Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, was on hand to offer encouraging words to Jamaica’s team as they prepared to depart for the Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I wish you many medals and a safe, injury-free experience,” Minister Grange told the young athletes during a visit to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) headquarters, where the team had gathered ahead of their journey.

The 2025 Carifta Games will be held from April 19 to 21 for track and field at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and from April 19 to 22 for swimming at the National Aquatic Centre. Open Water Swimming is scheduled for April 23. Jamaica’s delegation includes 79 athletes—37 girls and 42 boys—along with a 13-member management staff.

Grange used the occasion to emphasize the government’s continued investment in the nation’s track and field programme. She noted that close to $50 million had been spent in recent months to support athletics in Jamaica, including $15 million allocated to the JAAA specifically for the Carifta Games team and the national contingent heading to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for September 13 to 21.

She also highlighted the ongoing role of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), which provides an annual subvention of $23.7 million to the JAAA. The SDF also contributes to various athletic meets across the island, ensuring sustained support for athlete development at all levels.

Jamaica, known for its Carifta dominance, will look to continue its rich tradition of excellence as the Games unfold in Trinidad and Tobago. The team’s send-off was not only a show of support from the government but also a reminder of the pride and expectations the nation holds for its young stars.