Saturday, 21 June 2025

US Attorney Comments on Losing our Athletes to Other Countries.

Contributed

Everett Smith
I was not at all surprised to learn that several outstanding Jamaican athletes have chosen to pursue their financial futures in Turkey. Reports also suggest that other countries are actively positioning themselves to attract more of our talented athletes.

This development echoes a longstanding trend: Jamaica trains world-class teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals—only to watch them leave in search of better salaries, though not always better living conditions.

To stem this tide in athletics, I propose the creation of an Olympic Lottery, managed by the government, to generate dedicated funding in support of our athletes. An Olympic Lottery Fund could provide the kind of financial incentives necessary to retain our talent at home. With sufficient support, perhaps fewer athletes would feel compelled to leave.

I’m sure the decision to migrate was not easy for these young men and women, who spent their formative years chasing their dreams and who, like most of us, dearly love Jamaica. But we must be pragmatic and empathetic—we must understand the difficult realities they face.

To the athletes, I say: pursue not only medals, but also a quality education. Use the opportunities earned through your athletic success to prepare for life after competition. Remember, the interest of foreign nations will last only as long as you continue to win medals. When the glory fades, many of you may find yourselves forgotten. Prepare now for that day.

Let us act with urgency and foresight. Our athletes deserve more than applause—they deserve support.


Very truly yours,

Everett Algernon Smith, Esq.


Law Offices of Everett Algernon Smith, P.A.
P.O. Box 8487
Coral Springs, FL 33075
Tel: 954-693-3566
Fax: 954-475-2122


Editor's Note

Everett Smith is a strong supporter of the work that I do. He has given significant support to his alma mater, Cornwall College, and other institutions in Jamaica. He is also in charge of the Violet Edwards Scholarship. This scholarship is in honour of the oldest Jamaican to get a degree and one of the oldest in the world to get her degree at 96 years old.

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4 comments:

  1. Someone needs to stop this madness in our real estate market. I believe that this could be a significant game changer. Many people leave JA because getting a home is an impossible dream. Unless you are earning US$ it is next to impossible to earn enough to afford a house, which is why many Jamaicans in the Diaspora are the ones buying homes. Madness when you have a country catering mainly for people living outside of it. I refuse to believe that the price at which houses are being sold is anywhere near the cost of construction. Just utter greed if you ask me.

    Another issue is the cost of living. GCT is wayyyy too high. It should not be more than 10 per cent.

    ReplyDelete
  2. May your blessings be upon our athletes, Father, as they strive for excellence and pursue their dreams. May they be filled with joy, peace, and confidence, knowing that they are loved and supported by you and by our community.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent idea as we just don't have the money as a country, to give our struggling athletes the financial incentives they deserve.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s the point of the article. With an established Lottery, every Jamaican will have an opportunity to support our athletes.

      Delete

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