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Olympic athlete Alexander snubbed, no welcome home by government!

Young athlete was disappointed that no government officials showed up at airport
August 21st, 2012 | Tags: Olympic athlete Alexander snub no welcome
BVI Olympian J’maal Alexander was disappointed that no official from government came to meet him at the airport. Photo: provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Young J’maal Alexander, who represented the Virgin Islands (VI) at the recent 2012 Olympic Games in London, expressed to this news site that he was “disappointed” at the way in which he was welcomed home at the airport upon his return to the VI.

The eighteen-year-old 100m sprinter who participated in this year’s London games said when he returned home on 14th, August 2012 with his coach, Mr. Winston Potter, he was surprised to notice that there were no one from any Government departments to welcome them back.

“It was disappointing because when you come back from the Olympics you should greet your athletes at the airport no matter what.”

He said that his family and friends “were also disappointed too because they expected that people would be there to greet us and whats not.”

When asked how he felt about the Games, he noted that “the experience was very good,” “I am still young and I can take that to my advantage.”

“It fills me up with a lot of energy to build myself as an athlete in the future.”

When contacted by this news site, Dr. Marica Potter, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture said that she was on leave at the time and didn’t know anything about it.

Acting Director of Youth and Sports, Patrick Harrigan, when contacted, said that “I don’t know anything about it, I don’t even know when he was coming in.” “I don’t know if Government knew when he was coming either.”

Mr. Alexander's ticket was paid for by the Olympic Committee and according to a sports official who wished their name not to be used, “they could have found out, if they wanted to as there were people in touch with the mission to London…it’s a shame, it’s a shame what they did to this young athlete for not welcoming him home who carried the BVI name in London”

55 Responses to “Olympic athlete Alexander snubbed, no welcome home by government! ”

  • ... (21/08/2012, 09:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Home is home don't worry with them. Learn not to expect much from your Govt officials. Keep striving for the top and have fun doing it.
  • man down (21/08/2012, 09:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I guest Myron could not get any mileage of this guy so them aint show up at airport!
  • weed (21/08/2012, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is shameful...shameful...but god is good J'aaml
  • ooooo (21/08/2012, 09:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    myron didn't see no glamour in this thats why he was a no show
  • vip (21/08/2012, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    shame on you NDP...shame on you
  • BREAKING NEWS (21/08/2012, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am a NDP voter but I am shame of NDP and the VIP! Why ? If it was a Skelton who was in London, Ronnie would have organize something for his return. If it was a 3rd district person, Frazer would have organize something for his return. If it was Melanie, the Gov't would have organize something for his return. If he had won a medal like James of Grenda, thE WHOLE BVI would of been at the Airport. It goes to show you that the BVI on a whole are bad minded people, they claim you as a BVI Lander when you do good and when you don't do good they cast you away. SHAME ON THE BVI!!!
    • hmm (21/08/2012, 14:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i do agree only wen the person do good or bring back something they wouldnt care where u born but let tha peson do bad ohhh them aint from here hmmmm they only knw ppl wen them giving them name
    • Mick (21/08/2012, 15:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Isn't he a ""3rd district person. I certainly think he is, so what is the excuse for Fraser again?
      • Bulletin (22/08/2012, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Hello, who went to the big Olympic Opening Ceremony, Fraser or Myron? I'm sure Fraser thought that Myhon had that one covered. And you know Fraser wasn't going for fear that Myron will go saying that every where he go he see shadow.
  • Sooo Sad (21/08/2012, 10:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The thing is, if he had won they would have greeted him. In every other country whether win or loose, they welcome back their athletes. This is sooo embrassing, and the excuse is the pitts!! SMH!
  • Wow (21/08/2012, 10:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's a shame and I concur with this young athlete. The minister for education and culture's head has gotten so big that this was too small an event for him. I hope he iremembers who put him where he is in the first place. J'maal just being eligible to go to the olympics is a great honor, continue to build yourself up, train, be determined, disciplined and dedicated and you will bring the gold home to the BVI next time.
  • Unforgiveable (21/08/2012, 10:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is so dis-respectful and unfair to this young man future. I guess his name is not a Tortola Name. BVI need to get with the program.
  • chris (21/08/2012, 10:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    stay up cuz you did BVI proud
  • in the news (21/08/2012, 10:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    you must embrace your people whther they win or loose..the fact is he went and represented we in england
  • Be honest (21/08/2012, 10:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Be realistic people, whenever an athlete goes to represent the BVI its like pulling teeth to find out when they will be returning. When the committee's sent out the press release that they were going, they should state when they will be returning. Besides if we really want to forge ahead, we need to be transparent in the selection. ..Thank goodness somethings these events are broadcast otherwise we are left in the dark, as to whose running, their placement etc. No excuses either because someone can give the updates almost immediate, LIME is the sponsor!
  • good job (21/08/2012, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    KUDOS to Mr. Alexander for making the Olympics game
  • ShineyI (21/08/2012, 10:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was proud to see you participating in the Olympics. It gave me a special joy to see my country represented. I am indeed sorry that no one found it possible to show appreciation for what you did for our country, but you continue to strive for excellence in the sport. You will feel a sense of pride as you go along. God bless!
  • the rock (21/08/2012, 11:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    jamaal was thrown in to the games to get the expierence..he did not won any special heat to get there...this situation is different..u all stop babying the kid..it's time for him to put what he learnt to action so from here on he would be representing the bvi well..and who knows the next olympics it will be different....jamaal u should be thanking the government for that oppertunity that u were awarded...taheisha was there also.. how come she is not complaining...the reason why is that she knows better..why is mr. potter not complaning either! this is real talk not trying to hate on jamaal!
    • ---------------------- (21/08/2012, 11:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      taheisia went to Miami she did not come home if she did she would have been treated then same way "snubbed" so can't your backside the rock
      • the rock (21/08/2012, 13:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        dont get mad..u got to perform to be rewarded..why did frazier not greeted him..is he not in government still..jamaal is from the 3rd district..smoke that!
    • Sea Cow's Bay Gal (21/08/2012, 14:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      shut your backside the rock. experience my a**, this was not thr irst time Jamal represented the country. Taheisha was greeted in the past. The government knew when they were coming back also. Jamal came back a night before her. Its all bias. Maybe if his family was rich. Look what they did to nelda . Taheisha got fat and is not as fast anymore and them always still sending her away just because she is a damn Skelton. Ayo aint see whats going on. Jamal hold your head up high, you was quailified. Luella Keep on supporting your son, he will get exactly where he wants to be. Big up Hon. Julian Fraser for also supporting him. This government sucks so much this they even sucking D***.
  • welll meh boy (21/08/2012, 11:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't follow the Olympics, but I am proud that we were represented at the the Olympics, and it was done in part through this young man. The territory owes much gratitude to this young fellow regardless of whether he won anything or not, eventually he The government ought to have greeted him home, medal or no medal. I call on the government to throw all the Olympic athletes a party or a barbeque party or something to congratulate them.
  • Guest (21/08/2012, 11:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    To Unforgivable, what is a Tortola name? There are barely any Tortolians on Tortola right now as is and most BVIsLanders are still running to the US to have their babies while the non-locals are busy having theirs here. Mr. Alexander is saying that no government official greeted him and you are saying it is because he doesn't have a local name. There are at least two maybe even more non indigenous BVIslanders that we voted into government without a so called "Tortola name" so what is your point really?
  • Mole hill (21/08/2012, 11:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes it is unfortunate, but let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill. There is something called communication! It is the Olympic committee's job to make such arrangements. They should contact the appropriate Minister and say "Our athletes are returning on these dates and we are planning a small reception. This is in the IOC's portfolio. Stop blaming "government" for every darned thing! Sound like bickering little children all the time. This event is once every 4 years so not being a regular occurrence, the IOC might have missed this opportunity in oversight.
    • sick of dem (21/08/2012, 12:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      i side u on dis
    • Jah (21/08/2012, 15:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Partner, there is no such thing As a "mole hill", and also, when the Minister wanted to go to London to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympice , he didn't need the Olympics Committee to remind/notify him of the date. Mr. Minister aka Funny Man, please.
    • egg face (21/08/2012, 23:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      when is does not affect you all egg face fools you want to leave it alone. What is good for the goose is good for the gander..too dam bias just because he if from Sea cows Bay
    • egg face (21/08/2012, 23:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      when is does not affect you all egg face fools you want to leave it alone. What is good for the goose is good for the gander..too dam bias just because he if from Sea cows Bay
  • Oh Please (21/08/2012, 11:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tahesia is also on the island and she did not get any special welcome either. So please stop the stupid nonsense about "if it was a Skelton". Tahesia is related to the Skeltons in case you all didn't know...
    • x factor (21/08/2012, 13:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      she went to miami she did not come home with the rest of the deligation so you need to hust Oh please!!!!
    • to "Oh Please (21/08/2012, 14:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Who really cares? Tahesia needs to retire because she cant even make it pass her first try. He is right about what he is saying but it was not called for.
  • PLEASE READ (21/08/2012, 12:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    now that this is out. i think they owe this young man a public apology. no excuses. they try to take credit when someone does good and make it seem that they are supportive. thank you virgin islands news for the exposure to these worms :( i am truly disturbed by this.
  • AirDrop (21/08/2012, 13:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let he had win Gold or better yet a medal!!! Them woulda name the cruise ship peri after you and give you a statue.
    • bvislander (21/08/2012, 14:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      oh please. he did not win anything. why waste time when he only went because of technicality.
  • Bingo (21/08/2012, 13:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Melanie aint from here but the Premier was begging people to come out to the airport to greet her and had big appreciation dinner for her. If she didnt win she would have been just another American to enter the territory. Thats the BVI, love you when youre up, hate you when youre down . They say the biggest honor as a patriot is to defend your country in war and then to represent them in the Olympics. Everywhere else there is a heroes welcome for the Olympics participants win lose or draw. Where was the Premier or Myron you see them everywhere trying to pretend that they are involved in the social events trying to sway public opinion. I guarantee if the boy had win Myron would have tipped his hat and try to claim partial responsibily for the success. The Premier would be all over giving speech about how the road they paved is reaping the benefits. They shouldnt take the athletes for granted because they know the amount of exposure that they receive just for participating in this global event. Anyway its a damn shame on the Government how they treat their own.
  • hog city (21/08/2012, 13:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    only because his mother is from sea cow's bay he's being treated this way...i just remember ndp dont like us
  • Gossett (21/08/2012, 14:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    To GUEST: Are you aware that many foreigners go to the US to get their children and bring then back to Tortoa to live??/ You cannot tell people where the hell to get their children. There was a time inthe VI when foreign caribbean women had to leave after they became pregnant, but the whitte people could have stayued and get their anchor babies here. How soon we forget. What's in a darn name?? Smith in US , Smith in St.THomas or Jamaica is still Smith.
    • Guest (22/08/2012, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No where in my comment did I tell anyone where to have their children. It is the persons choice where they want to birth their baby not mine. I only stated what is true. Many locals do leave the BVI to have their children and many of the non locals don't. I am also aware that in the past under Cyril I believe that non-locals were made to leave the island to have their babies.
  • jop (21/08/2012, 14:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    ok let me get this straight.... Did he win a gold, silver or bronze medal?? He was just like everyone else who didnt get far in the games. Come on people you are all making this into a bigger deal than it really is. come on man this should not have been news.
    • dog meat (21/08/2012, 15:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is some serious news because the bigger picture is how our people are treated by our leaders. Once they do not win they are thrown under the bus, not greeted, not recognised. The other countries win or loose were there from their people. This is a dawn sad day in our history...but we will remember who was at the wheel!!!!
  • Sea Cow's Bay Gal (21/08/2012, 14:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fraser is always there. you was not able to make it to the aiport but he was greeted for sure. Cant you all see that Fraser dont sleep. He is THE MAN
  • What? (21/08/2012, 20:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Looking on from outside ... Some of you all people in the BVI sickening.
  • Sorry to hear (21/08/2012, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I live in Washington, DC and Mr. Alexander was on an interview live with BBC and CNN and I watched it. They should be ashame as he promoted the BVI very well. If I didn't visit the BVI before, it would have been my next vacation spot. I don't know him but he spoke well of the BVI. Congratulations to both athletes.
  • Eagle @ Buffalo (21/08/2012, 21:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    J'maal, qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London was a superb achievement for you as a young athlete. You represented the territory well; you were an ambassador. Sometimes one can be a winner even if one does not capture the top prize. Hopefully, you will use your experience in Lon.don as a source for improving your overall athletic skills. Use the experience to get ready for 2016 in Rio. There is a lesson in your experience. Put a 100% effort in everything you do and do expect others to recognize you. Sustainrd effort and performance bring personal satisfaction. And recognition will come. Recognition has to be earned. If you have to beg for recognition, it is not as rewarding and satisfying. We need to appreciate, encourage, and value our own. The Ministry, Committee, Public Informationn.....etc all should bear the blame for this SNAFU and snub. This was an avoidable embarrassment. Lets put some standard operating procedures in place to avoid this in the future. We have 13 elected officials and tens of civil servants and a few should have shown up at TBL. BVI, you committed an error on this slow grounder.
    • Please!!!!! (22/08/2012, 09:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      J'maal did not qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London, he was selected by the same Government that they are hear bashing. Over the years, no one knew that there was an option to send other athletes that were not qualified. We know it now because NDP is in power and love to give opportunities to our your people. Where the hell is the appreciation and gratitude? He is not the only person that they could have choosen. Please, people, show some gratitude and stop the bull.....
      • yeah yeah (22/08/2012, 12:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Oh shut the hell up! Of course there was always the option to send a non qualified athlete in FACT the BVI has always done it, you think all our Olympians qualified to go call and ask and see what they say, it aint got nothing to do with NDP or VIP. Talk sense when you have facts please
  • and where were you? (21/08/2012, 21:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well, I guess no one noticed anyone from the government there, as they were surrounded by 1,000's of BVIslanders who were there, right??? How many of you posters got off your lazy azzes and showed up??None. Sit down, all of you.
    • bad set (21/08/2012, 23:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      stop blaming the people the damm government should have been there they need to be booooo every time they come out in public
  • strupes (21/08/2012, 23:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    strupes..the only person who needed to greet this yooung man at the airport was his ride home. Just be grateful you were allowed this fantastic opportunity courtesy of our tax dollars and stop whining how nobody was there to greet you. So what. Move on.
  • Sea Cow's Bay Gal (22/08/2012, 09:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Shut your backside strupes, you sound like one of them NDP BUTT LICKERS. Our tax dollars are feeding criminals up in Balsam Ghut so sending the athletes away to represent us is tax dollars being spent well. all All of you all who voted NDP is going to suffer and complain.. Just wait and see.
  • Truth (22/08/2012, 11:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "The public is invited to join the Government of the Virgin Islands, family and friends at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport to welcome home X Factor winner Ms. Melanie Amaro who will arrive in the Territory on Saturday, May 26 at 10:00pm. Premier and Minister for Tourism, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said he is excited and pleased that Ms. Amaro is returning home for a visit. While in the Territory, Premier Smith will host a cocktail reception in honour of Ms. Amaro" Dude what this Government is saying is you have not done anything for the BVI worth recognizing. You are nobody to them right now (until election) This Government only care they can milk you for publicity. The only time the BVI is considered HOME for non belongers is when they achieve good things. It took long enough but this Government got tired of pretending to care. Dont worry Mr. Alexander they will not forget you if you win a medal or somehow become famous.
    • DAM (23/08/2012, 14:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      DAM that was good. That is an excelent piece of journalism if you ask me.
  • foxy bar (22/08/2012, 12:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    i am shame of mron an the ministry for how they mess up on this one!
  • Great Job! (23/08/2012, 18:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Jamaal! You and Tahesia did a great job! I would have loved to be there at the airport to celebrate your fantastic achievement! I hope the Ministry and relevant departments get on top of this next time.


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