By Admin. Updated 8:43 a.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
In a presentation at Cabinet Room recently, Dr. Gonsalves said:
The Pm said, “this young lady has gone through a lot, and she is deserving of the full support of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines going forward”.
The specific contribution was not mentioned.
Shafiqua Maloney was first brought to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves attention when she was 13 years old by the coach Michael Olivere “Lord ave Mercy”. Because of her capabilities the coach reached out to suggest that Ms. Maloney should be transferred to St. Kitts for further development.
As time went by connection to Ms. Maloney journey was disconnected.
Along Ms. Maloney’s journey there were instances that Dr. Gonsalves would hear about Ms. Maloney’s struggles and opportunities, which the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would take the necessary steps to assist.
The Prime Minister’s remarks on the issue came after an interview Ms. Maloney had on Sportsmax describing her limitations due to a lack of funding.
In the interview with Sportsmax, Ms. Maloney shared her financial struggles in her track and field journey.
She explained that she had been moving from home to home and is currently living in a dorm. She said she went through a year working 60 hours a week and training which funded her 2022 season. Shafiqua explained that she was not able to pay her coach for three (3) years due to the lack of funding.
She thanked the University of Arkansas, (the university she graduated at in 2021) for allowing her to use its facilities, in the Sportsmax Interview.
Shafiqua said, she believes that she will do what she can control which is, doing her best at training. She said, “I’ve worked so hard that sometimes I can’t even walk off the track”.
She said she is uncertain where her funding will come from as she has not heard back concerning her visa application. The expedite fee is $2,500, but the prime minister’s announcement is expected to allay these concerns.
Shafiqua Maloney has the 2nd best time in the world for the indoor 800 meters and so she is qualified for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
Ms. Maloney said she is unable to work at the moment as she is waiting for her visa process to be completed. During this time, she explained that she can participate in meets that happens within the US, however if she leaves prior to the completion of her visa process she would not be able to travel to the US, which disables her from participating in meets and working along her coach.
Her record is 1:58:69 for the indoor meet in 800m Arkansas, her best time yet.
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