The British Virgin Islands (BVI) archery team has departed for Kingston, Jamaica, to compete in the 2024 WAAm Caribbean Development Championship. Hosted by the Jamaica Archery Federation (JAI), the event runs from September 18 to 22 and will feature top talent from around the Caribbean and beyond.

The competition provides an opportunity for the BVI team, a mix of beginners and developmental archers, to test their skills against athletes from countries to leave their mark on the regional stage. Leading the charge in the Recurve Beginner Under 15 Men category is Matthew Keandré, while David Persaud will compete in the Recurve Developmental Men category. Both will be testing their skills in the qualification rounds for their respective categories.

The Compound Beginner Under 15 Women category sees Kasadiyah Baird aiming for success, while Naomi Onwufuju and Keyara Smith will represent the BVI in the Compound Developmental Under 18 Women category. Javlyn Frett also joins the developmental ranks in the Compound Developmental Women category, setting her sights on strong results.

Kellyann Tillack, competing in the Recurve Beginner Under 18 Women category, rounds out the squad, each determined to put BVI archery on the map.

Coaches Ritseeniyah Georges and Patrick Smith will be guiding the team through the competition, providing essential support and expertise to help the young athletes navigate this important event.

The competition will feature other archers from regional heavyweights like Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica, the host nation, leads the pack with a 34-member contingent, while countries like Guyana and the US Virgin Islands (USVI) are also sending strong teams. The United States has joined the competition as well, bringing an additional level of intensity to the championship.

The Cayman Islands secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in a tense Group C matchup at the Truman Bodden Complex in George Town, Cayman Islands.

Both teams battled fiercely throughout the match, with early chances setting the tone for a competitive contest. Cayman’s Trey Ebanks fired an early warning shot in the 21st minute, but BVI goalkeeper Frankie Beckles made a crucial save to keep the game level.

The British Virgin Islands continued to hold their ground defensively, with Jacobbi Tugman almost finding the back of an open net in the 31st minute. However, Kavon Caesar made a well-timed clearance, preventing the Cayman Islands from taking an early lead.

Beckles remained a key figure in the BVI defence, making another critical save in the 76th minute to deny Alexander Clarke-Ramírez and maintain the scoreline at 0-0.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 84th minute when Elijah Seymour found the back of the net for the Cayman Islands. Seymour’s left-footed strike came after Zachary Scott intercepted a pass and delivered a precise ball into the penalty area, setting up Seymour for the match-winning goal.

The British Virgin Islands pushed forward in the final minutes but were unable to find an equaliser, handing the Cayman Islands a hard-fought victory on home turf.

The BVI squad includes Frankie Beckles, Troy Ceasar (captain), Miquel Marshall, T’Sharne Gallimore, Luka Chalwell, Tyler Forbes, William Green, Tyler Scarff, Juston Smith, Jaden Abrams, Christian Javier, T’Khoy Morton, Alejandro Santos, Azarni Callwood, Denvin Jones, Ikyjah Williams, Jadon Abrams, Jaadon Quashie, Joel Mars, and Mekhi Waters.
The Head Coach is Chris Kiwomya, Clyde Jones, Assistant coach, Lenon Audain, Manager and Levi James, Physio.