In response to growing concerns over the recent wave of athlete transfers, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, used her Sectoral Debate presentation in Parliament on Tuesday to call for national calm and unity, as she begins consultations to develop a new framework for elite athlete development and retention.
The directive comes directly from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, following the revelation that four Jamaican athletes — including three medallists from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games — are either in the process of switching allegiance or have already committed to representing Turkiye.
Grange acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation in her address.
“It is true. We Jamaicans enjoy being Jamaican. And we feel proud when our compatriots take on the world — and especially when we win,” she said. “Those moments bring us together and have us walking on air. Therefore, this week’s news... has hit a nerve.”
Emphasizing the years of dedication and layered support required to produce world-class athletes, Grange detailed the collaborative ecosystem — from Physical Education teachers and (Institute of Sports) Insports officers to families and corporate sponsors — that underpins Jamaica’s sporting success.
“Our elite athletes are the products of many years of nurture, of training, of hard work, of dedication, of investment,” she said. “No one makes it alone.”
While recognizing the frustration felt across the island, Grange struck a tone of understanding and respect for the personal and professional challenges faced by athletes who consider such life-changing decisions.
“I urge us to remain calm and respectful of the athletes who are reported to have or are contemplating a transfer of allegiance,” she said. “Understanding that those are difficult decisions made for a variety of personal and professional reasons.”
Grange confirmed that she will soon convene a multi-stakeholder meeting that will include athletes, federations, and private sector partners, in an effort to formalize a long-term strategy to support elite talent.
“The Prime Minister has asked me to meet with stakeholders… to develop a new framework for elite athlete development and retention,” she said. “We will continue to develop our Jamaican athletes the best way we know how.”
The Minister also reminded Parliament that Jamaica, too, has benefitted from athlete transfers in various disciplines and has always welcomed new representatives who choose to compete under the black, green and gold.
“We must also consider that athletes have transferred their allegiance from other countries to Jamaica as well… and we have welcomed and embraced them.”
In spite of the current controversy, Grange remained optimistic about Jamaica’s growing global influence in sport. She pointed to the country’s expanding leadership in international sports governance, including her own recent participation in Olympism365, a global initiative of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Jamaica now holds leadership positions at major global and regional sports bodies,” she said. “Our growing reputation as a leader in world sports was further burnished when I was invited by the incoming IOC President… to make a presentation on ways to use sport to create a better world.”
Grange’s comments come amid a wave of scrutiny over athlete migration and financial incentives offered by other nations — particularly Turkiye — to secure world-class talent. The issue has sparked widespread debate within Jamaican sporting circles, with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) confirming it is also seeking talks with World Athletics regarding athlete recruitment from developing nations.
For now, Minister Grange’s message is clear: stay calm, stay respectful, and work collaboratively to protect the legacy and future of Jamaican sport.