The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) has unveiled a strategically selected 12-member delegation for the upcoming CARIFTA Games in Grenada, scheduled for the Easter weekend. This contingent represents a significant reduction from the 22-athlete squad deployed to Trinidad & Tobago last year, signaling a focused approach on specific competitive strengths.
The team’s composition reveals a pronounced emphasis on field events, particularly jumping disciplines. Leading the charge are three standout athletes entrusted with flag-bearing honors: Naya Jules, Denzel Phillips, and Destinee Cenac.
Naya Jules, the national co-record holder in women’s pole vault (3.20m), enters her final CARIFTA appearance in the Under-20 division with a determined quest for gold. The Garden City Community College freshman has previously secured silver medals in the event in both 2022 and 2023, alongside a bronze in the Under-17 javelin throw last year.
Jamaica-based Denzel Phillips brings world-class credentials to the team. Having already qualified for the World Junior Championships in discus throw, the athlete aims to cap his final Under-20 season by adding to his two silver medals won in the Under-17 category in 2023.
Destinee Cenac, alongside Jules, returns as one of only two medalists from the 2025 team. Remaining in the Under-17 girls’ division, the high jumper enters competition with a season’s best performance that positions her among the gold medal favorites.
The Under-17 boys’ division features two promising 15-year-old field specialists: Randall Monroe (high jump, long jump) and Eavan Edgar (shot put, discus throw), both coming off dominant early-season performances.
Notable absences impact the team’s sprint capabilities. The squad will be without 2025 double Under-17 champion Jady Emmanuel (currently injured) and 2023 double silver medalist Naomi London. The exclusion of recent standout performers like Ricardo Mann (100m, 10.57s) and Jermario Actille has resulted in the complete omission of relay teams for Grenada, a stark contrast to last year’s four relay entries.
The team management will be headed by Cornelius Breen, supported by head coach Len Leonce, assistant coach Michele Rogers, and safeguarding official Kenvin McPhee. The SLAA expressed confidence that the streamlined team embodies “a strong blend of performance excellence and emerging talent,” prepared to compete with “pride, resilience, and distinction” at the Kirani James Stadium.