Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said Tuesday that he will be pushing to ensure that world-class athletes are better compensated for their sporting achievements by the government.
His comments came during a courtesy call at his Cabinet Office by Olympian and Diamond League athlete Shaunae Miller-Uibo yesterday.
“Unfortunately, we are not as wealthy as the United States, China, Russia and Japan but whatever we have, we have offered,” Dr. Minnis said.
“I hope we can do more for Bahamians like Shaunae who do so much to promote The Bahamas on an international level and we cannot pay for that type of marketing.”
It was noted that other countries award its athletes with land, housing and special concessions and are also heavily invested in sports programmes.
Dr. Minnis said he plans to agitate for changes to be made.
“When we offer and give them concessions Bahamians must understand that it is minuscule to what they give indirectly in promoting The Bahamas that amounts to billions,” he said.
“I will push to ensure that those who accomplish Olympic success get more and I think now Bahamian people will begin to understand that.”
