Natalie Neita Garvey, the Opposition Spokesperson for Sports, is advocating for the implementation of a Sports Incentive Act. During her sectoral presentation in the House on Tuesday (June 6), the Member of Parliament for North Central St Catherine put forth several recommendations under the theme of "Looking at the Bigger Picture."
"I propose the enactment of a Sports Incentive Act, which would introduce a short-term incentive program aimed at generating a significant amount of robust business activity to support the growth and development of this massive sector," expressed Neita Garvey.
She emphasized the importance of establishing a public-private sector partnership to create an incentive program that would attract investors from both domestic and international sources. Additionally, this program would serve as a means to incentivize industry stakeholders within Jamaica.
The proposed incentive program seeks to provide a ten-year relief from GCT (General Consumption Tax), income tax, and import duty for the following entities:
All registered Sports Clubs.
New clubs with 50 or more paying members, with a minimum addition of 20 members per year.
Existing Clubs that have undertaken or plan to undertake substantial structural improvements and possess a lease of 50 years or more or own their clubhouse.
Clubs engaged in community peace management initiatives.
Clubs involved in sustainable environmental projects and activities, such as water harvesting, greenhouse technology, recycling, and energy conservation.
Neita Garvey recommended several categories that would make a Club eligible for any of these incentives, including equipment and supplies, apparel, footwear, educational material, purchase and/or lease of additional physical space to enhance the sport/s, and housing/dormitory facilities.
The objective of these incentives is to stimulate growth within the sub-sector and attract stakeholders from low to middle-income groups.
The proposed measures include:
Exemption from GCT and customs duty for specific items imported for a period of five years (utilizing the discretionary authority of the Minister of Finance & The Public Service).
A five-year exemption from corporate taxes for investors in sporting attractions (utilizing the discretionary authority of the Ministry of Finance & The Public Service).
Private sector investments in physical infrastructure for sports development would receive the necessary tax write-offs to incentivize their contributions.
Neita Garvey highlighted that prior to finalizing incentive packages, clearance must be obtained from the Ministry of Finance & The Public Service through the Ministry of Sport, as they consider the bigger picture.
Furthermore, the Opposition spokesperson called for the reinstatement of the National Sports Council, noting that it has not convened since 2016.
Keith Joseph falls short in bid for Pan Am Sports presidency as Neven Ilic secures third term
The highly anticipated election for the presidency of Panam Sports culminated on the first day of the LXII General Assembly, with current president Neven Ilic securing another four-year term. Ilic, who has been at the helm of Panam Sports since 2017, triumphed over his opponent, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and second vice-president of Panam Sports.
In a decisive result, Ilic garnered 37 votes, while Joseph received 16, ensuring Ilic's leadership for the 2024-2028 period. This marks Ilic's third consecutive term, solidifying his role as the driving force behind the Pan American Olympic movement.
“I want to thank all those who supported me, for allowing me to finish this project. These elections are over and I can say that we are a great group. Everyone is part of this project. Of course, I thank my friend Keith Joseph. We will continue working so that the Americas remain a stellar continent,” Ilic said in his victory speech.
Despite his defeat, Joseph's campaign highlighted his experience within the Olympic movement and his vision for elevating Caribbean and American sport on the global stage. However, the majority of voters remained committed to Ilic, who has overseen significant developments in Panam Sports during his tenure, including the expansion of the Pan American Games and increased support for member nations.
In addition to the presidential election, the assembly also elected new Vice Presidents and members of the Executive Board. Veda Bruno Victor from Grenada, Camilo Pérez from Paraguay, and Sarah Hirshland from the United States were elected as the organization's Vice Presidents.
The assembly further solidified its leadership structure with the election of Executive Board members for the 2024-2028 period, ensuring broad representation across the Americas. Among the newly elected board members are Mario Garcia (Mexico), Tricia Smith (Canada), Damaris Young (Panama), Alfred Emmanuel (Saint Lucia), Dennis Knight (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Roberto Richards (Cuba), Nicole Hoevertsz (Aruba), Mario Moccia (Argentina), and Jorge Delgado (Ecuador).
As Ilic begins his third term as president, the focus now shifts to his continued efforts to elevate the stature of Pan American sports on the global stage. Meanwhile, Joseph's defeat does not diminish his influence in regional sports, and he will continue to play a significant role in the Caribbean sporting community.
With new leadership cemented, Panam Sports is set for another dynamic four years, with a fresh emphasis on further growth and collaboration across the Americas.
Ian Forbes appointed chairman of new INSPORTS board
The Honourable Ian Forbes has been appointed Chairman of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), as announced by the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange. Forbes will lead a newly constituted board of directors, comprised of individuals with a diverse range of expertise, tasked with guiding the development and expansion of sports in Jamaica over the next two years.
Forbes, widely regarded for his contributions to Jamaican sports, will be supported by a dedicated team of professionals, including Deputy Chairman Howard Chambers and experienced figures such as Ronald Anderson, Dr. Michelle Holt, and Alan Beckford. Their collective experience spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, from sports management to medical expertise, positioning INSPORTS for a strong push in grassroots and community sports development.
Under Forbes’ leadership, the board will focus on advancing programs aimed at fostering athletic talent, with an emphasis on inclusivity across Jamaica. This vision is supported by key members such as Glen Nelson, Emile Spence, and Shirley McLean Brown, who bring their own unique strengths to the team. The board also benefits from the administrative expertise of Julian Patrick and the strategic insights of Florette Blackwood and Suzzette Ison, both of whom have a long-standing history of contributing to Jamaica’s sports landscape.
INSPORTS remains a critical body in Jamaica’s sporting ecosystem, particularly in its role of supporting youth sports and less mainstream disciplines. Forbes and his team are expected to work closely with athletes, coaches, and local communities to create opportunities that will further solidify Jamaica’s presence on the global sporting stage.
Minister Grange also used the occasion to announce additions to the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), with Florette Blackwood, Leslie Harrow, and Newton Amos being added to its board. The SDF, led by Chairman Leslie Campbell, continues to play a pivotal role in funding national sports programs and developing sporting infrastructure across Jamaica.
With Forbes at the helm of INSPORTS and new members adding their strengths to the SDF, Jamaica’s sport sector is poised for continued growth. Grange concluded, “Both the Institute of Sports and the Sports Development Foundation are key to ensuring Jamaica remains a dominant force in global sports. With this leadership in place, we are confident that we are on the right path to achieving our goals.”
JAAA President Garth Gayle mourns the passing of former NACAC President Amadeo Francis
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Amadeo Ignacio Daniel Francis Jr., the former President of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) and a towering figure in the world of athletics. Francis, who hailed from Puerto Rico, passed away leaving behind a legacy of dedication and significant contributions to the sport across the Americas and beyond.
JAAA President Garth Gayle expressed his heartfelt condolences, recognizing Francis as a stalwart supporter of athletics and a true friend of Jamaica. "We have lost a solid partner and friend who worked assiduously to improve our sport in this region. He was always ready to listen and, if possible, encourage and implement programs that helped to elevate the sport. Amadeo was a giant among men. Sincere condolences to his family and friends along with the Puerto Rican Athletics Federation," said Gayle.
Amadeo Francis was primarily known as a talented 400-metre hurdler, representing Puerto Rico at the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games. He also served as a reserve in the 4x400m relay during both Olympic appearances. Francis demonstrated his athletic prowess by finishing fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 1955 Pan American Games and competing in two editions of the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Francis was a distinguished academic and professional. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 1951 and earned a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics in 1955. He later returned to the University of Puerto Rico, where he completed a Master of Public Administration in 1959.
Francis's career spanned several key positions in public administration and economic development. He quickly rose to become the Director of the Office of Economic Research in Puerto Rico and later held various executive roles, including Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, Deputy Administrator of the Puerto Rico Economic Development Administration in New York, and Commissioner of Commerce for the United States Virgin Islands.
In sports administration, Francis made an indelible impact on the global stage. He served on the council of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), now known as World Athletics, and held the position of Vice-President within the organization. As President of NACAC for two decades, Francis was instrumental in advancing athletics in the region. He also served as President of the Pan American Athletics Commission, further solidifying his influence in the world of sports.
Throughout his career, Francis received numerous accolades, including induction into the Hall of Fame of Puerto Rico Sports in 1980, and the prestigious Silver (1996) and Gold (2008) Order of Merit from the IAAF. His lifetime of achievements was recognized in 2020 when Marquis Who's Who presented him with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his outstanding leadership and contributions to his field.
Amadeo Francis's passing marks the end of an era for athletics in the Caribbean and the Americas. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and administrators. The JAAA, along with the entire athletics community, mourns the loss of a true pioneer and extends its deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the Puerto Rican Athletics Federation.
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