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Djimon Gumbs Confident and Prepared for the Discus Event at the Pan American Games in Chile
October finds Djimon Gumbs training to ensure he can compete at the highest level against some of the finest discus throwers at the Pan American Games in Chile.
He is part of a four-person contingent proudly representing the British Virgin Islands in this monumental athletic event in Santiago.
With more than 700 athletes from North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, all are looking to see who will break records and who will medal.
As the anticipation builds up for his event on October 30, Gumbs shared his thoughts and ambitions and gave an insight into his journey so far with jahphixtelevsion.com.
“I think that my preparation has been more than enough,” Gumbs confidently said.
“One of the things that will be most interesting is to see how far I throw while under load. I have been lifting heavy weights, and doing a normal offseason workout, and to compete in November is a little odd but nevertheless the mission remains the same.”
Indeed Gumbs is no stranger to facing challenges head-on. The PanAm Games in Chile marks the second biggest meet of his career, and he is fully aware of the tough competition he faces.
“Facing off against some of the people I usually watch on TV will be amazing, but I think that I am confident enough that I will go in there and shake some things up,” he emphasised.
One of the key elements in Gumbs’ journey is the unwavering support and guidance of his coach Mike. “Staying relaxed and trusting yourself, as well as your coaching, is the most important thing. Thankfully, my coach, Coach Mike, is here, so it makes things a lot better,” Gumbs shared.
For the territory’s current top discus thrower, the upcoming competition holds significant personal value. “I know that the 30th will be special. I’m not sure how yet, but win, lose, or draw, I know that I will once again be a part of history, and just having my name out there with the greats is just another accomplishment for me.”
Gumbs revealed that he doesn’t “usually set goals because if I do set goals, then that’s all I focus on, and then it creates a domino effect of problems, so my only goal is to go out there, have fun, execute, and see how far that takes us. Take 3 big swings (throws) and hope we get 3 more. Anything that comes after that I’ll take.”
Gumbs’ journey is particularly inspirational. He is an islander who remains steadfast in his commitment to hard work in order to reach the pinnacle of his field.
“Being from such a small island, it kinda makes you feel like you are inferior to the athletes that are representing their respective countries, but one thing I have learned is that once you make it into meets like these, it means that your work goes unnoticed, and you have the potential to do so much more.”
He also acknowledged the responsibility he feels to inspire the younger generation in the BVI. “Being from a small island, and knowing that my generation is up next makes me hungrier than ever, and it is important that I decide to stay hungry to meet the goals that are set out for not just me but for my country.”
Gumbs expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him on this incredible journey. “First and foremost, all praises and thanks go to God Almighty for blessing me with these talents and to go out there to represent my country to its fullest potential,” he said. “I can never forget my loving parents, siblings, family, and friends. Earlier in the year, I was really struggling in track and field, and without them, I don’t think that I would be here in Chile right now.”
Djimon Gumbs believes that the PanAm Games symbolise the diversity and unity of athletes from around the world. “There are literally millions of athletes in the world, and coming to a games like this, it makes you realise that there are people from all over the world who want this just as bad as you, or even more.”
When it comes to his mental preparation, Gumbs highlighted the importance of simplicity. “So mentally, I just try not to do too much. Me and my coach go through a little talking. Most of it is from a technical standpoint, how we want the throw to look, and what we think will make it into finals, and little stuff like that. After that, it’s have fun and let your body take care of the rest.”
As he prepares to step into the discus ring, Gumbs relies on self-assurance and confidence. “Confidence starts from the warmup. You have to believe that you feel good, even when you don’t, because the mind is a powerful thing. That sets the tone for warmups, straight into the end of the competition.”
To those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, Gumbs has some words of wisdom. “My advice to the younger ones who are looking up to me would be to trust in yourself, and believe that the path you are on will drive you to greatness. Always remember to stay determined and always challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself.”
In terms of his strategy for the competition, Gumbs explained, “I have no strategy, as I said before, we look at it as three swings to throw as far as we could. From there, it can go really well, or really bad. Obviously, you will hope that this day will be your day when you are in peak form.”
He is filled with pride and gratitude. “Getting the chance to wear BVI on my chest is one of the best feelings I could ever feel. Knowing that this is what I wanted to do from young and it is now coming into fruition is sometimes a surreal feeling for me, but I know that I have been putting in the work, so I do deserve to be here as well.”
“Let’s be the best we can be, and go BVI!,” Gumbs added.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) carried out a series of high-impact operations in the first quarter of 2025, resulting in significant seizures of illegal drugs, firearms, and ammunition. The enforcement actions, part of a broader crackdown on criminal activity, reflect stepped-up efforts to disrupt narcotics distribution and remove unlicensed weapons from the streets.
The operations are part of intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and remove unlicensed weapons from circulation.
Between January and March, RVIPF officers confiscated more than 12 kilograms of cannabis, 2,900 mature cannabis plants, and 2,447 seedlings. The seizures are part of an ongoing initiative to dismantle local drug distribution networks and reduce the availability of illicit substances across the islands.
In parallel with drug enforcement operations, police also recovered seven pistols and two rifles—exceeding the number of firearms seized during the same period in 2024. Ammunition confiscations more than doubled, rising from 152 rounds in early 2024 to 389 rounds in the first three months of this year.
Authorities noted a high charge rate in possession cases, underscoring what the RVIPF described as a continued zero-tolerance policy toward illegal weaponry. The enforcement activity is supported by intelligence-led policing and strengthened community cooperation.
“These results reflect the success of targeted enforcement strategies and community partnerships,” the RVIPF said in a statement accompanying the release of the data.
The figures were published alongside broader crime statistics indicating that serious criminal offenses, including assaults, sexual offenses, and burglaries, have reached their lowest first-quarter levels in five years. Police attributed the overall decline to coordinated operations and increased public engagement.
The RVIPF has committed to maintaining its current pace of enforcement through the remainder of the year.
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church and the first from the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy defined by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernise the Church. The Vatican confirmed his death late Sunday evening in a brief statement, noting he passed away peacefully at the Apostolic Palace, surrounded by senior clergy and aides.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His elevation as the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Global South signalled a shift in the Church’s global focus. His leadership inspired millions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where his messages of compassion, environmental stewardship, and economic justice found deep resonance.
Over his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis worked tirelessly to address some of the most complex issues facing the modern Church—sexual abuse scandals, declining attendance, and widening political divides. He was both praised and criticised for his efforts to reach across ideological lines, calling for greater inclusion within the Church, particularly towards the LGBTQ community, divorced Catholics, and interfaith dialogue.
In the Caribbean, a region with a deep Catholic heritage, Pope Francis was seen as a moral voice and a beacon of reform. His 2015 visit to Cuba helped pave the way for a historic thaw in US–Cuba relations, while his outspoken stance on climate change galvanised support for environmental movements across island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels and intensifying hurricanes.
“Pope Francis was a man of the people. His commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and our common home touched the lives of many here in the Caribbean,” said Bishop Harold Richards of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. “He brought a human face to the Church.”
Though increasingly frail in recent years, Francis continued to carry out his duties with determination. He remained active in Vatican affairs until only weeks before his passing, delivering his final public message on Easter Sunday, in which he called for peace in the Middle East and solidarity with migrants worldwide.
A conclave of cardinals will be convened in the coming weeks to elect a new pope. In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will oversee the governance of the Church.
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of bold compassion, spiritual leadership, and a vision of a more open, engaged, and globally conscious Catholic Church. Across the Caribbean and the world, churches will toll their bells in mourning—and in gratitude for a life of service.
Funeral services are expected to be held later this week in St Peter’s Basilica. A national day of mourning has been declared in Argentina.
As the leatherback sea turtle nesting season begins across the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are preparing for potential nesting activity. While sightings have been reported in neighboring regions, no nests have been documented in the BVI yet. The Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), a local non-profit dedicated to marine conservation, is urging residents and visitors to report any turtle tracks or nesting activity promptly. Early detection is crucial, especially if nests are located in vulnerable areas where eggs may need to be relocated to ensure their survival.
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