By Val Matthias. Updated 12:47 p.m., Friday, November 13, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday has announced plans to establish a National Athletes Award Programme, signalling the government’s intention to give greater recognition and support to young people excelling in sports.
Dr. Friday made the announcement on Thursday, November 12, at the 2026 National Scholarship Programme Award Ceremony and Cocktail, where he spoke about the importance of recognising achievement beyond the traditional academic pathway.
He said the proposed programme would be designed to support young athletes pursuing sporting excellence, as government seeks to place greater emphasis on the accomplishments and potential of young people in different fields.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the administration’s focus on recognising achievement in athletics and the creative industries, indicating that national recognition should extend to young people whose talents and contributions are not necessarily measured through academic qualifications.
The proposed National Athletes Award Programme would add another avenue through which sporting talent could receive recognition. However, Dr. Friday did not outline the programme’s structure, eligibility requirements, award categories, funding or when it is expected to be introduced.
His announcement came during a ceremony honouring 82 scholarship recipients, including top performers in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination and associate degree programmes at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.
In addressing the awardees, Friday stressed that young people have different abilities and important roles to play in national development. He referred to professions and areas of contribution ranging from farming and fishing to teaching, medicine and the creative industries.
The proposed athletes’ programme therefore forms part of a broader emphasis on recognising the diverse talents of young Vincentians and encouraging them to pursue excellence.
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