The Council of the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica (ASAJ) has issued a statement in response to media reports last month concerning reimbursements to be made to the entity’s President Lance Rochester. The council initiated a detailed review to confirm compliance with its financial governance standards.

At its meeting held on November 5, 2025, the council endorsed the finance committee’s recommendation for the reimbursement of expenses submitted by Rochester. This decision follows a comprehensive review by the finance committee of all the submitted expenses incurred by Rochester for reimbursement.

The finance committee and the council found that the expenses were legitimate, and properly documented, and therefore agreed and directed that all payments related to Rochester’s international travel as the Federation’s representative in 2024 and 2025 are to be reimbursed to him.

Additionally, all monies paid personally by Rochester to the water polo coach in 2023, 2024, and 2025 are to be reimbursed in full, with the exception of one month in 2023, when the ASAJ had previously been advised that it would not be receiving funds from World Aquatics for that period.

As of November 26, 2025, Rochester has received all monies approved for reimbursement by the council.

The ASAJ acknowledged that delays in addressing these reimbursements created uncertainty, regretting the impact this may have had on Rochester and the federation’s public image. The association reaffirmed its commitment to timely financial accountability and transparent governance in all its operations.

The council is also reviewing its internal reimbursement procedures to ensure future requests are processed more efficiently and with greater transparency. The ASAJ appreciates the understanding and continued support of its athletes, clubs, and partners as it worked to ensure full accountability throughout this process.

The ASAJ has expressed its full confidence in the leadership of Rochester and his unwavering dedication to the sport and the wider aquatic community, and said that with this matter now resolved, it is looking forward to continuing its focus on advancing the growth and excellence of aquatic sports in Jamaica.