Gov't promises push to make conditions more favourable for Jamaican athletes

 

Sports Minister Olivia Grange says the decision of Jamaican athletes to represent other countries is not unique to the country, but promised that the government is exploring strategies to make conditions more attractive for Jamaican athletes. 

 

Making her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon, Minister Grange commented on the recent decision of four Jamaican athletes to apply to World Athletics to switch their allegiance to Turkey.

 

The athletes are Olympic men's discus gold medallist and Olympic record holder Roje Stona, Olympic men's long jump silver medallist Wayne Pinnock, Olympic men's shot put bronze medallist, Rajindra Campbell and world under-20 triple jump record holder, Jaydon Hibbert. 

 

The decision of the athletes has sparked controversy, but according to Minister Grange, this is not unusual. 

 

She cited Olympian Merlene Ottey's switch of allegiance to represent Slovenia, while adding that foreign-born athletes have also chosen to represent Jamaica. 

 

"We have also witnessed inbound transition. USA born Brianna Williams represents Jamaican in athletics. England born footballers such as Wes Morgan, Jobi McAnuff and Adrian Mariappa have proudly represented Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, bolstering our international competitiveness. In netball and basketball, overseas-based athletes of Jamaican heritage have also worn the Jamaican national colours, and currently there are a number of overseas-based athletes of Jamaican heritage who have expressed a desire to represent Jamaica. Madam Speaker, the global sporting arena has changed. Athletes, like professionals in any field, must weigh their opportunities, resources and long-term viability. This is not to say we are comfortable losing or talent. Quite the opposite," she admitted.

 

Ms. Grange called for corporate Jamaica to offer more support to the country's athletes, especially those who have retired. She said the government intends to offer financial incentives to the athletes. 

 

"Madam Speaker, as Minister, I am committed to looking at the following initiatives: establishing a national athlete's support and retention strategy, and as indicated by the Prime Minister, that I should engage stakeholders to this effect; we will look at how we can expand partnerships with the private sector to provide financial incentives and sponsorship opportunities; enhancing training and recovery infrastructure to meet international standards; further incentivise national representation packages, particularly for high-performance athletes."

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has acknowledged that the issue of Jamaican athletes switching to represent other countries has stirred emotion and concern, but said athletes must make decisions not only for themselves, but their families and their future. 

 

According to Dr. Holness, the issue must be approached with compassion and thoughtfulness, adding that the career of a professional athlete is short and often financially precarious. He said Sports Minister Olivia Grange will lead further consultations on what more can be done for the country's athletes.

 

"Having regard to the fact that there are limitations to what governments can do financially and administratively in sports, I have asked Minister Grange to lead further consultations with stakeholders, including the federations, the private sector and national representatives themselves, to discuss a new framework for our elite athletes' development and retention," he announced on Monday at a special event, hosted by Nike, to celebrate the legacy of Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.