In early October 2024, Panam Sports, the continental Olympic body for the Americas, will hold its Elective General Assembly in Asuncion, Paraguay. This event holds particular significance for the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), as its President Keith Joseph will once again contest the presidency of Panam Sports, formerly known as the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO).
This isn't the first time CANOC has aimed for the highest office within Panam Sports. In 2017, three representatives from CANOC member National Olympic Committees (NOCs) — Jose Joaquin Puello of the Dominican Republic, Richard Peterkin of St. Lucia, and a candidate from St. Vincent and the Grenadines — were nominated to contest the PASO presidency. In a display of Caribbean unity, the region's representatives rallied behind Dr. Puello as the sole candidate. Despite this unified support, Dr. Puello narrowly lost to Chile’s Neven Ilic by just one vote.
As the 2024 election approaches, CANOC's involvement extends beyond the presidential race. Several of its members are vying for positions on the Panam Sports Executive Board, representing Group 2. Grenada’s Veda Bruno-Victor is the sole candidate for the Vice Presidency of the group. Meanwhile, Erskine Simmons of Barbados, Roberto Rivas of Cuba, Sara Rosario of Puerto Rico, Dennis Knight of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Alfred Emmanuel of St. Lucia are competing for three available positions within the group.
Given the limited number of positions available, CANOC must strategically evaluate its candidates to ensure the region is represented as effectively as possible. This process echoes the spirit of solidarity demonstrated in 2017, with the understanding that supporting the best candidates ultimately advances CANOC’s goals and the broader interests of the Caribbean region.
Over the years, CANOC has proven that it possesses the quality, competence, and commitment necessary to play a significant role in international sports. The organization has a rich legacy of breaking barriers and embodying the aspirations of Caribbean peoples. This history of success underscores the importance of the upcoming Panam Sports election, particularly in securing leadership positions that will influence the future of sports across the Americas.
CANOC’s continued growth and impact on global sports are a testament to its belief in the transformative power of sport. As the organization advocates for its nominated members, it does so with the conviction that their success will bring substantial benefits to the Caribbean region through enhanced representation, recognition, and strategic development
CANOC President Keith Joseph praises Julien Alfred, extends best wishes ahead of World Athletics Award decision
As the world awaits the announcement of the 2024 World Athletics Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, CANOC President Keith Joseph has expressed pride and support for St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, a finalist for the prestigious award alongside the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The award decision will be revealed on December 1, marking a historic moment for the Caribbean athlete, who already secured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Paris Olympics.
Joseph highlighted the significance of Alfred’s accomplishment, noting her meteoric rise from a small island with a population of under 150,000. “For the very first time in decades, a Caribbean athlete, not from any of the larger islands, and with a population of less than 150,000, is among the finalists. We are here referring to St Lucia’s track and field gem, Julien Alfred… who has literally stormed into the sporting history of her native land,” he stated.
Joseph traced Alfred’s journey from her early promise in athletics to her dominance at the CARIFTA Games, the NCAA Division 1, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, and the Central American and Caribbean Games, describing her victory in Paris as a “feat of pure beauty, grace, incredible confidence, and impeccable timing.”
Reflecting on the history of Caribbean success in track and field, Joseph drew parallels to other trailblazing athletes from the region. He recalled Arthur Wint’s first Olympic gold for Jamaica in 1948, Hasely Crawford’s 1976 win for Trinidad and Tobago, and this year’s historic achievements with the national anthems of Dominica and St Lucia being played for the first time at the Olympics. “In Paris, two of our region’s smallest islands – Dominica and St Lucia - had their anthems played for the first time at the Olympic Games. It was track and field athletics yet again,” Joseph said.
Joseph also acknowledged the achievements of other Caribbean athletes across various disciplines, especially those who have overcome unique challenges from small island nations. “We are generally considered small, even micro in some cases, but we are aware of which nations in our midst are the smallest and the very special challenges they face,” he emphasized.
In closing, Joseph extended CANOC’s full support for Alfred as she aims to etch her name in history as the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year. “We extend best wishes to Julien Alfred in her quest to win the coveted title of World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year 2024. We certainly hope that she has the benefit of the votes of all of our members, etching her name in yet more sporting history in 2024,” he concluded.
CANOC president Keith Joseph criticizes ANOC leadership, calls for reform in Olympic representation
Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), delivered a stinging critique of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in a statement released on Tuesday, November 5. Joseph suggested that ANOC has lost its way and is no longer equipped to lead in today’s dynamic global sports environment.
Joseph's comments follow last week's ANOC General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, where he said many attendees left with a sense of frustration and disillusionment over ANOC’s purpose and direction. Reflecting on ANOC’s original mission, Joseph noted, “ANOC was created as a forum for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to address shared issues and make recommendations for mutual development. Yet, the current structure, dominated by IOC members, has turned these Assemblies into a platform where the IOC seems to be speaking primarily to itself.”
A primary concern raised by Joseph was the lack of NOC representation in selecting representatives for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He highlighted the disparity between athletes, who generate the Olympic Games' profits, and the limited voice of the NOCs in crucial decision-making processes, asserting that athletes deserve prize money as fair compensation.
Joseph put forth a resolution on behalf of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC), which reportedly gained traction, with ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg indicating support from the IOC President. Joseph expressed optimism that ANOC will take meaningful steps to address the issues raised.
The statement also underscored CANOC’s growing stature within the international sports community. CANOC was acknowledged during the Assembly by a Deloitte representative, who lauded CANOC’s Sustainability Action Plan 2025–2030. The Assembly also facilitated discussions to broaden the sports program for the Caribbean Games, further strengthening CANOC’s role in advancing Caribbean sports.
Joseph concluded his statement by reinforcing CANOC’s commitment to the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and building a legacy future generations can be proud of.
St Lucia Olympic Committee president congratulates Julien Alfred on CANOC Sports Awards triumph
The President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC), Alfred Emmanuel, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Julien Alfred after her stunning achievements at the inaugural CANOC Sports Awards held in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday night. Alfred was honored with the Female Sports Personality of the Year and Caribbean Breakthrough Award, adding to her growing list of accolades during an exceptional 2024 season.
On behalf of the entire Olympic family in St Lucia, Emmanuel praised Alfred’s dedication and hard work, which have propelled her to the pinnacle of world athletics.
“On behalf of the executive board of the St Lucia Olympic Committee and the entire Olympic family in St Lucia, I want to extend sincere congratulations to Julien for attaining yet two more awards during her outstanding 2024 season,” Emmanuel said. “She has shown that dedication and hard work pays off. We have no doubt that before 2024 is over there are many other awards that she will receive for her outstanding season. Congratulations Julien and remain focused and healthy, and we look forward to the 2025 season.”
Alfred’s Caribbean Breakthrough Award celebrated her remarkable rise in track and field, where she delivered electrifying performances throughout the year. She shared the honour with Thea LaFond of Dominica, who has also shone on the international stage, particularly in the triple jump.
The prestigious Female Sports Personality of the Year award solidified Alfred’s standing as one of the Caribbean’s brightest stars in athletics. In 2024, she won the World Indoor 60m title in Glasgow, followed by a historic victory in the Olympic 100m final, setting a new national record of 10.72 seconds, the second-fastest time in the world this year. She capped her season by claiming the 100m Diamond League title in Brussels.
Alfred’s triumphs have not only brought immense pride to St Lucia but have also inspired countless young athletes across the Caribbean. As she continues her journey, both on and off the track, the nation eagerly anticipates more success from her in the future.
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