A record 60 athletes were named tonight to represent Barbados at the 53rd CARIFTA Games in St Georges, Grenada from April 4-6, 2026.
The Athletics Association of Barbados (AAB) continues to give as many athletes as possible the chance to represent Barbados at this level, up from 52 last year.
Prior to the announcement of the team, president Noel Lynch briefly explained why some people were omitted.
“Our selection rule says this, because you make the qualifying standard that is not a guarantee that you’ll make the national team. We’ve got some people, unfortunately, who have made the standard who didn’t make the team this year. I say that for the media before you start to ask … but some people didn’t make it,” Lynch said.
“They were strong enough in their events, but unfortunately, there were people that were better than them and also qualified.”
Among the 60, four are overseas based and 13-year-old Jalino Hamlet of St Leonard’s Boys’ School also got the nod.
Meanwhile, Desirée Gamble, the first female to be named head coach of a Barbados CARIFTA Games team stated her intentions to the athletes and parents in the audience.
“Before me, I’ve had three former head coaches who are here on this management team. It is my intention to maintain the high standard that we’ve had over the years as a management team,” she said thanking the coaches, parents and athletes.
“We’re looking forward to increasing our medal tally from last year for sure. We’re looking forward to some good performances and bringing back home everybody safe and sound.”
The names as announced by secretary Renée Layne are:
Under-17 Girls: Eden Gittens, Gia Greenidge, Haley Merritt, Jahzara Inniss, Jahzara Ward, Laila McIntyre, Lashay Wilkinson, Savannah Thorne, Shamyra Scantlebury, Shania Boyce, Shania Mottley, Siearra Burrowes, Taylor-Rai Wiggins, Tianna Millar and Tiara Mc Clean.
Under-17 Boys: Ajalah Cumberbatch, Alec Simmons, Asher Brandford, Darran Skeete, Jaiko Devonish, Jalino Hamlet, Josiah Gill, Kamaal Armstrong, Rashawn Holder, Taje Coward, Tyrell Clarke and Zindzele Renwick-Williams.
Under-20 Girls: Afia Greenidge, Alika Harewood, Aniya Nurse, Ashlyn Simmons, Danya Skeete, Kadia Rock, Kenedra Morgan, Krystal Bentham, Kyeshea Husbands, Leemiah London, Nyema Taylor, Semara Olton and T’Nia Lashley.
Under-20 Boys: Aaron Massiah, Aidan Moore, Amari Browne, Azari Edey, Dahrion Belgrave, Jahkye Brewster, Jayden Green, Jayden Walcott, Jazzair Best, Kevion Newton, Luke McIntyre, Matthieu Clarke, Nadal Seale, Rashad Gibson, Renceo Brooks, Shamari Addison, Shamari Greenidge-Lewis, Tarrell Johnson-Rouse, Tevon Cadogan and Zachary Wall.
The management team was previously announced.
