Amid growing national concern over the departure of elite Jamaican athletes to Türkiye, Prime Minister The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has directed Minister of Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange to lead urgent consultations aimed at establishing a new framework for the development and retention of the country’s top sporting talent.
Speaking at a special reception hosted by Nike on Monday night honouring sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the AC Hotel in Kingston, and in his first public comments on the matter, Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the emotional toll of the recent exodus and made clear that more must be done to protect Jamaica’s sporting legacy.
“Undoubtedly, we have as a country been successful in creating an ecosystem that produces world-class athletes,” Holness said. “We will constantly be challenged as to what more we can do to improve this ecosystem for the benefit of our athletes and our country.”
He added: “Having regard to the fact that there are limitations to what governments can do financially and administratively in sports, I’ve 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.”
Holness’ remarks come just over a week after Sportsmax.TV broke the story that four Jamaican athletes—Roje Stona, Rajindra Campbell, Wayne Pinnock and Jaydon Hibbert—have signed agreements to switch allegiance to Türkiye. The deals reportedly include upfront payments of at least US$500,000 per athlete, lucrative monthly stipends, and performance bonuses worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for podium finishes at global championships.
While acknowledging the financial pressures faced by professional athletes, Holness urged the nation to show understanding even as the matter evokes strong emotions.
“The career of a professional athlete is short and often financially precarious,” he said. “Athletes, like all of us, must make decisions not only for themselves but for their families and their future.”
Still, Holness pointed to Fraser-Pryce’s example as a powerful contrast, commending her for remaining loyal to the black, green and gold throughout her storied career.
“Shelly made a decision—one rooted in deep love for this country and what it represents,” he said. “And for that, I say thank you, Shelly. Thank you for choosing Jamaica. That, my friends, is patriotism in its purest form. But patriotism must not be taken for granted. It must be nurtured, and it must be rewarded.”
In his tribute to the five-time 100m world champion, Holness lauded Fraser-Pryce for not only her achievements on the track, but for the way she has conducted herself as an ambassador for Jamaica.
“What makes Shelly truly exceptional is not just the number of records, but the way she has achieved them—with dignity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica with pride and honour,” he said.
“You are a beacon of hope to young people and indeed to young athletes who are all going to strive to attain your level of success… And I laud you and praise you for the creation of your foundation and the great work that you have done.”
Fraser-Pryce, who announced her retirement from competitive track and field at the end of the 2025 season, was honoured by family, dignitaries, sponsors, and the sporting fraternity in an emotional send-off that underscored her iconic status in Jamaican and global athletics.
Photos: PM Andrew Holness Facebook