The BVI Athletics Association on Thursday, March 26, announced a 27-member team to represent the Virgin Islands at the 53rd CARIFTA Games in St. George’s, Grenada. The announcement was made during a press conference at Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, attended by Minister Sharie de Castro, Asley Kelly and Debra Hodge.
The CARIFTA Games are scheduled for April 4–6 at the Kirani James Stadium. The delegation includes athletes, coaches and technical officials, including NACAC-appointed referee Rosalind Leonard-Fahie and pole vault official Dezarre Woodley.
Kelly, an Olympian, encouraged the athletes to remain focused on their development. “Your participation in the CARIFTA Games is a starting block to international competitions,” she said, urging athletes to “work hard, train hard and trust the process.”
Hon. De Castro congratulated the team and announced additional government support for athletics, including $100,000 in funding. She also confirmed that the resurfacing of the national track has been approved, with preliminary work expected to begin during the off-season later this year.
Augustine noted that 2026 marks 50 years of the Virgin Islands’ participation in the CARIFTA Games and pointed to the progression of former athletes who have advanced to collegiate and professional levels. He also highlighted the association’s “100 for 100” sponsorship initiative, which encourages community contributions toward athlete development.
The delegation is led by Team Manager Tarika Moses and Head Coach Annabelle Skelton-Malone, with coaches Erwin Telemaque and Winston Potter, and Safeguarding Officer Rhennie Phipps.
The athletes selected to represent Team BVI are:
Under-17 Girls: M’Kenzii Crabbe (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Macayla Logan (100m, 4x100m), Kaeja Creque (400m, 4x100m), Sam’Asia Leonard (200m, 4x100m), T’Keiya Smith (High Jump), Shanai Morgan (4x100m).
Under-20 Girls: Taryn Augustine (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Shannia Johnson (200m, 4x100m), Deneil Clarke (400m, 4x100m), Jah’Kyla Morton (High Jump), Cristal Daly (Long Jump, 4x100m), Shyra Stoutt (Long Jump, 4x100m), Jameila Chambers (100m, 4x100m).
Under-17 Boys: Ty-Rique Charles (100m, 200m), Bryson Walters (High Jump), Caedon Fraites (400m), Audony Gangoo (200m, 4x100m), Ethan James (100m, 4x100m), Shamahni Scatliffe (4x100m).
Under-20 Boys: J’Den Jackson (100m, 200m, 4x100m), Mario Carter (200m, 400m, 4x100m), Othniel Gillings (High Jump, 4x100m), Tiondre Frett (4x100m), Paul Hewlett (Decathlon), Jaheem Lennard-Joseph (100m, 4x100m), Latriel Williams (4x100m), Shaumal Donovan (4x100m).
The CARIFTA Games remain the premier junior track and field competition in the Caribbean, serving as a pathway for athletes to advance to regional and international competition.
