Jamaica Poised to Lead Caribbean Paralympic Development
Jamaica is on track to become the Caribbean’s central hub for Paralympic sports development, as the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) ramps up efforts to enhance capacity and foster independence among regional nations. Arriving on the island Saturday, APC Executive Director Michele Formonte set the stage for discussions aimed at cementing Jamaica’s leadership role in Para sports across the region.
A Vision for Growth
“The goal is to strengthen Jamaica’s position as the driving force behind Paralympic advancement in the Caribbean,” Formonte explained. “Christopher [Samuda, Jamaica Paralympic Association president] has been a pivotal leader for the region. Now, we want to empower other islands to develop their own programs, secure funding, and expand their sporting opportunities—using Jamaica as a model for progress.”
A key focus of Formonte’s visit is increasing gender equity in Para sports. She highlighted APC’s commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the field, citing the organization’s Women in Sports group and gender equality commission.
“Our aim is to establish a stronger platform for women’s participation in Para sports,” she said. “We’re working to ensure that women have a more prominent role, both on and off the field.”
Securing Investment & Strengthening Infrastructure
During her visit, Formonte plans to engage with government officials and key stakeholders to push for greater investment in Paralympic sports.
“We will discuss budget expansion and explore how we can support Paralympic initiatives with [International Paralympic Committee] President Andrew Parsons,” she noted. “The goal is to identify Jamaica’s specific needs and develop strategies to enhance coaching, athlete development, technical officiating, and classification workshops—not just for Jamaica but for the wider Caribbean.”
Jamaica’s Pivotal Role in Regional Expansion
Jamaica Paralympic Association President Christopher Samuda underscored the country’s growing influence in shaping the future of Para sports in the region.
“As a member of the APC executive board, I’ve placed significant emphasis on Caribbean development—not just from an administrative and financial perspective, but most importantly, for the benefit of our Para athletes,” Samuda stated.
Jamaica is the first stop in a broader initiative that will soon expand to Trinidad, Barbados, and other member states. According to Samuda, the program involves extensive stakeholder discussions and structural evaluations to ensure effective implementation.
“We’re analyzing the best ways to roll out this project, meeting with key figures and assessing current systems to determine the best path forward,” he said. “This visit is a critical step in transforming the Caribbean’s Paralympic landscape.”
With Jamaica at the forefront, the region is poised for a new era of Paralympic growth—one that champions inclusion, investment, and athletic excellence.
