With the 2025 Carifta Games just hours away, Trinidad and Tobago's team manager, Cuquie Melville, is brimming with confidence and has set a bold target for the host nation to finish in the top two, especially on home soil.

"We want to remain in the top three. With a real focus on being top two on the medal table at the end of the Games," Melville told the Express.

The Twin Island Republic finished third at last year's edition with four gold medals, 11 silver, and 12 bronze. Perennial powerhouse Jamaica secured the top spot with 45 golds, followed by The Bahamas with nine.

This time, with the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo serving as home turf, Melville is banking on the energy of the crowd to push the athletes to new heights.

"I look forward to Trinidad and Tobago coming out in large numbers. We expect great things from them and look forward to records," he said.

Among the standouts expected to lead the charge is US-based long jumper Janae De Gannes, who returns to defend her Girls Under-20 title after a record-breaking leap of 6.50 metres last year, an effort that earned her the Austin Sealy Award for the most outstanding performance of the Games.

“I have big expectations for Janae, as well as the Frederick twins, Sole and Sanaa, Dylan Woodruffe, and the Chinapoo brothers, Kadeem and Hakeem. Shian Lewis is an upcoming athlete with a bright future, and Omari Brown has been doing very well too," Melville shared.

The team manager praised the athletes' mindset and physical condition, describing the group as “healthy, willing, enthusiastic, and driven.”

"Team preparations have gone smoothly. We’re guiding the athletes on how they should eat, ensuring they’re hydrated, and always instilling in them the need to believe in themselves. Success is down to their mental strength," Melville noted.

That said, Melville explained that athletes who will compete on Saturday's opening day of the Carifta Games are not likely to take part in the opening ceremony to remain fresh for competition.

The Carifta Games opening session begins at 9:00 am on Saturday, with the Carifta Aquatic Championships also kicking off this weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva.