Former West Indies and Jamaica batsman Wavell Hinds, is calling on the Minister of Sports Olivia Grange, to establish a comprehensive national sports policy to ensure a fair and transparent system for honouring Jamaica’s sporting icons, including criteria for statues and other national tributes.

Hinds , the Member of Parliament-Elect for North Clarendon, who amassed 2,608 runs and five centuries at the test level, noted that the recent passing of football legend Allan ‘Skill’ Cole has highlighted the urgent need for such a policy. 

He said, the recent loss of Allan ‘Skill’ Cole reminds us of the importance of recognising our sporting greats while they are alive, explaining that his contribution to football and to Jamaica’s cultural identity is undeniable, yet his legacy was not marked with the kind of national honour that his talent and impact truly merited.

Hinds, a former west indies cricketer, emphasised that recognition should not be Ad Hoc or personality-driven, but guided by a structured framework that values contribution across all disciplines. 

He also made the case for Jamaica’s greatest bowler Courtney Walsh,who hinds said deserves a statue at the National Stadium or Sabina Park, making it clear that these decisions should not be left to chance or sporadic initiatives. 

A sports policy Hinds adds, must outline clear criteria and a process for how we celebrate those who lift our flag high on the global stage.