Jamaican government orders emergency athlete retention plan following defection of four athletes to Turkey

Alarmed by the mounting defection of elite Jamaican athletes to Türkiye, Prime Minister The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has commissioned an urgent national review of the country’s athlete support system, tasking Minister of Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange to lead the charge.

Speaking at a Nike-sponsored event on Monday evening at the AC Hotel in Kingston—held in honour of retiring sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce—Holness for the first time publicly addressed the migration crisis that has sent ripples through Jamaican sports.

‘Undoubtedly, we have as a country been successful in creating an ecosystem that produces world-class athletes,’ Holness said. ‘We will constantly be challenged as to what more we can do to improve this ecosystem for the benefit of our athletes and our country.’

In response to increasing financial lures being offered by foreign nations—particularly Türkiye, which reportedly secured the allegiance of four Jamaican stars with signing bonuses of at least US$500,000, monthly stipends, and performance incentives—Holness called for renewed collaboration among federations, the private sector, and other stakeholders to safeguard Jamaica’s sporting legacy.

‘These decisions are emotional, and understandably so,’ Holness acknowledged. ‘The career of a professional athlete is short and often financially precarious. Athletes, like all of us, must make decisions not only for themselves but for their families and their future.’

The transfers of discus champion Roje Stona, shot putter Rajindra Campbell, long jumper Wayne Pinnock, and triple jump prodigy Jaydon Hibbert—first reported by Sportsmax.TV—have ignited fierce debate over the nation’s capacity to retain its athletic prowess.

Amid the backdrop of this talent drain, Fraser-Pryce was feted as the embodiment of national loyalty. Holness paid an emotional tribute, saying: ‘Shelly made a decision—one rooted in deep love for this country and what it represents. That, my friends, is patriotism in its purest form.’

The five-time 100m world champion, who is set to retire at the end of the 2025 season, was praised not only for her achievements on the track but also for her composure, philanthropy, and commitment to uplifting Jamaica’s youth.

‘What makes Shelly truly exceptional is not just the number of records, but the way she has achieved them—with dignity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica with pride and honour,’ Holness said.

Attendees at the emotional send-off included dignitaries, family, and leaders of the sporting community, all of whom celebrated the legacy of a woman hailed as one of the greatest athletes in history.