After nearly a decade away from one of the Caribbean’s most prominent regional track and field competitions, Dominica is gearing up to mark its long-awaited return. The country’s Olympic Committee (DOC) and Athletics Association (DAA) made a joint official announcement confirming Dominica’s participation in the 2026 ANOECS Track and Field Championships, which will be hosted from July 4 to 5, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The regional championships were put on hold following the 2017 edition – the same year Dominica last took part in the event – making the 2026 gathering the official revival of the competition after a nine-year suspension.
Dominica will send a compact, competitive delegation of nine total members to the upcoming meet: eight rising and established athletes, accompanied by one head coach. Leading the contingent is Joel Hamilton, a seasoned coaching professional who currently holds the role of Club Representative for the DAA. The selected roster features athletes with prior international experience representing Dominica at the CARIFTA Games, and many of the competitors are also using the 2026 ANOECS Championships as a key preparation step for this year’s upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games and Youth Olympic Games.
The full list of competitors includes: Jamical Titre, who will compete in the shot put event; Khaarim John Baptiste and Khumar John Baptiste, both set to contest the triple jump and high jump; Nycarl Williams, who will compete in the javelin throw; Keyoni Esprit, who will race the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints; Akiesha Luke, who is entered in the 400-meter and 800-meter middle-distance events; and Jeriah Lewis and Jaden Joseph, who will both compete in the long jump.
Billy Doctrove, who holds dual roles as President of the Dominica Olympic Committee and Board Member of ANOECS, shared his enthusiasm for the revival of the championships and Dominica’s return. “I am very pleased ANOECS have taken steps to revive high level competition within the OECS, as is testament to the revival of this Track and Field Championships,” Doctrove said. He also extended gratitude to PANAM Sports for its critical funding and support that has made the 2026 championships and other ANOECS events this year possible. “I am confident Dominica will represent well, not just in athletic talent but also as young sports ambassadors and implore all members of the team to view this as a critical step in their athletic career,” he added.
Brendan Williams, President of the Dominica Athletics Association, echoed that confidence in the selected national team. “On behalf of the Dominica Athletics Association, I am proud to see a team of talented local athletes representing our nation at the ANOECS Championships,” Williams said. “This group possesses tremendous promise, dedication, and the potential to make a significant mark on the regional stage. We have every confidence that they will compete with pride, determination, and the spirit that defines Dominican athletics. We wish them every success as they carry our flag with honor.”
Per the DAA’s official statement, the 2026 ANOECS Championships serves a key developmental purpose for Dominica’s athletes: it will give rising competitors the chance to gain high-stakes regional competition experience while continuing their targeted preparations for the major international games on the 2026 calendar.