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Grange backs Boyz for automatic qualification
October 17, 2025
It has been over two and a half decades since Jamaica first stepped on the World Cup stage, but Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, foresees the Reggae Boyz making a return to the event next year, and has offered to give full support.
"I am excited about the results. Today is the anniversary of the birth of Allan 'Skill' Cole and it is symbolic and important that today the Reggae Boyz played well. Qualifying for the World Cup is within reach and I am so happy about that," Grange told STAR Sports at the National Stadium, after the national team's 4-0 victory over Bermuda on Tuesday.
The minister said support does not only come with cheering the Boyz on, but also through financial assistance in ways such a $30 million grant for the charter flight for the team to go to Bermuda.
"We always give our support and we certainly put our money where our mouth is," she said.
"We give a monthly stipend to the JFF, they get the largest slice. The JAAA gets the second largest and then we always supply additional funds when they are competing, if they have to go overseas. Our support is always there and they are all covered under our athletes' insurance plan."
Grange said this support will continue leading up to the World Cup next year, and even after.
"I will always be there and I will always ensure that not only am I present, but that I ensure that the commitment that has been made by the Government of Jamaica through the prime minister is met and that as the minister (sports) I will ensure that the support is there for the Boyz.
"The prime minister indicated earlier that he is giving them the full backing," she added.
Grange said they also continue to support the Reggae Girlz in their upcoming matches and journey to possibly their third World Cup
"We have just approved a little over $3 million for the Girlz again to assist in playing the next match," she said.
With two games to go for Jamaica to secure their automatic spot at the World Cup, the minister remains hopeful that Jamaica will relive the 1998 experience.
"I am very, very optimistic ... this will be the second time that the Reggae Boyz qualify," she said.
