Kingston, 2 September 2025 – The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, is advanced in finalising arrangements to reintroduce a Jamaica franchise to the Caribbean Premier League in August 2026 through a public-private partnership.

The development comes as the Government continues its push to establish Jamaica as a premier destination to watch, participate in and discuss sports.

In this regard, Kingston is recognised as a strategic pillar for diversifying Jamaica's tourism offerings, aiming to create integrated visitor experiences that encompass business, heritage, food, cultural attractions, sports, and entertainment.

The Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, are working to conclude the discussions and ensure the necessary arrangements are put in place for a new Jamaican CPL franchise next summer.

Minister Bartlett said, "Sports tourism is a critical component in the experiential offerings of tourism for destination Jamaica. Minister of Culture, the Honourable Babsy Grange, and myself have been collaborating with the CPL team, and particularly the franchise holder in Jamaica, to ensure that along with the cricket board we’re able to advance quality cricket offerings at destination Jamaica. We are committed to working with the teams and we look forward to the outcomes that will enure to the constant building of sports tourism as a driver for visitor arrivals and revenue in Jamaica.”

Minister Grange said, “The discussions have been ongoing for a while now and they are going very well. We have resolved many of the challenges and I’m very confident that we will welcome a new CPL franchise to Jamaica in the new season.”

CPL Chief Executive Officer Peter Russell said, “The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League are very excited at the prospect of a return to Jamaica. We are delighted that there has been significant investment in Sabina Park and have had fruitful and engaging discussions with the Government and other stakeholders about securing a seventh CPL team which will be domiciled in Jamaica for the 2026 season. We have seen the impact that CPL has made on promoting host nations as premier tourism destinations. We look forward to working with our partners to achieve similar success in Jamaica. We are hopeful that these negotiations will reach a positive conclusion in the coming months.”

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Kingston, 24 September 2024 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced the appointment of the Board of Directors of Institute of Sports Limited for two years from September 8, 2024.

The members are:

• The Honourable Ian Forbes, Chairman
• Mr Howard Chambers, Deputy Chairman
• Mr Ronald Anderson
• Dr Michelle Holt
• Mr Alan Beckford
• Mr Glen Nelson
• Mr Emile Spence
• Mrs Shirley McLean Brown
• Mr Julian Patrick
• Mrs Florette Blackwood
• Mrs Suzzette Ison
• Mr George Ledgister, ex officio

Minister Grange has also announced that Mrs Florette Blackwood, Mr Leslie Harrow and Mr Newton Amos have been added to the Board of Directors of the Sports Development Foundation as of September 9, 2024 until the Board expires in April 2026.

The SDF Board is chaired by Mr Leslie Campbell.

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Kingston, 20 March 2024 (JIS) - The Government, through the Sports Development Foundation, has provided a $40-million grant to the Jamaica Chess Federation to build the sport locally.

The investment is in support of a project first announced by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Honourable Nigel Clarke, in his 2023/24 Budget Debate presentation on March 7, 2023, to produce a Jamaican Chess Grandmaster in 10 years.

The Minister, in his address at the grant handover ceremony on Wednesday (March 20) at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in New Kingston, said that chess “is the next frontier for Jamaica to excel in internationally”.

Noting that Jamaica has the ability to produce a Chess Grandmaster, he informed that the first black Grandmaster, Maurice Ashley, is an American who was born in the island.

Minister Clarke said that the country’s ability to compete on the international scene is already well established, and “if we put our effort in it, we can [achieve] that Grandmaster status. It is incumbent on us to ensure that the mission is accomplished”.

During Wednesday’s ceremony, a cheque valued at $2 million was also presented to the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica to fund the national team to the upcoming Carifta Aquatics Championships, with $350,000 going to Mona Preparatory to support the school’s participation in the 12th annual Junior Florida Netball Classic.

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, urged the beneficiaries of the grants to use the funds well. “Keep Jamaica proud, and keep being great ambassadors,” she said.

She informed that the Chess Federation will be working closely with the Institute of Sports and the SDF, to build the sport in primary schools.

The Minister of Education and Youth, the Honourable Fayval Williams, in her remarks, said she would like to see chess expanded in schools, noting that the game helps to foster discipline and concentration among students.

Jamaica will be participating in the 2024 Carifta Aquatics Championships in swimming, and artistic swimming.

A total of 28 swimmers will compete in The Bahamas between March 28 and April 2, while artistic swimmers will compete in Coral Springs, Florida, from March 27 to April 3.

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Kingston, 7 February 2024 (JIS) - The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, will be providing grant funding of $500,000 to each Member of Parliament to jumpstart holistic efforts to promote physical activities and sport at the grassroot level.

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on February 6.

Minister Grange noted that as a member of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee on Physical Activity and Sport, Jamaica must demonstrate its commitment to promoting the Fit for Life programme.

Fit for Life is UNESCO's Sport flagship programme, aimed at increasing participation in physical activity and sport through targeted investments.

“Physical activity and sport can yield a wide range of benefits to individuals, to communities and society at large. In each jurisdiction, the Fit for Life programme will have a different look and feel. In Jamaica, Fit for Life will be multifaceted and proposes to be a harmonised approach to sport development,” Minister Grange informed.

She explained that the disbursement of the funds will allow for community-based projects aimed at improving physical activity and increasing sport in the communities.

“The grant may be used for the hosting of community sport competitions, purchase of sport gear and equipment. Everywhere a Member of Parliament goes, somebody's asking for a ball, a football, field preparation or upgrade of sport facilities,” she said.

The grant will be accessible through the Sport Development Foundation following successful submission of a proposal detailing the community sport development project to be executed.

Grant proposals must identify how community members will benefit from the initiatives and the methods that will be employed to document and track the impact of the investment.

“Proposals should be submitted no later than March 1… because the fiscal year ends the end of March. So, we would want you to use those funds before the end of the fiscal year. The letters will be distributed shortly. Payments will be made on submission of a pro-forma invoice by a registered or bona fide community-based organisation or to a supplier on behalf of the community-based organisation,” Minister Grange said.

“The guideline, it's not stringent, as long as you can prove that you have an organisation. There are a lot of clubs in your communities, and you can go ahead and get your Pro-forma invoice in the name of the club and the SDF will process it,” she added.

Meanwhile, Minister Grange said the intention is to expand and continue the programme, “because we believe in community sports development and community cultural development programmes”.

“In fact, I will be meeting next week with the Sports Development Foundation to look at what their plans are for this year. They are limited in terms of funds because you know that the funds also go to Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. However, we want to ensure that the funds that SDF gets, that we make sure that the country benefits, that we maximise those funds,” she emphasised.

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Kingston, 9 December 2022 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, opened a multipurpose sports court and gazebo at Papine High School on Friday (today).

“I am pleased that you have been blessed with a new multipurpose court,” said Minister Grange. “Facilities like these help athletes to develop their skills, improve their performance, and help to build a culture where the majority of our people will regularly participate in sports.”

The sports court was built to facilitate netball, volleyball and basketball. It cost J$5.7M.

Minister Grange said: “The Government has been providing these multipurpose courts through the Sports Development Foundation. As Minister, I’ve been working to provide schools across the island with upgraded facilities as part of our programme to build sports from the grassroots to the elite level.”

Minister Grange said that with the installation of sports facilities at schools across the country, local federations “now have an opportunity to work with schools to train and develop our young students; and I call on the federations to give support to our schools.”

Construction of the gazebo was a 2019 National Labour Day Project which focused on child safety.

The gazebo, which cost J$2.9M, has a ramp for wheelchair access and has space for the staging of events, a study area, and can be used for classes.

Minister Grange encouraged the students to make full use of the facilities.

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Kingston, 20 May 2021 - The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that she is deeply saddened that, “we are once again mourning the passing of one of Jamaica's truly great sportsmen.”


Minister Grange's comment follows the death of Olympian, Neville Myton, who passed this week, a few days short of the 75th anniversary of his birthday which would have been on May 28.


Minister Grange said:
"Middle distance runner, Neville Myton, who hailed from Old Harbour Bay in St Catharine, was regarded by many as the greatest school boy athlete produced by Jamaica, representing the country at the 1964 Olympics while still attending Excelsior High School.


"Neville was famous for the records he created from very early in his career. As he set records at several meets, he became the first Jamaican Junior Record Holder in 1964 when he ran 880 yards in 47.2 seconds, a record that still stands. He was also the first high school athlete to win an open event at the Penn Relays.

"He represented his country at two Olympics, at the Commonwealth Games and at the Pan American Games. He was a double gold medallist at the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games.


"We must note that Neville's stellar contribution to sports continued long after his days on the track. He went on to coach and mentor several of Jamaica's top athletes including Veronica Campbell Brown, Simone Facey and Shereefa Lloyd.


"But his depth and versatility also saw Neville successfully coaching schoolboy cricket and football in addition to track and field. Vere Technical High School, Tivoli Gardens High School and Old Harbour High School benefitted from his vast knowledge and direction as a coach. Managing the Jamalco Sports Club also formed part of his formidable contribution to sports.


"It is not surprising that Jamaica honoured him with the award of the Order of Distinction in 2006 and that in 2016, he was inducted into Hall of Fame of San Jose State University, which he attended and where he never lost a half-mile event.


“As Minister of Sport, I wish to extend to Neville's wife Paulette and the rest of his family, my sincerest condolences. To the track and field fraternity in particular and sports people in general, I also express my sympathy.


“With the passing of Neville Myton, a track and field icon is gone from us but there is already much evidence that his legacy will live on.


“Rest in peace, Neville.”

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Kingston, 23 April 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said that sadly the race of life is finished for Dennis Johnson and the nation must say goodbye to its first world record holder in the short sprint.

Dennis Johnson, passed away on Thursday night, April 22, 2021, at the age of 81.

Minister Grange said:

“He never set a world record. But, in a six-week period in 1961 he equaled the 100-yards world record on all of three occasions. This was but one measure of the man Dennis Johnson, who was honoured with the Order of Distinction in 2001.

“The passing of Dennis has closed the chapter on one who made an iconic contribution to the development of track and field in Jamaica not only as a sprinter himself but also through his efforts to develop other sprinters to world class standards right here at home. It was the genesis that changed us from the thinking that our athletes had to go abroad to become the best that they could.

“It is with irony, that we recall that it was the then Principal of the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Dr Rae Davis, who himself died a few days ago, who invited Dennis to establish a collegiate sports programme at the institution.

 “The records show Dennis as serving as the first director of sports at CAST which later became the University of Technology, Chairman of the Sports Advisory Council, adjunct associate professor of sport science and head of the special projects for intercollegiate sports.

“His work at UTech as an administrator and coach has come to be regarded as a fundamental contributing factor to Jamaica’s consistent top performances in world sprinting.

"As I express my condolences to Dennis’ sons Peter and Johnny and his daughter Dawn, his friends and associates as well as the track and field community, I must also say how disappointed I feel that Dennis did not live to see the documentary on his life that has been commissioned by my Ministry to be produced by Clyde McKenzie, media and entertainment specialist.

“Dennis was a jovial, sharp witted person, who thought the only thing that he could do better than sprinting was to play dominoes. He was well liked and will be missed not just in sport circles but by the many who knew him or learnt of his exploits.

“Your record on the track has its own very special place in the history of track and field in Jamaica, Dennis Johnson. Rest in peace.”

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Kingston, 31 March 2021 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has told the Fifth Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development that the key to rebuild the sport sector after the covid-19 pandemic is investing in initiatives to mainstream sport and physical activity as part of policy integration across public health, education and economic development.

The Minister was specially invited by the Commonwealth Secretariat to participate in the Debate, a virtual event that took place on March 30, 2021. It is among the leading global policy focused events held to mark International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated on April 6.

Minister Grange advocated that:
“The focus of investment must be on factors identified in restoring human rights, social inclusion, prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases and enhanced access to the benefits of sport post-covid-19.

“These are the problems emerging from the onset of the pandemic: the sport sector relies extensively on human contact and is disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

“We must rethink the role of sport. There is now a shift in focus to investment in safeguarding policies globally among governments, international bodies and national initiatives strengthening of human rights through and for sport.

“We all agree with the results of research presented by the Commonwealth Secretariat which confirms that ‘sport is effective in generating employment because it is community-based and depends on human interaction. As such, one policy implication is that investing in sport can be an economic tool to help a country reduce unemployment during a recession. This is a valuable insight for the rebuilding the sport sector in the post covid-19 period’ according to the publication.

“Economic prosperity is important for the development of sport as an economic activity. Economic downturns usually result in governments reducing spending on sectors like sport unless there is strong scientific evidence to demonstrate how vital the sport sector is to development of the economy.

“The World Bank’s global economic prospects (2020) fittingly describes ‘covid-19 as the most adverse peacetime shock to the global economy in a century!’ Furthermore, the President of the World Bank Group reminds us that: ‘making the right investments now is vital, and urgently needed to support the recovery and foster resilience. The response to the pandemic crisis today will shape our common future for years to come. We should seize the opportunity to lay the foundations for a durable, equitable, and sustainable global economy.’

“Technology has a role to play in sport, it is a constituent for sport. However, investment in technology cannot by itself be the key to rebuild sport sector post covid-19.

“In the Caribbean and Latin American Region (ECLAC) it is estimated that there will be a contraction of minus 1.8% in regional gross domestic product, which could lead to unemployment in the region rising by 10 percentage points.  In 2018-(pre covid era) the WHO reported that NCDs were killing 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally.

“To rebuild the sport sector post covid-19, it is clear that we must invest in empirical research and other measurement framework, to demonstrate the contribution of sport the SDGs, while securing the sustainability of the sport sector.

“The lack of adequate evidence-based practice and measurement framework has led to undervaluing the contribution of sport to global and national development.
Let us examine some of the on-going consequences and impact of the covid-19 pandemic as the intervening factor in our lives and societies worldwide.

“The SDGs agenda recognises sport as ‘an important enabler of sustainable development’ and highlights its impact on health, education, social inclusion, women’s empowerment and youth development. The achievement of goals is impacted by pandemic and related policy/regulatory responses.

“Based on the results of the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey (2020), the demands for social justice is transforming the sports world. There is a shifting societal dynamic, with athletes having a stronger voice, demanding action, and playing an even bigger part as role models.

“Sport organisations’ level of commitment to combating social injustice now directly affects their brand, bottom line and business relationships with athletes.”

The Debate is delivered as part of the Commonwealth’s leadership supporting countries as they protect and promote the contribution sport can make to human and social development.

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Kingston, 5 February 2021 – The Government of Jamaica has given the go ahead for the resumption of sporting activities on a case by case basis.

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, says provision for the resumption of sporting activities has been included in the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (No. 2) Order, 2021.

Minister Grange said:

“Under the Order, organisers of sports events must first send an application to the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.  We will review the application to see that it meets the requirements as outlined in this Order and transmit it to the Director General of ODPEM.  If the ODPEM is satisfied, after consultation with the Ministry of Health, that the venue is appropriate, and that sanitisation, mask-wearing and distancing protocols will be strictly observed, then the ODPEM will approve the application for the specific training and/or competition to take place at the specified place and time.  This is the process and we all must follow this process.”

The Order mandates that sports events may be held only at venues that are enclosed by perimeter fencing; where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences; and at places that are conducive to appropriate security measures.

Minister Grange emphasises that “no spectator will be allowed at sports competitions or training sessions at this time.” 

She says each sporting activity must involve “regular cleaning of gear and equipment and the taking of the temperature of all athletes, coaches and officials who must be the only people allowed at the sports event.”

Each person at a sport event must wear a mask, except when participating in any strenuous activity or water activity, and the person shall change the mask at least every four hours or upon the mask becoming wet. 

The Order also mandates that there shall be no unnecessary contact between persons (such as hugging, high-fives or touching) and personal items such as water bottles or towels shall not be shared.

Minister Grange said:

“I am happy that this new Order has made provision for sporting events. We had been lobbying on behalf of sporting bodies to receive special exemptions for their events to take place.  Now that the Order has made provision for sports events, I am asking those sports bodies including the JAAA, boxing, swimming and others to resubmit their applications — no longer asking for exemption, but to stage their events, including training sessions, under the provisions of this new Order.  

You can’t just resume training or hold a competition.  You must follow the process and get approval.”

Minister Grange has urged sports officials and athletes to become familiar with the rules for the resumption of sports and to follow them scrupulously as they are designed to keep everyone safe.

She says there will be consequences where the rules are not followed.

“I emphasise that the process must be followed.  Only one entity has the authority to give approval for sports events, including training sessions.  Where there is a breach, we will take action.  In this regard, we are looking into the circumstances surrounding the calling up of the JFF training camp in Mona,” said Minister Grange. 

The following is an extract from the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (No. 2) Order, 2021

1. (25) During the period from February 1, 2021, to February 28, 2021, the following provisions apply in respect of sporting events— 

1. a person wishing to hold a sporting event (“the organizer”) shall submit an application, for approval of the holding of the event, to the Director of Sports in the Ministry with responsibility for sports, who shall review the application and transmit it to the Director General; 
2. on receipt of an application under sub-paragraph (a), the Director General may, if satisfied after consultation with the Medical Officer (Health), that the matters specified in sub-paragraphs (d) and (e) are likely to be complied with in respect of the sporting event, issue to the organizer approval in writing in the form set out as Form 1 of the Fifth Schedule; 
3. where approval is given under sub-paragraph (b), the Director General shall send a copy of the approval to the Director of Sports in the Ministry with responsibility for sports, and to the Medical Officer (Health); 
4.  sporting events may be held at venues— 
1. enclosed by perimeter fencing; 
2. where there is access to proper sanitary conveniences; and 
3. conducive to appropriate security measures 
5.  the organizer of such a sporting event is directed to ensure compliance with the following requirements, at the sporting event and all training sessions therefor— 
1. between each sporting event sufficient time shall be allowed to ensure the maintenance of the social distancing requirements of paragraph 12(b) and for the venue and equipment to be sanitized; 
2. all areas for competition and training shall be properly cleaned and all gear and equipment sanitized before the beginning of each session and after each user; 
3. no spectator shall be allowed at the sporting event or training session;
4. temperature checks of all athletes, coaches and officials shall be made and documented; 
5. each person at the event or training session shall wear a mask fitted to the person’s face so as to cover the person’s nose and mouth, except when participating in any strenuous activity or water activity, and the person shall change the mask at least every four hours or upon the mask becoming wet;
6. there shall be no unnecessary contact between persons (such as hugging, high-fives or touching) and personal items such as water bottles or towels shall not be shared; 
7. all promotion for the event shall contain reference to the COVID-19 protocols applicable thereto, including specific reference to the requirements for temperature checks, the wearing of masks, sanitization and social distancing; 
8. signage specifying the applicable COVID-19protocols, including handwashing procedures and social distancing requirements, shall be conspicuously placed throughout the venue and the training areas for the sporting event; 
9. the points of entry to the venue shall be separate from the points of exit;
10. restrooms shall be cleaned and sanitized at least once every hour; and
11. audible public announcements urging compliance with the requirements of this sub-paragraph shall be made at least every fifteen minutes. 

(26) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this paragraph, no business referred to in this paragraph shall operate during the hours when persons are required to remain at an abode or place of residence under paragraph 10. 

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