Trinidad and Tobago’s head coach, Anil Roberts, has set a bold target for his 36-member team, which is to reclaim the title and bring the crown back to the twin-island republic at the upcoming 38th Carifta Aquatics Championships.
Roberts expressed confidence in the strength and depth of his squad, as he emphasized their determination to end the Bahamas' six-year winning streak when the competition splashes off at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva, from April 19-22.
"The team is solid, featuring some young swimmers who are yet to be tested. The coaching staff is committed to preparing them to make TT proud as we host Carifta 2025 in our incredible National Aquatic Centre. We will approach each race one at a time, with the goal of becoming Carifta champions once again," Roberts said.
Trinidad and Tobago last claimed Carifta glory in 2010, and according to the Aquatic Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT), renewed hope surrounds the squad this year. The reintroduction of the national training squad and updated qualification criteria have injected fresh energy into the program, with Roberts praising the unity between swimmers, coaches, and parents.
Leading the charge are foreign-based swimmers Zuri Ferguson and Liam Carrington, both primed to make a splash on home soil. Ferguson, recently named the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee Junior Sportswoman of the Year, has already built an impressive résumé, as she has qualified and medalled at both the Carifta and the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN) Championships. She also made her Olympic debut in Paris.
Carrington, who will contest his first year in the competitive 15-17 category, has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, he shattered several meet records, including a standout performance at the Speedo Winter Juniors, where he broke the 200m freestyle record previously held by Olympic gold medalist Caleb Dressel.
The team is further bolstered by local standouts like Marena Martinez, Zara Persico, Zalayhar Lewis, and Evan Gillard Bruce—all achieving A qualifying times for the meet. Martinez, renowned for her endurance in events of 200m and longer, is also set to contest the 5km open water race at Five Islands Amusement Park in Chaguaramas on April 23.
Trinidad and Tobago Carifta Swim Team:
11-12 Girls: Ra’el Anatol Morgan, Shaziah Jagassar, Zalayhar Lewis, Zahara Anthony
11-12 Boys: Dimitri Phillip, Elihu Brown, Julius Ennals, Khristian Allen, Taylan Diaz
13-14 Girls: Asia-Marie Pouchet, Breanna Belmar, Marena Martinez, Nikki Harrypersad, Raegan Belmar, Taylor Marchan, Zara Persico
13-14 Boys: Aaron Siewlal, Ethan McMillan Cole, Jadon Ramdeen, Qadir Lewis, Shain Griffith, Zion Applewhaite
15-17 Girls: Aimee Le Blanc, Anya Davis, Catherine Dieffenthaller, Keryn Burke, Toni Rae Yates, Zuri Ferguson
15-17 Boys: Anpherne Bernard, Darren Belfon, Evan Gillard Bruce, Isaiah Alexander, Jaden Mills, Liam Carrington, Liam Roberts, Zachary Anthony
Open Water:
14-15 Girls: Marena Martinez
14-15 Boys: Aaron Siewlal, Kyle Abhay Boodram, Zion Applewhaite
16-18 Girls: Aimee Le Blanc, Ava Josephine Charles, Keryn Burke
16-18 Boys: Isaiah Alexander, Jannai Applewhaite, Zachary Anthony
Officials: Anil Roberts (head coach), Alana Bourgeois-Doodnath (manager), Hazel Haynes, Deronn Samlalsingh, Nicholas Washington, Wendell Lyons (assistant coaches), Maurice Faria (open water coach), Kelli Alexander, Chrisma Alexis-James (chaperones)