BVIAA unveils CARIFTA Games delegation

The BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) has unveiled a 27-member national team to represent the territory at the 53rd CARIFTA Games in Grenada next month, with officials expressing confidence in the squad’s talent and preparation.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Duff’s Bottom, where athletes, coaches, government officials and supporters gathered for the official reveal. The Games are scheduled for April 4–6 at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s.

The delegation includes athletes across Under-17 and Under-20 categories, supported by a team of coaches and officials led by team manager Tarika Moses and head coach Annabelle Skelton-Malone.

BVIAA President Steve Augustine said the team reflects a strong mix of emerging and experienced athletes.

“This year, our athletes present a good cross-section of the talent in athletics. They have displayed unwavering discipline, athletic talents and good support,” Augustine stated.

He also encouraged athletes to maximise the opportunity, urging them to compete with honour and compete with their very best.

Education Minister Sharie de Castro highlighted the government’s continued investment in athletics development, noting that funding has been allocated to support both CARIFTA participation and broader programmes.

“You will be receiving an additional $100,000 in support of CARIFTA and all development initiatives on the calendar for this year,” de Castro said.

She urged athletes to recognise the significance of national representation. “When you walk off and you represent the BVI and you carry that flag on your chest, it really is an honour and it is a privilege,” she stated.

Former athlete and BVI Olympic Committee representative Ashley Kelly described CARIFTA as a key stepping stone in an athlete’s career, telling the team that qualification alone was an achievement.

“That alone is an achievement worth celebrating,” Kelly said, while encouraging athletes to “work hard, train smart, and trust the process.”

The CARIFTA Games, regarded as the Caribbean’s premier junior athletics competition, has historically produced top regional and international athletes. BVIAA officials noted that the territory has participated since 1976 and continues to build on its legacy in the sport.

The full team comprises 30 athletes competing in sprint, relay and field events, with officials expressing optimism that the group will continue the territory’s tradition of strong performances at the regional meet.

Team BVI – CARIFTA Games Delegation (Athletes)

#	Name	Category	Event(s)
1	M’Kenzii Crabbe	U17 Girls	100m, 200m, 4×1
2	Macayla Logan	U17 Girls	100m, 4×1
3	Kaeja Creque	U17 Girls	400m, 4×1
4	Sam’Asia Leonard	U17 Girls	200m, 4×1
5	T’Keiya Smith	U17 Girls	High Jump
6	Shanai Morgan	U17 Girls	4×1
7	Taryn Augustine	U20 Girls	100m, 200m, 4×1
8	Shannia Johnson	U20 Girls	200m, 4×1
9	Deneil Clarke	U20 Girls	400m, 4×1
10	Jah’Kyla Morton	U20 Girls	High Jump
11	Cristal Daly	U20 Girls	Long Jump, 4×1
12	Shyra Stoutt	U20 Girls	Long Jump, 4×1
13	Jameila Chambers	U20 Girls	100m, 4×1
14	Ty-Rique Charles	U17 Boys	100m, 200m
15	Bryson Walters	U17 Boys	High Jump
16	Caedon Fraites	U17 Boys	400m
17	Audony Gangoo	U17 Boys	200m, 4×1
18	Ethan James	U17 Boys	100m, 4×1
19	Shamahni Scatliffe	U17 Boys	4×1
20	J’Den Jackson	U20 Boys	100m, 200m, 4×1
21	Mario Carter	U20 Boys	200m, 400m, 4×1
22	Othniel Gillings	U20 Boys	High Jump, 4×1
23	Tiondre Frett	U20 Boys	4×1
24	Paul Hewlett	U20 Boys	Decathlon
25	Jaheem Lennard-Joseph	U20 Boys	100m, 4×1
26	Latriel Williams	U20 Boys	4×1
27	Shaumal Donovan	U20 Boys	4×1