A copy of ‘History of OECS Athletics’ was presented to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), right, by President of the BVI Olympics Committee (BVIOC), Mr Ephraim E. Penn. Photo: BVIOC

Virgin Islands Olympian Kyron A. McMaster, OBE, shows off his copy of ‘History of OECS Athletics’. Photo: BVIOC

In statements on Facebook, the BVIOC expressed gratitude to Olympic Solidarity, HLSCC, the editorial team, and other contributors for helping bring the project to fruition. Photo: Facebook

Book launch & regional rollout

The launch took place at a special gathering at HLSCC on July 23, 2026, where the book was formally presented to educators, sports officials, and community stakeholders. Copies were subsequently donated to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across the Eastern Caribbean.

The publication was also presented to OECS NOC representatives during the Opening Ceremony of the ANOCES Track and Field Championships in St Kitts and Nevis, linking the release to a major regional sporting event. 

Preserving Eastern Caribbean track & field heritage

According to a Facebook post, History of OECS Athletics documents the historical and statistical organisation of OECS track and field achievements, creating a comprehensive archive of competition results, administrative milestones, and athlete performances across the Eastern Caribbean. The book reflects O’Neal’s decades of service as a teacher, coach, administrator, and sports historian, drawing on his firsthand involvement in shaping the region’s athletics landscape. 

By compiling data and narratives that might otherwise be scattered or lost, the publication preserves an invaluable record of Eastern Caribbean athletics and establishes a key reference for future generations of athletes, coaches, scholars, and policymakers.

Sports pioneer

Reynold S. O’Neal, OBE, aka 'Rey', is widely respected as a foundational figure in Virgin Islands and OECS athletics. He was among the founding members of the BVI Amateur Athletic Association (BVIAAA) in 1970 and served as its president in multiple stints, including a long tenure from 1978 to 2004.

Over the years, O’Neal held influential roles such as chair of the CAC Statistics Committee, member of the IAAF Statisticians group, and Vice-President of the NACAC Athletic Association (1997–2003). He led the OECS Athletics Commission from 1991 and has been honoured with awards, including the IAAF Veteran’s Pin, CAC Hall of Fame induction, and an IAAF Plaque of Merit for more than 40 years of service to world athletics.

In statements on Facebook, the BVIOC expressed gratitude to Olympic Solidarity, HLSCC, the editorial team, and other contributors for helping bring the project to fruition. The Committee emphasised that the collaboration ensures one of the region’s richest sporting histories will continue to educate and inspire generations to come.