The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) held a press conference on Monday that was intended to promote the National Senior Championships. But the elephant in the room—the exodus of elite Jamaican athletes switching allegiance to Turkiye—was impossible to ignore. And while the JAAA’s top brass delivered lengthy answers soaked in emotion, indignation and historical context, not once did they present a tangible plan to engage their athletes more effectively. Not once did they outline a solution to stem the growing tide of defections.

What we got instead was a lot of what the JAAA has done—years of non-monetary support, millions spent on athlete development, personal sacrifices from administrators. We were reminded how no one at the JAAA is paid, how officials leave stadiums at midnight, and how one was even hospitalized after being robbed. We were told of exposure trips, developmental meets, and $104 million spent over 10 years to support athletes.

And yes, we were told—repeatedly—that the JAAA is proud of what it has accomplished. But that was never the issue.

The problem is not whether the JAAA has historically done enough with what it has. The problem is: what is it doing to do more? How does it plan to keep Jamaica’s best talent wearing the black, green and gold when other countries are offering six-figure inducements and long-term financial security?

To that, there was no answer.

Treasurer Ludlow Watts reeled off financial contributions and lamented that Jamaica can never match Turkiye’s offers. But he never offered a single idea about how the JAAA might raise new revenue or partner with the private sector to increase athlete support. The focus was on the money spent—not the money that needs to be found.

President Garth Gayle, meanwhile, was defiant, framing the situation as an external assault on Jamaica’s legacy by agents and coaches who are “handcuffing” the sport. He insisted the JAAA has strong relationships with athletes and suggested the athletes’ handlers are to blame for their departure. His defense: the federation goes the extra mile. But again—no strategy, no self-reflection, no innovation. Nothing about athlete welfare programmes. Nothing about athlete liaison officers. Nothing about performance-based incentives. Nothing about proactive dialogue or mediation when athletes become disillusioned.

When asked directly whether Jamaica would lead a lobby for World Athletics to regulate financial inducements and transfers of allegiance, Gayle said they would be putting their concerns in writing. That’s a start—but it’s not leadership. Writing a letter is not a solution. And if your house is on fire, you don’t just write the fire department.

There was a clear refusal to discuss whether Jamaica would ever consider receiving a transfer fee—something allowed under World Athletics’ transfer regulations. It was punted to the executive. In other words, another conversation deferred.

The irony is that while Gayle bristled at the notion that athletes are no longer loyal, he didn’t express any willingness to change the federation’s approach to athlete engagement. Nor did he acknowledge any internal shortcomings. Instead, the burden was shifted entirely to outside forces—the agents, the coaches, and the foreign powers offering "ripe mangoes" to athletes seeking financial relief.

But the harsh truth is this: if athletes believed the JAAA had their backs, they would at least come to the table before leaving. The fact that these defections are happening in silence is damning. It suggests the relationship between the federation and its top talent is not as strong or transparent as officials claim.

The JAAA can no longer simply talk about legacy, sacrifice, and patriotism. The global sports industry has moved on. Athletes are not just flag bearers—they are professionals, brands, and businesses. Until the JAAA adopts a modern athlete-centered approach—one that includes financial foresight, communication transparency, and a clear development pipeline—it will continue to lose its brightest stars.

Jamaica cannot afford more silence. Nor can it afford another press conference without a solution.