Ray Harvey (second left) co-founder and meet organizer of MILO Western Relays presents a cheque for $210,000 at Jounee Armstrong (L) and Dylan Logan (R) and Coach Abna Stoner of Edwin Allen High School. Harvey called on government to expedite repairs to the running track at the Montego Bay Sports Complex that has been out of commission for the past five years.
Contributed
Ray Harvey, the co-founder and organizer of the MILO Western Relays on Monday pleaded with authorities to expedite repairs to the track at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, the traditional home of the relays. The track has been out of commission for the past five years.
“I am one of hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of people who want Western Relays to go back home. I have been waiting patiently for five years for the track to be repaired, it just hasn't happened and we just have to keep our fingers crossed that it will happen sometime soon," Harvey said during a ceremony at GC Foster College in St Catherine on Monday when cash prizes were handed over to the schools who participated in this year’s meet at the sports college that has hosted the meet for the past few years.
Harvey noted that having a working track in Montego Bay is integral to the development of track and field in western Jamaica. In addition to the Milo Western Relays and other athletics meets, the Montego Bay Sports Complex also used to host a number of other events leading up to the relays.
They include seminars for coaches and athletes regarding drugs in sports, physical fitness and nutrition and baton-passing clinics for 10 and 11 year olds as well as training sessions for meet officials.
Those activities have ceased for the past five years.
“It is kind of a tragedy what is going on in Western Jamaica regarding the track and everything that is happening and what has been in the news recently,” said Harvey while making reference to a revelation that racing cars were being driven on the worn-out running surface.
“I would like to take this opportunity to call on the government to restore that track, get it back up because it is a pride for the Western teams and they have always been consistent and I think not having access to that facility is kinds robbing Western Jamaica of their true and full potential," Harvey continued.
"We are looking forward to going back to Montego Bay because we are also robbing the spectators or the ardent track and field supporters that opportunity to see their home grown talent performing with the best in the country."
The meet organizer also revealed that he would be subsidizing the travel expenses of the teams that had to travel from western Jamaica to St Catherine to collect their prize money.
"We have a special programme to support the teams from the West. We recognize that they are not able to be at home in Montego Bay. They have to travel. It is expensive to travel so we are offering six teams a subsidy towards their travel here coming to GC Foster College. They are getting two touches. One, this prize money and two the transportation money so the teams from the West, several of them will get two cheques.
Edwin Allen were big winners as they collected a cheque for JMD$210,000 having won five of six relays at the last meet. Coach Abna Stoner and athletes Jounee Armstrong and Dylan Logan, were on hand to receive the prize money.
The Clarendon-based track power’s girls won the Class I 4x100m, 4x400m and the 4x800m relays while the boys won the Class I 4x100m, 4x400m and placed third in the 4x800m.
Edwin Allen bagged the largest cash bounty of the 10 schools that benefited financially. The other winners included Kingston College (JMD $50,000), Holmwood Technical (JMD $50,000), Excelsior High School (JMD $40,000), St. Jago High School (JMD $20,000), Vere Techincal JMD ($20,000), Mt. Alvernia High School (JMD $15,000), Bellfield High School (JMD $5,000) and Green Island High School (JMD $5,000).
"I am happy to come all the way from the West to GC Foster College to present Edwin Allen a decent cheque. Its $210,000. They have supported Western Relays from (the) beginning and one of the schools we can always count on at Western Relays to put on a show and to make our product into something special," said Harvey
Coach Stoner of Edwin Allen was gracious in his reply.
"We are so grateful for (this) presentation because I was pleasantly surprised when I opened it and looked at the figure. This is really a shot in the arm and it will go a long way in contributing to the programme,” he said.
“This week we will be departing for Penn Relays and with all the logistics - airfare, pocket money for students, it is a pretty penny and this money that we got, it really can help to develop the programme." Edwin Allen departed the island for the Penn Relays on Tuesday.
SKNAA boss Delaney aims to revitalize St Kitts and Nevis Athletics with help from Kim Collins
Newly re-elected President of the St Kitts and Nevis Athletics Association (SKNAA), Delwayne Delaney, has ambitious plans to boost the country's athletics program, with the pivotal involvement of 2003 World 100m Champion, Kim Collins. Delaney, who secured his second term as president on September 7, revealed that the legendary Collins will play a central role in enhancing the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in the twin-island nation.
“Just probably a week from now, we will be making an announcement as it relates to Mr Collins,” Delaney told Sportsmax.TV during an interview on Wednesday. “He is our world champion, he is still a household name within track and field,” he said. “He is still recognized on the global market, and even if persons haven’t heard about St Kitts and Nevis, they mention Kim Collins and they say, ‘Ah, yes, I know.’ So, we definitely have to be tapping into his expertise where he can lend his support in moving the product forward.”
Delaney, himself a former sprinter and 2011 Pan American Games silver medalist in the 4x100m relay, emphasized that Collins’ global recognition and vast experience would be crucial in helping to modernize the country’s athletics landscape. The president believes that involving Collins in their strategy will not only inspire younger athletes but also provide invaluable insights into competing at the highest level.
Delaney (c) and some members of his new executive elected on Saturday, September 7.
The broader vision for athletics in St Kitts and Nevis involves a comprehensive development plan that will encompass athlete training, coaching education, and the upskilling of officials. Delaney noted that the nation has long had the talent to compete internationally, but strategic development and adaptation to the modern demands of track and field are necessary to reach new heights.
“We think that we have a good product here in St Kitts and Nevis. We have always had a good product here and I think honing into those athletes and those nuances that we have will definitely benefit the sport and ultimately, the athletes who are the main stakeholders in all of this,” Delaney explained.
“We look forward to a very productive tenure moving forward. We have a very good crop of athletes, we just need to further develop them.
The SKNAA president also took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the nation’s rising stars, including Carifta medalist De’Cheynelle Thomas, Akanye Samuels, Chesson Liburd, T’anna Liburd, Jaylen Bennett, Naquille Harris, and Zahra Allers-Liburd. He expressed optimism that with the proper guidance, these athletes could help St Kitts and Nevis become a “real force” in athletics.
Track and field now is not the same as when I used to compete back in the mid-2000s. The standards and qualification processes for major meets have changed, so we need to get our athletes and coaches up to par to remain competitive,” Delaney explained.
Delaney emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for athletes and coaches to thrive, noting that partnerships with both the public and private sectors will be crucial in achieving these goals. He also highlighted the strong relationship St Kitts and Nevis shares with regional training programs, particularly those in Jamaica.
“We will explore collaboration with the private sector, public sector—that being government—and even our regional partners. We have had a very good relationship with the clubs and camps in Jamaica, having trained there quite extensively with Mr (Glen) Mills and forging relationships with the MVP Camp, my former teammate Michael Frater, and others. With a strategic approach, we can gain much,” Delaney said.
Fraser-Pryce to receive Keys to the City of Kingston
Multiple-time Olympic and World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is to be presented with the Keys to the City of Kingston by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).
The resolution to confer the honour on the sprint sensation was passed during today's meeting of the Council held in the Marcus Garvey Council Chamber, 24 Church Street, downtown Kingston.
Fraser-Pryce is widely revered as one of Jamaica's greatest athletes, with more than 22 years of stellar performance in the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100 metre track events, and is the recipient of countless medals.
Moving the resolution, Councillor for the Hagley Park Division, Waynette Strachan, said the world-class athlete has made all of Jamaica proud and has transcended the boundaries of sport to become an icon, a symbol of hope, and an ambassador for Jamaica's rich and vibrant culture.
“To give Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to Kingston is to acknowledge not only her incredible achievements as an athlete but her profound influence as a role model, mentor, and beacon of hope for all Jamaicans.
“In giving Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce the Keys to the City, we are not just honouring her past accomplishments; we're celebrating the promise of all that is yet to come. Her journey is far from over, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire, uplift, and break barriers for many years to come,” she said.
Born and raised in Waterhouse, Fraser-Pryce is a treasured citizen of Kingston and outstanding Jamaican.
She continues to give back to the community of her birth and notable charities through her Pocket Rocket Foundation.
Councillor for the Waterhouse Division, Bryon Lee Clarke, said Fraser-Pryce continues to be a beacon of hope for many Jamaicans, and “this gesture is more than deserving.”.
Councillor for the Stony Hill Division, Tosha Schwapp, described Fraser-Pryce as a “Jamaican gem and icon who is beloved for her tenacity.”.
Other Councillors who made contributions were Dennis Gordon, Eugene Kelly, Andrew Harris, and Jermaine Hyatt.
The presentation of the Keys to the City of Kingston is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the KSAMC.
It is being conferred on Fraser-Pryce in recognition of her sterling and iconic career in athletics over the years, which has positively influenced adoring fans in Jamaica and around the world, including many who continue to enjoy her enduring legacy.
A road in the community of Waterhouse will also be named in her honour.
Keilando Goburn takes up role assistant coach at University of Maryland Eastern Shore
St. Jago High School is now searching for a new head coach for their girls track and field team as Keilando Goburn has left the institution.
Goburn, who coached the St. Jago girls team for 16 years, will take his knowledge overseas and take up the role of assistant coach for track and field and cross country at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
During Goburn’s 16 years at the helm of St. Jago’s girls team, they were consistently one of the best performing schools at “champs,” always finding themselves in the top five of the points standings when all was said and done.
Goburn also has had a hand in the development of some of the country’s most promising young athletes including the likes of NCAA Indoor 60m champion Brianna Lyston who started her high school career at St. Jago before making the switch to Hydel High.
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