The BVI delegation comprising of athletes and coaches returned home with six medals after competing in 46^th Annual CARIFTA Games.

The team returned to the Territory from Willemstad, Curaçao and was greeted by officials from the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, parents and other family members, friends and well-wishers.

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn extended congratulations to the athletes on their success at the CARIFTA Games.

Honourable Walwyn said, “The Territory is extremely proud of our young athletes for displaying and performing at a high level of excellence. Congratulations to the competitors, coaches and supporters, but more so, special congratulations to our qualifying athletes who returned home with medals. You have all done your Territory proud.”

The Virgin Islands secured two medals in javelin, with Arianna Hayde earning a bronze medal in the under 18 category and Akira Phillip earning a silver in the under 20 category. Kala Penn secured a bronze medal on the first day of competition in the triple jump. 

A 4x400 relay team made up of Sh’kaida Lavacia, Judine Lacey, Kala Penn and L’t’sha Fahie, managed to secure third place and a bronze medal in the finals of that event. Djimon Gumbs also won two silver medals in the under 18 category events of shotput and discus.

The athletes who represented the Territory over the Easter weekend are Rikkoi Brathwaite, Samuel Romney, Johnt’a Charles, K’Cei Moses, D’andre Mitcham, Deron Leslie, Djimon Gumbs, Jelani Norman, Joshua Hill, Diamonte Gumbs, Rackeel Jack, Gevon Smith, Malik John, Beyonce Defreitas, Zakharia Frett, Zara Brown, Arianna Hayde, Xiomara Malone, Tashira Edwards, Akrisa Eristee, Mariah Christian, L’t’sha Fahie, Shaniyah Caul, Akira Phillip, Kala Penn and Sh’kaida Lavacia.

They competed in both Under 18 Boys and Girls and Under 20 Boys and Girls categories in the games held from April 15 to 17.

The Ministry of Education and Culture continues to support Virgin Islands’ athletes and young persons by ensuring that the Territory’s youth excel and create a culture of excellence for themselves, and by extension, the Virgin Islands.

Photo Captions

1. BVI 46^th CARIFTA Games athletes, coaches and representatives from the BVI Athletic Association (Photo credit: GIS/Franklyn Skerrit)
2. Medallists: Kala Penn, Arianna Hayde, Akira Phillip, L’t’sha Fahie, Judine Lacey, Sh’kaida Lavacia and Djimon Gumbs pictured along with coaches. (Photo credit: GIS/Franklyn Skerrit)
3. Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Brenda Lettsome-Tye greeting medallists during their return from 46th Annual CARIFTA Games. (Photo credit: GIS/Franklyn Skerrit)