MEDIA BLAST - Mike's Blog

Team Kerlon Peters announces slate for GAA elections

2026-08-21T17:03:52.834-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, August 21, 2026 - Team Kerlon Peters on Friday announced its seven-member slate to contest the Grenada Athletic Association’s elections on Saturday.

Peters will contest the presidency, with Mike Baptiste seeking the post of First Vice President and Albert Joseph nominated for Second Vice President.

Jamila Lewis will contest the position of General Secretary, while Valene Hagley will seek election as Assistant General Secretary.

Vaughn Joseph is the team’s candidate for Treasurer, while Lester Smith will contest the position of Public Relations Officer.

Peters said the slate brings together professionals with experience in several fields, including sport and administration. All seven candidates have also been involved in track and field.

“I am answering the call to serve, and I am confident in the people who have agreed to be part of this team,” Peters said.

“We have assembled a balanced slate, with each person bringing different skills and professional experience. At the same time, every member understands athletics and the work required to move the sport forward.”

Peters said the association needs people who can work together and listen to athletes, coaches, clubs, officials and other stakeholders.

“No one person can manage the association alone,” he said. “We believe we have a team capable of working together and putting the development of athletics first.”

The elective general meeting will be held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

GAA must clear the air before Saturday’s election

2026-08-20T18:41:27.610-04:00

Sports Commentary by Michael Bascombe

Before the Grenada Athletic Association casts a single vote at its elective general meeting on Saturday, August 22, it needs to clear up the questions now hanging over the process.

The association recently circulated a list of affiliates deemed eligible to participate in the election. That list should have brought clarity. Instead, it has created more confusion.

Several clubs and schools that competed in GAA-sanctioned events this year are not listed among the eligible affiliates. Those events included the National Relay Meet, National Championships and Whitsuntide Games.

Among the missing clubs are Top Flight Athletics of St John, Momentum Track and Field of St Mark and Altitude Track Club of St Andrew. These are not unfamiliar names. They have athletes competing regularly and have been part of the local athletics season.

Let us be fair: paying an entry fee to compete in an event may not be the same as paying an annual affiliation fee. Participation in a sanctioned meet may not automatically carry voting rights. Schools may also be allowed to enter competitions without holding the same membership status as athletics clubs.

But that distinction is precisely what the GAA must explain.

If these organisations were permitted to register athletes, pay event fees and compete under their club or school names, were they told that they were not financial affiliates? Were they given notice of the outstanding affiliation requirements? Was there a deadline by which fees had to be paid for them to participate in the electoral process?

Or were they accepted throughout the season to encourage maximum participation, only to discover shortly before the election that they could not vote?

We understand that both Altitude Track Club and Top Flight Athletics are questioning their omission from the list of financial affiliates. Representatives of both clubs have confirmed that their affiliation fees were paid at the start of the year.

Those payments should be easy for the GAA to verify against its receipts and financial records. If the clubs are financial, the list should be corrected before Saturday. If there is another reason for their exclusion, the association should explain it clearly.

There are also no clubs or schools from Carriacou and Petite Martinique listed among the affiliates eligible to participate in the election. For an organisation responsible for athletics throughout the State of Grenada, that absence should be concerning.

It may point to a wider problem with the structure of athletics in the sister isles rather than anything connected directly to the election. Either way, it deserves attention. A national association should be able to demonstrate that it is creating opportunities for organised clubs and schools across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

The uncertainty surrounding the date of the meeting has not helped.

The election was constitutionally due in January at the end of the executive’s four-year term. It was postponed to maintain administrative continuity ahead of Grenada’s hosting of the CARIFTA Games in April.

That explanation was understandable. However, several people with whom I have spoken said they were informed that the elective meeting had been rescheduled for September. It is now being held on August 22.

Who decided to change the date? When was that decision taken? When and how were affiliates officially notified? Did the notice satisfy the requirements of the GAA’s constitution? Were clubs given enough time to settle outstanding fees, nominate candidates and prepare for the meeting?

The timing has attracted further attention because Kerlon Peters, who has confirmed his interest in contesting the presidency, was abroad representing Grenada at a World Anti-Doping Agency regional symposium when the new date became known.

That circumstance alone is not evidence that the meeting was scheduled to disadvantage anyone. It would be irresponsible to present it as such. However, elections must not only be properly conducted; the process must also give every candidate and affiliate confidence that the rules were applied fairly.

Poor communication creates suspicion, even when there may be an innocent explanation.

I have argued in earlier commentaries that our national sporting associations cannot become stronger without properly organised affiliates. Clubs cannot exist only in name or appear only when there is a competition.

A functioning club should have recognised officers, a membership structure, proper records, coaches, athletes and a development programme. It should hold meetings, account for its finances and meet the affiliation requirements of its national governing body.

Some clubs and schools may need to do better in those areas.

But responsibility travels in both directions. The national association should maintain an updated register of affiliates, communicate annual fees and deadlines, provide reasonable notice of meetings and help developing clubs meet the required standards.

Governance cannot suddenly become important during election week.

The GAA can settle much of this uncertainty before Saturday by publishing the formal notice of the meeting, the relevant constitutional provisions, the deadline for becoming financial and the basis on which each affiliate’s eligibility was determined.

It should also explain why the meeting moved from the widely understood September date to August 22 and provide an opportunity for any omitted affiliate to seek a review of its status.

If the exclusions are legitimate, the association should have no difficulty showing that the same rules were communicated and applied to everyone. If mistakes were made, there is still time to correct them.

Transparency is not a favour to any candidate or club. It protects the association, the electoral process and whoever is eventually elected.

The next GAA executive should take office with a clear mandate, not under a cloud of unanswered questions that could have been settled before the first vote was cast.

Peters confirms bid for GAA presidency ahead of Saturday’s election

2026-08-20T15:09:13.934-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, August 20, 2026 - Kerlon Peters, founder and coach of Max Potential Sports Club, has confirmed that he will contest the presidency of the Grenada Athletics Association (GAA) at its elective Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

The election is expected to produce a new president following reports that incumbent Conrad Francis will not seek another term.

Peters confirmed his candidacy while returning from Lima, Peru, where he represented Grenada at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Regional Symposium. The meeting was held to prepare stakeholders for the changes and requirements under the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards.

Before leaving for Peru, Peters had already begun reaching out to GAA affiliates and discussing his plans for the association.

“My initial information was that the meeting was scheduled for September, but I only learnt recently that it will be held on Saturday,” he said. “That has not changed my focus on representing the interests of the athletes.”

Peters said one of his main objectives is to increase participation in track and field, not only among athletes but also in coaching, officiating, and administration. He also wants the association to place greater emphasis on developing a strong grassroots programme.

However, he stressed that greater attention must also be given to Grenada’s elite athletes, particularly those returning home without the support needed to continue their careers.

“We have athletes returning home, and there is no structure for them,” Peters said. “Along with the grassroots programme, we also have to take care of our elite athletes.”

He said a coaching programme should be established to give returning athletes continuity and help them remain competitive. His plans would also address athletes’ welfare, benefits, and insurance coverage.

Peters believes the GAA needs a strategic plan with a business component to attract support and create more opportunities. He also wants greater attention paid to athletes’ intellectual property rights and how their names and images are used.

Up to the time of publication, the GAA had not released an official list of candidates for Saturday’s election. However, reports indicate that three members of the outgoing executive - First Vice President Johnell Mitchell, General Secretary Desiree Stephen, and Public Relations Officer Kwame Hypolite - have expressed an interest in contesting positions.

It is not yet clear which posts they will seek.

The election was constitutionally due in January, at the end of the executive’s four-year term. Affiliates agreed to postpone it to preserve administrative continuity while Grenada prepared to host the 53rd CARIFTA Games from April 4–6.

Francis was elected president in January 2022. The outgoing executive also includes Second Vice President Abrel Patrick, Assistant General Secretary Geraldine Thompson, and Treasurer Claudia Francis.

Denise Williams serves as the coaches’ representative, Jelani Franklyn as the athletes’ representative, and Devon Layne as the officials’ representative.

Saturday’s meeting will determine the leadership entrusted with guiding Grenadian athletics through its next administrative cycle.

Grenada's Ministry of Sports must sit down with the GCA

2026-08-18T12:23:40.294-04:00

Sports Commentary by Michael Bascombe

What exactly is happening with cricket in Grenada?

That question became even more pressing following Saturday’s TalkSports programme, when it was revealed that the Grenada Cricket Association (GCA) has been attempting to meet with the Ministry of Sports to discuss several outstanding matters.

If that account is accurate, it should concern everyone who cares about the development of cricket.

A recognised national sporting association should not have difficulty securing a meeting with the ministry responsible for sport. The government and the GCA will not always agree. Still, they must be able to sit around the same table and discuss funding, facilities, national team preparation, youth development, regional competitions, and the long-term direction of the game.

A meeting is not a favour. It is part of the working relationship that should exist between the Ministry of Sports and every national sporting association.

There is also the troubling report that thousands of dollars remain outstanding to stakeholders who worked alongside the Grenada Cricket Association in hosting matches, tournaments and series. The GCA itself is not reportedly owed the money. However, payment is said to be delayed because documents requiring government approval or a signature have not been completed.

We have not seen the relevant documents, and the report should not be presented as an established fact. However, it has been repeated often enough to warrant an official response.

How much money is outstanding? Which stakeholders are awaiting payment? What services did they provide? What document requires the government’s signature, when was it submitted, and who is responsible for approving it? Has Cricket West Indies communicated directly with the Government of Grenada?

The Ministry of Sports can bring clarity to the matter. If the information is inaccurate, it should be corrected. If approval remains outstanding, the reason should be explained. If there is no legal or administrative obstacle, the process should be completed without further delay.

Although the money is not owed directly to the GCA, the situation could damage its relationship with the people and businesses that helped to stage these events. Stakeholders may be reluctant to provide services, extend credit or support future competitions if they are uncertain about when they will be paid.

The GCA could also suffer reputational damage despite not being responsible for issuing the payments. Grenada cricket depends on the cooperation of many partners, and those relationships must be protected. A prolonged delay could make hosting future regional and international cricket more difficult and more expensive.

This is also about much more than one payment.

The GCA has reportedly developed a three-year plan that includes a high-performance centre alongside a grassroots cricket programme. That proposal deserves serious consideration.

One of the weaknesses in Grenada’s cricket structure is the limited amount of competitive cricket being played at the Under-15 level. The Under-19 players also need more matches, strong competitions, and a clearer pathway into senior cricket. Coaching sessions are important, but they cannot replace regular match play.

The proposed programme would also involve families and use Masters Cricket as a means of connecting experienced players with the younger generation. That makes sense. Former players have knowledge that should not be lost when they stop playing competitively. They can mentor young cricketers, help them understand the demands of the game, and reinforce the discipline required to succeed.

The proposed high-performance centre would be particularly important for Grenadian players who are not contracted by the Windward Islands Volcanoes. Without a structured programme at home, those players can easily fall into a gap between domestic cricket and the regional professional system.

Grenada has a useful pool of talent. Andre Fletcher, Johann Jeremiah, Teddy Bishop, Darron Nedd, Ryan John, Darel Cyrus, Kirt and Kirtsen Murray, Shermon Lewis, and Preston McSween are among the players who demonstrate the depth and potential that exist.

Not all of them are at the same stage of their careers, but there must be a system capable of supporting established players, emerging talent, and those pushing for another opportunity at the regional level.

A high-performance centre would require proper examination. The GCA should be prepared to present its budget, coaching structure, player-development targets, staffing requirements, and expected results. The Ministry does not have to accept every aspect of the proposal without question. But it must be willing to hear it, assess it, and determine where the government can assist.

That is what consultation is supposed to accomplish.

There is also the approaching Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. With cricket included on the programme, the GCA is understandably watching the qualification possibilities for players from smaller Caribbean countries.

The eventual pathway may involve movement through the Windward Islands structure and then the wider Cricket West Indies system. The precise arrangements will have to be confirmed by the relevant cricket and Olympic authorities. Whatever the final process, Grenada cannot wait until qualification begins to think about preparation.

If our players are to have a realistic opportunity, the groundwork must start now.

Infrastructure forms another part of the discussion. During my recent visit to Grenada, I toured several of the country’s major sporting facilities, including those used for track and field, football, and cricket. I also visited the aquatic centre now under construction.

There is visible investment, and that should be acknowledged. However, investment must eventually produce facilities that meet the required standards and can be used to attract regional and international competition.

At the National Cricket Stadium, I was advised that adjustments are still required to the recently installed lights as part of the process towards securing the necessary ICC grading and approval. That work must be followed through to completion.

Installing lights is one stage. Having a properly certified venue capable of hosting international and day-night cricket is the outcome that matters.

The development and renovation of sporting facilities must also include consultation with the people who will use them. National associations, athletes, coaches, grounds staff, event organisers, and broadcasters should be involved before important decisions are finalised.

Broadcasting requirements, for example, cannot be treated as an afterthought. Camera positions, sightlines, commentary areas, lighting levels, power supplies, internet connectivity, and space for technical equipment all affect whether an event can be properly presented to audiences at home and overseas. It is far less expensive to address those matters during planning than to correct them after construction has been completed.

The immediate way forward should be straightforward.

The Ministry of Sports should schedule a meeting with the Grenada Cricket Association. The reported funding issue should be clarified, the documents should be examined, and the GCA should be allowed to present its three-year development plan.

The GCA, for its part, must arrive prepared to provide details, budgets, timelines, and measurable targets. If Cricket West Indies needs to participate in the discussion, it should be invited to do so.

This should not become another prolonged disagreement in which letters are sent, meetings are requested, and nothing moves.

The people who suffer most from that kind of delay are not the administrators. They are the young cricketers who are not playing enough matches, the national players trying to prepare without adequate support, and the Grenadian players seeking a route into regional and international cricket.

Grenada has talent. It has facilities. There are development ideas on the table, and funding may be accessed.

What is needed now is a serious conversation, and there is no good reason why that conversation should not begin immediately.

A risky own goal: Why the GFA should not have broken ranks with CONCACAF

2026-08-14T17:19:45.607-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

When a football association as small as Grenada’s enters a dispute at the highest level of the world game, its position should be guided by one question: What best protects the long-term interests of football in Grenada?

The statement issued by the Grenada Football Association in support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino does not convincingly answer that question.

The GFA welcomed Infantino’s withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, praised his “swift action,” declared its commitment to good governance, and warned that it would not support any association or confederation seeking to undermine FIFA’s institutional processes.

It then reaffirmed its support for Infantino “for the years to come.”

That was not a neutral statement. Against the background of a FIFA presidential election in 2027, it sounded very much like an advance political endorsement. Its reference to actions by a “Member Association or Confederation” could also reasonably be interpreted as a rebuke of CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation, and UEFA.

The chronology matters.

On July 28, FIFA presented a plan to create a commercial subsidiary valued at US$20 billion and sell a minority interest of up to 20 per cent to outside investors, raising as much as US$4.2 billion. Member associations were told they could potentially access up to US$40 million each through expanded development funding and an optional Fast Forward programme.

The money would be extremely attractive to smaller associations. However, the size of the promised benefit made proper scrutiny even more important.

On July 29, Concacaf said it had learned about the proposal through media reports and expressed concern about the absence of consultation and due process.

The following day, CONCACAF said it convened the presidents of its 41 member associations. According to the official statement issued after that meeting, the membership rejected the proposal and instructed its representatives on the FIFA Council to address the matter through the procedures established in the FIFA Statutes.

That is an important point.

CONCACAF did not announce that it was abandoning FIFA’s institutional processes. It said it was using those processes. It instructed elected FIFA Council members to act within the FIFA system.

Infantino withdrew the proposal on July 31, after opposition spread across the football world. The withdrawal was necessary and should have been welcomed, but it was not a personal favour to Grenada or anyone else. The person who withdrew the proposal was also the person who advanced it.

Putting out a fire after the alarm has been raised does not erase the circumstances in which it started.

On August 10, the AFC, CONCACAF, and UEFA went further. Their joint open letter argued that the proposal had been pushed on a compressed timetable without meaningful consultation. They called for a fully independent review, rather than an investigation conducted by FIFA into itself.

The Caribbean Football Union, of which Grenada is a member, subsequently joined U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, and the Central American Football Union in calling for meaningful changes to FIFA’s governance, transparency, and accountability.

Against that background, the GFA’s warning about confederations undermining FIFA’s processes appears misdirected. The regional bodies were demanding that proper processes be respected.

The GFA may continue to reject the substance of the Forward Enterprise proposal but objects to talk of boycotts, breakaways, or the removal of Infantino. If that is its position, it should say so plainly. The present statement mixes separate issues and offers loyalty to an individual without explaining what Grenadian football gains from doing so.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) chose a more responsible approach.

The GFF said the proposal was circulated to its Council for review. It convened an emergency meeting, considered the concerns of its members and stakeholders, and reported that the Council unanimously agreed to support CONCACAF’s position.

Guyana did not attack FIFA. It reaffirmed its willingness to work with FIFA, CONCACAF, and other associations while defending transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity.

That is what good governance looks like: a meeting, deliberation, a recorded decision, and an explanation to the public.

The GFA statement does not say whether its Council met, whether a vote was taken, or who authorised the pledge of support for Infantino. It also leaves several questions unanswered.

Was Grenada represented at the July 30 meeting of CONCACAF’s 41 presidents? Did the GFA support the collective rejection of the proposal? If it subsequently changed its position, when was that decision taken and by whom? Does “for the years to come” amount to an endorsement of Infantino’s 2027 candidacy?

These are fair questions because CONCACAF issued its original statement in the name of all 41 member associations, including Grenada.

Grenada is entitled to disagree with CONCACAF. Every FIFA member association has its own vote, and no confederation should dictate how that vote must be cast. Independence, however, does not mean isolation. Dissent should be based on a clearly stated football or governance principle, not on an open-ended pledge to one officeholder.

Supporting CONCACAF on this matter would not require the GFA to pledge personal loyalty to CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani either. It would mean supporting the regional position on due process, collective bargaining, and an independent review.

Grenada’s immediate football home is CONCACAF. The confederation provides a competitive pathway for senior national teams, youth teams, women’s football, and clubs. The 2026-27 Nations League, in which Grenada will compete in League B, includes all 41 associations and serves as the qualifying route to the 2027 Gold Cup.

Grenada has no fully professional domestic league, while the men’s national team is ranked 163rd in the world. Those realities make regional cooperation more important, not less.

A single Grenadian vote is valuable to anyone seeking the FIFA presidency. But one vote provides little bargaining power once the election is over. Grenada has far more influence when its concerns are carried collectively by 41 regional associations and supported by other confederations.

There is no question that FIFA funding has benefited Grenadian football. FIFA’s own impact page lists approximately US$4.74 million in completed and ongoing commitments for infrastructure, competitions, national team support, and other projects.

That support should be acknowledged. It should also be properly managed, audited, and measured against sustainable results.

However, FIFA Forward money is not a personal gift from Gianni Infantino. FIFA describes the programme in terms of financial entitlements available to every eligible member association, subject to approved projects, reporting requirements and independent audits.

The money comes from football’s commercial assets. It does not come from the private pocket of the FIFA president.

That distinction is important. Once institutional funding is presented as the generosity of one man, gratitude can easily be converted into political loyalty.

International reporting has already highlighted this danger. Reuters reported that smaller associations dependent on FIFA funding could be important to Infantino’s political survival. Critics of the system argue that legitimate development funding can also create a relationship in which financial power produces political influence.

That does not prove that the GFA or any of its officials was promised a personal benefit. No such evidence is in the public domain, and it would be irresponsible to present suspicion as fact.

Nevertheless, the GFA created an unfortunate perception. It thanked one man for institutional funding, criticised unnamed confederations, and pledged its support “for the years to come.” If the statement was not intended to secure future access, favourable treatment, or goodwill from the FIFA leadership, the Association should explain what national football objective it was designed to achieve.

Travel by national teams is welcome, but travel alone is not a development strategy. Grenadian football must still confront the absence of a professional league, limited infrastructure, player-development challenges, and a men’s team sitting 163rd in the world.

Cabo Verde’s World Cup appearance, cited by the GFA, is an inspiring achievement. It should not be reduced to the benevolence of a FIFA president. It reflects the work of players, coaches, administrators, clubs, the diaspora, and years of national planning.

The wiser GFA statement would have welcomed the withdrawal, acknowledged FIFA’s development assistance, supported an independent review, and reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to working with FIFA, CONCACAF, and the CFU.

That would have preserved Grenada’s independence without placing the Association on the wrong side of its own region.

Small associations need strong rules even more than powerful ones do. If development funding is treated as a favour that must be repaid with loyalty, it stops being an entitlement and becomes leverage.

The GFA may have gained attention in Zurich by declaring its support for Infantino. What it risked losing at home and within the region was something more valuable: its credibility.

Peters strikes gold, Murrell-Ross takes bronze for Grenada at CAC Games

2026-08-06T18:45:20.482-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, Aug 6, 2026 - Anderson Peters delivered Grenada’s first medal of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games on Thursday, winning the men’s javelin throw with a mark of 83.95 metres.

Peters secured the gold ahead of Costa Rica’s Ivan Sibaja, who threw 82.15m, while Colombia’s Billy Julio claimed the bronze with 81.02m.

Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago had moved into third place with a second-round effort of 80.92m but was later displaced by Julio and had to settle for fourth.

Peters’ winning throw fell just short of the Games record of 84.91m, set by Cuba’s Guillermo Martinez in Cartagena, Colombia, on July 25, 2006.

Kelsie Murrell-Ross later added Grenada’s second medal of the day, taking bronze in the women’s shot put with a 16.92m throw. It was the best of her four legal throws.

Rosa Ramirez gave the host nation another gold medal with a winning effort of 18.90m, while Cuba’s Dianelis Delis secured silver with 18.57m.

On the track, Nazzio John finished sixth in the men’s 200 metres final in 21.01 seconds.

Jose Figueroa of Puerto Rico won the title in 19.98 seconds, with the Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando taking silver in 20.47. Aaron Charles of Trinidad and Tobago collected the bronze in 20.63.

Jamaica’s Tyquendo Tracey finished fourth in 20.66, followed by compatriot Kadrian Goldson in 20.73.

Walters faces surgery but remains upbeat after Glasgow crash

2026-08-03T09:13:36.384-04:00

by Michael Bascombe

LONDON, UK, August 3, 2026 – UK-based Grenadian cyclist Red Walters will undergo surgery on the broken collarbone he sustained during the men’s 10km scratch race final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Walters was involved in a major crash at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Saturday and later underwent X-rays, which confirmed the break.

He initially believed that surgery might not be necessary because the fracture was not displaced. However, after returning home and undergoing a further assessment, Walters confirmed on Monday that he would require an operation.

“Just an update, I can confirm I will need surgery,” he told GrenadaSports.

Walters said his father flew to Glasgow on Sunday morning before they travelled home together later that day. He went to the hospital today for further X-rays and diagnosis.

Despite the setback, Walters does not believe he will necessarily be out of competition for an extended period.

“Not necessarily,” he said when asked if he expected to be sidelined for some time. “Normally, the recovery time is quite quick once it is plated. If anything, it is quicker to have the surgery than if I let it heal naturally.”

Walters said he knows other cyclists who returned to training soon after undergoing similar procedures.

“I’ve had friends who were back to training indoors after one week, and racing not that much longer after that,” he said.

Although he must now undergo surgery and begin his recovery, Walters remains optimistic about returning to the bike.

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.