24 athletes qualify to represent Guyana at 2026 CARIFTA Games in Grenada

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has officially unveiled a formidable 24-athlete squad set to compete at the 2026 Carifta Games in Grenada over the Easter weekend (April 4-6).

Following a gruelling qualification period, the AAG confirmed a team stacked with talent across the U17 and U20 categories.

The selection comes after the AAG enforced strict entry requirements, removing ‘B’ standards and requiring all athletes to meet the primary marks to book their tickets to the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s.

AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine praised the intensity of the trials, noting that the high bar produced a battle-hardened squad.

“From me, it was a well-contested few weeks during the qualification period,” Hermonstine stated. “The athletes did their best to qualify, understanding there were no B standards this year—you had to qualify to make the team. I am happy, the AAG is happy, and we know that this team will do Guyana proud.”

In a historic move for the nation’s officiating, Hermonstine also confirmed that Mayfield Taylor Trim, Vice-President of the AAG, will serve as a technical official at the games—a first for Guyana.

The President highlighted the synergy between the association and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as an elite programme featuring additional coaching and specialised training is set to be rolled out this Friday (March 20) when the CARIFTA Camp commences.

Hermonstine extended gratitude to Ministers Charles Ramson and Stevens Jacobs, as well as the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association, for their continued support of the AAG’s vision.

According to the AAG, the team will depart for Grenada on April 2.

In 2025, 42 athletes represented Guyana in Trinidad and Tobago, but only five medals were won.

Team Guyana for CARIFTA Games 2026 in Grenada (April 4-6):

• Girls U-17: Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m), Angel Jeffrey (100, 200m), Olivia Solomon (400m, 800m)

• Boys U-17: Omari Welch (100m, 200m, Long Jump), Malique Kendall (100m), Jumeel Cornette (200m), Jarel Campbell (400m, Long Jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), Bryson Anderson (800m), Keimal Gishard (Triple Jump, High Jump), Nathaniel Samaroo (Shot Put, Discuss)

• Girls: U-20: Athaleyha Hinckson (100m, 200m), Akeela Dover (100m, 200m), Tianna Springer (400m)

• Boys U-20: Onesi Dunn (100m), Gordon Thompson (100m), Tishawn Easton (200m, 400m), Daquan Farrell (200m), Malachi Austin (400m), Javon Roberts (800m, 1500m), Kaidon Persaud (800m, Javelin), Ebo McNeil (1500m, 5000m), Walton Alleyne (Long Jump),

Relay Teams
• U-17 Boys 4x100m relay team: Omari Welch, Jumeel Cornette, Malique Kendall, Jarel Campbell, Keimal Gishard

• U-20 Boys 4x100m relay team: Onesi Dunn, Gordon Thompson, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Walton Alleyne, Tishawn Easton

• U-20 Boys 4x400m relay team: Malachi Austin, Tishawn Easton, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Kaidon Persaud, Javon Roberts

• 4x400m Mixed Relay: Tishwan Easton, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Akeela Dover

Total Athletes: 24

Technical & Management Team: Nial Stanton (Manager), Cheryl Sam (Safeguarding Officer), Quincy Clarke (coach), Kesia Burnett (coach), Anson Ambrose (coach), Robin Phillips (coach)