Holness and Grange lead government tributes to late MVP coach Stephen Francis

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange have joined the nation in mourning Stephen Francis, the respected track and field coach whose mentorship carried many Jamaican competitors to worldwide acclaim and strengthened the island's profile in global athletics.

Francis, who co-founded the MVP Track Club and served as its technical director, died late Saturday — only a day after he turned 64.

Holness, in a statement issued Sunday, praised Francis for his work in building Brand Jamaica, describing that contribution as "immeasurable and worthy of high praise".

"There is no doubt that Stephen was a patriot who wanted the best for his country. His work impacted a host of lives in positive ways," the prime minister said.

He recalled that Francis — known affectionately to friends and supporters as "Franno" — made the courageous choice to abandon a finance career and take up coaching. Holness said that decision produced one of the sport's most storied coaching records.

"That choice helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence," he continued.

Holness said Jamaica has lost "a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations" and offered condolences to Francis' family, friends, the athletes he trained and the wider sporting fraternity.

"Stephen knew how much we appreciated his work and his herculean contribution to our island and to global track and field in general," he added.

Grange, in her own Sunday statement, said she was shaken by Francis' death. She described him as a distinctive coach who understood sport as both performance and business.

"Stephen Francis is responsible for a large part of the pride and joy which Jamaicans feel when our athletes do well on the international stage. He was a unique person who used his talents to bring glory to our country and to improve the lives of countless athletes who benefitted from his guidance and tremendous expertise. Our country owes Stephen a debt of gratitude," Grange said.

She highlighted Francis' lasting impact on several generations — preparing athletes to excel internationally while urging them to support their families, communities and Jamaica.

"Stephen was not merely an excellent coach. He played a pioneering role in the formation of the MVP Track Club. On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I express heartfelt condolences to his brother, Paul, his friends and colleagues, including Bruce James and the entire team at MVP. We are deeply saddened at the passing of Stephen and celebrate his contribution to Jamaica," Grange said.

In 2017, Francis received the Order of Jamaica, the country's fourth-highest national honour, in recognition of his distinguished coaching career, his role in building the MVP Track Club and his success in guiding numerous Jamaican athletes to international victory.