Dr Walton Small
Dr Walton Small has been appointed principal of the Hydel High School with the intention of bringing about a greater balance between sports and academics at the St Catherine-based educational institution.
Corey Bennett, the Director of Sports will assume the role of president of the group of schools.
In the off-season, Hydel brought in Devon Anderson to be head football coach along with Trevin Nairne and Damian Howell, with the intention of building the best schoolboy football programme on the island.
But for the school that is already a powerhouse in track and field, there is a need to bring about a change to the school’s profile as a respected academic institution.
Dr Small is seen as the man to lead that transition.
"Ever since the monster COVID threw everybody online, threw students and people outside the classroom, even to this day students have not been interested in academics," Bennett said. "We're trying to build that back with our new board and our new principal, Dr Small, a renowned educator.
"He presents to us a rounded individual, having been president of ISSA and principal of the country's most prominent all-boys institution, so I think he understands the holistic approach to raising students."
Dr Small is excited by the challenge.
"Even though my focus will be on academics, my 12 years as president of ISSA (Inter-Secondary School Sports Association) will also be an asset in tempering the balance between sport and academics," said Dr Small, who was principal of Wolmer’s High School for Boys from 2008 and who led ISSA for 12 beginning in 2007.
"Even though my focus will be on academics, my 12 years as president of ISSA will also be an asset in tempering the balance between sport and academics.
"I'm like a mentor, a guide, to work with the individuals who have been here and to change the profile of the institution. They already have very competent leaders at the high school and prep school. We're celebrating 30 years, so we want to ensure that when the next 30 years have passed, we would have the profile that we really want. Hydel is very well known to the wider Jamaica for its sporting prowess but let me hasten to say that they do well academically as well.
"However, that is kind of subsumed because of sports. When you speak of Hydel you must say scholarly institution. We want to change the profile from mainly sport to mainly academics."
Hydel High has proven to be a solid performer in sports while winning titles in football, including the Walker Cup KO Trophy, track and field, cricket and basketball.
Situated along Mandela Highway, Hydel opened its doors in 1992 under the leadership of Hyacinth Bennett, who had been the principal of Wolmer's Preparatory for 17 years.
As Director of Sports, Bennett drove the school’s sports programmes to new heights. Now, as president, his responsibilities have been broadened to fit the new mandate.
Recalling his mother’s dream for Hydel, Corey said, "She believed in persons, who could normally not matriculate to a traditional high school, to give them a good chance for education, both in terms of academics and sport. She believes in giving a second chance and she believes in the discipline part as much as the education," he said.
That said, Bennett is looking forward to the new Manning Cup campaign as Hydel is returning to the competition for the first time since 2019.
"Our preparation went very well. We didn't enter the Manning Cup last year, so we're basically starting from scratch, Bennett said.
"We'd have a very few players from the past and we're hoping to build a squad. I don't think it's going to be the most competitive squad this year.
"Coach Devon Anderson and Nairne and Howell have been working assiduously not just to get these boys focused on school, but also on being a student first. I must commend them for mentoring the boys and just ensuring that they're okay and ready for school."
He singled out Anderson saying the coach fits the profile because he's a former Dean of Discipline at Holy Trinity High where he enjoyed success.
"Apart from being an excellent coach, he's a father figure to the boys,” Bennett said.
“And even though soft-spoken, he's firm on discipline and that's the type of person we want. He has all the qualities that we want for our boys. We want them (coaches) to be parents and fathers, mentors. Most of the boys are fatherless. He fits that mode.
"Discipline is paramount in building our school in sport and academics. One of the key goals of Dr Small and the Board and the school is to have rounded individuals."
With that in mind, the new principal said that the Hydel board aims to raise the performance at the PEP level and lift the quality of the CAPE scores and CSEC passes.
"We want to ensure that students who come to the institution leave with a minimum of five subjects because that's what is required for tertiary institutions," Dr. Small said.
"There's a dearth of institutions that cater to specialist students. We want to offer special education. And for all the students in St Catherine, this must be the first stop. There is no need for students to leave from here and go to Kingston.
"So that is why we don't want the country to see the institution as just sport. There has to be a balance between quality sport and quality education."
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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launches hair care line, AFIMI, ahead of final Olympic Games
In what is hoped will be a memorable year for Jamaican track and field star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the legendary sprinter has announced the launch of her new hair care line, AFIMI. The announcement comes as Fraser-Pryce prepares to compete in her final Olympic Games, aiming to make history by winning a record-extending fifth Olympic 100m medal in Paris.
Fraser-Pryce, 37, has faced injury challenges over the past few years and has only had four races this season, three of which were at the Jamaican national championships in late June. Despite her limited time on the track, her entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive. The three-time Olympic gold medalist shared the news of her latest venture on Instagram, posting a video that features her running on a track, enjoying the beach, and proudly standing beside her products, all while wearing various hairstyles that showcase the versatility of her yet-to-be-released hair care line.
In her Instagram post, Fraser-Pryce, adorned in Jamaican colors, is seen wearing braids, lace front wigs, and other styles, emphasizing the multi-use nature of AFIMI products. The caption reads, “Hair is your most powerful form of self-expression and has been an exciting way to reinvent myself every time I step on the track. From the main stage to the finish line, my hair has helped me set the tone for many fearless victories. That’s why it’s so important that it gets the care it needs. I’ve designed these products with you in mind to keep your hair feeling and performing its best no matter what comes your way. This line is a vibrant tribute to Jamaica, inspired by its lush resources and welcoming essence — each ingredient naturally sourced from the earth to enhance your natural beauty. AFIMI, It’s for you, no matter who you are.”
Fraser-Pryce is no stranger to making bold statements with her hair. Whether at the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games, she has consistently used her hair to express her vibrant personality and Jamaican pride. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she won her fourth world championship gold medal in the 100 meters with a stunning rainbow-dyed hairstyle. In 2022, she claimed her record fifth world 100m title in Eugene, Oregon, while sporting a beautiful blonde look with green and yellow highlights.
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, she left fans speechless with a striking orange wig featuring elements of hot pink during her first 100m heat. Similarly, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, she wore a yellow-to-orange ombre wig while taking home the silver medal in the women’s 100m race.
Fraser-Pryce's love for hair dates back to 2013 when she launched Chic Hair Ja, a store that retailed virgin human hair and hair care products in Kingston. The store enjoyed a successful run until 2017. That same year, she revamped and rebranded her hair care line to Lady Shelly, adding natural products to the lineup. Lady Shelly featured products made in Jamaica with natural ingredients, catering to all hair textures and positioning itself as a multicultural hair care line.
As Fraser-Pryce prepares for her final Olympic Games, fans are eagerly anticipating not only her performance on the track but also the stylish hair looks she will undoubtedly bring to Paris. With AFIMI, she continues to inspire and empower, showing that her influence extends far beyond the world of athletics.
Jamaica and France sign landmark MOU for bilateral sports cooperation
As the world eagerly anticipates the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Jamaica and France have marked the occasion with a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral relations in the field of sport. On July 24, the Honourable Olivia Grange, Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and His Excellency Olivier Guyonvarch, the Ambassador of France in Jamaica, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Bilateral Cooperation in Sport.
Minister Grange highlighted the symbolic timing of the agreement, stating, “It is certainly significant that it is happening at the time of the 2024 Olympics in the French capital, Paris. It embodies the importance of sport in establishing cooperation and friendship between the two countries."
The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing both nations' sports capabilities. One key aspect of the MOU is the sharing of experiences and the development of joint initiatives in sports. This includes promoting common standards for organizing major sporting events and developing high sports performance through the exchange of best practices, coaching training, and research.
Additionally, the agreement focuses on boosting the sports economy and sports tourism in both countries by sharing valuable information and insights. A significant emphasis is also placed on promoting sports ethics, with both nations committing to collaborate in the fight against doping.
Minister Grange commended the diligent efforts of Ambassador Guyonvarch and the teams from both the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, in finalizing the MOU. She also referenced the ongoing friendship between Jamaica and France, demonstrated by events like the "2024 Road to Paris Olympics," which featured a symbolic relay baton passed globally and included French students from schools across Jamaica.
The MOU also aims to facilitate exchanges in seminars, conferences, and symposia involving experts in various sports disciplines such as fencing, rugby, handball, athletics, canoe-kayak/sprint, sailing, and skateboarding, among others.
Ambassador Guyonvarch expressed his enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, “On the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, the signing of this MOU on sports cooperation is a milestone in our bilateral relations, being the most ambitious and comprehensive agreement between our two countries in a strategic field of excellence. The implementation of this agreement, initiated by the Centre for Research on Sports Performance of Guadeloupe and the Faculty of Sports of UWI, will allow us to develop sports science, new practices, and more intense human exchanges between our two countries.”
The follow-up on the cooperation outlined in the MOU will be ensured by a Bilateral Steering Committee, which will meet annually in either of the two countries, ensuring that the goals and initiatives set forth are actively pursued and achieved.
This agreement not only strengthens the bond between Jamaica and France but also paves the way for enhanced sports performance, education, and ethical standards in both nations, promising a bright future for sports collaboration and excellence.
Caribbean athletes arrive in Paris, sharing early experiences on social media
The anticipation for the 2024 Paris Olympics is building as Caribbean athletes have arrived in the French capital, sharing their experiences and activities on social media. Ahead of Friday's highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, these athletes are giving fans a glimpse into their Olympic journey.
Dominican triple jumper Thea Lafond was among the first to share her arrival in Paris. In an Instagram post captioned "We Made It," she stands proudly with her husband and coach in front of a Paris 2024 banner, capturing the excitement of reaching this milestone. Her coach and husband, Aaron Gadson, has been documenting their stay in Paris on his Instagram page, showcasing their arrival, the layout of the Olympic Village, and various facilities, including the training center, cafeteria, and entertainment center.
Team Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is also in Paris ahead of the games. The SVG Olympic Committee shared images on Instagram of their team, which includes swimmers Alexander Joachim and Kennice Greene, poolside and in training for the Olympics. Joachim and Greene are set to compete in the 50m freestyle events. Track and field athletes Shafiqua Maloney and Handal Roban, competing in the women's and men's 800m events respectively, have also been spotted training on the track.
Jamaica's athletes have started to arrive in Paris as well. Navasky Anderson, who will run in the 800m, posted on Instagram about his arrival and shared videos from the Olympic Village, showing his teammates in high spirits. Jaydon Hibbert, set to compete in the men's triple jump, detailed his journey to Paris in a vlog on his X and Instagram accounts, capturing the excitement of arriving with teammates and settling into the Olympic Village.
Long jumper Chanice Porter took to Instagram to share photos of herself and other athletes in Paris. She reposted a photo with Cejhae Green, an Antiguan and Barbudan sprinter competing in the men's 100m. In an Instagram story, Porter can be seen sitting in the Olympic rings beside teammate Jehlani Gordon, who will compete in the 4x100m relay.
Barbadian athlete Sada Williams, who will compete in the women’s 400m, announced her arrival in Paris with a picture captioned "Paris, I've arrived!" on Instagram, adding to the growing excitement among fans.
Fans have been flooding the athletes' posts with positive comments, offering words of encouragement and praise. The vibrant social media updates have not only provided a behind-the-scenes look at the Olympic preparations but have also heightened the anticipation and excitement for the upcoming games.
As more Caribbean athletes continue to arrive in Paris, their enthusiasm and high spirits are palpable. They are eager to represent their countries and showcase their talents on the world stage, bringing pride to their nations and inspiring fans back home.
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