Carifta Games

Scott threw a new Carifta record 44.57m to win the U-17 Girls javelin ahead of Trinidad & Tobago’s Kenika Cassar (42.86m) and Suerena Alexander of Grenada (42.57m).

Her countryman Keyshawn Strachan threw a new record of 79.89m to win gold in the U-20 Boys section on Saturday.

Interestingly, Scott's throw broke the record of current West Indies women cricketer Deandra Dottin who threw 42.90 in 2007 while representing Barbados.

Jamaica’s Serena Cole, a member of the world record breaking U-20 Girls 4x100m quartet from Sunday, jumped out to 5.89m to win the U-20 long jump ahead of French Guiana’s Kayssia Hudson who jumped 5.77m for second while Cole’s Jamaica teammate Kay-Lagay Clarke recorded 5.64m for third.

Jamaica’s Annishka McDonald (1.75m) and Malaika Cunningham (1.70m) won gold and silver in the U-20 Girls high jump ahead of Grenada’s Ahsharean Enoe (1.65m).

 Throughout the competition, Hunter had remained in third place, trailing behind the leading mark set by Bernard Kemp of The Bahamas. However, as the event neared its conclusion, Hunter seized the opportunity to showcase his belief and determination. With his final attempt, he unleashed a remarkable leap, soaring out to a distance of 7.48m.

 Hunter's last-minute heroics propelled him into the top spot, surpassing Kemp's leading mark of 7.40m.

Unfortunately for Kemp, who had held the lead for much of the competition, his hopes of victory were dashed as he fouled his final attempt, ending any chance of reclaiming the top position.

 Amidst the dramatic showdown between Hunter and Kemp, Teon Haynes of Barbados also delivered an impressive performance, earning the bronze medal with a leap of 7.32m.

The regional junior track and field event is expected to be staged in Jamaica for the first time since 2011 and more specifically return to the city of Kingston for the first time since 1996, in April of this year.

With the country and globe still in the midst of battling the coronavirus pandemic, however, the situation regarding the possibility of spectators and the number of spectators that can attend a given event, as always, remains a fluid and often tenuous process.

For example, recently it was announced that another upcoming track meet, the Gibson Relays, would be allowed to have spectators in attendance.  Only a few weeks ago, however, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) was denied permission for fans to enter the National Stadium for the country’s World Cup qualifiers.

Chairman of the local organising committee of the 2022 Carifta Games, Mike Fennell, revealed negotiations regarding the situation of fans were ongoing.

“We have a meeting set up with the agencies and ministries in providing the sort of regulations that will exist,” Fennell said.

“We have not finalized anything yet because we know that that is a moving target and the times are not static, but we continue to have meetings and there is goodwill all around,” he added.

“Everyone accepts the importance of having these games.  They're not for the seniors, they’re for the juniors but it is critical in the development of the sport.”

Williams, who hails from Punta Gorda, has been given the opportunity to further his education and athletic training in Jamaica, a country renowned for its track and field success.

This offer marks a significant milestone for the youngster, who expressed his surprise and optimism about the future upon his return to Belize from the games.

“The offer came out of the blue despite my performance at the Games,” Williams shared with Belizean reporters.

At the Games, Williams jumped 5.37m to finish 17^th in the Under-17 Boys long jump and 11.36m to finish 13^th in the triple jump.

Williams, who is set to start his new journey in September, also aspires to become a pilot.

Belize celebrated success at the CARIFTA Games through Demetrie Meyers’ in the 3,000 meters and Brooklyn Lyttle in the Under-17 girls’ long jump.

Meyers secured gold to add to his 1500m and 3000m gold medals from Nassau last year while Lyttle took bronze.

Shaquane Gordon and Sabrina Dockery headline an updated final squad named by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to represent the nation at the 52^nd staging of the CARIFTA Games scheduled for April 19-21 in Trinidad & Tobago.

In a display of exceptional teamwork and determination, Guyana’s team, comprising Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, Dh Neilson Gill, and Tianna Springer, clocked an impressive time of 3:23.51, securing the gold medal and igniting celebrations among their supporters.

Following closely behind, Grenada, represented by Elisha Williams, Joshiem Sylvester, Cheffonia Houston, and Kemisha Dominique, delivered a commendable performance, finishing with a time of 3:29.19 to claim the silver medal.

Trinidad and Tobago, featuring Keone John, Kyah Hyson, Jaden Clement, and Kadija Pickering, rounded out the podium, clinching the bronze medal with a time of 3:31.24.

Earlier in the day, athletes showcased their talents in various events, adding to the spectacle of the Carifta Games. In the Girls Long Jump Under 17, J'kaiyah Rolle of Bahamas soared to victory with a jump of 5.77m, closely followed by Jamaica's Sashana Johnson and Belize's Brooklyn Lyttle, who leaped out to marks of 5.74m and 5.73, respectively.

In the Under 20 Boys Javelin Throw, Kaden Cartwright of Bahamas impressed with a winning throw of 67.34m, while Grenada's Rayvohn Telesford (67.34) and Dominica's Addison Alickson James (65.57m) secured second and third place, respectively.

Chrystophe Calliste of Grenada emerged victorious in the Boys Triple Jump Under 17 with a leap of 14.67m, beating out Jamaica's Amani Phillips ( 14.18m) and Bahamas' Davon Davis (14.16m) for the top spot.

The Girls Heptathlon saw an extraordinary tie for the gold medal between Jamaica's Kimeka Smith and Guadeloupe's Clémentine Carias, both amassing a total of 4699 points. Bahamas' Aaliyah Evans secured the bronze medal with a total score of 4181 points.

As the sun set on Day 2 of the Carifta Games, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation for the upcoming Day 3, promising more exhilarating performances and thrilling moments on the track and field.

Headlining the team are, Tianna Springer and Javon Roberts, along with Nerissa McPherson, Attoya Harvey, Malachi Austin, all of whom bring valuable experience to the team having enjoyed success at previous stagings of the Games. The likes of Sahel Cornett, Charisa December, Nalicia Glen, Rondell Green, Jamal Sullivan, Robert Marcus and Dhanielson Gill, who will compete in Under-20 category, are also expected to represent the Golden Arrowhead well.

Meanwhile, the Under-17 unit consist of Athaleyha Hinckson, Duel Europe, Skylar Charles, Kaidon Persaud, Ezikeil Millington, Easter Mc Kinnon, Ryan Joseph, Akilla Blucher, Keneta Fraser, Marissa Thomas and Nathaniel Samaroo.

The selection process involved a rigorous three-day trial recently, where 19 members were initially selected, 11 of which gained selection through qualifying process. The other four members were eventually shortlisted after several meetings, to complete the final squad. The AAG has high expectation that this team will make its mark at the three-day Easter Weekend meet.

Thelson Williams (Manager), Akeem Stewart (Physiotherapist), Wayne Pantlitz (male coach), Trishel Thompson (female coach), will accompany the team.

NB: The Carifta Games will be live on SportsMax and the SportsMax App. 

Jackson, one of the world's most prominent athletes, took the time to mentor Etienne, a 15-year-old talent hailing from Bagatele, who attends Edwin Allen High School, situated in central Jamaica.

Currently the fifth fastest woman of all time over 100 metres, and the fastest woman alive and second fastest woman in history over 200m, the decorated Jackson shared insight and encouragement with Etienne, as she motivated the young sensation to continue striving for greatness.

Etienne, who is supported by a scholarship from the school, as well as the Dominica Olympic Committee and Cheryl Rolle, boasts big dreams, and has already put her immense potential on display when she secured a fourth-place finish in a brisk11.85 seconds, as the recent 51st Carifta Games in Grenada.

Prior to that, Etienne contributed valuable points to Edwin Allen's tally which saw them reclaim the girls' title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championship at Jamaica's National Stadium.

While pointing out that training in Jamaica is more difficult than it is in Dominica, Etienne has adapted well under the guidance of Michael Dyke.

"The training here in Jamaica is much harder than in my country, but I am coping well with it as I really want to make my friends and family proud back home," Etienne said in a recent interview.

"It feels so good competing on this (synthetic) type of track as all our competition back home is done on grass. Edwin Allen High has been my dream school in Jamaica. I kept in touch with their performances on YouTube and I am really happy to be a member of the team now," she added.

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.

The event has also been sanctioned by the Government of Jamaica, through the office of the Minister of Sport. The event is expected to attract close to 650 athletes competing in U17 and U20 categories as well as 150 officials from 27 countries.

Jamaica also has the blessing of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) which has oversight for track and field in this region. NACAC President Mike Sands is expected to visit the island early next year for a venue inspection.

Meanwhile, the Games will be managed by a local organizing committee, already in place and will be chaired by the President of the Pan Am Games Technical Commission and immediate past president of the Jamaica Olympic Association Mike Fennell. JAAA’s Honorary Secretary Marie Tavares will act as General Manager.

A team of expert sports officials in key areas has been assembled to manage the event. That team has already met and plans are well underway. Chairman Fennell is confident that they can successfully host the games despite having many setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Several milestones are to be celebrated next year. These include The Games 50th year, Jamaica’s 60th year of independence and the host federation, JAAA, 90 years in operation.

“The opportunity to host under these kinds of milestones is a tremendous opportunity for Jamaica to host some of the best sporting talents from the region to the world. This event will also offer some insight on what competition from this region could look like at the 18th World Athletics Championships, scheduled for Eugene, Oregon in July 2022,” said JAAA President Garth Gayle.

“The number of other international events which will follow allows the Carifta Games to signal that the youth from the region are ready for competition; that sport is ready and open for business and Jamaica will host the 800+ people from all over in a safe and secure environment.”

This is the eighth time that Jamaica will host the Carifta Games since its inception in 1972. Of the 48 editions held so far, Jamaica has topped the medal table on 43 occasions.

In the U17 Girls 400m hurdles, Nastassia Fletcher of Jamaica secured her second gold medal of the games with a time of 1:00.10. Despite strong competition from Darvinique Dean of the Bahamas, who finished in second place with a time of 1:00.66, and Jenna-Marie Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago, who claimed the bronze with a time of 1:01.03, Fletcher's determined effort propelled her to a commanding victory.

Meanwhile, in the U20 Girls 400m hurdles, Michelle Smith delivered a dominant performance, clocking an impressive time of 56.28 seconds. Her swift and commanding run left spectators in awe as she crossed the finish line ahead of her competitors. Kelly Ann Carr of Jamaica secured the silver medal with a time of 57.02 seconds, while Aaliyah Mullings, also from Jamaica, claimed the bronze with a time of 59.80 seconds.

In the Under 17 Boys 400m hurdles, Robert Miller of Jamaica made history with a remarkable performance, setting a new championship record with a time of 52.19 seconds. His electrifying run, saw him finish well ahead of Akanye Samuel-Francis of St. Kitts and Nevis, who finished in second place with a time of 52.88 seconds, and Fransico Williams of Jamaica, who secured the bronze with a time of 53.19 seconds.

While Jamaica's dominance was evident in three of the races, the Boys 400m Hurdles Under 20 saw a fierce battle between Jamaican athletes. Shamer Blake emerged victorious with a time of 51.21 seconds, closely followed by his compatriot Princewell Martin, who finished just behind with a time of 51.34 seconds. Dorian Charles of Trinidad and Tobago also delivered a commendable performance, securing the bronze medal with a time of 52.70 seconds.

President of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) had announced that his association had been given the green light to host the Games next Easter during a Special Congress of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association on Saturday.

Jamaica’s move came after Guyana, which was supposed to host in 2022, indicated that it would be unable to fulfil its obligation.

On Wednesday, Minister Grange appeared to back Gayle saying it would be a timely venture considering that Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence in 2022.

“I am in full support of Jamaica hosting the 2022 Carifta Games as a part of the country’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with the National Stadium in Kingston being the venue,” she said about the competition that would take place between April 16 – 18.

“When news came that the selected host for 2022, Guyana, was unable to fulfil the obligation, it was felt that the only country which could step up to the plate at such short notice would be Jamaica. Not just because of the ongoing dominance of our athletes, but because of our experience in staging similar events with athletes in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Following the cancellation of the 110-year-old ISSA Boys and Girls Championships because of the pandemic in March 2020, Jamaica successfully staged the championships in May and then the National Athletic Championships in June. The island also hosted several track meets including the Jamaica Olympic Association-backed Olympic Destiny Series leading up to the national championships.

“We are very proud of the successful staging of the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships (CHAMPS) earlier this year. We have no doubt that we are equal to the task of staging the Carifta Games next year,” Minister Grange said.

“With the cancellation of this important event (Carifta) for 2020 and 2021, junior athletes have missed out on the opportunity to gauge where they are at this critical stage of their development. Therefore, I feel that no effort should be spared in us trying to host the 2022 event.

“I have indicated to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) that as Minister I would do my best to assist in making it possible. Carifta is of course the premier event for junior athletes across the CARICOM region with athletes competing in two age categories: under-17 and under-20.”

However, the minister was quick to indicate that all the necessary elements needed to be in place before the government would be able to give its full blessing.

“I must say, however, that although Jamaica is interested in hosting the event, it is subject to several approvals and sign-offs as well as the requisite funding. The Ministry is therefore working very closely with the JAAA and NCACAC to satisfy all the requirements in order for me to make an official announcement,” she said.

 “It is in our best interest to do everything to have the Games held here.  Among all the other good reasons, our tourism, hotels in Kingston in particular, will definitely benefit.”  

The development comes as Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) announced at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Special Congress on Saturday, that Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange has given a green light to the Games.

According to Gayle, Minister Grange is of the view that hosting the Carifta Games would be an ideal fit with the government’s plans for a year-long celebration of the country’s Diamond Jubilee as an independent nation.

The Carifta Games were scheduled to be held in Bermuda earlier this year but was eventually cancelled because of spikes in the spread of the Covid-19 virus in that country. Usually held during the Easter weekend, the Games were first moved to July 2-4 and then to August 13-15 before it was eventually cancelled in May.

Jamaica last hosted the Carifta Games in 2011.

Jamaica will field a team of 78 athletes for the April 16-18 Games led by the talented twins, Tia and Tina Clayton, Brianna Lyston as well as standouts Bryan Levell and Rayon Campbell.

“It is a very talented team of junior athletes that will represent Jamaica and do well at the Carifta Games,” said Gayle who pointed to the world-class performances that were on show during the recent Carifta trials where 17-year-old Lyston ran 22.66 to win the U20 Girls 200m.

Levell also produced a fast 20.53 to easily win the 200m.

Rayon Campbell was also a standout winning the 400m hurdles in what was a world-leading time of 49.52.

Gayle said it was clear that, with the WorldU20 Championships in mind, the coaches across the island have remarkably in getting their athletes prepared for both competitions.

The athletes selected are as follows:

U17 Girls: Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Camoy Binger, Abigail Campbell, Quiana Walker, Andrene Peart, Ricaria Campbell, Kededra Coombs, Deandra Harris, Bryana Davidson, Jody-Ann Daley, Asia McKay, Danielle Noble, Rohanna Sudlow, Shemonique Hazle, Sabrina Atkinson, Dionjah Shaw, Rehanna Biggs and Nastassia Burrell.

U17 Boys: Gary Card, Shaquane Gordon, Romario Hines, Rickoy Hunter, Tajh-Marques White, Marchino Rose, Ainsley Brown, Rasheed Pryce, Yoshane Bowen, Tyrone Lawson, Jordan Mowatt, Princewell Martin, Jadan Campbell, Zachary Wallace, Aaron McKenzie, Chavez Penn, Euan Young and Despiro Wray.

U20 Girls: Tia Clayton, Tina Clayton, Brianna Lyston, Oneika McAnnuff, Shackelia Green, Kaylia Kelly, Rushana Dwyer, Samantha Pryce, Jody Ann Mitchell, Ashara Frater, Safhia Hinds, Alexis James, Oneka Wilson, Britannia Johnson, Annishka McDonald, Malaika Cunningham, Serena Cole, Kay-Lagay Clarke,  Jo-Anna Pinnock, Cedricka Williams and Rickeisha Simms.

U20 Boys: DeAndre Daley, Bryan Levell, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, Sandrey Davison, Delano Kennedy, Shemar Palmer, J’Voughnn Blake, Adrian Nethersole, Nicholas Power, Christopher Young, Balvin Israel, Royan Walters, Brandon Pottinger, Xavier Codling, Kobe Lawrence, Rayon Campbell, Roshawn Clarke, Jahvel Granville, Demario Prince and Jaydon Hibbert.

Dr Oneil Ankle will be the Chef de Mission while Orett Wallace will be the Team Manager.

“We are pleased to advise that no proof of vaccination for COVID 19 will be required from participants including athletes, coaches and other support personnel, officials, representatives of the media, volunteers and spectators,” said a statement from the Carifta Games LOC on Wednesday.

Notwithstanding, the revised policy, the Chairman of the LOC, Mike Fennell wants participants to appreciate that the virus has not gone anywhere.

 "(I) am strongly recommending and encouraging everyone to continue to practice all the standard safety measures such as good personal hygiene, wearing of masks, and social distancing. Please be reminded that the Covid 19 virus is still with us and due care and attention must be observed by all," Fennell said.

"We would also like to assure you that we will continue to sanitize all relevant areas at the Athletes Village and the warm-up and competition facilities at the National Stadium, and one of our partners for the Games, Konnexx Services, will be undertaking this responsibility as a part of our agreement.

 "We remind you to check the current policies for the conditions and protocols required by airlines and those for your own countries’ re-entry."

First, Jamaica’s quartet Breana Brown, Jody-Ann Daley, Rosalee Gallimore and Rhianna Lewis comfortably won the Under-17 Girls section in 3:43.43. More than seven seconds behind in second were Barbados (3:50.94) while the Bahamas were third in 3:51.60.

The team of Demarco Bennett, Nickecoy Bramwell, Deandre Gayle, Kenrick Sharpe combined to run 3:19.04 to win the Under-17 Boys section ahead of the Bahamas (3:20.47) and Trinidad & Tobago (3:23.74).

Tonyan Beckford, Rickiann Russell, Kacian Powell, Abigail Campbell combined to absolutely dominate the Under-20 Girls section in 3:33.35. Trinidad & Tobago finished a distant second in 3:44.19 while the Bahamas were third in 3:47.68.

Jasauna Dennis, Roshawn Clarke, Delano Kennedy and Malique Smith-Band combined to run 3:07.68 for victory in the Under-20 Boys section ahead of Trinidad & Tobago (3:09.97) and Grenada (3:10.59).

Individually, Trinidad & Tobago’s Tafari Waldron took gold in the Under-20 Boys 5000m in 15:33.38 ahead of Bermuda’s Kahzi Sealey (15:37.56) and Jake Brislane (15.45.84).

In the field, Jamaican World Under-20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert jumped 16.11m to retain his Under-20 triple jump title ahead of the Bahamas’ Laquan Ellis (14.92m) and Guyana’s Trevon Hamer (14.89m).

Under-20 400m hurdles winner, Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke, who became only the second man to run under 50 seconds at CARIFTA, was named the Austin Sealy Award winner as the meet’s most outstanding athlete.

The evening session kicked off with Jamaica dominating the sprint relays, but two potential championship records were dashed due to strong tailwinds exceeding the allowable limit.

 In the Under 17 Girls 100m hurdles, Malayia Duncan blazed to victory with a time of 13.63 seconds, followed closely by Trinidad and Tobago's Jenna-Marie Thomas (13.74s) and Curacao's Zsa-Zsa Frans (14.21s). However, Jamaica's Angel Robinson faced disappointment after a mishap at the first hurdle, preventing her from finishing the race.

 In the Under 20 Girls 100m hurdles, Habiba Harris led the charge for Jamaica, crossing the finish line in 12.93 seconds, which would have been a new championship record had it not been for a trailing wind of 2.4m/s. Her compatriot Briana Campbell secured the silver medal with a time of 13.11 seconds, while Sofia Swindell of the Virgin Islands (USA) claimed bronze in 13.95 seconds.

 The Under 17 Boys 110m hurdles witnessed a fierce battle, with Jamaica's Michael Dwyer emerging victorious in 13.81 seconds. Jahcario Wilson of Bahamas clocked 13.94 seconds to secure the silver medal, while Jamaica's Robert Miller followed closely behind in 13.97 seconds to claim bronze.

 Shaquane Gordon continued Jamaica's dominance in the U20 Boys 110m hurdles, clocking an impressive time of 13.15 seconds. Daniel Beckford of Jamaica claimed silver with a time of 13.25 seconds, while Curacao's Lizheng Zhuang secured bronze in 13.94 seconds. Like Harris, Gordon was denied the championship record as the wind was measured at 2.1m/s.

Bryanna Davidson easily won the U17 Girls 100m finals in 13.31 over teammate Camoy Binger, who ran 13.51 for the silver medal. Curacao’s Zsa Zsa Franz ran 14.26 for the bronze medal. It was more of the same in the U20 Girls 100m hurdles where Alexis James, the World U20 silver medallist, showed her class winning in a new championship record of 13.06.

Her teammate Asharria Ultette claimed the silver with a strong run of 13.24 with Nya Browne of the Bahamas finishing third in 13.80.

Kahiem Carby raced away with the gold medal in the U17 Boys title winning in a fast 13.49s, well clear of his compatriot Shakir Lewis, who ran a time of 14.20m. Quinton Rolle of the Bahamas took the bronze medal after finishing third in 14.49.

The U20 boys from Jamaica would have been hoping to replicate the 1-2 performances of their teammates but Otto Laing of the Bahamas had other ideas. In a closely contested race, Demario Prince won the gold medal in a personal best 13.37s with Laing taking silver in 13.49 just ahead of Jamaica’s Shaquane Gordon, the 2022 U17 champion, who took the bronze medal having run 13.54.

The unofficial medal tally saw Jamaica finish the 50^th edition of the Games, which were held from April 8-10 at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in Nassau, The Bahamas, with 78 medals, 32 more than the hosts in second and 47 more than Trinidad & Tobago in third. 

The top five was rounded out by St. Kitts & Nevis with 11 and Barbados with 10.

Of those 78 medals, Jamaica took home 40 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze medals.

Furthermore, 36 of those medals came on the Boys side while 42 came on the Girls side.

Hosts, The Bahamas, also had an excellent showing at home with 46 medals including 10 gold, 13 silver and 23 bronze while Trinidad and Tobago ended with nine gold, 10 silver and 12 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.