Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, has acknowledged that the recent news that several of Jamaica’s most prominent track and field athletes intend to, or are in the process of transferring allegiance to other countries, “has hit a nerve”.

Grange addressed the issue on Tuesday during her contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

She noted that the issue has precedence as Merlene Ottey switched allegiance to Slovenia in 2002 after representing Jamaica at the highest levels for over two decades. The minister also stated that Jamaica was not immune these things.

She cited that the Prime Minister has asked her to meet with stakeholders including athletes, sports federations, and the private sector to discuss and develop a new framework for elite athlete development and retention.

“I will convene the meeting soon. In the meantime, I urge us to remain calm and respectful of the athletes who are reported to have, or are contemplating a transfer of allegiance, understanding that those are difficult decisions made for a variety of personal and professional reasons.

“For our part, we will continue to develop our Jamaican athletes the best way we know how. After all, the reality is that those who recruit our athletes have recognised their brilliance and the power of the Jamaican brand. We must also consider that athletes have transferred their allegiance from other countries to Jamaica as well in various sporting disciplines and we have welcomed and embraced them as they choose Jamaica,” Grange said.

Jamaica was rocked by the news late last week that three Olympic medallists – Roje Stona, Wayne Pinnock and Rajindra Campbell, along with World Under-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert, have, or are in the process of switching allegiance to Turkey.

Reports are that the athletes have been swayed by lucrative offers including a signing bonus of more than US$500,000 (US$80 million).