With Bahamas set to field one of the largest and most balanced teams in recent memory, head coach Dereck Wells is brimming with confidence as his squad finalizes preparations for the upcoming Carifta Games.

Wells, who is serving as head coach of the national junior track and field team for the first time, believes The Bahamas is primed for success at the prestigious regional meet, which will take place over the Easter holiday weekend, April 19–21, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. The team will depart for the Twin Island Republic on April 17.

"The team is a well-rounded team with strengths in a lot of areas. We are strong across the board. I particularly like what I see with our hurdlers — this is the strongest set of hurdlers that we have had in a very long time," said Wells.

Wells’ remarks followed the ratification of a 78-member squad by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) after a fiercely competitive Splice & Connect/BAAA CARIFTA Trials. The squad — one of the largest ever assembled for the event — was announced Monday at the Events Hall of the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

"There were multiple qualifiers in the hurdles — under-17 and under-20, 100 and 400 meters hurdles. All of them are really good, and they should do well. The sprinters are good as well, and I like what I see from the field events. This team is quite balanced, and I look forward to some good things," he declared.

Among the athletes expected to lead the charge for Team Bahamas is Jahcario Wilson, who will compete in both the under-17 boys’ 110m and 400m hurdles events.

“The goal is to go and win gold and hopefully set a CARIFTA record as well. It feels good to be back on the team. I worked hard for it, and now it’s here. I’m looking forward to competing, and hopefully I’ll be able to bring back gold," Wilson said confidently.

Also returning for another shot at CARIFTA glory is Darvinique Dean, who will make her third appearance at the Games. Dean is set to run in the under-20 girls’ 100m and 400m hurdles.

"I’m excited. I’m very proud to represent my country once again. Hopefully, this year I’ll be able to come back with a gold medal or two. I’m looking forward to going to Trinidad, being in a good atmosphere, meeting nice people, and eating good Caribbean food. I feel healthy. God got me. I have nothing to worry about," Dean noted.

Bahamas Team: Under-17 Girls—Brion Ward, Taree Forbes, Keyezra Thomas, Jade Knowles, Jasmine Thompson (pending fitness), Jayla Smith, Syrmiah Crawley, Denika Gittens, Alexandria Komolafe, Jazae Johnson, Dallas Strachan, Ahnae Smith, T’Arjahnaye Green, Keely Deveaux, Deryn Rodgers, Brianna Bootle, Daveigh Farrington

Under-17 Boys—Jamaal Deloach, J’Mari Moss, Eagan Neely, Jonathan Higgs, Arcady Thompson, Kyden Thurston, Jahcario Wilson, Rohman Rolle, Obadiah Cherizar, Ainsworth Ferguson, Terrin Beckles, Lyndavion Storr, Carmeljo Woodside, David Douglas, Kaiden Kemp, Ahkeel Williams, Wyatt Cartwright, Kamron Henfield, Kristoff Munroe, Jireh Woodside, Zion Bradford

Under-20 Girls—Shatalya Dorsett, Jamiah Nabbie, Alexis Roberts, A’Karee Roberts, Erin Barr, Bayli Major, Darvinique Dean, Kei-Mahri Hanna, Koi Adderley, Gerlin Givedy, Anaiah Rolle, Jade Ferguson, Annae Mackey, Terrell McCoy, Taysha Stubbs, Dior-Rae Scott, Aaliyah Evans, Khylee Wallace, K’Leigh Davis, Makaiah Hitchman

Under-20 Boys—Aiden Kelly, Ishmael Rolle, Zion Miller, Zion Shepherd (pending fitness), Ross Martin, Jehiel Smikle, Tahj Brown, Zion Davis, Morgan Moss, Joshua Williams, Claudius Burrows, Kenny Moxey Jr., William McKinney, Carlin Archer, Ethan North, Nathaniel Smith, Nijae McBride, Everette Fraser, Quinton Gordon Jr., Emmanuel Adams