Minister Isaac Rankine along with senior ministry officials visited Jamaica to strengthen regional cooperation and learn from Jamaican sports institutions as Cayman continues to develop its sports systems and capacity.
The visit included meeting with the Sports branch of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) with discussions focused on capacity building.
As Cayman continues to enhance its sports policy and national anti-doping systems, discussions also covered public awareness, athlete support, and exploring a cooperative agreement between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The delegation also had the opportunity to tour Jamaica’s National Stadium in Independence Park.
Hon Minister Rankine shares “I am committed to ensuring there is a strategic approach to the development of sports in the Cayman Islands. I believe that strengthening regional and global partnerships will play a key role in achieving that outcome. My efforts both as Minister for Sports and President of CONCECADE are firmly grounded in advancing the future of sports, improving regulatory practices, shaping regional policies and technical standards.”
This is another step in the Cayman Islands remaining committed to the advancement of sport, good governance, and regional cooperation, following Minister Rankine’s recent appointment as President of the Central American and Caribbean Sports Council (Consejo Centroamericano y del Caribe del Deporte or CONCECADE). CONCECADE is a subregional sports organisation that brings together government sports leaders to advance sports policy, development, and cooperation across Central America and the Caribbean, providing a strategic platform for strengthening collaboration.
Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy” Grange communicated her confidence that Minister Rankine’s leadership would strengthen regional cooperation and help advance shared priorities in sport. “Jamaica’s own history with CONCECADE has given us a deep appreciation for what the organisation can achieve when its members work together with purpose. I said we should seriously consider establishing a bilateral agreement on sport and a memorandum of understanding on culture.”