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A special wake hosted by the University of Technology, Jamaica, at its School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) Hotel on Thursday, August 13, 2026, marked the start of a celebratory farewell for legendary track and field coach, the Honourable Vincent Stephen “Franno” Francis, OJ, OD, ahead of his official Thanksgiving Service on Saturday.

Organised by the University’s Division of Advancement, the event brought together Francis’s family and friends, members of the University community, the athletics fraternity and representatives of the private and public sectors. In the warm, reflective atmosphere of the Papine Campus, where Francis spent three decades helping to shape champions and advancing Jamaica’s sporting excellence, memories flowed alongside Kumina drumming by the UTech, Jamaica Centre for the Arts Drummers and up-tempo revival songs from the University’s music band.

In her opening remarks, Professor Hylton, Strategic Lead, Sports Development and Integration, described Francis as a visionary who “turned ambition into action and consistently raised the bar.”

Francis, who died on July 4 at age 64, was Co-Founder, Head Coach and Technical Director of the Maximum Velocity & Power (MVP) Track and Field Club, established in 1999 and based at the University’s Papine Campus. In 2021, UTech, Jamaica conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) for his outstanding contribution to the development of sport in Jamaica.

From the fence to a global athletics legacy

Francis’s brother and MVP co-founder, Mr. Paul Francis, recalled the life-changing decision that took Stephen from a promising career in business into track and field.

He also remembered the humble beginning of his brother’s coaching journey at UTech, Jamaica.

“He came up here at 5 O’clock every morning and stood at the fence and watched Dennis Johnson work… they started a conversation where “Franno” said, can I assist you for free– the beginning of a relationship which lasted 27 years.”

For Bruce James, President, MVP Track and Field Club, that relationship was foundational to the club’s success.

He acknowledged Dennis Johnson for opening the door to Francis and UTech, Jamaica, for providing the environment in which their shared vision could flourish.

“It is fitting that we be here. The University of Technology hosting the wake, the Set-Up for Franno is the right thing to do,” James said.

A shared vision for nation-building

Dr Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica, described the evening as a deeply personal farewell to a man whose work had been intertwined with the University for three decades.

“We at UTech were honoured and privileged to have had Stephen Francis here for three decades,” Dr. Brown stated. “The agreement that we have between Stephen, Bruce and the athletes is a shared vision that started many years ago that we in Jamaica can train and coach and develop our own athletes right here,” he added.

Dr Brown also recalled that Francis and the late Dennis Johnson worked with aspiring athletes despite limited resources in the early days of UTech, Jamaica’s athletics programme.

Looking ahead, he said the University would continue to build on Francis’s legacy.

“Stephen Francis has left a strong legacy, and we look forward to moving in a direction that will be pleasing to Steven as he looks down on us and as we continue to strive to achieve the greatness that he has established” Dr. Brown stated.

Mr Aldrick McNab, Pro-Chancellor, UTech, Jamaica, attributed Francis’s extraordinary success to the discipline and sense of purpose that defined his life and work.

“Steven was a discipline personified. He had discovered his purpose, his calling, and he was never distracted in the quest to achieve and succeed,” Mr McNab stated.

He pointed to the remarkable record left by Francis and his athletes:

“56 World Championship medals, 28 Olympic medals, 25 Jamaican national records, three Olympic records and five world records”, McNab stated before naming Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson among the champions whose careers flourished under Stephen Francis’ guidance.

A builder of people

Beyond the championships and records, former UTech, Jamaica Director of Sports, Anthony Davis, described Stephen Francis as “a builder of people”, while recalling his quiet generosity that extended well beyond the track.

That wider influence was echoed by Mrs. Julette Parkes-Livermore, 4th Vice-President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Mr. Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, and Mr. Rayan Peralta of the Gibson McCook Relays Committee. Collectively, they remembered Francis as a generous mentor and trusted adviser who shared his knowledge, guidance and expertise with athletes, coaches and sporting organisations.