By Neto Baptiste
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has made a sizeable monetary donation to former national athlete, Dale Jones, who continues to recover from a stroke he suffered in February 2017.
During the Budget Debate on Monday, Minister of Sports Daryll Matthew disclosed that the former middle distance runner will receive $10,000 from the government. The move follows an announcement that the National Olympic Committee (NOC) has also pledged a $12,000 donation for Jones.
“The National Olympic Committee, of which I am a member, and presided over by the Member for St Paul [EP Chet Greene] and supported by the membership of the National Olympic Committee, on Thursday, approved a resolution to allocate $1,000 per month for 12 months, to Mr Jones, to cover some of his expenses, and I have here before me, a cheque on behalf of Cabinet and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for $10,000,” he said.
The sports minister added that Jones has made his contribution to nation building through sports and that the government felt compelled to show gratitude in his time of need.
“Mr Dale Jones [is] one of our outstanding athletes in the past, and I know there was a fundraising initiative over the weekend, led by Mr Joseph Apparicio and his team to raise some funds for Mr Dale Jones who suffered a stroke, and who is not doing well. We cannot allow those, on whose shoulders we stand, to suffer silently and live a life that is not befitting of the contribution they have made to this country,” Matthew said.
Jones won 800 metres silver at the 1990 Central American and Caribbean Games and the bronze medal at the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games. At the 1984 Olympic Games, he competed as a member of the 4 x 400 m relay team.
At the 1991 World Championships, he competed in both 800m and 1500m, setting a national 800m record of 1:48.62 minutes. He also competed at the 1993 World Championships.