TCI Sport delegation visits the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Meets With Key Sport leaders

L-R: Mr. Alvin Parker; Mr. Neil Murrell ;  Mr. Jarrett Forbes; Mr. Ryan Toppin; Mr. Darian Forbes

TCI Sports Commission delegation traveled to the Cayman Islands and Barbados to visit with key Sport leaders.

The TCI delegation included the Sports Commission Director, Mr. Jarrett Forbes, Deputy Director, Mr. Alvin Parker, and Facility Manager for Providenciales, Mr. Darian Forbes. The aim of the travel was to visit major facilities, with priorities being pool facilities, and discuss sport development strategies.

The team had the pleasure of being hosted by the Deputy Chief Officer for Sport, Dr. Dalton Walter, and the Director of Sports, Mr. Kurt Hyde in the Cayman Islands; who facilitated the facility tours and shared valuable information on Sports Development.

L-R: Ms. Joan West, Mr. Jacky Pellerin, Mr. Darian Forbes; Mr. Alvin Parker; Mr. Jarrett ForbesTCI Sport delegation visits the Cayman Islands and Barbados with key Sport leaders.

Meetings were held with Deputy Chief Officer Ms. Joan West and Technical Director for the Cayman Islands Aquatics Sport Association, Mr. Jacky Pellerin, on the Cayman Islands' new 50-meter and 25 meter 10 lanes Mrytha pool facility, as well as with Ms. Shakeina Bush from the National Olympic Office on National Federation development and funding opportunities.

The Sports Commission delegation was also grateful for the courtesy call with the Minister of Sport for the Cayman Islands, Hon. Isaac Rankine, and the Chief Officer Ms. Teresa Echenique.

L-R: Mr. Jarrett Forbes, Mr. Dave Farmer, Mr. Alvin Parker

During the Barbados leg of the exploratory travel, the Sports Commission team was hosted by the Director of the National Sports Council, Mr. Neil Murrell, and the Assistant Director of Sports, Mr. Ryan Toppin. The TCI team toured the National Sport Council facilities and visited the Barbados National Olympic Association. Significant to the TCI’s plan to develop an aquatic center, the TCI Sports Commission visited the Barbados Aquatic Sport Association and met with former National Olympic Academy Director, Mr. Dave Farmer, and the President and Second Vice President of the Barbados Swim Association, Mr. Robert Armstrong and Mr. Nicholas Mathis.

L-R: Mr. Darian Forbes; Mr. Alvin Parker, Mr. Kurt Hyde; Dr. Dalton Walter; Mr. Jarrett Forbes

 Insights were shared regarding swimming pool design, development and maintenance as well as pool programming strategies to ensure the growth and sustainability of swimming in the islands.

The TCI delegation also visited other stadium facilities such as Track and Field, Football and Cricket, and other major facilities in Basketball and Boxing. The TCI Sport Commission officials had great discussions with both the Cayman Islands and Barbados sports officials surrounding the development of coaches, athlete development pathways, and strengthening relationships with National Sport Governing Bodies.

L-R: Mr. Darian Forbes; Mr. Alvin Parker; Hon. Isaac Rankine; Chief Officer Ms. Teresa Echenique; Mr. Jarrett Forbes

Director of Sports, Mr. Jarrett Forbes, said, “We were very grateful for the hospitality and support extended by our Caribbean colleagues. Their support affirmed the commitment and unity among the Caribbean community to develop sports in the region."