Chris Binnie, Jamaica’s number one squash player and nine-time Caribbean champion, recently signed a contract extension with JN Fund Managers.

It is an agreement that will help plug the holes burned into his pocket by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of the number of global squash tournaments that have been cancelled since March 2020, Binnie, who plays professionally, estimates that he has lost more than J$11 million in earnings.

“Financially, it has obviously affected me, because I no longer have a job, but I still try to train and keep fit in some respect until I can get back on a court,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to JN Fund Managers for keeping him on for another year.

“I have been with the company for three years, and they have been supportive during the time that my career took an upward path. Without them, it would have been difficult to have done that. Therefore, the support they have given me over the years has been invaluable. And, it is my hope that it will continue to be mutually beneficial going forward,” he said.

Allan Lewis, Managing Director of JN Fund Managers, said that the business was happy to renew the sponsorship agreement with Binnie for another year.

“The Jamaica National Group is committed to being a leading performer among mixed conglomerates in the Caribbean and it is very important to the board of directors and team members that our performance benefits the people and communities wherever our member companies serve,” he said.

 “Chris is the leading male squash player from the English-speaking Caribbean and by encouraging and supporting him we hope he will be able to hone his craft and achieve even more success in competition.”

Prior to the onset of the pandemic, Binnie was ranked 65 in the world. He is currently in training in Connecticut in the United States of America with the objective of returning to competition soon.

 “We have four guys in the camp, and one of them is ranked in the top 10, and another in the top 30. That is a good place to be so that I can aspire to attain their level,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there. I have been training again, full time and it is going to take some time to get back into shape and be competitive to be at the level I was, prior to COVID-19. I have faith and I’m committed.”