, capturing gold as part of the Ohio State University team in the College Men’s 4x100 metres Championship of America. Running the opening leg, the Grenadian sprinter set the tone for teammates Kyler Brown, Nick Biega, and Marcus Brown, as the quartet stormed to victory in 39.56 seconds.

The triumph marked Ohio State’s fourth title in the event, adding to their historic wins in 1929, 1931, and 1932.

John had also qualified for the Men’s 100 metres Championship final after clocking 10.30 seconds in Friday’s preliminaries. However, he was withdrawn from the final alongside teammate Brown, with coach Rosalind Joseph opting to protect her athletes amid cold and rainy conditions.

The final was won by Gary Card of the University of Technology, Jamaica, in 10.34 seconds, slower than his record-breaking 10.03 run in the preliminary round.

On the field, Alves, representing St John's University, continued her consistent form with a fourth-place finish in the College Women’s Discus Throw Championship. Battling adverse weather, she recorded a best mark of 52.37 metres, narrowly missing a top-three podium finish.

Alves was edged out of third place by Morgan Graham, who produced a 52.52m effort in the fourth round, while Ines Lopez of Arizona State University secured victory with a throw of 54.44 metres. The Grenadian had earlier claimed silver in the Shot Put, completing a strong overall showing across the meet.

In the high school division, the Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) endured a challenging end to

their campaign.

After a promising 4x100m performance on Friday, the Grenadian champions were unable to replicate that form in the 4x400 metres relay, finishing last in their heat in 3:31.14.

Josh Thomas opened with a solid 51.58 split, handing over in sixth position among the nine teams. However, the team slipped back on the second leg, where Kashay Stephen clocked 55.53 seconds, leaving too much ground to recover for Nathaniel Alfred (54.04) and Karmal Joseph (50.00).

GBSS finished 202nd overall out of 522 teams that completed the 4x400m event, while their 4x100m effort ranked 80th among 582 teams.

Meanwhile, Bullis School of Maryland captured the highly anticipated High School Boys’ 4x400 metres Championship of America title in 3:10.15, becoming the first American team to win the event since Long Beach Polytechnic High School achieved the feat in 2007. The winning quartet of Zayden Saxton, Cameron Homer, Gideon Newton, and Quincy Wilson had earlier signalled their intent with a blistering 3:09.73 performance.

Previous Story: Alves claims shot put silver while John advances to sprint finals and relay showdown

Alves claims shot put silver while John advances to sprint finals and relay showdown

by Michael Bascombe

PHILADELPHIA, USA, April 24, 2026 - Grenadian athletes Jamora Alves and Nazzio John had impressive performances at the Penn Relays on Friday.

Competing for St John's University, Alves produced a strong showing in the College Women’s Shot Put, earning the silver medal after a dramatic contest on Friday.

After fouling her first two attempts, Alves rebounded in style, launching a throw of 14.95 metres on her fourth attempt to take the lead. However, Olamide Ayeni of the University of Delaware responded in the fifth round with a winning mark of 14.97 metres, narrowly edging the Grenadian into second place.

Alves will return to action on Saturday morning in the Discus Throw as she continues her busy weekend of competition.

On the track, Ohio State University sprinter Nazzio John booked his place in the College Men’s 100 metres Championship final after clocking a qualifying time of 10.30 seconds.

John will line up in a highly competitive final, highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Gary Card of the University of Technology, Jamaica, whose preliminary time of 10.03 seconds eclipsed the long-standing Penn Relays record of 10.10 seconds set by Leroy Burrell in 1990.

The Grenadian sprinter is also set to feature in the College Men’s 4x100 metres Championship of America final, after teaming up with Kyler Brown, Nick Biega, and Marcus Brown to secure qualification in a time of 39.59 seconds.

In other results from the meet, Jamaica’s Alphansus Davis High School placed sixth in the Girls’ 4x800 metres in 9:03.40, with Grenadian Ameiah Samuel, Chevelle White, Tabbrel Williams, and Alikay Reynolds contributing to the effort.

The school also featured in the Boys’ 4x800 metres, where Nicholas Frederick of Grenada, Tyrie Hopkins, Raheem Palmer, and Jephton Campbell combined to clock 7:55.07.

Previous Story: GBSS shows grit at Penn Relays 

Visa issues sideline InterCol Champions SAASS from Penn Relays

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 — Grenada’s Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics (InterCol) champions, St Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), will not participate in this weekend’s Penn Relays in Philadelphia due to visa challenges.

GrenadaSports has been reliably informed that members of the SAASS team were unable to secure visa appointments in time for the competition, forcing the withdrawal of what was expected to be a strong national representation.

SAASS had planned to field relay teams in both the Boys’ 4x100m and 4x400m events, along with competitors in the Boys’ Javelin Throw and Triple Jump. The 4x100m team was set to include Randy Jones, D’Ron St Cyr, Crystophe Calliste, and Darell Daniel, while Teavughn Hall, Calliste, Daniel, and Phillip Mitchell were listed for the 4x400m relay.

Individually, Deshawn Smart was down to compete in the javelin, with Calliste also scheduled for the triple jump.

Former InterCol champions Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (GBSS) will be the lone school from Grenada competing at the meet. GBSS secured their visas in early March, ahead of the InterCol Championships, and will join approximately 16 other international high schools, alongside teams from Jamaica and the United States.

GBSS will be represented by Nathaniel Alfred, Karmal Joseph, Josh Thomas, Kashay Stephen, and Qwanell Pierre, as they take on a strong international field.

Grenada will still have representation through athletes competing for Jamaican institutions. Egypt Benjamin is expected to line up for Edwin Allen High School in the Girls’ 4x100m and 4x400m relays, while Dylan Logan will represent Kingston College in the Boys’ Discus Throw.

The Penn Relays, one of the most renowned track and field events in the United States, gets underway on Thursday and runs through Saturday.

SAASS’ absence is a significant blow, particularly after their historic InterCol triumph this year, as the school misses an opportunity for its athletes to compete on a big stage.

CARIFTA 2026: A Bold Decision That Paid Off

by Michael Bascombe

When the decision was taken for Grenada to host the 53rd CARIFTA Games from April 4–6, following Guyana’s withdrawal, it was met with mixed reactions. There were concerns about cost, logistics, and national priorities. Yet, in hindsight, it is clear that this was not just a good decision; it was a necessary one.

The Government of Grenada deserves commendation for stepping forward with confidence and conviction. To successfully host two CARIFTA Games within three years is no small feat for a developing nation navigating economic and structural challenges. Once again, Grenada demonstrated that size does not limit ambition, nor does it define capability.

I recall making an early appeal for national support to the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) when uncertainty loomed over the hosting rights. Among the first to echo that call was my good friend, Finley “Scholar” Jeffrey, who recognised, as many now do, that investing in sport is an investment in national identity, youth development, and international reputation.

It was therefore no surprise that Grenada signalled its intent at the Congress in Trinidad once Guyana formally withdrew. What followed was a collective national effort that culminated in a successful staging of one of the Caribbean’s premier junior sporting events.

On the track, Grenada’s athletes delivered a commendable performance, finishing with 11 medals. While Jamaica dominated the medal standings with 71 medals, including 28 gold, Grenada’s showing must be viewed through a different lens, one of growth and future potential.

Competing at home brings unique pressure. Athletes are not only performing for their country but also in front of family, friends, and a live television audience across the region and beyond. That expectation can either inspire or overwhelm.

In this context, Grenada’s athletes rose admirably.

Deshawn Smart’s gold medal in the Boys Under-17 javelin, with a throw of 65.09 metres, stood out, not only as Grenada’s lone gold, but as a mark superior to the Under-20 winning distance of 63.73m.

Kazim Telesford and Annalisa Brown led the charge among the multi-medallists. Telesford secured silver in both the shot put and discus, while Brown secured silver in the 800m and bronze in the 1500m.

Additional podium finishes came from Nicholas Frederick (U20 800m, silver), Kaelynna Modeste (U17 triple jump, bronze), Tevaughn Hall (U17 400m hurdles, bronze), Javid Noel (octathlon, bronze), and bronze for the U20 men’s 4x100m relay team (Ian George, Darell Daniel, Ethan Sam, and Kneon Mark-Stanislaus).

Equally noteworthy was Ian George’s fourth-place finish in the U20 100m of 10.39 seconds, an indication of our sprinters returning to the finals.

Perhaps most encouraging is that many of Grenada’s medallists emerged from the Under-17 category. This signals a healthy pipeline and suggests that the nation’s athletics future is in capable hands.

Off the field, the Local Organising Committee (LOC), particularly the media coordination team led by Kwame Hypolite, deserves high praise. Despite inevitable challenges, the overall execution was solid, and feedback from visiting media personnel was largely positive.

However, no event of this magnitude is without lessons.

Concerns raised regarding the availability of locally produced goods, the culinary experience offered by some vendors, and the limited adoption of cashless payment systems should not be dismissed. In today’s global sporting environment, visitor experience is as important as competition delivery.

As Grenada positions itself as a reliable host for regional and international events, there are some areas that warrant attention.

I would suggest that the establishment of quality guidelines and encourage vendors to showcase authentic Grenadian products; partner with financial institutions to ensure widespread availability of digital payment options, including mobile and card transactions;  implement short-term certification programmes for vendors and service providers in customer service and food quality standards; strengthen coordination between tourism, culture, and sports stakeholders to deliver a seamless event experience; continue investment in broadcast infrastructure and spectator amenities to match the global reach of the Games; and conduct structured post-event evaluations involving athletes, officials, media, and fans to inform future planning.

Finally, as we reflect on CARIFTA 2026, attention must turn to sustainability and succession.

There is an opportunity, indeed a responsibility, to bring new energy into sports administration. The transition train must begin to move, making space for young, innovative, and committed individuals to contribute to the continued growth of sport in Grenada.

The challenge now is to build on this momentum.

Because success, if left unattended, can quickly become history.

Jamaica’s Smartest Business Investment up to 2030 is in Sport

by Carole Beckford 

KINGSTON - In Jamaica, if your brand isn't in sport, it's missing the most powerful conversation in the country.

Sport is not just entertainment; it is economics, identity, and influence. 

Sport sponsorship in Jamaica offers the best return on investment, because it uniquely combines:

• Undervalued assets
• Mass reach
• Emotional connection
• Cultural relevance
• Direct earnings 

By 2030, sport will continue to make the shift from “good marketing” to “strategic necessity”, especially for brands in telecom, banking, tourism, and consumer goods.

From the excitement of our young men and women on the track to the global legacy of the Reggae Girlz, Reggae Boyz, Sunshine Girls, mixed with electrifying performances of the elite track and field athletes, sport commands attention in ways no traditional advertising channel can match. 

For businesses looking toward 2030, sport sponsorship is not a discretionary spend; it is the smartest investment for measurable return.

Unlike ads of any kind, sport delivers raw emotion. Fans assertively consume; they engage, celebrate, and identify. 

When brands align with teams, athletes, and events, they inherit that emotional equity. This translates directly into higher brand recall, stronger loyalty, and ultimately, increased sales. In a market like Jamaica, where community and culture drive consumer behaviour, that connection is invaluable.

The commercial case is equally compelling. Regional properties such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) demonstrate how sport fuels tourism, media rights, and consumer spending. Hotels fill up, restaurants thrive, and digital audiences expand globally, especially across the diaspora. Sponsorship, therefore, becomes more than marketing; it is demand generation.

Crucially, Jamaica remains in a sponsorship market that could be better leveraged. Compared to mature economies, fewer brands compete for high-visibility assets, meaning early investors secure a disproportionate share of voice at relatively low cost. 

As digital platforms and data analytics improve, businesses will also be able to track sponsorship performance with increasing precision, strengthening ROI accountability.

By 2030, the convergence of sport tourism, digital media, and youth development pipelines will only deepen sport’s economic impact. Companies that invest now will not only capture market share, but they will also shape national narratives.

 

Carole has worked in the business of sport in key areas of sponsorship, marketing, public relations, management, and administration for up to 30 years. 

Clement Defends Decathlon Title at Champs

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica – March 27, 2026 - Grenadian standout Jurel Clement successfully defended his decathlon title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships in Kingston, producing a dominant two-day performance.

Representing Kingston College, Clement finished with 6,837 points, comfortably ahead of Jaquan Souden of Happy Grove High School (6,696), with Deandre Isidore of Jamaica College third on 5,520.

On the final day, Clement stamped his authority on the field, winning the pole vault and javelin, while placing second in the 110m hurdles and discus, and third in the 1500m.

Clement now shifts focus to the upcoming CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium next weekend. 

Clement Leads Decathlon Charge at Champs, Eyes Record Chase

by Michael Bascombe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 26, 2026 — Grenadian multi-event standout Jurel Clement has positioned himself for a strong title defence after taking the lead at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships decathlon at the National Stadium in Kingston.

Representing the powerhouse Kingston College, the former Hillsborough Secondary School student closed Day One atop the standings with 3,617 points, holding a slim 28-point advantage over Jaquan Souden of Happy Grove High School, who sits second with 3,589 points.

Clement delivered a well-balanced performance across the five events contested on the opening day. He sprinted to victory in the 100 metres in 10.98 seconds, setting the tone early, and followed up with a series of consistent finishes, placing second in the long jump (6.80m), shot put (11.88m), and 400 metres (50.84 seconds), while securing third in the high jump with a clearance of 1.78m.

With the competition finely poised, Clement will begin Day Two with the 110m hurdles before moving into the discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and the gruelling 1500 metres, events that will ultimately determine the decathlon champion.

The defending champion now has his sights set not only on retaining his crown, but also on chasing the meet record of 6,969 points, established in 2023 by fellow Grenadian Isaiah Patrick, also of Kingston College.

Meanwhile, there were near-podium finishes for Grenadian athletes in the middle-distance events. Nicholas Frederick of Alphansus Davis High School placed fourth in the Class One Boys’ 1500 metres in 4:00.76, while teammate Ameiah Samuel finished fifth in the Girls’ equivalent in 4:51.59.

Frederick will return to the track on Thursday for the 800 metres preliminaries as Grenadian athletes continue their campaign at Champs.

 

Keith Joseph Proposes Regional University Sports System for the Caribbean

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, October 20, 2025 - President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Keith Joseph, has proposed the creation of a regional university sports system — a Caribbean equivalent of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — to strengthen athlete development and reduce reliance on overseas scholarships.

Speaking on the weekly TalkSports programme on Saturday, Joseph said that the region already has the institutions, talent, and coaching capacity to support such a system but needs stronger coordination among universities, governments, and the private sector to make it work.

“UWI (University of the West Indies) has its own games,” Joseph explained. “But they have not looked at incorporating other institutions like UTech or GC Foster in Jamaica, or the University of Guyana. We need to think regionally, not just campus by campus.”

Joseph warned that the Caribbean’s dependence on U.S. athletic scholarships could become risky given the shifting geopolitical landscape. He suggested that the region must begin preparing for potential restrictions on access to international sports scholarships.

“Given the kind of geopolitics we are seeing now coming out of the U.S., it may not be far-fetched to think that at some point we may face blockages in access to scholarships,” he said. “So, why not build our own system here in the Caribbean?”

He pointed to examples of Caribbean athletes who found early success through regional cooperation and training in Jamaica’s secondary school system, including Zharnel Hughes of Anguilla and Handal Roban of St Vincent and the Grenadines. However, recent restrictions imposed by Jamaica’s Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) have limited the number of foreign students eligible to compete in national school championships — a move Joseph cautioned could unintentionally hinder regional unity.

“I don’t think Jamaica intends to be a spoiler,” he said. “But regulations like that could end up discouraging the same Caribbean integration that sport has helped to build. Jamaica came out of the federation with a black eye in 1962 — I don’t think they want to repeat that perception.”

Joseph’s vision calls for regional universities — including the University of the West Indies (UWI), the University of Guyana, the University of Technology (UTech), and GC Foster College — to offer a set number of sports scholarships per year for Caribbean athletes. This, he said, could create a sustainable and competitive environment similar to the NCAA, while keeping athletes closer to home.

“If we can get the universities in the region to agree to provide a certain number of sports scholarships per year, we can begin the equivalent of a Caribbean NCAA,” Joseph said. “Our athletes wouldn’t have to go overseas — they could stay home, benefit from regional coaching, and still reach world-class levels.”

As part of CANOC’s broader mission, Joseph revealed that the organisation has commissioned a study through the UWI Faculty of Sport to examine the role of the private sector in Caribbean sport development. The study aims to assess the level of investment and explore new models of public-private partnership.

“We’ve asked UWI to do an analysis of the role of the private sector in sport development,” Joseph said. “Are they contributing enough? If not, why not? We rely heavily on the public sector, but we need to better understand how to balance that through effective partnerships.”

Joseph emphasised that the findings should not only inform governments but also engage the wider Caribbean public.

“The people of the Caribbean need to have an input in sport as a vehicle for national and regional development,” he said. “This is about building a shared future through sport.”

NACAC dominates the women’s 100m (6/8 finalists)!

by Michael Bascombe

By the Numbers: Tokyo 2025

TOKYO, Japan, September 14, 2025 - The Women’s and Men’s 100m Finals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The Women’s 100m final featured eight elite sprinters representing four continents, with the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) region showing overwhelming strength:

NACAC Region – 6 athletes

Jamaica – 3 athletes

United States – 2 athletes

St Lucia – 1 athlete

Africa – 1 athlete

Côte d'Ivoire – 1 athlete

Europe – 1 athlete

Great Britain – 1 athlete

Caribbean Subtotal – 4 athletes

(Jamaica 3, St Lucia 1)

Highlight: Jamaica, the perennial sprint powerhouse, once again stamped its authority on the women's sprinting stage with three finalists, maintaining its legacy of excellence.

The Men’s 100m final reflected an even more global sprint landscape, with representation from across Africa, the Caribbean, and NACAC countries:

NACAC Region – 4 athletes

Jamaica – 2 athletes

United States – 2 athletes

Africa – 4 athletes

South Africa – 2 athletes

Nigeria – 1 athlete

Botswana – 1 athlete

Caribbean Subtotal – 2 athletes

(Both from Jamaica)

Highlight: Africa matched NACAC stride for stride in the men's final, with four finalists from three different nations, reflecting the continent’s growing prominence in the short sprints.

Reconnecting communities through sporting clubs

by Carole Beckford

Jamaica’s communities are in need of a social network to reconnect them and help them feel at home. So much of what community life was like up to 30 years ago is missing, and I suggest that the network of cricket and football clubs can reignite some of that passion and togetherness in communities. 

There are 14 Premier League football teams that compete for national honours and are based on matriculation, spread across the island. Meanwhile, cricket has up to 20 clubs, including parish teams and those with a wider reach. 

I propose that we establish a subscription process to galvanise support, while also mobilising individuals in the communities to feel a part of their respective teams. 

Membership is one way where you pay a small fee and you get to have access to the club’s schedule, home and away; you can purchase team merchandise at reduced cost; you may even get to travel with the team for overseas assignments. Most of these teams have a clubhouse where games are held, and there are several ways to participate in the club’s activities and events. 

Volunteering is a great way to start. 

Becoming a volunteer for a club is probably one of the best ways to get in. That can include anything from ensuring the clubhouse is clean for matches, preparing benches for both home and away teams, providing hydration for the teams, to attending practice so you can meet the players and management. Speaking of management, this would need to go through them so they can track the available personnel. Once that list grows, a roster is established for the season. 

Club Management 

The management must reach out to the wider community through schools – primary, high, and college; the church; and service clubs. It is then very important to know who the businesspeople are. That kind of connection creates the network that will form the basis of your support for at least three seasons. This is hard work, as a database will need to be created so you can reach as many people as possible. 

Engaging those close to you is important, and as many of the management team as possible should participate. 

Social Investment 

When you come from a community and its teams have people from the community with family ties, you almost feel obligated to get involved. The incentive is evident when the team performs well in competitions, and the community then senses growth and progress over a consistent period of time. 

The Venue (Club House) 

The venue is primarily for the sport but also serves as a space where the community can utilise it for appropriate events. At this level, there are other ways to participate, either as a member of the team organising the event or as a paying patron. If the venue is multi-faceted, that is more beneficial as the income generation potential is an attraction to other investors. 

There are existing templates for this, and they should be allowed to be used to reconnect the communities. The man/woman on the ground connects to a school, college, church and office, why not a sports club? 

Let’s get this show on the road. 

Part II will examine a sample club in closer detail to see how the method can be practised. Until next time. One Love!

 

Carole Beckford (@carolebeckford) is a marketing and communications specialist

David Riley Highlights Regional Collaboration at CARIFTA

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA, April 6, 2024 - David Riley, head coach of Jamaica’s CARIFTA Games team, has underscored the importance of athlete development and regional collaboration as key pillars for advancing track and field across the Caribbean. Speaking in the aftermath of the 2024 CARIFTA Games, Riley shared his views into Jamaica’s approach and the broader future of the sport.

Riley praised Jamaica’s inclusive philosophy, noting that the country continues to welcome athletes from across the region into its training and competition systems. According to him, this openness not only raises the standard of performance but also strengthens unity and camaraderie among Caribbean athletes.

He pointed to the standout performances of several Boys’ Under-20 athletes, particularly in the shot put and hurdles, many of whom are based in Jamaica for training and development. Their success, he said, reflects the strength and structure of Jamaica’s athletics programme.

On team selection, Riley described the process as intensely competitive, given the depth of talent available. Earning a place on Jamaica’s CARIFTA team, he noted, is a significant achievement in itself.

Looking ahead, Riley outlined the next steps for many of the athletes, with a large number set to compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, while others will transition into training camps in preparation for the World Under-20 Championships.

He also addressed the disruption during the Boys’ 4x400 metres relay, describing it as an unfortunate incident. However, he was quick to emphasise that it did not detract from the overall success of the championships.

Reflections on the 51st CARIFTA Games: A Rollercoaster of Triumphs and Anticlimax

by Michael Bascombe

The curtain falls on the 51st CARIFTA Games, leaving a tapestry of thrilling performances, fierce competition, and an unexpected anticlimax. Held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, the region’s premier junior track and field event once again showcased the depth of Caribbean talent. Nevertheless, its final moments were not without controversy.

After three days of high-quality competition, the Games’ conclusion was marred during the Under-20 Boys’ 4x400 metres relay. An accidental activation of the starting recall system caused confusion among the athletes, resulting in multiple false starts, disruptions, and a disjointed restart. What should have been a fitting climax to a remarkable meet instead lost its rhythm, leaving athletes and spectators alike with a sense of unfinished business.

However, that moment should not overshadow the overall success of the championships. Throughout the three days, athletes displayed exceptional ability, resilience, and sportsmanship, delivering performances that captivated audiences and reaffirmed the strength of Caribbean athletics at the junior level.

Jamaica once again asserted its dominance, securing a 38th consecutive title and topping the medal table with 84 medals.

Credit must go to all involved in organising the Games. From the athletes who gave their all in every race, jump, and throw, to the officials, organisers, sponsors, media personnel, volunteers, entertainers, including local acts and visiting Junkanoo performers, and passionate spectators, each played an essential role in bringing the event to life.

Attention now shifts to Trinidad and Tobago, the next host nation. George Comissiong, President of the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT), has already indicated the country’s readiness. Preparations have been ongoing since 2023, with plans to also host the CARIFTA Aquatics and Cycling Championships over the same Easter weekend in 2025, positioning Trinidad and Tobago for a comprehensive celebration of Caribbean sport.

In reflection, while the 51st edition may have concluded on a slightly muted note, the essence of CARIFTA remains intact. It continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing young talent, fostering regional unity, and inspiring the next generation of Caribbean sporting excellence.

Beckford Calls For Caribbean Sport Development Fund

KINGSTON, March 8, 2024 - Sport Marketing Specialist, Carole Beckford, is calling on CARICOM and Caribbean Governments to give up 1% of their 2024 - 2025 budgets towards a Sport Development Fund. Additional sources could come from agencies that already have work in the region. 

Beckford says, "With all the focus being placed on the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, T20I World Cup Cricket, World Cup Football men and women, plus all other international competitions, the region has to be placed in a better position to win on and off the field." She also believes that a comprehensive plan with specific eligibility criteria can be developed to identify where the allocation goes and how much is allocated. 

The Fund aims to focus on 

• Technical 
• Infrastructure 
• Marketing and Business Development 
• Research and Development 

The funds are to be distributed based on criteria designed to enhance the four areas listed above. 

Technical - There are several categories of athletes preparing for numerous regional and international games/championships over the next ten years, who would require access to the most durable equipment. There could be a first-time allotment of funds to import the listed and approved equipment. The applicable duty waivers could be applied as incentives. This could be for five years initially. 

Infrastructure - All regions have facilities to host major events, and most need upgrades. The awards could be granted based on which country has commitments to host any regional and/or international events over the next ten years. The allocations would be based on detailed plans for upcoming events. 

Marketing and Business Development - The athletes have largely done well on the field of play, but their post-life plans could be enhanced by opportunities in the marketplace and ongoing awareness of how to plan for life changes. The allocations here would be based on the business plans and their forecast. 

Research and Development - The suggestion that talent alone is enough does not hold; therefore, there are reasons why athletes continue to perform. However, with all the environmental and related issues, times are changing and could impact how sports are managed, governed, and even hosted. Funds here would focus on discussions on how the Caribbean can manage its resources more efficiently. 

The recommendation is for a Team with expertise in: 

• Commercial Planning 
• Marketing 
• Finance and Planning 
• Governance 
• Academic Development 

Globally, the sports industry is estimated to be worth at least a billion dollars, and there is more to access, but athletes need to be better prepared. 

The Caribbean, as a region, is a sporting destination, but there is always an opportunity to capture a bigger part of that global market with more intentional planning among the nations in the region.