In a world where social media has become a breeding ground for hate, misogyny, and racism, athletes are among the most vulnerable to faceless attacks. The anonymity of online platforms emboldens the worst of society, allowing people to spew vile abuse without consequence, while the targets—often Black, female, or from marginalized communities—are expected to endure it in silence.
The recent departure of four of Jamaica’s top field athletes to Türkiye has reignited a longstanding and often emotional debate: Should a cash-strapped government prioritize investing in athletes when nurses, teachers, and police officers are still fighting for livable wages?
For more than half a century, Jamaican athletes have personified excellence on the global track and field stage. From the Olympic breakthroughs of Herb McKenley and Donald Quarrie, to the era-defining brilliance of Merlene Ottey, Deon Hemmings, Usain Bolt, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the island's sprinters and field athletes have become synonymous with speed, dominance, and flair.
There’s a narrative circulating in global athletics that “the world has caught up to Jamaica.” It’s the kind of lazy commentary that follows when medals dry up and dynasties look like they’re ending. But let’s be honest: the world hasn’t caught up. Jamaica has simply fallen back.
News that four elite Jamaican athletes—two of whose identities have already been confirmed—have opted to switch allegiance to Turkiye has struck a raw nerve across the island. With reports of each receiving a staggering US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and potential six-figure medal bonuses, the lines between patriotism and pragmatism are being redrawn in stark fashion.
Recent comments by former ICC Chairman Greg Barclay suggesting the West Indies should disband were both controversial and disrespectful. However, they touched on an uncomfortable truth. Over the last 15 months, several prominent voices—including Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Chris Dehring, former Trinidad and Tobago CWI Director Baldath Mahabir, and myself as a former CWI Communications Officer—have publicly discussed the fragile state of West Indies cricket. The broken global cricket economy poses a severe threat to the region's survival.