With several athletes, lured by cash, choosing to represent other countries, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for calm and says that further consultation is being sought with various stakeholders as the government looks to fashion a response.

Holness, while sharing that the actions of the defecting athletes are understandable, stated that the government is determined to address the concerns with an aim of encouraging greater retention of the country’s athletic talent.

READ: Big money pulls athletes from Jamaica

Holness, who was speaking at a special event on Monday, hosted by US-based sportswear company Nike to honour outgoing sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, lauded the 38-year-old for her consistency and commitment to the country, while underlining the government’s determination to continue and improve its support for athletes within the confines of its financial realities.

“A few of our athletes have indicated their intent to or are in the process of transferring allegiance to other countries and some say it is for financial incentives. This development, understandably, has stirred concern and emotions across our country. Our athletes do not just wear the black, green and gold, they carry our hopes, they ignite our passions, they form a prominent part of our collective identity and so when they choose to compete under a different flag, it feels personal,” said Holness.

“But I also ask that we approach this matter with compassion and thoughtfulness. 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. And that is the truth, that should be understood.”

“I’ve asked (Sports) Minister (Olivia) Grange to lead further consultations with stakeholders, including the federations, the private sector, and national representatives themselves to discuss a new framework for our elite athletes’ development and retention,” said Holness.

“Undoubtedly, we have, as a country, been successful in creating an ecosystem that produces world class athletes. 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. Having regard to the fact that there are limitations to what governments can do financially and administratively in sports,” he added.

Three medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, discus champion Roje Stona, long jump silver medal winner Wayne Pinnock and shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell along with triple jumper Jaydon Hibbert have switched or are in the process of switching allegiance to Turkey, on the back of lucrative financial offers, which include a minimum US$500,000 ($80 million) signing on bonus as well as attractive performance incentives.

Turkey’s Olympic medal incentive package for the Paris 2024 Games saw gold medal winners pocketing US$531,638 ($85 million), silver medallists taking home US$313,258 ($50 million), while US$157,616 ($25 million) was paid out for each bronze medal won.

Holness praised the commitment of Fraser-Pryce, who has already secured her legacy as one of the most gifted and accomplished sprinters in history, having won eight Olympic medals including three gold as well as 16 medals at the World Championships, which include an unprecedented five 100m gold medals.

“Shelly-Ann has earned the world’s attention and her value is unquestionable but Shelly-Ann made a decision, one rooted in deep love for this country and what it represents and for that, I say thank you, Shelly. Thank you for choosing Jamaica. That, my friends, is patriotism in its purest form but patriotism must not be taken for granted. It must be nurtured, and it must be rewarded,” Holness said.

Fraser-Pryce announced that this week’s JAAA National Junior and Senior Championships, will be her last. The championships will be used to help select Jamaica’s team to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

She is expected to line up in the women’s 100m heats, which get started at 6:50pm on Thursday at the National Stadium.