Julien Alfred is St Lucia’s Olympic queen
St Lucia’s Olympic president has accused CARICOM of failing athletes and sporting bodies by not making inter-Caribbean movement more affordable and accessible.
CARICOM (The Caribbean Community) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established to promote economic integration, coordinate foreign policy, and enhance cooperation among its member states.
Alfred Emmanuel, President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, said: “CARICOM has failed us, and failed us miserably, when it comes to sport and sport development.”
Sports organisations across the region struggle to provide their athletes with opportunities to compete or train in the region with high airfare costs, limited flight connections, and logistical complications that affect competitions and athlete mobility. With limited sports budgets, federations have to limit participation in tournaments and regional events.
Emmanuel believes the issue can no longer be viewed as simply a transportation problem, but a lack of political urgency towards sport. “I think it has to do with the mind-set of politicians,” he said.
Despite the limited budgets, Caribbean athletes have remained successful. St Lucia’s Julien Alfred won the 100 metres gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics and silver in the 200m.
09 Aug, 2023
14 May, 2026
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