In a message resonating with pride and admiration, Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of Olympic Committees (CANOC), has reflected on the remarkable achievements of Caribbean athletes at the recent Carifta Games in Grenada and the Carifta Aquatic Championships in the Bahamas.

Jamaica secured a 38^th consecutive title at the 51^st Carifta Games in Grenada winning 84 medals, 45 of them gold, while in the Bahamas, the home team won a record-extending sixth aquatics title further enhancing their reputation as kings and queens of the pool.

"We have recently celebrated the annual Easter weekend events across the world. For us in the Caribbean, we are still reflecting on the outstanding performances of our athletes at both the Carifta Athletics Championships in Grenada and the Carifta Swimming Championships in the Bahamas," the CANOC president said.

Joseph wasted no time in lauding the athletes, acknowledging their remarkable efforts and dedication. "While not all athletes would have won medals," he remarked, "scores of them have achieved personal best performances. All participating athletes are winners insofar as having gained national selection is itself a major feat and an important part of their personal and their respective country’s sporting history."

Indeed, the records shattered and the triumphs achieved at these championships were nothing short of extraordinary. Jamaica's 38th consecutive title at the Carifta Games in Grenada, along with an impressive haul of 84 medals, exemplified the caliber of talent present in the Caribbean. Similarly, the Bahamas' record-extending sixth consecutive swimming title, won in front of their passionate home crowd, showcased the region's dominance in aquatic sports.

"Records have been broken by athletes we expect will follow the long-held tradition of becoming the next generation of sporting stars of the Caribbean," Joseph enthused. "Small we may be as countries in the global environment but through sport we have competed well and blazed a trail of success consistent with our immense potential, resilience, and resolve."

Joseph extended heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes who represented their countries at these prestigious events, emphasizing the significance of their accomplishments. He also expressed gratitude to the governments and people of Grenada and the Bahamas for their unwavering support and financial commitment to the sporting spectacles.

Moreover, Joseph emphasized the importance of government involvement in facilitating the sports development process in the Caribbean. "The continued challenges of hosting major sport competitions at the Caribbean level impact the broader sport development process," he noted. "There is an important need for us to have governments play a more important role in facilitating the sport development process in the Caribbean."

 In closing, Joseph highlighted the call for Caribbean unity and collaboration in sport, as advocated by Grenada's Minister of Sport, Gayton J La Crette. He underscored CANOC's commitment to facilitating research initiatives aimed at developing a sustainable sport development strategy for the region.

"Together," Joseph concluded, "we can show the difference sport can make to our Caribbean reality."

In the heart of Nassau, at the Betty Kelly-Henning Swim Complex, history was etched into the aquamarine waters as the Bahamas achieved a feat unparalleled in the annals of CARIFTA Swimming Championships. With resounding cheers echoing through the stands, the Bahamian swimmers surged to victory, clinching their sixth consecutive title..

The stage was set for a showdown of aquatic prowess, with 25 nations from across the Caribbean vying for supremacy. Yet, from the outset, it was clear that the Bahamian team was on a mission — a mission to etch their names into the record books once more.

Led by the indomitable spirit of Head Coach Travano McPhee, the Bahamian contingent unleashed their full potential. With each stroke, each turn, they surged ahead, leaving their competitors trailing in their wake.

Day after day, the Bahamas increased its lead, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind of their dominance in the pool. From the precision of their starts to the power of their finishes, every swimmer embodied the essence of excellence, pushing themselves to their limits and beyond.

As the final day of competition dawned, the tension was palpable. Yet, amidst the nerves, there was an air of confidence among the Bahamian swimmers. They knew that this was their moment, their chance to make history once more.

And make history they did.

With a final surge of speed and determination, the Bahamas clinched their sixth consecutive CARIFTA Aquatics Championship title, sending shockwaves of celebration throughout the nation. Tears of joy mingled with the waters of the pool as the triumphant swimmers embraced, their hearts filled with pride for what they had accomplished.

In the medal standings, the Bahamas reigned supreme, topping the table with 34 gold, 39 silver, and 28 bronze for a total of 101 medals. Trinidad & Tobago followed with 24 gold, 15 silver, and 17 bronze for 56 total medals, securing second place. The Cayman Islands claimed the third spot with 18 gold, 13 silver, and 19 bronze, accumulating 50 total medals. Jamaica, with 18 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze, earned a total of 45 medals, securing the fourth position. Barbados rounded out the top five teams with 15 gold, 15 silver, and 7 bronze, totaling 47 medals.

Speaking to the Nassau Guardian in the aftermath of their historic win, Coach McPhee expressed his gratitude to his team and the Bahamian people. "This is our house, and we were able to hold it down," he declared, his voice ringing with emotion. "I'm proud to be a part of this team, and I'm very proud of everyone who contributed to this sixth straight win. We're not done yet... next year, we're going for seven straight."

And with that vow hanging in the air, the Bahamian swimmers basked in the glory of their triumph, knowing that they had not only made history but had also etched their names into the hearts of a nation. For in the waters of the Betty Kelly-Henning Swim Complex, the spirit of the Bahamas soared to new heights, a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond of a team united in pursuit of greatness.

Trinidad and Tobago's Jaenae De Gannes was named winner of the prestigious Austin Sealey Award after three days of pulsating competition at the 51st edition of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics in Grenda.

The 17-year-old smashed the girls’ Under-20 long jump record during the morning session of Monday’s final day, and later returned to anchor the twin island republic to a silver medal in the girls’ Under-20 4x400m relay.

Named in honour of Sir Austin Sealy, who started the Carifta Games in 1972, the award is given to the most outstanding athlete of the three-day spectacle.

While there were a number of breathtaking performances, De Gannes topped the pile when she measured 6.50 metres to win gold and establish a new record in the girls’ Under-20 long jump. The effort erased the old mark of 6.48 metres – ironically set in Grenada eight years ago – and positioned her third in the world in the Under-20 category.

She returned later in the evening to partner with Kaori Robley, Saana Frederick and Kaziah Peters to finish second in the girls’ Under-20 4X400m in 3:47.51. The event was won by Jamaica in 3:34.69, with Barbados (3:48.21) in third.

By virtue of winning the Austin Sealy Award, De Gannes joins a long list of outstanding athletes to have won the award, including Usain Bolt, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Yohan Blake, and Kirani James.

Jehue Gordon and Darrel Brown are among the Trinidad and Tobago athletes to have won the award previously.

Meanwhile, Jamaica topped the medal standings with 83 medals comprising 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze, while the Bahamas ended with 34 – nine gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze. Trinidad and Tobago picked up four gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze to finish the championship with 28 medals overall.

Hosts Grenada were the only other team in double digits with 14 medals, logging one gold, six silver and seven bronze.

Jamaica asserted its dominance on the track as the curtains closed on the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, clinching victory in all four 4x400m relays on Monday. With commanding performances reminiscent of their sprint hurdles dominance earlier in the final session, the Jamaican teams showcased their class, bringing the Games to a thrilling conclusion.

However, the final race of the night, the Under 20 Boys 4x400m relay, was not without its share of drama. As Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Grenada set off in the race, they halted unexpectedly, anticipating a recall that never came. They were allowed to re-run for time during which Trinidad and Tobago ultimately emerged victorious, with the Bahamas crossing the line second.

However, neither team were able to eclipse Jamaica's winning time of 3:10.58 from the original race. Trinidad were eventually awarded silver having run a time of 3:11.10. Guyana was third in a time of 3:14.05. Bahamas were disqualified.

In the Under 17 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's team, led by Britannia Bailey, Nastassia Fletcher, Kevongaye Fowler, and Tresha Lee Sutherland, surged to victory in 3:41.84. The Bahamas secured silver in a time of 3:47.13 while Trinidad and Tobago claimed bronze in 3:54.49.

Similarly, in the Under 20 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's formidable quartet of Abigail Campbell, Shanique Williams, Kitania Headley, and Shanoya Douglas clocked a time of 3:34.69, securing another gold medal for the nation. Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas clinched silver and bronze, in times of 3:47.51 and 3:49.82, respectively.

Jamaica’s U17 Boys executed flawlessly to win in dominant fashion in a time of 3:18.43. Trinidad and Tobago won the silver running 3:21.24 with the bronze medal going to Grenada who ran 3:21.92.

With an impressive medal haul of 45 gold, 23 silver, and 16 bronze medals, Jamaica emerged as the overall victor of the Carifta Games.

The Bahamas finished second overall with 35 medals; nine gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals with Trinidad and Tobago third with 27 medals, four gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Guyana won eight medals; four gold, three silver and a bronze medal while Guadeloupe finished fifth with five medals, two gold, a silver and two bronze medals. Hosts Grenada had an outstanding Carifta Games winning one gold, six silver and six bronze medals which placed them seventh in the standings.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Janae De Gannes won the prestigious Austin Sealy Award for her record-breaking jump of 6.50m in the U20 Girls Long Jump.

The Bahamas had an excellent start to Monday's day three of the 51^st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada thanks to a dominant showing in the Under-17 Girls javelin throw.

Dior-Rae Scott, who won gold in Kingston in 2022 and silver last year in Nassau, returned to the top of the podium with an excellent new personal best and Carifta record 52.53m with her third-round effort.

Her teammate, Kamera Strachan, had a best throw of 47.61m for silver while Jamaica’s Zoelle Jamel was third with 45.00m.

The Girls Under-20 high jump also saw a quinella, with Jamaica enjoying their own 1-2 finish this time around.

Rasheda Samuels secured gold with a third-time clearance of 1.78m while her teammate Dejanea Bruce took silver with a best clearance of 1.76m.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Keneisha Shelbourne was third with 1.70m.

In the Under-20 Girls long jump, Trinidad & Tobago’s reigning NACAC U-18 champion Janae De Gannes produced one of the performances of the meet with a massive personal best 6.50m to win gold.

De Gannes only produced two legal jumps throughout her series, 6.50m in the first round and 6.40m in the second round.

Her mark also broke the Carifta U-20 record of 6.48m done in 2016 by Guadeloupe’s Yanis David.

Jamaica’s Rohanna Sudlow was second with 6.30m while Bahamian Lanaisha Lubin was third with 5.90m.

Jamaica showcased their sprinting prowess at the Carifta Games in Grenada on Sunday night, securing victory in three out of four 4x100m relay events. Their bid for a clean sweep was foiled by Trinidad and Tobago in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay, adding excitement to an electrifying evening of track and field.

In the U17 Girls 4x100m relay, Team Jamaica surged to victory with a stellar performance. The quartet blazed across the finish line in 45.36 seconds, clinching the gold medal. Team Bahamas secured the silver with a time of 46.28 seconds, while Team Trinidad and Tobago took the bronze with a time of 47.49 seconds.

The U17 Boys 4x100m saw Jamaica dominate the competition. The team composed of Nyron Wade, Malike Nugent, Byron Walker, and Oshane Jervis stormed to victory in 41.30 seconds, claiming the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago finished closely behind, securing the silver with a time of 41.53 seconds, while Bahamas grabbed the bronze in a time of 42.30.

 Continuing their sprinting dominance, Jamaica triumphed in the Under 20 Girls 4x100m relay. The team of Habiba Harris, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Briana Campbell, and Shanoya Douglas delivered a sensational performance, clocking a time of 43.63 seconds to clinch the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago settled for silver with a time of 44.43 seconds, while Bahamas secured the bronze in 45.40.

 However, Jamaica's quest for a clean sweep was thwarted in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay by Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica's team, hampered by poor exchanges  fell short of the top spot, finishing with a time of 40.55 seconds, earning them the silver medal. Trinidad and Tobago claimed victory in 40.45 seconds, while Grenada "A" secured the bronze in 40.71.

 Despite missing out on a sweep, Jamaica's dominant performance in three out of four 4x100m relay events underscored their sprinting prowess and left a lasting impression on the Carifta Games in Grenada.

Brenden Vanderpool of Bahamas and Guadeloupe’s Jackie Henrianne Hyman were in record-breaking form in the boys’ pole vault open and girls’ Under-20 discus finals respectively, as they topped the field event performers on the evening session of the 51^st Carifta Games at Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

Vanderpool, who was always favoured to retain the title, needed only three jumps to confirm his championship status, as he entered the competition at 4.70m and later cleared 5.10m and the record height of 5.30m –all on his first attempts.

He attempted to go higher at 5.49m but failed. Tyler Cash (4.45m) also of Bahamas was second, with Martinique’s Lucas Ledoux (4.10m) in third.

Meanwhile, Hyman became the first Under-20 girl to go over 55.00 metres in the history of the Games, as she had a winning heave of 55.06m, which bettered the previous record of 54.19m set by Jamaica’s Fiona Richards in 2017.

In fact, Hyman had earlier erased the previous record with her third throw of 54.24m, but she went further on the following attempt to stamp her class on the field. Jamaica’s Dionjah Shaw (50.26m) and Najhada Seymoure (48.82m), were second and third respectively.

Elsewhere in the field, Jamaica’s Shaiquan Dunn and Chad Hendricks produced a one-two finish in the boys’ Under-20 discus final to add to the country’s tally.

The Jamaicans were positioned first and second from the very first throw, with Hendricks leading up to the fifth attempt, which is where Dunn took over the gold medal position.

Dunn’s winning heave of 61.47m came on his sixth and final attempt, but prior to that, he had a 59.66m, which would have also secured the top spot.

Hendricks for his part, had his best throw of 58.73m on the fifth attempt, as he fouled on his final throw, while the bronze went to Antwon Walkin (52.77m) of Turks and Caicos Island.

Another Jamaican duo Richelle Stanley and Dejanae Bruce finished first and third in the girls’ Under-20 triple jump final. Stanley, who missed out on the gold medal at the recently-concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championship, viewed this Carifta Games as a shot at redemption and she duly capitalised.

The St Elizabeth Technical standout achieved the winning leap of 12.58m from her very first jump and was never to be denied from there. Trinidad and Tobago’s Keneisha Shelbourne was second at 12.49m, with Bruce’s 12.20m on her third attempt, good enough for bronze.

The Carifta Games can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

Jamaica’s athletes swept the girls’ and boys’ Under-17 400m races, with the Under-20 events going to Guyana, as action continued on the opening day of the 51^st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

Nastassia Fletcher of Jamaica finished tops in the girls’ Under-17 event, as compatriot Nickecoy Bramwell topped the boy’s Under-17 event in a championship record, while the impressive Guyanese duo of Tianna Springer and Malachi Austin were a cut above rivals in the Under-20 events.

Fletcher started the series with a tidy 54.32s-clocking to win the girls’ Under-17 event ahead of the fast-finishing Keyezra Thomas (54.59s) of Bahamas, with Antigua and Barbuda’s Tyra Fenton (54.89s) finishing third.

Bramwell then followed suit, as he successfully defended his boys’ Under-17 title. The smooth striding athlete had the field beaten from 200m out, but pushed himself to stop the clock in 47.27s, which lowered Usain Bolt’s 47.33s Championship Record set in 2002.

Kemron Mathlyn (47.96s) of Grenda and Eagan Neely (48.16s) of the Bahamas were the runners-up.

Meanwhile, Springer the Under-17 champion from last year, produced a breathtaking performance to top the girls’ Under-20 final in personal best 52.31s. She closed well to better the Jamaican pair of Abigail Campbell (52.85s) and Shaquane Williams (53.03s).

Austin, a Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist, then brought the curtains down on the series, as he also produced a late charge to win in a new personal best 46.35s. He denied Jamaica’s Marcinho Rose (46.59s), with Joshiem Sylvester (46.93s) of Grenada in third.

The Carifta Games can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

Jamaica’s athletes registered a clean sweep of the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 and Under-20 1,500m titles, as they continued their impressive start to the 51^st edition of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

The Jamaicans enjoyed one-two finishes in the girls’ Under-17 and Under-20 races, with another one-two finish coming in the boys’ Under-20 race, while boys’ Under-17 event produced a one-three finish.

Dallia Fairweather and Alikay Reynolds got things going in the girls’ Under-17 event where they utilised strategy to outclass their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, who tried to stick with them.

At the end, Fairweather won in 4:45.86, ahead of Reynolds (4:46.14), with Trinidad and Tobago’s Shian Lewis (4:48.58) taking bronze.

Patience was also proved rewarding for Jamaica’s Shemar Green in the boys’ Under-17 event, as he timed his race to perfection to cut down longtime leader Wyndel Beyde of Aruba in the stretch run. Green won in 4:11.91, with Beyde (4:12.80) staying on for second ahead of another Jamaican Sekani Brown (4:15.21).

In the girls’ Under-20 event, Rickeisha Simms, also produced a later burst to win gold in 4:31.94 and add to her title won in 2022. Her compatriot Kaydeen Johnson, who led for most of the way was second in 4:32.49, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Kaleigh Forde (4:41.71) was third.

The Jamaican sweep was completed by Kemario Bygrave, who ensured that he completes his final year of the competition with a gold. He stopped the clock in 3:58.10, ahead of compatriot Jaquan Coke (3:58.38), with Bermuda’s Jake Brislane (3:58.83) taking bronze.

The Carifta Games can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

Jamaica’s Jamelia Young copped the country’s second medal of the 51^st edition of the Carifta Games, as she topped rivals in the girls’ Under-17 shot put final at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

Young, who is more known for her discus prowess, achieved a winning heave of 14.25m on her fourth attempt, which represents a significant improvement on the 13.33m she threw when winning at the trials.

The 16-year-old Clarendon College standout won ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Peyton Winter (14.21m) and Terrell McCoy (14.11m) of the Bahamas.

Jamaica heads the medal standing with two gold medals so far, as Zavien Bernard also topped the girls’ Under-17 high jump final.

Antigua and Barbuda have one gold courtesy of Maleik Francis’s record-breaking win in the boys’ Under-17 javelin throw, while Trinidad and Tobago (one silver and one bronze), Bahamas (one silver and one bronze), St Kitts and Nevis (one silver) and Grenada (one bronze), also secured medals in the opening session.

The evening session is scheduled to begin with the Opening Ceremony at 1:30pm Jamaica time.

The Carifta Games are being broadcast live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

While it was not her most fluent series of jumps, Zavien Bernard held her composure well enough to cop Jamaica’s first gold medal of the 51^st Carifta Games, as she topped the Under-17 girls’ high jump at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Saturday.

Bernard, who entered the Games in superb form after clearing 1.83m to win gold at the recently-concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, couldn’t replicate that clearance, but did enough to finish tops in the end.

After failing first time at 1.55m, the 15-year-old Bernard got into rhythm and had first time clearance at 1.60m, 1.65m, 1.68m, with the winning leap coming first time at 1.71m. She later failed in her attempt at 1.74m.

“I am extremely happy because this is my first time representing the national team. It’s a bit disappointing that I didn’t go higher, but I had to pull myself together because I knew my team needed this. The other competitors pushed me a little, but I am used to this, and I actually expected myself to win this event,” Bernard, who attends Hydel High said after the victory.

The Jamaican faced stiffed competition from silver medallist Alexandria Komolafe (1.71m), who cleared all the heights on her first attempt and seemed well on her way to victory, before she clipped the bar first time at 1.71m, which opened the door for Bernard to snatch victory.

Tenique Vincent of Trinidad and Tobago was third with a clearance at 1.68m.

The Carifta Games are being broadcast live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App.

With an historic third-place finish at the Concacaf Nations League now out the way, Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is hoping they can ride the momentum to an even bigger accomplishment, which is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Though Hallgrimsson would have preferred the 2023/24 CNL title, as opposed to the bronze they secured with a 1-0 win over Panama, he believes the achievement represents a step in the right direction on their quest to add to the country’s 1998 World Cup feat.

“This is just a part of our journey. We were trying to build something for this tournament as there is a saying that ‘success is not a destination, success is not a date, it’s a continuous journey to the right direction’. So, we’re just working on improving this team, as our biggest goal at the moment is to try to reach the World Cup finals,” Hallgrimsson declared. 

Jamaica’s third-place battle followed a heartbreaking 3-1 extra-time loss to United States in an entertaining semi-final contest that they led from the very first minute, but lost after Corey Burke’s last-gasped own-goal brought the opponents back into the game.

Still, Hallgrimsson took the positives from the tournament, as he pointed to the psychologically importance and confidence gained heading into the prestigious CONMEBOL Copa America, which also serves as part of the Reggae Boyz preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.

“This is a good step to play important matches, to play big tournaments, and to play strong opponents like the United States and Panama. They are two of the three highest-ranked Concacaf teams and we showed that we are closing in on this gap, even with the number of players not with us. So, I have to give a lot of credit to the players for the way they presented themselves for Jamaica,” Hallgrimsson said.

“I think it’s psychological just to know that we can face these teams of this calibre. Again, talking about missing players, I normally don’t talk about missing players, but it gives belief in what we are doing, and I think that is the biggest benefit for us,” he added.

Those benefits which Hallgrimsson alluded to, includes the fact that player such as Leon Bailey, Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio and Shamar Nicholson all missed the nail-biting United States encounter. However, Gray and Nicholson played their part in the Panama win after returning from red card suspensions.

For the Icelandic tactician, the absence of key players provided the opportunity for other to not only show their worth, but also to stake a claim on spots for the Copa America and World Cup qualifying squads. Interestingly enough, it was full-backs Greg Leigh and Dexter Lembikisa that got Jamaica's goals across the two games.

“This camp has given us more depth in the squad, players really punched in and showed that they want to belong into this starting lineup. Jamaica is richer after this camp,” Hallgrimsson noted.

“Tactics, it was both because we were missing players and playing good teams so we thought it would be better to play with three at the back. Given that we played 120 minutes (against United States) it was a really good performance, a solid performance from the team so I’m happy,” he ended.

Jamaica is scheduled to face Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela in Group B of the June 20 to July 14 Copa America, while Dominican Republic, Dominica, Guatemala and British Virgin Islands are their Group E opponents for the World Cup qualifiers, also scheduled to begin in June.

British Virgin Islands booked their spot in the second round of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, following a 4-2 penalty shootout win over US Virgin Islands in their play-off contest at the AO Shirley Recreation Ground in Road Town, BVI, on Tuesday.

After playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg, both teams again failed to separate themselves in a goalless second-leg encounter and so it was down to the dreaded penalties to decide the outcome. In the end, it was British Virgin Islands that held their nerves best from the 12-yard spot to progress to the business round of qualification.

They will join Jamaica, Dominica, Dominican Republic and Guatemala in Group E for the second round of the qualifiers, which are scheduled to run between June 2024 and June 2025. A total of 30 countries will vie for spots in the final round. 

The final round which will be played between September and November 2025, will see teams battling for five spots to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by Concacaf powerhouses Mexico, United States and Canada.

Of the five teams, three will earn direct qualification, while the other two spots will be decided via a play-offs.

Jaydon Hibbert, world Under-20 Triple Jump record holder, has established the Leaps and Bounds Foundation to support the education of students at his alma mater Kingston College.

Hibbert presented a symbolic cheque of $780,000 to Kingston College’s Principal Dave Myrie, during an event at the school’s North Street base on Thursday, March 21.

The scholarships were disbursed to five students, valued at $156,000 each, and will cover their tuition fees, books and other expenses for a full academic year.

Among the scholarship recipients are Aaron McKenzie and Daquan Dawkins, both jumpers, who competed at the just-concluded ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, where Kingston College won its 35th title. The other scholarship recipients are second-form students Jehu Green, Joshua Lewin, and Ricadeen Wilkins.

Hibbert, the first Jamaican and the youngest ever to be awarded the highest US collegiate honour, The Bowerman, lauded Kingston College for instilling the value of giving back.

“The act of giving back was instilled in me during my time at Kingston College, so now, the Leaps and Bounds Foundation is committed to maximising the potential of the youth here, with the focus of providing scholarships annually,” Hibbert shared.

The 19-year-old, who went undefeated throughout the 2023 collegiate season, breaking decades-old records in the process, also imparted words of encouragement to the recipients.

“To all recipients, I encourage you to stay focused, stay humble and stay thankful. I believe in your future and your personal growth here at this great institution,” he said.
Meanwhile, Myrie applauded Hibbert for making the scholarships available to students beyond the athletic community.

"While some may choose to support the athletic community only, he has extended his scholarships to other students, and for that, I must commend Jaydon. During his time at Kingston College, he excelled academically, achieving distinctions in various subjects, including French. We take pride in his achievements,” Myrie noted.

Hibbert, who is currently under professional contract with Puma, also used the opportunity to thank the apparel brand for investing in his talent.
“I want to thank Puma for investing in me and my foundation and I hope to do this annually with their continued support,” Hibbert ended.

The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer issued a strong warning to defending champions Jamaica and others to brace themselves for a stout challenge from the Bahamians at this weekend’s 51st edition of the Carifta Games in Grenada.

Perennial second-place finishers to Jamaica, the Bahamians collected 46 medals – 10 gold, 13 silver and 23 bronze –on home soil last year, which was 32 less than Jamaica’s 78 medal haul, that included 40 gold, 22 silver and 16 bronze.

Despite that, Archer is confident that the 77-strong Bahamian team will deliver strong performances in the “Spice Isle” at Kirani James Stadium.

“Jamaica has hell on their hands as well as Trinidad and Barbados and everybody else,” Archer told Nassau Guardian recently.

“I’m pumped about it because we have some wonderful talent, new and old,” he added.

Head Coach Caudell McNab also expressed confidence about the prospects for his Bahamian team, as expectations are high that they will perform at a high level at the Easter Weekend spectacle.

“I expect them to do well. We will be strong, and we will show all the other countries that we have worked hard, and we are there to win. I expect that most of the countries, because the meet is in the Eastern Caribbean, will field bigger teams than when we hosted it last year because of proximity. It will not make a difference and I expect us to do well in the competition,” McNab declared.

“Experience and the fact that some of the athletes are new to this level gives a good mix. The camaraderie is very good, even if they did not know each other in the past, it makes it very interesting. One of the things that impressed me most is that we have so many pre-qualifiers and at the trials, most of them met the standards again and it shows that they are at the peak and should do extremely well,” he added.

The 2024 Carifta Games will be live on SportsMax from the starting Saturday.