Hampton discuss $10m grant with Govt

HAMPTON International Games chairman Rawle Raphael has led an eight-man team including ex-Minister of Education Cuthbert Joseph to a meeting with a Permanent Secretary of Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

Centre of their discussion at the meeting was Hampton’s  request for a government grant or soft loan of $10 million in their thrust  to earn Grand Prix status for the games in the next four years. Also on the Hampton team were National Flour Mills chief executive officer Michael Potella, TTUTA president Trevor Oliver, Inskip Diaz, George Henry, Ashwin Creed and Learie Scipio. Hampton will stage the 29th edition of the games at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on May 3 and 4. Heats have already started.

Raphael wrote to PM Manning, Sport and Youth Affairs Minister Roger Boynes and Tourism Minister Pennelope Beckles since December 2 last, seeking a meeting to discuss the $10 million which he termed a “subvention or soft loan.” In his letter he told PM Manning, ex-Olympic 200 metres gold medallist Don Quarrie who is associated with the International Association of Athletic Federation, advised that there is every likelihood Grand Prix status can be achieved even before 2007. Raphael claimed that should the $10 million be loaned to Hampton, this could be repaid over a five-year period. And the chairman pointed to the US$ multi-million benefit the country could derive from the games.

Already, big names like current World 100 metres record holder Tim Montgomery of the United States, countrymen Justin Gatlin recent winner of the World Indoor Championship 60 metres in Birmingham, England, Coby Miller and Tim Harden are among the men who have indicated their willingness to compete at the games. And top women,  100 metres specialist Zhanna Pintusevich, Debbie Ferguson and Jamaican Tanya Lawrence who chased home world sprint queen Marion Jones in several races last season are also listed to compete. Last year, then World record holder Maurice Greene, Gail Devers and Marie Jose Perec were among the big names at the games.