Wed, Jul 15, 2026
Wed, Jul 15, 2026
St. Lucia Government to cover all domestic expenses for double CARIFTA gold medallist Jady Emmanuel
The Government of St Lucia has pledged to cover all domestic expenses for double Carifta Games gold medallist Jady Emmanuel over the next several years, as the 16-year-old sprint star continues her development toward a professional career.
Emmanuel, who last week became the first St Lucian athlete to win gold medals in the sprints at the Carifta Games, captured the Under-17 100m and 200m titles in lifetime best performances.
She clocked 11.50 seconds to win the 100m, setting a new national Under-18 record and followed up with a 23.47-second victory in the 200m.
Speaking with SportsMax.TV, St Lucia’s Minister of Sports Kenson Casimir confirmed that the government will for the next four to five years, provide monthly financial support to Emmanuel and her family — covering expenses such as rent, food, electricity, and water — until she transitions into professional athletics.
Emmanuel received royal treatment on her return home from Trinidad and Tobago, with celebrations at the airport and nationwide recognition.
She was subsequently welcomed to Parliament, introduced by the Speaker of the House, and formally congratulated by the Prime Minister.
“Everything that we are going to do for her since she is still at secondary school in St Lucia, is not necessarily going to be publicly announced,” Casimir said, “but I can share with you that they are going to be getting financial support on a monthly basis to cover all the costs of the household.”
Casimir indicated that the financial assistance is to ensure that Emmanuel can focus fully on her training and education without financial pressure. “The government is going to cover everything for her until she turns professional, pretty much,” he added.
Emmanuel’s performances at the 2025 Carifta Games have positioned her as one of St Lucia’s brightest young talents, and the government’s support is aimed at helping her realize her considerable potential on the international stage. (SportsMax)