The Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary of the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp, a landmark milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most impactful youth development initiatives. Since its inception in 2001, the camp has served as a critical launching pad for Jamaica’s brightest young athletes, bridging the gap between local talent and global scholarship opportunities and this year the camp will be hosted between July 19-24, 2026 at he G.C. Foster College.
A Legacy of Partnership and Vision The camp’s origins trace back to a strategic joint venture between the JaBA and the US-based Jamaica Basketball Development Inc. (JBD Inc.). The vision was clear: to create a dedicated platform where the island’s most promising players, aged 15 to 20, could refine their skills and showcase their talents to international college coaches.
Founders Michael Minto and Enid Sterling-Agnus of JBD Inc. were instrumental in conceptualizing and launching the program. Their foresight in establishing a residential, five-day intensive camp during the summer months laid the groundwork for a system that prioritizes both athletic excellence and character development. Their dedication ensured that the camp was not merely a training session, but a holistic environment for growth.
Prolific Support and Evolution For over two decades, the camp has relied on the steadfast support of key partners. KFC Jamaica has been a cornerstone of this success. Initially providing support in the camp’s early years, KFC amplified its commitment over 15 years ago to become the title sponsor and major partner. This long-term investment has allowed the camp to expand its reach, providing fully supported environments where hundreds of student-athletes receive training, meals, and mentorship.
The camp’s leadership has also been defined by legendary figures. The late Elfraito “Alf” Remikie, who served as Camp Director for over 20 years, was a stalwart of the program. His passing earlier this year marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to drive the camp’s mission. As noted in recent tributes, the camp remains an emotional and pivotal event, honoring Alf’s contribution to developing generations of Jamaican players.
From Camp to Collegiate Success The true measure of the Star Search Camp’s success is its alumni. The program has consistently acted as a pipeline for US collegiate scholarships, with past participants securing spots at prestigious universities.
In a testament to the camp’s enduring impact, former scholarship recipients frequently return as mentors. Recent years have seen legends like Samardo Samuels (University of Louisville), Nick Richards (University of Kentucky), Kofi Cockburn (University of Syracuse), Damion Staples (Iowa State), Richard Andrews (Cal-State Bakersfield), Daniel Rose and Mugabe Thomas (Cedarville University), and Jordan Kellier (Williston State) return to guide the next generation. These role models provide invaluable insight, proving that the path from a Jamaican court to a US college roster is not only possible but achievable through hard work and opportunity.
25 Years of Impact “Twenty-five years later, the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp has become much more than a household name; it is a tightly interwoven piece of the fabric of the Jamaican basketball ecosystem,” said JaBA president, Paulton Gordon. “It is a launching pad for Jamaica’s basketball future, changing lives for the better every single year.”
The camp continues to evolve, blending intensive on-court training with essential life skills sessions that build focus, discipline, and readiness for the future. As the program celebrates this silver anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to identifying talent, fostering leadership, and opening doors for Jamaican youth on the global stage.
About the KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp The KFC Star Search Basketball & Life Skills Camp is an annual residential program organized by the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) in partnership with the Jamaica Basketball Development Inc. (JBD Inc.) and sponsored by KFC Jamaica. Held at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, the camp brings together 100+ of Jamaica’s top young athletes for a week of high-performance training, competitive play, and life skills development, with a focus on securing overseas educational opportunities.