Sir Kirani reaffirms nonpartisan role ahead of Grenada election

by Michael Bascombe

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.

Sir Kirani James’ CANOC ambassador role to extend beyond ceremony

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Oct. 26, 2026 - Sir Kirani James will mentor athletes, address national Olympic committees and promote sporting and academic achievement across the Caribbean in an active role as the region’s first CANOC Sports Ambassador.

Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) President Keith Joseph says Sir Kirani James’ appointment as the organisation’s first Sports Ambassador was designed to give young Caribbean athletes a regional role model, not to create another ceremonial position.

The CANOC President rejected any suggestion that the position would be largely ceremonial.

“No, no, no,” Joseph said on Saturday’s TalkSports programme with Michael Bascombe when asked

about the scope of the appointment.

“Part of our engagement of the ambassador is to facilitate his being able to go to different fora, to speak with athletes, to be an example to athletes of what they can be.”

Sir Kirani was officially installed as CANOC’s inaugural Sports Ambassador during the organisation’s workshop in Curaçao on October 17.

Joseph said Sir Kirani could also attend assemblies of national Olympic committees, encourage young people to participate in sport, and challenge the perception that athletic involvement conflicts with academic achievement.

CANOC has also given the Grenadian the latitude to identify events and discussions at which he believes he can make a useful contribution.

Joseph said the position was established because prominent athletes can influence how children view themselves and their possibilities.

“We need people that our young people can look up to,” he said.

Joseph said Sir Kirani’s address in Curaçao reinforced CANOC’s decision. He noted that the former Olympic and world 400-metre champion repeatedly reflected on his upbringing and the people who supported his development.

“It appears as though throughout his career, he maintained a link with his roots,” Joseph said. “He was always aware that whatever he was achieving was intended not just for him, but for those who gave rise to what he would become.”

James became Grenada’s first Olympic medallist when he won the 400m at the 2012 London Games. He later secured silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, adding to the world title he won in Daegu in 2011.

Joseph argued that Caribbean sporting organisations had not done enough to preserve and promote the stories of regional athletes or explain the wider contribution sport has made to Caribbean identity.

“Kirani can do that for us,” he said.

Joseph described James as the strongest available choice because of his accomplishments, humility, and understanding of his wider regional influence. He said no objection was raised when the appointment was proposed.

CANOC could eventually appoint additional ambassadors. Joseph disclosed that the organisation had attempted to appoint a female athlete alongside James but had not completed the arrangement.

“We will also remember the importance of gender equity in this exercise,” he said.

Joseph did not announce a timetable or the first set of regional assignments for Sir Kirani.

Funding remains biggest hurdle as Grenadian cyclist Red Walters targets LA28 Olympics

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, July 4, 2026 - Grenada's professional cyclist Red Walters says a lack of funding, rather than ability or determination, remains the greatest obstacle in his quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Walters, who is preparing to represent Grenada at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, spoke candidly about the financial realities of competing on the international cycling circuit during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on Saturday.

While his focus is firmly fixed on earning Olympic qualification, Walters admitted that the escalating costs of international competition have become one of the biggest challenges in pursuing his dream.

"Now that I'm trying to get to the Olympics, the costs are getting insane. It's ridiculous," Walters said. "I track everything in a spreadsheet just to keep up with what I'm spending and to make sure I have enough money."

The Grenadian rider acknowledged that when people ask what could prevent him from reaching his goals, the answer is straightforward.

"The biggest thing that would stop me from achieving my goals is if I ran out of money."

Competing professionally requires far more than training and racing. Walters explained that he is responsible for organising flights, accommodation, transporting specialised cycling equipment, and managing every aspect of his competition schedule, all while trying to keep expenses to a minimum.

"It's almost like running a business," he said. "I'm managing funding, booking the cheapest possible flights and accommodation, and stretching every bit of the budget to make it possible."

Walters credited sponsorship as the key reason he has been able to continue competing at the highest level. Beyond his performances on the bike, he has invested considerable effort in building his personal brand through social media to attract corporate partners.

"I put a lot of work into social media to create the kind of platform sponsors want to invest in," he explained. "Then I have to create content for those sponsors while also doing the work required as an athlete."

He added that sponsorship opportunities have occasionally arrived just when they were most needed.

"Sometimes I don't even know how it all works out. Sometimes I'll get lucky, and a new sponsor comes along just in time. That's happened a couple of times, and I'm just doing everything I can and hoping it works out."

Walters said he receives assistance from the Grenada Olympic Committee, although he is not currently part of the Olympic Solidarity programme.

His financial challenges became particularly evident earlier this year when geopolitical tensions disrupted his competition schedule.

Walters had planned to compete in all three UCI Track Cycling World Cup events to gain valuable experience and improve his chances of qualifying for the World Championships. After competing at the Pan American Championships, he travelled to Dubai en route to Australia for the opening World Cup when conflict in the Middle East resulted in widespread flight cancellations.

"I landed in Dubai, and one or two days later the conflict started," he recalled. "The flights got cancelled, and it was pretty sad because I knew that wasn't going to happen."

Looking back, however, Walters believes the disappointment may have proved beneficial.

He eventually competed in the remaining World Cups in Hong Kong and Malaysia, but by the conclusion of the Malaysian event he had exhausted his finances.

"By the end of Malaysia, I had run out of money. I had maxed out a credit card," he revealed. "If I had gone to Australia as well, I probably wouldn't have had enough money to compete in the other two World Cups, and I needed those races to qualify for the World Championships."

Walters described the experience as an example of what initially appeared to be a setback ultimately working in his favour.

"Sometimes what looks like a curse turns into a blessing," he said.

Watch the entire programme 

IOC and ICC accept CWI’s proposal for regional qualifier

 

by Keith Joseph – CANOC, President

The doors to LA28 have just been swung open for individual Cricket West Indies countries to qualify for the 34th edition of the Summer Olympics, scheduled for Los Angeles, California, USA, July 14 - 30, 2028.

The International Olympic Committee has released the qualification system for cricket teams for LA2028. The Caribbean option rests with the following regulations as per the ‘Final Olympic Global Qualification Tournament (FO GQT)’, which states:

‘The following teams will qualify for the Final Olympic Global Qualification Tournament (FOGQT):

• The next eight highest -ranked eligible teams not yet qualified, based on the ICC Men’s T20 Team Rankings;

If the West Indies is ranked among the eight highest -ranked teams not yet qualified, the ICC shall organise a West Indies Nations Regional Tournament to determine which NOC will represent the region at the Final Global Olympic Qualification Tournament.

 

‘The West Indies, as a composite ICC member representing multiple Caribbean nations and not recognised as an IOC NOC, is ineligible to participate in the Olympic Games or to obtain a quota place. It comprises the following NOCs: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands,

Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands, which do not compete individually in ICC events.’

In April/May 2025, Cricket West Indies (CWI) wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) offering options for consideration and has continued to lobby to ensure the inclusion of its member countries in the process.

Since the submission, CWI has been anxious to receive news from the ICC about its own acceptance and that of the IOC. In the meantime, CWI and CANOC have been engaged in a joint effort at ensuring that all members of CWI seek individual membership of their respective National Olympic Committees (NOC).

This has since been achieved, and has smoothed the path to the significant milestone that has been announced by the IOC, the ICC and which CWI and all of CANOC are celebrating.

We have all been aware that during the period of the West Indies Federation, the West Indies Olympic Association was formed on 29 July 1958 and recognised by the IOC in the same year.

The members were  Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands. 

The Association had athletes participate in the Pan American Games in Chicago, Illinois in 1959 and a year later, at the Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. With the onset of Independence across the English-speaking Caribbean, the Association was dissolved and each independent nation then successfully applied for and gained membership of the IOC. The IOC Olympic Charter only recognises individual NOCs as having the legitimate right to send representative teams to the quadrennial Olympics.

CANOC extends sincere congratulations to CWI and to all our NOCs with national Cricket Associations that are now eligible to contest for a place in the sport’s return to the Summer Olympics in 2028.

Uncertainty continues over host for 2027 CARIFTA Games

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, May 31, 2026 - Uncertainty continues to surround the hosting of the 2027 CARIFTA Games, with unconfirmed reports suggesting that NACAC may reopen the bidding process after prospective hosts have not yet secured the required government guarantees.

The reports come as the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) continues its search for a host nation for the region's premier junior track and field championships.

NACAC President Mike Sands, speaking during a brief appearance on Saturday's edition of TalkSports, confirmed that no host has yet been approved but assured the athletics community that an announcement would be made as soon as a decision is reached.

"Trust me, as soon as I get the word, the whole family of CARIFTA and the diaspora, and everybody else will know because that's our premier event," Sands said. "That won't be any secret. We won't keep that a secret. Trust me."

Sands explained that following discussions at the NACAC Congress held in Grenada during the 2026 CARIFTA Games, member federations interested in hosting the 2027 edition were invited to submit bids accompanied by letters of guarantee from their respective governments.

Although NACAC had initially hoped to identify a host by the end of April, the process has been delayed.

Both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago expressed interest in staging the championships. However, according to Sands, neither federation has yet secured the required government guarantee.

The CARIFTA Games is NACAC's flagship developmental competition and annually showcases the Caribbean's top junior athletes, many of whom go on to represent the region at major international championships, including the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports indicate that NACAC is being urged to reopen the bidding process to all member federations as efforts continue to secure a host for the 2027 Games.

Anderson Peters opens Diamond League season with victory in Rabat

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, May 31, 2026 - Grenadian javelin star Anderson Peters opened his 2026 Wanda Diamond League campaign impressively on Sunday, capturing victory at the Rabat Diamond League meeting in Morocco.

The two-time World Champion produced a best throw of 86.08 metres in the fourth round to move into the lead and secure top honours in a competitive field.

Peters trailed Sri Lanka's Tharanga Pathirage after the opening round, with the Sri Lankan launching the javelin 85.97m on his first attempt. However, the Grenadian responded with a series of solid throws before unleashing his winning effort midway through the competition.

Pathirage was unable to improve on his opening mark and settled for second place with 85.97m.

Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott, the 2025 World Champion and former Olympic gold medallist, finished third with a best throw of 82.52m.

The victory provides an encouraging start to the Diamond League season for Peters, who continues to establish himself among the world's elite throwers following a strong early-season campaign.

Peters and the other leading throwers will have little time to rest as the Diamond League circuit moves to Europe. Their next stop will be the Rome Diamond League in Italy on Thursday, where another high-quality contest is expected.

Sports set to face biggest test

by Keith Joseph

Over the past several months, the immigration policies of the United States have changed significantly, to the extent that those seeking visas from almost any country may be more concerned than ever before in history about their chances of being successful.

Perhaps, more than anything else, is the reality that it is almost impossible to predict the nature of policy changes, as well as what can give cause for the changes, and uncertainty as to when such changes may be announced and enforced.

At the time of writing this piece, the next edition of the quadrennial FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin in Mexico City, Mexico, in 48 days, with host Mexico taking on South Africa. Matches are scheduled for Canada and the USA in addition to Mexico.

FIFA remains tentative on precisely what, if any, guarantees it is able to give to any of the participating teams. Technical and administrative officials and supporters. At the same time, several citizens from several countries are under total travel bans, while others are under partial bans. Additionally, many countries have also been informed that their citizens are now subject to a bond of $15,000USD when making their applications for visas.

At this point, there remains much uncertainty in respect of whether players of teams that have qualified for the World Cup Finals would be negatively affected and what this would mean for the affected teams. Across FIFA’s membership, there is much to worry about in. the short time left before the first ball kicks off.

Although two years away, the XXXIV edition of the Olympic Games, due to commence on 17 July 2028, is very much under a cloud, much as is the case currently with the FIFA World Cup of 2026. Whilst many of the 205 National Olympic Committees ideally relish Los Angeles’ game-changing traditions when hosting the Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee, much like FIFA, must be looking at all possible scenarios in respect of the applicable visa requirements as the Games draw ever nearer.

The fact that the IOC has a recently elected new and first woman President who is still ‘finding her feet and hopeful of establishing her own legacy in the global Olympic Movement, does not make it any easier for all those nations whose athletes are in preparation for the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
 
At this juncture in world history, while both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games have had their fair number of critical challenges, the likes of what they are currently facing has never featured in the manner in which they find themselves today. Indeed, the world has never faced a near-crippling situation in respect of global travel as is the case today.

One clearly understands the rapidly changing geo-politics of the contemporary, which has many nations and their economies at their mercy. But the uncertainty that exists and for the immediate future, international sport will face its toughest test. This is not to say that we cannot overcome the challenges as has been the case throughout history. The current situation, however, has the potential to push two of the world’s most lucrative and exciting sporting spectacles to bankruptcy, whilst significantly upturning them and their own perceived places in global dynamics.

One can only hope that cool heads prevail and that all nations that so readily sign on to the Olympic Truce and extol the powerful virtues of sport on humanity, would come together is a major initiative that can literally allow sport perhaps its best chance to ‘change the world’. The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) is counting on this.

Keith Joseph is the President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) 

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

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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