Sebastian Coe is starting the year in the Caribbean. The president of World Athletics has just completed a stay of four days in JamaicaHe met with members of the government and representatives of the Jamaican Athletics Association. The former IOC presidential candidate praised the work done at the local level through school programs, who are " absolutely essential "in the country's successes."
Another topic on the table: support for Jamaican athletics following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa late October. The island suffered heavy material damage and around forty people lost their lives. Sebastian Coe even went to the Montego Bay sports complexwhich was damaged.
I had a courtesy call with Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, today.
- Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) January 5, 2026
Our discussion took place against the backdrop of the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa and focused on how World Athletics can support Jamaica's recovery, particularly in restoring sporting… pic.twitter.com/YvtB8CGObi
« Our discussion focused on how World Athletics can supporting Jamaica's recovery, in particular by restoring sports facilities and preserving the development of our athletesPrime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed on X. Sport is a powerful force; it instills discipline, opens up opportunities for our youth, and unites us as a nation. (…) The full impact of the disaster on sport is still being assessed., several schools and sports facilities are facing significant difficulties. "Sebastien Coe's previous visit to Jamaica was in 2022, as part of the Carifta Games.
