The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has thrown its support behind the national basketball programme as the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) sets its sights on qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, beginning with pre-qualifiers in August.
Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at JABA’s official mixer held at the AC Hotel in Kingston last Friday, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, Philip Rose, explained that the JTB’s involvement goes beyond sport—it’s about nation-building.
“We see basketball as a sport that can develop or foster—or find—the next sporting icon to come from this country,” said Rose. “But even more important is national development. Basketball courts are easier to build and maintain, especially in rural communities where we don’t have the space for big football fields.”
Rose also outlined the JTB’s long-term tourism strategy, which includes hosting basketball camps on the island.
“One can come down, train, and then enjoy all the tourism offerings Jamaica is known for,” he added. “It’s about creating experiences that merge sport and destination appeal.”
The event was attended by a wide cross-section of stakeholders including JTB representatives, sponsors, players, and members of the media. Among the notable guests was 2026 NBA prospective first-round draft pick AJ Dybantsa, who attended with his parents. Dybantsa’s mother is Jamaican, strengthening his connection to the country’s basketball ambitions.
Highlighting the evening was the announcement by JABA president Paulton Gordon that Cedella Marley had been appointed ambassador for the association. Gordon used the occasion to outline JABA’s immediate goal: advancing through the FIBA World Cup pre-qualifiers this August, which will take place in either Mexico or Chile.
Rose revealed that the JTB’s involvement came about through a series of unexpected but timely connections.
“It started from a little spark,” he said. “A young lady named Annabella Seaga-Mian (daughter of the late Jamaica Prime Minister Edward Seaga) reached out to me after getting my number from Ron Young, a Jamaican local. She had a vision, and while I didn’t know much about basketball—it’s not my favourite sport—I thought, ‘Let’s go for it.’”
At the same time, two Florida-based men had a similar idea, and Rose said his role became one of facilitator.
“All I did was connect the players—pun intended,” he joked. “And even though it was a big idea and a big investment, I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly.”
Jamaica Social photo
philip Rose (left) in conversation with JABA President Paulton Gord (back turned), Rick Turner (right) and other attendees at the recent JABA mixer at the AC Hotel in Kingston.
The confirmation of support from Cedella Marley and the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, he added, gave the movement added legitimacy and momentum.
“It just reinforces the idea that you shouldn’t limit your thoughts,” Rose said. “I’m very encouraged by it, and I have no doubt that we’re going to meet expectations.”
With grassroots development, elite ambition, and tourism integration all aligned, Jamaica’s basketball renaissance may finally have the infrastructure—and the belief—to match its potential.
