‘Represent well’- Minister Jacobs delivers charge to Carifta Games athletes

As the nation’s athletes prepare to head to Grenada for the Carifta Games this weekend, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs has urged them to represent the nation well, both on and off the field.

The local-based athletes, along with officials, coaches and president of the Athletics Association of Guyana Amanda Hermonstine, on Wednesday afternoon paid a courtesy call on Minister Jacobs, who was accompanied by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad and Vice-Chair Cristy Campbell.

Guyana will be represented by a group of 24 talented athletes at the April 4-6 Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George’s.

The local contingent will depart Guyana on Thursday morning for Grenada where they will join the overseas-based team members.

Minister Jacobs, a former national cricketer, urged the athletes to give of their best as they go out to represent their families, coaches and most importantly, the country.

“Whenever you got out there to represent this country, you have to put every single ounce of you in your performance,” the minister told the youngsters.

Minister Jacobs encouraged the athletes to exercise discipline while on tour, even as they have fun and enjoy the prestigious opportunity to be ambassadors of the country.

He added that the contingent has the full support of President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and by extension the government of Guyana as they embark on this journey.

Ninvalle, Muhammad and Campbell echoed similar sentiments, adding that they are eagerly looking forward to welcoming home the contingent in the new week with their necks adorned with medals.

Team Guyana for CARIFTA Games 2026

Girls U-17: Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m), Angel Jeffrey (100m, 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, Discus)

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: Omari Welch, Jumeel Cornette, Malique Kendall, Jarel Campbell, Keimal Gishard
• U-20 Boys 4x100m: Onesi Dunn, Gordon Thompson, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Walton Alleyne, Tishawn Easton
• U-20 Boys 4x400m: Malachi Austin, Tishawn Easton, Skylar Charles, Daquan Farrell, Kaidon Persaud, Javon Roberts
• 4x400m Mixed Relay: Tishwan Easton, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer, Akeela Dover

Technical and Management Team: Niall Stanton (Manager), Cheryl Sam (Safeguarding Officer), Quincy Clarke (Coach), Kesia Burnett (Coach), Anson Ambrose (Coach), Robin Phillips (Coach).