Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • District Six claim Inter-District Champs

    District Six claim Inter-District Champs

    The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground played host to a thrilling day of youth competitive athletics on Wednesday, April 1, where underdog District Six pulled off a dramatic upset to claim the top prize at the 2026 Inter-District Primary School Athletics Championships, ending the multi-event winning streak of defending champion District Eight. What began as a gray, damp morning with steady rainfall shifted to bright, sunny conditions ideal for elite track-and-field competition, drawing hundreds of screaming spectators—including teachers, family members, and fellow students from across the region—to the venue for the penultimate major school sporting event of the academic term.

    The day’s opening events saw an early surge from District Five, representing the communities of Dennery and Micoud. Young runner Shandre Fontenelle delivered an immediate boost to his team’s standings, taking gold in the Under-13 boys’ 1200-meter race and silver in the Under-13 boys’ 600-meter. Those strong results pushed District Five into the early lead with 135 points, outpacing both District Six and the defending titleholders District Eight, who represents the Soufrière and Canaries regions. Despite standout individual performances across multiple disciplines from District Eight’s athletes, the tide of competition shifted dramatically once the sprint events got underway. By the conclusion of all sprint competitions, District Six had carved out a solid 17-point advantage over the rest of the field.

    That lead only grew through the final relay races, where District Six extended their gap to a commanding 41 points by the end of all competitions. When the final scores were tallied, District Six secured the overall championship title with 311 total points, beating out District Eight who finished as runners-up with 270 points. In the girls’ team rankings, District Six also claimed top honors with 180 points, ahead of District Eight’s 149. District Five held on to claim third place overall with 224 total points, with their boys’ team putting up a particularly strong fight to finish first in the boys’ rankings with 138 points, just edging out District Six’s 131 points. Rounding out the top five overall teams were District Two (representing North Castries) with 212 points, and District One (covering Gros Islet and Babonneau) with 173 points. The full final standings saw District Seven in sixth place with 126 points, District Three in seventh with 114 points, and District Four in eighth with 107 points.

    While District Six claimed the overall team crown, individual honors were spread across multiple districts, with District Eight earning three of the eight available individual event trophies. Shervel Gonzales turned in a dominant performance for District Eight, winning the Under-9 girls’ 60-meter sprint in 9.70 seconds and the 150-meter sprint in 23.52 seconds. Teammate Keyanni Gilbert claimed two titles as well, taking gold in the ball throw and the Under-11 girls’ 600-meter in a time of 2:07.03. District Eight’s third individual trophy went to Kayla Gills, who won both the Under-13 girls’ 80-meter (11.02 seconds) and 150-meter (20.10 seconds). In the over-13 girls’ division, Namika Bellas of District Two claimed top individual honors with an undefeated run of performances.

    On the boys’ side, multiple young athletes turned in breakout performances across age groups. Clevon McLawrence of District Three stood out in the Under-9 division, clocking 9.23 seconds to take gold in the 60-meter sprint and earn silver in the 150-meter. Avary Maryat of District One repeated as a double champion in the Under-11 division, defending his titles with winning runs in the 150-meter (20.63 seconds) and 300-meter (46.74 seconds). Individual honors in the two oldest boys’ divisions were split evenly across competing teams. Fontenelle, whose early performance pushed District Five into the lead, was one of three individual award winners in the Under-13 boys’ division. Vijay Blanchard earned District Six’s sole individual boys’ award, taking gold in the 80-meter and silver in the 150-meter, while District One’s Asa Emmanuel flipped that result to claim gold in the 150-meter and silver in the 80-meter. In the top division, Jeanquan JnPierre of District Three and Javan William of District Two each earned one gold and one silver medal to split top honors.

  • New champions in tighly-contested Shevern John netball tourney

    New champions in tighly-contested Shevern John netball tourney

    On a thrilling Sunday of competitive netball hosted in their home village of Fancy, Ball Blazers of Fancy pulled off a dramatic late comeback to secure the top title at the 2025 Shevern John North Windward Netball Tournament, finishing the tournament undefeated with a narrow 38-37 one-point win over final opponent Trail Blazers of Owia.

    The road to the final delivered its own major upset, shaking up the tournament’s established hierarchy. Overland Netball Team, which had claimed the championship title in every iteration of the competition since its launch in 2022, was unexpectedly eliminated in the semifinal round, clearing the way for Trail Blazers of Owia to advance to the championship match.

    Play unfolded with a clear advantage for Trail Blazers through the first three quarters of the final. The Owia-based squad held narrow leads through each stage: 8-7 after the first quarter, 17-16 after the second, and 29-26 heading into the final 15 minutes of play. But in a stunning fourth-quarter turnaround, the home team Ball Blazers rallied, outscoring their opponents to flip the scoreline and clinch the championship on their home turf.

    In addition to the open senior division, the tournament hosted two lower age and developmental competitive categories. In the junior division, the Sandy Bay Police Youth Club was awarded an automatic default victory after their opponent, Sandy Bay Secondary School, failed to appear for the scheduled championship match. The developmental division delivered another close match, with Sandy Bay Government School edging out Fancy Beamers by a single goal to take the category title, finishing the match 8-7.

    Following the conclusion of all matches, the tournament’s organizer and North Windward Parliamentary Representative Shevern John spoke at the official awards and presentation ceremony. During his address, John announced that the next major local sporting event organized under his framework, the Shevern John North Windward T10 softball cricket competition, is scheduled to kick off in May this year, building on the momentum of the successful netball tournament to support grassroots sports in the region.

  • Eclipse, Brigidy Stars advance to grand final of islandwide domino league

    Eclipse, Brigidy Stars advance to grand final of islandwide domino league

    The semifinal round of the highly anticipated West Coast Cooperative Credit Union Islandwide Domino League delivered two contrasting showdowns this week, as two elite teams locked in their spots for the upcoming championship decider.

    Eclipse of Pottersville turned in a near-perfect performance to dominate their semifinal against One Love from Tarish Pit, holding a steady lead from the very first round of play to the last. The lopsided contest ended with a staggering 1,493-point margin of victory for Eclipse, with the final scoreboard reading 3,014 for the Pottersville side and just 1,521 for One Love.

    In the second semifinal, fans in attendance witnessed a far tighter, hard-fought battle between Brigidy Stars of Paix Bouche and Rosema White City. Competing in front of a packed, energized crowd of domino enthusiasts, Brigidy Stars held off repeated pushes from Rosema White City to secure their place in the grand final. The close contest ended with a 370-point winning margin for Brigidy Stars, who finished with a total score of 3,009 against Rosema White City’s 2,639.

    Fans will not have to wait long to see the two champions compete for the league title: the grand final, alongside the third-place playoff match, is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Goodwill Primary School Auditorium. The event is expected to draw a large crowd of local domino fans, as both teams vie for the coveted Islandwide Domino League championship trophy.

  • Skerrit announces Olympic-sized pool for Pointe Round sports complex

    Skerrit announces Olympic-sized pool for Pointe Round sports complex

    In a major announcement that elevates one of the Caribbean nation’s most ambitious sporting infrastructure investments, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has confirmed that cabinet has approved expanding the planned Pointe Round synthetic track and field facility to include a full Olympic-sized swimming pool and its supporting amenities.

    Skerrit shared details of the revised project during a recent press briefing, clarifying the split of responsibilities for the development. Global governing body World Athletics has already pledged full support to deliver the certified athletics track surface, covering critical stages from engineering surveys and design work to procurement and construction contracting. The Dominican government, meanwhile, is tasked with preparing the building site, including grading and land preparation, as well as funding and delivering all supporting auxiliary infrastructure for the facility.

    “Originally, our plan centered on delivering a world-class Class 1 certified track and field facility, but cabinet made the decision to broaden the project’s scope to turn this site into a comprehensive, multi-use sports hub,” Skerrit explained. “Alongside the track, we will now add an Olympic-sized swimming pool with all required accompanying amenities, from changing facilities to spectator stands and restroom infrastructure. This will not just be a track facility – it will be a complete sports complex that serves athletes across multiple disciplines for generations.”

    The expanded development comes on the heels of a landmark win for Dominican athletics: in December 2025, the Dominica Athletics Association (DAA) officially confirmed the island had been selected as a beneficiary of World Athletics’ Project 10 initiative, a global program designed to deliver world-class certified track facilities to emerging sporting nations. The selection followed two years of intensive planning, stakeholder consultations, and rigorous technical evaluations, a milestone the DAA has called transformative for the country’s sporting community. Land for the complex has already been secured in the Pointe Round area of Portsmouth, with initial site preparations already underway.

    Project 10 is made possible through a partnership between World Athletics and the Qatar Olympic Committee, which provides funding and technical backing for new athletics infrastructure across targeted developing nations. In addition to the Pointe Round development, Skerrit also updated the public on ongoing upgrade works at the island’s existing Windsor Park Sports Stadium, reporting that visible progress is already being made on the installation of a new modern lighting system to support evening events and training.

  • Sammy, St Ange prep swimmers for CARIFTA Aquatics

    Sammy, St Ange prep swimmers for CARIFTA Aquatics

    On Wednesday, April 1, a confident and high-spirited Team Saint Lucia set off from their home island to compete in the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, which will be hosted across two venues in Martinique from April 3 to 8. The regional swimming and aquatics competition will run events at both the Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre in Le Lamentin and the open coastal waters of Anses d’Arlet.

    The roster traveling to the tournament includes 12 athletes, who made the crossing by boat following weeks of rigorous targeted preparation. The team features a mix of experienced returning medal winners hungry for more podium success and promising first-time competitors eager to make their mark on the regional stage. Ahead of their departure, all home-based swimmers wrapped up their final on-island training sessions over the weekend of March 29-30 at Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre.

    Beyond physical conditioning, the squad also received tailored mental and motivational support in their final preparation block. Team manager Denise Parks shared with local outlet St Lucia Times that the athletes got an inspiring pep talk from Daren Sammy, head coach of the West Indies men’s national cricket team, and completed a dedicated mental skills workshop with sports psychologist Yasmine St Ange.

    Local aquatics officials have singled out several athletes to watch as the competition gets underway. Standout competitors expected to deliver strong performances include Sapphire Parks in the 11-12 age girls’ division, University of Michigan freshman Antoine Destang in the 15-17 boys’ category, Jayden Xu and Noah Dorville, U.S.-based competitor Fayth Jeffrey, and Fayth Lubrun, who will compete alongside Jeffrey in the 15-17 girls’ division. A cohort of talented first-time team members is also ready to showcase their hard-earned skills at the Pierre Samot pool this week.

    On the organizational and financial side, Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation President Paul James confirmed to St Lucia Times that the governing body made a deliberate decision not to request funding from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee for this tournament. The federation plans to pursue external sponsorship opportunities for larger competitions scheduled later in 2026 instead.

  • St Mary’s to represent Saint Lucia at Penn Relays

    St Mary’s to represent Saint Lucia at Penn Relays

    For Saint Lucia’s track and field community, a new chapter of athletic ambition is set to unfold this April, as a group of young athletes from St Mary’s College (SMC) prepare to break new ground as the first team from the island nation to compete at the iconic Penn Relay Carnival. Running from April 21 to 25 at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field – a venue that has hosted the prestigious meet since 1895 – the Saint Lucian delegation will compete in the High School Boys division, taking on competitors from across the globe in the 4x100m and 4x400m international relay events.

    The five-member SMC roster brings together some of Saint Lucia’s brightest emerging track talent, anchored by athletes with proven experience at regional competitions. Leading the squad is 17-year-old Terrick Plummer, who already represented Saint Lucia at the 2025 CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad & Tobago. He is joined by 16-year-old Joshua Matthew, the current national Under-17 champion for both the 200m and 400m distances. Rounding out the team are 16-year-olds Ethan Doxerie and Tai La Force, and 15-year-old Zayne Henry, with seasoned local coach Lenyn Leonce leading the group as they prepare for their global debut.

    This historic participation would not have been possible without the full backing of Hamilton Reserve Bank, the Caribbean region’s largest global bank by headquarters, which holds more than US$6 billion in total assets. The financial institution has covered all of the team’s costs and logistical needs, including international airfare, on-the-ground accommodations, daily meals, local transportation, and official competition gear for the delegation.

    In an official statement announcing the sponsorship, the bank framed its support as far more than a one-off contribution to a sports team. “This milestone event for Saint Lucia represents more than participation,” the release read. “It signals a strategic investment in youth development, global exposure, and high-performance sports by the largest global bank in the Caribbean region.”

    Merkisha Desir, a senior relationship banker at Hamilton Reserve Bank and a native of Saint Lucia, expanded on the bank’s commitment to lifting regional Caribbean talent. “At Hamilton Reserve Bank, we unlock Caribbean potential by connecting aspiration with access,” Desir explained. “For our bank, the Caribbean is home. Our corporate commitment to regional development extends beyond offering the fastest bank wires in the world in seconds and enabling new banking customers to be approved 100% online in 20 minutes. We are building bridges between Caribbean talent and global opportunities for years to come.”

    At the Penn Relays, SMC’s athletes will face off against delegations from across the Caribbean, with large contingents expected from regional track powerhouses including Jamaica, as well as other neighboring nations such as Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and St Kitts & Nevis. Each year, the historic meet draws more than 15,000 student-athletes from hundreds of educational institutions across the world, making it one of the most high-profile track and field competitions for young emerging talent globally.

    For the SMC team – nicknamed the Samarians – the competition is viewed as a transformative learning opportunity that will pay dividends in future regional competitions. Local athletic leaders hope the experience gained on the global stage will translate to stronger performances at next year’s Island Champs relays. This year, across five relay events at the competition, the Samarians claimed just a single bronze medal, in the Under-16 4x400m division.

    Saint Lucia’s growing reputation in international track and field has risen sharply in recent years, anchored by the success of Julien Alfred, the island’s first Olympic gold medallist. With this debut appearance at the Penn Relay Carnival, the nation’s next generation of athletes is set to carry that momentum forward, extending Saint Lucia’s footprint on the global track and field landscape.

    The journey for these young athletes began locally at Saint Lucia’s Mindoo Phillip Park, where they have trained and competed for years, before earning the opportunity to take their talents to one of the world’s most iconic track venues. This milestone marks a breakthrough moment for the future of athletics in the small Caribbean nation.

  • Twenty-four athletes to represent Federation at CARIFTA Games

    Twenty-four athletes to represent Federation at CARIFTA Games

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Ahead of the 53rd edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games, the St. Kitts and Nevis Athletics association has officially announced its 24-athlete delegation set to compete at the regional youth track and field championship, hosted this year at Grenada’s Kirani James Athletic Stadium from April 4 to 6, 2026.

    Nicknamed “Team Unstoppable SKN,” this year’s roster balances experience and emerging talent: it includes seasoned returning CARIFTA medalists and veteran competitors, alongside a cohort of ambitious first-time qualifiers who met all selection standards during national qualifying trials. The entire team is scheduled to depart St. Kitts and Nevis for Grenada on April 2, two days ahead of the opening round of competitions.

    In an official statement following the team announcement, SKN Athletics President Wayne Delaney shared his pride in the selected athletes, emphasizing that their spots on the national team are a direct reflection of the relentless effort they have put into their craft. “Their selection is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for athletics,” Delaney said. “We encourage them to continue pushing their limits, knowing that the entire Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis stands behind them.”

    The delegation is split across four age and gender divisions: the Under-17 Girls category features Khylinn Prentice (100m, 200m), Ta-Junique Huggins (100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles), Trishana O’Donoghue (400m Hurdles), Dejhanee Moses (High Jump, Long Jump), Janiah McNeil (High Jump), Miel Pemberton (Long Jump), Ayrian Walters (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kezia Phillip (Shot Put). The Under-17 Boys roster includes Kymarni Newton (800m), Najeeb Kelly (1500m), Shandon Burton (1500m, 3000m), Malik Freeman (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kylan Woods (Javelin). Just one athlete, De’Cheynelle Thomas (200m, 400m), will represent the nation in the Under-20 Girls division. The Under-20 Boys contingent is the largest group on the team, with Chesson Liburd (100m), Jaylen Bennett (400m), Tejuan Webbe (100m Hurdles, Long Jump), Jayden Hendrickson (400m Hurdles), Josano Henderson (Javelin), Akanye Samuel-Francis (400m Hurdles), Dejuaan Pemberton (High Jump), Zackery Nisbett (High Jump), Kialan Morton (Shot Put), Jaheem Clarke (Javelin) and Naseem Gerald (Decathlon).

    A full specialized staff will support the athletes throughout the championship: Shirmon Caines serves as Head Coach and throws coach, Adelvin Philip leads sprints and relays training, Roatter Johnson acts as jumps coach, Royston Queeley handles hurdles coaching, Niketa Isles fills the role of team manager, Alister James is the team physiotherapist, Nicola Huggins Parris serves as safeguarding officer, Corneil Williams and Dwayne Warner are congressional delegates, and Rashid Stanley handles team media operations.

    SKN Athletics also extended formal thanks to the key sponsors that have made the team’s trip and participation possible. Major backers include the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Sports, the Nevis Island Administration, and SKN Athletics itself. As the team makes its final preparations for departure, national sports officials are calling on residents and supporters across St. Kitts and Nevis to rally behind Team Unstoppable SKN as they compete against the Caribbean’s top young track and field talent.

  • International Athletes Head To Antigua And Barbuda As Tourism Authority Backs 12th Aua Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest

    International Athletes Head To Antigua And Barbuda As Tourism Authority Backs 12th Aua Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest

    The 12th iteration of the highly anticipated AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, scheduled to unfold across April 11 and 12, 2026, has secured a continued gold sponsorship from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. This ongoing collaboration reflects a unified strategic goal: to cement the twin-island nation’s reputation as a top-tier global sports tourism destination, leveraging elite endurance competition to highlight the archipelago’s one-of-a-kind natural splendor.

    Even with registration still open to new participants, the 2026 event has already drawn impressive international interest, with more than 100 registered athletes traveling from across the Caribbean, North America, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The largest delegations hail from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and the United States, while additional competitors are set to arrive from a diverse roster of nations including Canada, Guadeloupe, Ireland, the UK, Australia, Poland, Jamaica, and Cuba. This broad geographic turnout underscores the event’s rapidly expanding global footprint and cross-border appeal.

    Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the long-term value of the partnership. “The AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest serves as a critical platform for establishing Antigua and Barbuda as a leading global sports tourism hub,” James explained. “This event showcases the very best our country has to offer, from our jaw-dropping landscapes and crystal-clear, pristine coastal waters to our proven ability to host seamless, high-caliber international events. As athletes travel from every corner of the region and the world to compete, the festival generates tangible, lasting economic benefits for local communities while spreading awareness of our destination across the globe.”

    Rory Butler, Event Director of the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest, echoed James’s enthusiasm, noting that sustained institutional support from the tourism authority has allowed organizers to elevate the event to new professional heights. “The ongoing backing from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority enables us to take the AUA Rohrman to the next level,” Butler said. “Not only are we welcoming elite and amateur athletes from across the world, but we can now showcase Antigua and Barbuda in a truly world-class format, through high-resolution video and professional photography that captures the unfiltered essence of our islands.”

    The tourism authority’s sponsorship investment will play a foundational role in boosting the event’s international standing, funding elite video production, professional on-location photography, and expanded global marketing campaigns that center Antigua and Barbuda’s natural assets. This support will help share the unparalleled experience of racing through some of the Caribbean’s most scenic, untouched coastal and mountain landscapes with a global audience, firmly placing the twin-island nation on the map for international endurance sports enthusiasts.

    Unlike many regional endurance events, the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest delivers a deeply immersive experience that guides athletes through some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most iconic natural locations, including Rendezvous Bay, Wallings Nature Reserve, Cade Peak, Carlisle Bay, and Morris Bay. From uneven, rugged coastal hiking trails and steep, challenging ascents to powdery pristine beaches and vivid turquoise open waters, the race offers one of the most diverse and visually striking competition environments in the entire Caribbean.

    With only a few weeks remaining before registration closes, event organizers are urging interested athletes of all skill levels to reserve their spots quickly. The festival is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, with offerings including a 5K walk/run, 7K, 16K, and 25K trail races, 2K and 4K open water swims, sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons, and a dedicated kids’ triathlon category.

    First launched in 2012, the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest has grown over more than a decade to become Antigua and Barbuda’s preeminent endurance sports festival, pairing world-class competitive action with unforgettable access to the nation’s natural beauty. For its 12th edition, the event continues to draw global athletic talent while celebrating the twin islands’ unique natural landscape and vibrant local sporting culture.

    Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda welcomes visitors with two distinct island experiences, year-round warm temperatures, a rich colonial and cultural history, lively local traditions, thrilling outdoor adventures, award-winning luxury resorts, diverse local and international cuisine, and 365 postcard-perfect pink and white sand beaches – one for every day of the year.

  • ABAA Athletes Receive Motivation Boost from Ambassador Melissa Seaforth Ahead of CARIFTA

    ABAA Athletes Receive Motivation Boost from Ambassador Melissa Seaforth Ahead of CARIFTA

    As regional athletics competition draws near, young track and field athletes from Antigua and Barbuda got a rare boost of guidance and inspiration ahead of their trip to the CARIFTA Games, during a special preparation workshop hosted by the Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA).

    Leading the interactive session was Melissa Seaforth, a decorated local sports star who holds the title of back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year for 2024 and 2025. As a professional bodybuilder and the reigning 2025 IFBB Pro Masters World Champion, Seaforth brought firsthand, elite-level experience to the table when talking to the upcoming generation of competitors. She centered her talk on the dual challenges of top-tier competition: the intense physical demands of elite sport and just as critical, the mental stamina required to succeed on a big regional stage.

    Seaforth walked the assembled athletes through actionable strategies for everything from structuring training in the final weeks before a major event to pushing through fatigue during grueling preparation blocks. She also emphasized how to deliver peak results when all eyes are on them during competition. A core takeaway from her talk was the 5 P’s principle — Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance — which she framed as the fundamental foundation for any athlete looking to achieve their competitive goals. She stressed that consistent discipline and intentional pre-competition planning are just as important as natural talent for long-term success in sport.

    Unlike a standard keynote speech, the workshop was built for open engagement. Athletes took the opportunity to ask Seaforth specific questions about personal challenges they face, ranging from managing pre-competition anxiety to sustaining focus through multi-event schedules. This open exchange allowed young competitors to get personalized advice tailored to their own experiences leading up to the Games.

    ABAA leadership publicly thanked Seaforth for donating her time and expertise to mentor the national team. Officials noted that her perspective as a successful elite athlete offers a unique form of support that goes beyond standard coaching, and they expect her insights to leave a lasting positive impact on the young team as they put the final touches on their preparations for the regional championship.

  • High hopes as first athletes depart for CARIFTA

    High hopes as first athletes depart for CARIFTA

    As one of the most anticipated regional track and field competitions on the Caribbean sports calendar approaches, Barbados’ delegation to the 2024 CARIFTA Games has kicked off its journey to host nation Grenada, with athletes and coaching staff carrying strong morale and quiet confidence into the April 3-6 tournament.

    Team manager Angela Jackson shared updates on the squad’s preparations and mindset with local outlet Barbados TODAY on departure day at Grantley Adams International Airport. The first contingent, made up of 42 competing athletes, departed Barbados on the scheduled timeline, while the remaining 18 team members are scheduled to arrive in Grenada within 24 hours to join the group. Jackson was among the officials accompanying the first batch, alongside co-manager Duante Harvey, Athletics Association of Barbados president Noel Lynch and multiple lead coaches. First-time and returning competitors alike completed their pre-departure check-in procedures, with many first-time athletes accompanied by family members as they prepared for the biggest regional meet of their young careers so far.

    Jackson emphasized that the entire squad is brimming with excitement to compete on the Grenada track, describing the overall team mood as consistently positive heading into the championships. “The mood is very good. The athletes are all excited and looking forward to arriving in Grenada and giving of their very best,” she noted.

    When asked about potential medal expectations for the Barbados team, Jackson declined to make any concrete predictions on the team’s final medal haul, but highlighted that the 2024 delegation has strong, well-balanced depth across events, particularly in the Under-20 division. Instead of focusing on pre-set medal targets, the coaching and management staff’s core goal is to encourage every athlete to perform to the best of their personal ability. “I can agree that the team is very strong in certain areas, and all that we can do is to expect them to give of their best. Of course, I am not going to touch on any medals prediction whatsoever. We are just encouraging each and everyone on the team to give of their best and once that is done we will be quite satisfied,” Jackson explained.

    She also reflected on the team’s preparation cycle, noting that the build-up to CARIFTA was largely smooth, despite facing minor time constraints caused by the tight gap between the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (BSSAC) and this year’s regional tournament. Due to the compressed timeline, the team was only able to host one mandatory pre-competition workshop focused on anti-doping education, a critical session given that nearly a third of the squad are first-time CARIFTA competitors. Coaching staff have been working closely with these rookie athletes to help them adjust to the higher stakes of regional competition and get into the right competitive frame of mind before the opening event.

    Beyond the official delegation, dozens of parents, friends and local sports supporters were present at the airport to send off the team, with many of these well-wishers also planning to travel to Grenada in the coming days to cheer on the Barbados squad throughout the four-day championships.