MEDIA BLAST - Mike's Blog

Lindon Victor deserves Grenada’s highest recognition

2026-08-01T11:53:27.702-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

Lindon Victor has done enough to be recognised among Grenada’s most distinguished citizens.

His victory in the decathlon at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow completed a remarkable hat-trick, following his gold medals on the Gold Coast in 2018 and in Birmingham in 2022.

Winning the Commonwealth title once is an outstanding achievement. Winning it three consecutive times, over eight years, is historic.

Victor’s record extends far beyond the Commonwealth Games. He won bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and followed that with another bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Earlier in his career, he was a two-time NCAA Division I decathlon champion at Texas A&M University.

This is a sustained record of excellence at the highest levels of international sport.

The decathlon is often described as the ultimate test of the complete athlete. Over two days, competitors contest 10 events: the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110-metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1,500 metres.

It demands speed, strength, endurance, technique, discipline, and mental toughness. One poor performance can undo months of preparation.

Victor has accepted that challenge year after year and established himself among the world’s finest multi-event athletes.

It is therefore time for the relevant authorities in Grenada to give serious consideration to appointing him as a Companion of the Order of Grenada.

The honour recognises distinguished achievement and service that brings international prestige to the country. Victor has unquestionably done that.

Whenever he competes, Grenada’s flag is displayed on the world stage. Whenever he reaches the podium, the country’s name is placed before an international audience. His achievements have brought pride and positive recognition to Grenadians at home and throughout the diaspora.

The Companion of the Order of Grenada has been awarded to distinguished citizens, including Sir Daniel Williams, Baroness Rosalind Howells, Johnson Beharry, and Olympic champion Kirani James.

Victor has earned the right to be considered among them.

This is not simply a reaction to his latest gold medal. It is a recommendation based on years of sacrifice, consistency, and historic achievement.

Too often, athletes receive their greatest recognition only after retirement. Grenada should not wait.

Honouring Victor while he is still competing would send a powerful message to young athletes that sustained excellence and service through sport are valued by the nation.

There will undoubtedly be other worthy nominations, but Victor’s name should be placed firmly before those responsible for Grenada’s national honours.

He has carried the flag with pride, represented the country with dignity, and earned his place in Grenada’s history.

Lindon Victor deserves to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Grenada.

Victor second in Decathlon; Peters advances to Javelin final

2026-07-30T14:01:02.044-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 30, 2026 – Defending champion Lindon Victor was in second place after the opening three events of the men’s decathlon at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday.

After completing the 100 metres, long jump, and shot put, the Grenadian had accumulated 2,685 points.

Canada’s Damian Warner led the competition with 2,765 points, holding an 80-point advantage over Victor.

The decathletes will contest two more events on Thursday—the high jump and 400 metres—before completing the remaining five events on Friday.

Grenada also secured a place in the final of the men’s javelin throw through Anderson Peters.

The two-time world champion produced a qualifying throw of 81.29 metres, the second-best mark of the preliminary round. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage led the qualifiers with 82.84m.

Peters will be joined in Friday’s final by two other Caribbean athletes. Bahamian Keshawn Strachan qualified with 78.60m, while Trinidad and Tobago’s former Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott advanced with 78.26m.

Jamaica’s Elvis Graham failed to qualify for the 12-man final after recording 65.07m.

Meanwhile, Jamara Patterson’s campaign in the women’s 400 metres ended in the semi-finals.

The Grenadian finished third in Heat 3 in 52.92 seconds but did not secure one of the two non-automatic qualifying places for the final.

Nigeria’s Ella Onojuvwevwo won the heat in 51.47, with Wales’ Charlotte Henrich finishing second in 52.13. Both advanced automatically.

Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley recorded the fastest qualifying time of 51.18, while Barbados’ Sada Williams also progressed after clocking 51.85. They will be the Caribbean’s representatives in the women’s 400m final.

Walters makes history as Grenada’s first Commonwealth Games para-athlete

2026-07-30T11:26:44.525-04:00

by Ronald Charles, Coach

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 30, 2026 - Nickel Walters became the first Grenadian para-athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games when he represented the country in the men’s F42–64 discus.

His appearance was an important moment for Grenada’s Paralympic movement and another sign of the progress being made in developing para sports at home.

Walters competed in difficult weather conditions but still produced a personal-best performance. The event brought together athletes from different classifications, with the final standings determined through the Raza points system.

Discus is not Walters’ main event. He would have preferred to compete in the javelin, but that event was not included on the programme. He therefore accepted the challenge of competing in the discus and made the most of the opportunity.

“I am happy and grateful for the opportunity,” Walters said after the competition. “Although I wasn’t able to compete in my best event, the javelin, I adapted to the discus and gave it my best.”

His willingness to compete outside his preferred event, while representing Grenada at this level for the first time, made the occasion even more meaningful.

Walters’ participation also marks another important step for Grenada’s Paralympic programme. The country has now been represented at most of the world’s major para-sport competitions, providing a foundation on which the national programme can continue to build.

The achievement should also help to bring greater attention to Grenada’s para-athletes and the support they need to train, compete and develop.

Walters leaves the Games with a personal best and a place in Grenada’s sporting history. Most importantly, he has opened the door for other Grenadian para-athletes to follow.

Patterson advances as Grenada experiences mixed fortunes in Glasgow

2026-07-28T10:29:10.516-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 28, 2026 – Jamara Patterson advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres as Grenada experienced mixed fortunes on the track on the second day of competition at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday.

Patterson finished third in the opening heat in 52.79 seconds to secure her place in Thursday’s semi-finals.

Charlotte Henrich of Wales won the heat in 52.13, while England’s Laviai Nielsen finished second in 52.72.

Patterson was among four Caribbean athletes who progressed from the opening round. Jamaicans Shana Kaye Anderson and Leah Anderson advanced after recording 52.71 and 52.74, respectively, while Bermuda’s Caitlyn Bobb qualified in 54.94.

However, Grenada’s Michael Francois and Joshem Sylvester were unable to advance from the opening round of the men’s 400 metres.

Francois finished third in Heat 1 in 46.62, narrowly missing a qualifying place. Nigeria’s Edidiong Udo won the heat in 45.73, with Barbados’ Desean Boyce taking second in 46.55. Both advanced to Thursday’s semi-finals.

Sylvester placed fourth in Heat 6, crossing the line in 48.17. Amal Glasgow of St Vincent and the Grenadines won the heat in 46.03, while India’s Vishal Kayalvizhi was second in 46.49.

Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes was the fastest qualifier overall, clocking 45.13.

Barnes led a strong group of eight Caribbean athletes into the semi-finals. The other qualifiers were Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, who recorded 45.72; Jamaica’s Delano Kennedy, 45.82; St Lucia’s Michael Joseph, 45.84; Glasgow, 46.03; Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Marchan, 46.17; Jamaica’s Antonio Watts, 46.36; and Boyce, 46.55.

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

2026-07-27T10:55:21.999-04:00

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

Whittaker: Traditional media must uphold standards amid social media challenges

2026-07-25T20:00:14.815-04:00

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

2026-07-25T18:06:17.200-04:00

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

2026-07-25T16:46:27.644-04:00

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

2026-07-25T15:47:01.573-04:00

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

CARICOM intervention must be the start of a wider sports commitment

2026-07-23T18:46:02.721-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

The confirmation that Guyana will host the 2027 CARIFTA Games and Barbados the 2028 edition is welcome news. It ends uncertainty and signals that CARICOM leaders are beginning to recognise that regional sport cannot be limited to cricket.

The Heads of Government deserve to be commended for responding quickly after NACAC Athletics appealed for help. But this intervention must be the start of a wider commitment, not an emergency measure to rescue one championship.

Sport needs a permanent seat at the regional discussion table. The Caribbean cannot continue to speak about youth development, public health, education, tourism, and economic opportunity while treating sport as an occasional item, raised only when a crisis develops.

NACAC President Mike Sands said the appeal to CARICOM stressed the urgent need for a host and the wider value of sport to the region’s young people. During Thursday’s media briefing, he did not identify the messenger, but hinted that NACAC had found an emissary. He said one territory had been prepared to host, without giving details.

That naturally raises the question: did Grenada help convince regional leaders that the CARIFTA Games must remain on the calendar?

The timing is difficult to ignore. Against that background, it is fair to ask whether Grenada played a part in bringing the matter to the attention of CARICOM leaders. Having hosted the Games twice in three years, including the 2026 edition at short notice, Grenada understood both their importance and the growing burden placed on smaller host countries.

Although no details have been made public about how the issue reached the CARICOM conference room, the timing and the outcome leave the impression that Grenada may have helped convince regional leaders that the CARIFTA Games must remain firmly on the regional sporting calendar.

CARICOM Heads should now mandate their respective sports ministers to develop a sustainable regional framework with NACAC and other sporting organisations. That discussion should address host rotation, government guarantees, facilities, travel costs, broadcast opportunities, athlete welfare, and long-term financing.

Football, cricket, basketball, boxing, swimming, netball, the Olympic movement, and other regional bodies should also be invited into the conversation. The problems facing CARIFTA are not unique to athletics.

Guyana and Barbados have secured the immediate future of the Games. CARICOM must now help secure the wider future of Caribbean sport.

CARIFTA Games secured for 2027 and 2028 following CARICOM intervention

2026-07-23T16:29:07.771-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 23, 2026 – The immediate future of the CARIFTA Games has been secured, with Guyana confirmed as host in 2027 and Barbados taking responsibility for the region’s premier junior track and field championships in 2028, according to the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).

NACAC Athletics said Thursday that the commitments followed the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government after the two member federations that had expressed an interest in hosting the 2027 Games withdrew.

Their withdrawal came just days before the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, held in Saint Lucia from July 5–8.

NACAC subsequently appealed directly to the CARICOM leaders, highlighting the urgent need to secure a host and the broader value of sport to the region’s young people.

“On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,” NACAC Athletics President Mike Sands said during a media briefing.

“I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.”

The announcement ends several months of uncertainty surrounding the Games after prospective hosts failed to secure the required government guarantees.

Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago had expressed an interest in hosting the 2027 championships. However, neither federation had obtained the necessary government guarantee when Sands addressed the matter during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on May 30.

NACAC also praised Grenada for hosting the 2026 Games at short notice, marking the second time in three years that the country had staged the championships.

According to the regional governing body, the 2026 Games recorded the widest television and livestream viewership in CARIFTA history, reaching audiences across the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe.

NACAC has since taken control of the broadcast rights to its events, a move intended to reach wider audiences and generate new revenue for regional athletics.

“Grenada’s willingness to host twice in three years speaks to its commitment to youth development, but it also reminds us of the real demands hosting places on our smaller island states,” Sands said.

“Sustaining the CARIFTA Games will take continued partnership between our governments and sporting bodies.”

NACAC is expected to engage the relevant authorities in Guyana and Barbados to support early planning for both editions while continuing discussions with CARICOM leaders on a more sustainable framework for athletics and major youth sporting events in the Caribbean.

Journalists urge a structured hosting model for CARIFTA Games

2026-07-18T20:45:06.656-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 - Two regional sports journalists have called for a more structured and coordinated approach to selecting and managing hosts of the CARIFTA Games, following confirmation that Guyana will stage the regional junior athletics championship in 2027 and Barbados in 2028.

Terry Finisterre of St Lucia and Dennis Allen of Trinidad and Tobago, appearing on TalkSports on Saturday, examined what the CARICOM announcement means for the immediate future and long-term stability of the Games.

Finisterre said the confirmation provides some certainty but highlighted the need for closer cooperation between governments and athletics administrators. He noted that Guyana had previously offered to host, but political and athletic commitments had not always been fully aligned.

“NACAC and CARICOM have to be working hand in glove going forward,” Finisterre said. He suggested a formal MOU or “ironclad contract,” adding: “They have to agree going forward that this is the methodology by which we are going to assign the CARIFTA Games.”

Finisterre also called for greater continuity between successive local organising committees. Instead of creating new social media pages, media groups and operating systems each year, he said those assets, along with manuals and other organisational material, should be transferred from one host to the next.

“You just hand over the group, you hand over the social media handles, you hand over the manual,” he said.

He believes hosts should be identified three or four years in advance, supported by timelines, contingency plans and representatives from NACAC and CARICOM.

Allen, meanwhile, said Guyana faces significant logistical challenges ahead of 2027, particularly in accommodation, transportation and access to the track facility. He estimated that the country may have to accommodate and move close to 2,000 people, requiring coordination among the athletics association and the ministries responsible for sport, tourism, finance, infrastructure and public works.

“I think that it’s going to pose a challenge to Guyana, not just athletics, but the sports ministry, tourism ministry, finance and infrastructure, public works ministry to get everything up there,” Allen said.

However, Allen expressed confidence in Guyana’s ability to deliver if preparations begin immediately.

“Everything that I have talked about has to be done in 2026,” he said.

Finisterre also urged World Athletics, NACAC, CARICOM and regional governments to support improved broadcasting and commercial development, saying CARIFTA should become “a standalone property that can sustain itself.”

The journalists maintained that the Games’ long-term stability will depend on earlier decisions, stronger institutional cooperation and a permanent framework that extends beyond individual governments and organising committees.

Watch the entire programme

Grenada names teams for Commonwealth and CAC Games amid scheduling clash

2026-07-15T16:14:12.431-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 15, 2026 - Olympic champion Kirani James is set to make his first appearance at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games after being named among Grenada’s representatives for the 2026 edition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) officially announced the country’s teams on Wednesday for the CAC Games and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

James will contest the men’s 400 metres in Santo Domingo, where he will be joined on the athletics team by Anderson Peters, Lindon Victor, Nazzio John, Joshem Sylvester, Kelsie Muriel Ross, and Suerena Alexander. Grenada will also be represented in swimming by Gabrielle Hayson and Jacob Collymore, while Thorina Mitchell, Renisha Stafford, Jonel Phillip, and Darron Oxford will compete in beach volleyball.

The CAC Games will run from July 24 to August 8, overlapping almost entirely with the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2.

Grenada’s Commonwealth Games athletics contingent includes Peters, Victor, Sylvester, Jamara Patterson, Michael Francois, and Shaquane Toussaint. Swimmers Tilly Collymore and Zackary Gresham, cyclist Red Walters, and para-athlete Nickel Walters complete the country’s competing delegation.

The scheduling conflict has raised concerns throughout the Caribbean, with several athletes and national Olympic committees eligible to participate in both championships.

Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) President Keith Joseph described the situation as a “conundrum” for regional members that maintain affiliations with both Commonwealth Sport and Centro Caribe Sports.

Joseph said the clash had forced members to wrestle with divided loyalties while potentially weakening participation, attendance, and the overall marketability of both events.

“CANOC regrets the clash of dates that has brought us to a stage where torn loyalties threaten the viability of both events,” he said.

Joseph called for greater international dialogue, planning, and coordination when scheduling future multi-sport competitions.

The conflict is particularly significant as Centro Caribe Sports celebrates the centenary of the inaugural CAC Games, staged in Mexico City in 1926. The Commonwealth Games movement is expected to mark its centenary when India hosts the 2030 Games in Amdavad.

Debellotte says school systems must better support sporting development

2026-07-12T18:39:08.734-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 12, 2026 - Former Grenada national football coach Ali Debellotte believes the country's education system needs to do more to support the development of young athletes, arguing that many promising footballers are being lost because they are unable to combine their studies with sport.

Debellotte made the comments during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on Saturday while discussing lessons Caribbean countries can learn from the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

He said the development of football begins in the schools and that the present structure is limiting opportunities for many talented players.

"I think Caribbean football has to shift, and it comes from school. It comes from school in Grenada," he said.

Using the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) as an example, Debellotte said he has observed talented footballers who are enrolled in academic programmes that do not include sport, preventing them from representing the institution.

"There are several sports programmes at TAMCC, but students are placed according to the subjects they are studying," he said. "You see these guys who are playing good football, but they are in another class where they don't have to do sport."

He questioned why national players attending the college were not automatically involved in its sporting programme.

"Here you are with two or three national players at TAMCC, but they are not in the sports programme. I ask them why they are not playing football, and they tell me, 'Coach, we are not in that programme.'"

Debellotte believes the situation has had an impact on the progression of players through Grenada's national youth teams.

He pointed to the country's Under-15 programme, noting that many of the players identified four years ago have not progressed to the Under-19 national team.

"When you look at the Under-15 team from four years ago, only two or three of those players are on the Under-19 team. Something has to be wrong," he said.

"You play Under-15, Under-16 and Under-17, and then you can't make the Under-19 team."

According to Debellotte, one of the reasons is that students are increasingly forced to prioritise academics over sport.

"More emphasis is on school and no more on the playing," he said.

He questioned why other countries have found ways to combine education and sport successfully while Grenada and other Caribbean nations continue to struggle.

"All around the world they seem to be able to match education and sport, but we can't do it in Grenada, or maybe in most of the Caribbean islands," he said. "Some of the problems we have in sport today, I could tell you, in Grenada, it starts in the school."

Debellotte believes that unless young athletes are given greater opportunities to continue their sporting development while pursuing their education, Grenada will continue to face challenges in producing players capable of progressing through the national ranks.

Watch the entire programme

Boca Secondary School Combined tops Island Showdown in Trinidad

2026-07-11T16:48:36.515-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 11, 2026 - Grenada's Boca Secondary School Combined emerged as the top-performing school at the Island Showdown Track and Field Championships, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago from July 7-8.

Represented by a team of just 19 athletes, Boca amassed 289 points to claim the overall title ahead of President's College of Guyana (220 points) and Bishop Anstey High School of Trinidad and Tobago (207 points).

The Grenadian combined school also finished atop the medal standings with an impressive haul of 19 medals - 10 gold, two silver, and seven bronze. Christianburg Wismar Secondary School of Guyana followed with 13 medals, while Queen's Royal College of Trinidad and Tobago secured 10.

Jamol Neckles was among Boca's standout performers, winning the Boys' High Jump with a clearance of 1.95 metres. Mickella Patrick captured the Girls' High Jump title after clearing a new personal best of 1.65 metres, while Naomi Phillip struck gold in the Girls' Discus Throw with a best effort of 30.93 metres.

Annalisa Brown continued her strong middle-distance season by taking the Girls' 800 metres, adding another gold medal to Boca's tally.

The school's relay teams also made a significant contribution, winning the Girls' Under-17 4x400 metres relay, the Boys' 17 and Over 4x400 metres relay, and the Boys' 4x100 metres relay.

Korey Benjamin added a silver medal in the Boys' Under-17 Discus Throw with a throw of 31.50 metres and a bronze in the Shot Put.

Boca's girls finished second in their division with 162 points behind Bishop Anstey High School, which scored 207 points, while the boys placed fifth with 127 points. The combined performances were enough to secure the overall championship honours.

The two-day meet attracted competitors from 72 schools representing Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and host nation Trinidad and Tobago.

CREDITS: Photo & Video courtesy of Nazim Benjamin (Party Grenada)

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

2026-07-10T19:52:30.027-04:00

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."

CARICOM cannot afford to keep Sport on the sidelines

2026-07-07T18:29:51.147-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

As Caribbean Heads of Government meet in St Lucia for the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, they do so at a moment when the world is once again witnessing the extraordinary power of sport.

The FIFA World Cup has captured the imagination of millions, including throughout the Caribbean. Beyond the excitement of goals, flags and national pride, the tournament reminds us of the enormous social, cultural and economic value of sport. It drives tourism, media, business, employment, national branding and youth aspiration. The Caribbean may not be in a position to stage an event of that scale, but we should not miss the larger lesson: sport is not merely entertainment. It is development.

That is why sport, in general and not just cricket, should have a meaningful place on the CARICOM agenda.

The qualification of Haiti and Curaçao among the 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup should be a powerful signal to the region. Haiti’s presence, despite the country’s immense national challenges, is a reminder of the hope, resilience and pride that sport can generate. Curaçao’s historic achievement shows that small Caribbean nations, when properly organised and supported, can compete successfully on the world stage.

But the argument extends well beyond football. Caribbean athletes continue to distinguish themselves in international track and field, while encouraging progress is being made in cycling, swimming, boxing, netball, basketball, volleyball and other disciplines. Too often, these successes are achieved despite weak systems, limited funding, irregular competition, and insufficient athlete support.

Governments across the region have invested in stadiums, tracks, courts and other facilities. That investment is important. However, infrastructure alone cannot transform sport. Facilities must be supported by clear policies, school and community programmes, coaching development, sports science, athlete welfare, regional competitions, private-sector partnerships and stronger use of the Caribbean diaspora.

Sport can help reduce youth vulnerability, improve public health, strengthen national identity, expand economic opportunity and deepen regional integration. It deserves to be treated as a serious pillar of development.

CARICOM must therefore move sport from the margins to the centre of regional planning. The Caribbean has the talent, the passion, the history and the global presence. What is now required is political will, coordinated policy and sustained investment.

Bruno-Victor calls for greater investment in regional sport as OECS Championships return

2026-07-04T22:13:23.839-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, July 4, 2026 - Vice-President of PanAm Sports, Veda Bruno-Victor, has urged Caribbean governments and regional leaders to prioritise sport on the development agenda, warning that the high cost of regional travel continues to limit opportunities for athletes across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Speaking during Saturday's opening ceremony of the revived Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES) OECS Track and Field Championships in St Kitts and Nevis, Bruno-Victor said expensive inter-island travel remains one of the greatest barriers to athlete development and regional competition.

She explained that the issue emerged repeatedly during discussions with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) from across the Caribbean at the start of the current Olympic quadrennial in 2025.

"One issue was consistently raised by the members of the OECS National Olympic Committees - the lack of regular regional competition across many sports," she said.

According to Bruno-Victor, the financial burden associated with international competition prevents many athletes from competing regularly, gaining valuable experience, and improving their international rankings.

"The high cost of international participation often limits our athletes' opportunities to compete, gain valuable experience and improve their international rankings," she said. "Without these opportunities, many talented athletes are placed at a disadvantage when preparing for major international competitions."

She noted that discussions among the NOCs also highlighted the important role that former regional competitions played in developing sporting excellence while strengthening relationships among the islands.

"It was recognised that the OECS once hosted regional competitions that played a significant role in developing sporting excellence and strengthening the bonds among our islands," Bruno-Victor said. "The members expressed a strong desire to see these Games revived, and PanAm Sports was proud to support that vision."

She described the return of the championships as the revival of an important sporting tradition that has inspired generations of Caribbean athletes.

"These Games have inspired generations, showcased extraordinary talent, and united a Caribbean family through the power of sport," she said.

While celebrating the return of the championships, Bruno-Victor urged regional policymakers not to overlook the logistical challenges that continue to hinder sporting development.

"Limited inter-island transportation, lengthy travel times and the high cost of regional travel remain significant obstacles to athlete development and regional competition," she said.

She appealed to governments throughout the OECS to recognise sport as a strategic investment rather than simply a recreational activity.

"Investment in sport is not simply an investment in competition," Bruno-Victor told the ceremony. "It is an investment in our youth, our health, our economies and our future. Sport promotes tourism, creates opportunities, builds national pride and strengthens regional integration in ways few other sectors can achieve."

Bruno-Victor reaffirmed PanAm Sports' commitment to supporting the continued growth of sport throughout the Caribbean and the OECS, expressing hope that the return of regular regional competition will provide athletes with greater opportunities to develop and succeed on the international stage.

Red Walters calls for safer roads and dedicated cycling facilities to develop the sport

2026-07-04T17:30:43.229-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, July 4, 2026 - Grenadian professional cyclist Red Walters believes improving road safety and developing dedicated cycling facilities are important if cycling is to flourish in Grenada and across the Caribbean.

Speaking on the TalkSports programme, Walters said the region's greatest challenge is not necessarily the lack of athletes, but the absence of infrastructure that allows cyclists to train and compete safely.

He identified greater awareness among motorists as the most immediate and cost-effective step that could make a significant difference.

"I think number one is probably awareness from the drivers," Walters said.

He suggested installing warning signs at major intersections reminding motorists to be mindful of cyclists, particularly in Grenada where bicycles are not commonly seen on the roads.

"If you put signs up at every junction saying, 'Beware of cyclists' or something similar, then it's in the drivers' minds, and hopefully they'll give cyclists a little more space."

Walters also proposed designating sections of roadway exclusively for cyclists on specific days each week, allowing both experienced riders and newcomers to enjoy the sport in a safer environment.

"It would be nice if there was an area that could be closed one day a week for cycling. I think that's something that has worked in other places and would be a great way to encourage more people to get involved."

Despite Grenada's scenic landscape and favourable climate, Walters believes current road conditions make the island less attractive as a cycling destination for overseas athletes.

He explained that while early morning training rides can still be manageable, increasing traffic has become a growing concern.

"A couple of years ago, if I went out at five or six in the morning to do loops along the Maurice Bishop Highway, it wasn't too bad," he said. "The roads are a little bumpy, but they're manageable. The biggest issue is the traffic."

According to Walters, congestion increases significantly as commuters head toward St George's during the morning rush, making training increasingly difficult.

"When I come home for the National Championships and need to get my training rides in, that's the hardest part."

While acknowledging that velodromes are important for track cycling, Walters believes the Caribbean should prioritise a more versatile facility that can benefit multiple sports and encourage broader community participation.

He pointed to the experience of Barbados, where a velodrome was eventually demolished after it was no longer being used regularly.

"I'd hate to see something like that get built and then not be used," he said.

Instead, Walters proposed the development of a dedicated cycling circuit that could accommodate both cyclists and runners, creating a multi-purpose sporting facility removed from vehicular traffic.

"My dream would be a cycle circuit with a running path alongside it," he said. "Then it's used by cyclists and runners, and it's completely away from the cars. I think that would be the best solution."

Watch the entire programme

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

2026-07-04T16:20:18.364-04:00

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

2026-07-03T10:46:24.624-04:00

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.

Sport must have a seat at the diaspora table

2026-06-30T10:23:19.019-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

There should be no justification for sport being absent from the Diaspora Homecoming discussions, particularly in light of the progress Grenada has made in recent years.

The successful hosting of two CARIFTA Games within three years demonstrated the country's organisational capacity and strengthened its reputation as a regional sporting destination.

Significant investments have also been made in upgrading sporting infrastructure, creating a stronger platform for future growth. At the same time, Grenadian athletes, many of whom are based in the Diaspora, continue to excel on the international stage. Track and field has consistently produced world-class performances, while cycling has emerged as another discipline making impressive strides through the achievements of Grenadian cyclist Red Walters, competing across Europe and beyond.

These accomplishments should have provided every reason to place sport prominently on the Diaspora Homecoming agenda and to engage the very people whose expertise and experience can help build on this momentum.

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

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

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

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

Kirani James set to headline Barbados Grand Prix on July 4

2026-06-13T16:58:04.899-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penn: ANOCES success could reignite discussion on OECS Sports Desk

2026-06-06T18:03:06.265-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Penn welcomes renewed discussion on OECS Throws Academy

2026-06-06T16:57:19.627-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phillip is also the coach of Anderson Peters.