Opposition Spokesperson on Sport, Wavell Hinds, has hailed Jamaica’s continued dominance at the CARIFTA Games, following the country’s 40th consecutive win atop the medal table at the 2026 staging in Grenada. Jamaica amassed an impressive 71 medals, including 28 gold, 27 silver, and 16 bronze, reaffirming its position as the Caribbean’s premier athletics powerhouse.

Hinds noted that this historic achievement reflects not only the talent and discipline of Jamaica’s young athletes but also the enduring legacy of the country’s track and field programme. “This remarkable 40-year streak is no accident. It is the product of generations of disciplined athletes, dedicated coaches, committed schools, and a culture that continues to value excellence in sport,” Hinds said. “Our young athletes have once again made Jamaica proud, and they deserve not just our applause, but our continued support.”

He emphasised that the CARIFTA Games remain a critical development platform for Jamaica’s future Olympians and world champions, pointing out that many of the country’s global stars began their journey at this level.

Hinds, however, cautioned against complacency, urging greater strategic investment in youth development, infrastructure, and athlete welfare to sustain Jamaica’s dominance on the world stage. “We cannot take this success for granted. If we are to maintain our global competitiveness, we must invest deliberately in our youth athletes; from grassroots programmes to proper facilities, coaching support, and sports science,” he said.

He further called for stronger partnerships between government, schools, and sporting institutions to ensure that talent across all communities is identified and nurtured. “This is about more than medals. It is about opportunity, national pride, and building pathways for young Jamaicans to excel, both on and off the track,” Hinds added.

The Opposition Spokesperson reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that strengthen Jamaica’s sporting ecosystem and ensure that the next generation of athletes is equipped to continue the nation’s legacy of excellence.