Caribbean Idea: Should the Caribbean Host a Formula 1 Race?

THE CARIBBEAN is competing not just against the other regions of the hemisphere, but the rest of the world. So it needs some big ideas to develop and to compete. Our new feature, Caribbean Idea, will pose questions about the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we think the Caribbean should consider. And we want you to tell us what you think in the comments section.

Is it time for the Caribbean Grand Prix?

Formula 1 racing has been held all over the world — but not in the Caribbean. (Although Dominican Republic President Danilo Medina has expressed interest in doing so).

There could be any number of benefits — from significant marketing exposure to an influx of tourists. Of course, there are a number of issues associated with hosting such a race — chiefly, building a circuit or transforming existing roads into one.

So is it time to hold a Grand Prix in the region? Circuits on the short side tend to be around 3 kilometres — so any number of Caribbean islands could potentially find the space.

There’s also the problem of airlift, and the Caribbean climate’s impact on roads — and finding the money, obviously.

What do you think? Is it time for a Jamaican Grand Prix? Or maybe in Grenada? (Lewis Hamilton, of course, is of Grenadian heritage).

— CJ