Jamaica’s national senior men’s basketball team has received a monumental boost as they gear up for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Pre-Qualifiers. Renowned Jamaican-born billionaire and philanthropist, Dr. Trisha Bailey, has stepped forward with a personal donation towards the team’s ambitious mission of raising $4 million to establish a dedicated basketball training facility in Jamaica.
Dr. Bailey, owner of Bailey’s Medical Equipment and Supplies, is considered the richest woman ever to emerge from Jamaica. Recently, she took time to visit the national team during their training camp in Boca Raton, Florida, where she witnessed first-hand the dedication and potential of the squad.
“What I saw filled me with pride and renewed hope,” Dr. Bailey shared in a heartfelt Instagram post. “Jamaica is on the rise once again, this time, through basketball. Just as we’ve shown the world our greatness in track & field, football, bobsled, and more, we are now positioning ourselves to make a global mark in basketball.”
Dr. Bailey’s contribution is part of a tradition she holds dear—giving back on her birthday as an expression of gratitude. “I choose to give back as a way of expressing my gratitude to God—for life, for strength, and for the grace that has carried me through seasons where the odds were stacked against me. And still, I rise.”
She emphasized that this year’s donation is not just about infrastructure but about empowerment. “This facility won’t just serve our national team—it will be a home where we can host powerhouse nations like the USA and others, giving our athletes the resources and respect they truly deserve.”
The Jamaican team which features the likes of Norman Powell & Nick Richards who ply their trade in the NBA, is now setting its sights firmly on the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas Pre-Qualifiers, scheduled from August 8 to 10 in Obregón, Mexico.
