Donna-Kaye Sharpe, the General Secretary of the Jamaica Cycling Federation (JCF), has made history by securing a seat on the board of the Pan-American Cycling Federation (COPACI). Sharpe claimed one of four spots on the COPACI Management Committee during the elections held earlier this week at the COPACI Congress in Panama.
The elections saw 37 of the 42 member federations from across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean, casting their votes to elect a 21-member board for the 2025-2029 term.
The appointment marks a significant achievement for the Jamaican cycling community and ensures Sharpe’s influential position within the regional cycling body where she will be able to contribute to shaping the future of the sport across the Americas.
In addition to her role with COPACI, Sharpe also serves on the Caribbean Cycling Union (CCU) board. She has already begun addressing critical regional cycling issues, including the long-standing absence of a velodrome in Jamaica. This matter has been raised with both COPACI and the CCU, and Sharpe has received commitments from both organizations to collaborate with Jamaica’s Ministry of Sports to find a resolution.
Meanwhile, at the COPACI Congress, longtime president José Manuel Peláez of Cuba retained his position for a final term. Peláez triumphed in a decisive election, defeating Argentine challenger Juan Esteban Curuchét by a margin of 22 votes.
Jamaica Cycling Federation President Dr. Wayne Palmer led the Jamaican delegation at the election, alongside Sharpe.