Kingston, 2 August 2023 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has described the national team’s historic qualification to the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup this morning as the “proudest moment in Jamaica’s football history.”

The Reggae Girlz advanced to the round of 16 for the first time by drawing 0-0 with Brazil.

Minister Grange said: “Their hard fought and determined draw against powerhouse Brazil is most commendable… I could not help shedding a few tears of joy.”

The Reggae Girlz are undefeated and have not given up a goal at the 2023 tournament having earlier drawn 0-0 with the fifth ranked team, France, and beating Panama 1-nil for their first-ever victory at the World Cup. Jamaica finished their group in second place, behind France.

In her communications with the Girlz following today’s game, Minister Grange congratulated them on their performance and reminded them that the entire nation was proud and cheering for them.

Minister Grange reiterated her message which she wrote to the team on the eve of their game against France: “I can never tire of telling you how much your presence on the world stage means to Jamaica and the pride we all feel when we see you donned in the national colours.”

The Minister said that through the Reggae Girlz “we see that dreams do come true” and the girls are a source of inspiration for Jamaica and fully deserving of our full support.

“I am happy that my government has been able to support the Jamaica Football Federation and the women’s programme on yet another successful World Cup campaign.”

The Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Sports Development Foundation provides a monthly subvention of J$3M (J$36M per annum) to the JFF for its programmes. This year, the government allocated an additional J$20M specifically for the Reggae Girlz World Cup campaign, J$10M of which is to be paid directly to members of the squad under the Ministry’s Athlete Assistance Programme. In addition, the government insures the Reggae Girlz under the Jamaica Athlete Insurance Plan which covers all health related services including injuries and overseas emergency services up to US$100,000 per athlete.

“Our girls, particularly the Reggae Girlz, the Sunshine Girls (the national netballers who are competing in the World Netball World Cup in South Africa), and the women’s volleyball team (which won the Cazova Championship on the weekend) have made us very proud and have given us such a special gift as we celebrate our nation’s 61st anniversary of Independence. We are proud of them.”

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