Top 5 — Racers Grand Prix Returns to Jamaica
PLUS: Guyana upgrades national football facility, CPL injects millions into host nations, and more
Whatsup Squad,
Let’s jump into the top stories of the week:
⭐️ FEATURE STORY
Racers Grand Prix Returns to Jamaica
This Saturday, the 7th staging of the Racers Grand Prix returns to Kingston’s National Stadium with a stacked lineup.
Leading the field is Jamaican sprint superstar Shericka Jackson, joined by Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, Oblique Seville, and the Clayton twins.
This year’s event is also expanding beyond the track with interactive experiences, including a fan zone and a virtual prediction challenge powered by the Qletics app.
The annual track meet continues to receive overwhelming support from both local and international athletes looking to showcase their talent in the ‘sprint capital’ of the world.
Bottom Line - Racers Grand Prix remains one of the few elite meets giving Caribbean athletes world-class competition at home. Not only does it help develop athletes, but it also builds on Jamaica’s reputation as a sporting destination.
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🇬🇾 Guyana
FIFA Funds Major Expansion of Guyana’s National Training Centre
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is set for a significant expansion of its National Training Centre at Providence.
Upgrades to the National Training Centre (Guyana’s first dedicated football facility) are being fully funded through the FIFA Forward program.
$2.4 million has already been invested in the facility, which currently features an all-weather, regulation-size artificial pitch and dormitories for youth teams.
Physical work should begin by August, and the first phase will focus on essential spectator infrastructure to improve the overall fan experience.
Bottom Line - The completed venue is expected to accommodate around 5,000 spectators and host international football matches. Given the country’s limited football infrastructure, this expansion strengthens Guyana’s central hub for the sport.
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🇺🇸 America
Caribbean Week in NYC Highlights Diaspora Power
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is pulling out all the stops for Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025.
Held under the timely theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” this year’s showcase promises unmatched star power and substance at North America’s premier Caribbean tourism event.
Prominent speakers include:
Dominica’s Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy
Coinciding with the celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, CWNY 2025 will run from June 1-6.
Bottom Line - Around 20% of New York City’s population has Caribbean roots, and CWNY 2025 both celebrates Caribbean culture and highlights how the region’s tourism sector is a serious global player.
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🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago / 🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda
CPL Injects Millions into Host Nations
A recently released impact assessment highlighted how the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) delivered a substantial economic boost to host countries.
Over 12 matches hosted in Trinidad and Tobago, the leagues generated a total impact of $35.6 million.
Over five CPL matches hosted in Antigua, the 2024 CPL generated $14 million in total economic impact.
The impact in Antigua and Barbuda is especially impressive considering that this was the tournament’s first visit to Antigua in a decade.
Bottom Line - As the CPL continues to expand its reach and influence, the annual tournament remains a powerful (and sustainable) catalyst for economic growth, tourism development, and international visibility across the Caribbean.
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🇧🇧 Barbados
Rally Barbados Sets New Records On and Off the Track
Barbados just wrapped its biggest annual motorsport event: BCIC Rally Barbados.
The tarmac rally featured 22 special stages across the island’s intricate network of public roads.
The event welcomed a record 122 cars from 14 countries, including 99 overseas drivers and co-drivers alongside 71 local crews, attracting around 7,500 spectators daily.
Beyond the competition, Rally Barbados generates significant tourism revenue and spending across the island.
Last year’s edition generated roughly $4 million in economic activity, with strong contributions from international visitors renting villas, hotels, and even purchasing property.
Bottom Line - Rally Barbados blends motorsport, high-net-worth tourism, and local spending into one of the region’s most unique and valuable annual sporting events. And organizers expect this year’s economic impact to be the biggest yet.
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Until next time ✌🏾
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