The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has officially concluded its intensive encampment period for the 2026 CARIFTA Games, with officials expressing high confidence in the 24-member squad set to compete in St. George’s, Grenada, from April 4–6.
The national contingent, comprising the country’s elite junior track and field talent, is scheduled to depart for the Spice Isle on April 2.
This year’s preparation saw a strategic shift, with the AAG initiating programmes earlier in the season to maximise technical fine-tuning and athlete recovery.
AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine noted that the camp’s success was rooted in a collaborative coaching environment and robust government backing.
“We had a successful camp following our various trials and the National Secondary Schools Championships,” Hermonstine stated.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, the camp was bolstered by the expert knowledge of overseas coaches. They brought a different perspective while working in tandem with our local coaches to fine-tune skills specifically for the CARIFTA stage.”
A key priority for this year’s residency was the holistic management of the athletes.
The association integrated physiotherapists into the daily routine to ensure “athlete welfare was paramount,” according to Hermonstine, allowing the competitors to reach peak physical condition ahead of the April 2 departure.
The 2026 squad of 24 athletes represents a more streamlined selection compared to the 42-member team that travelled to Trinidad and Tobago in 2025 (securing five medals).
However, the AAG is drawing inspiration from the 2024 Games—also held in Grenada—where a similarly sized squad of 23 athletes returned with an impressive eight medals.
“Everyone here has met the qualifying standards; they have prepared well and all logistical support is covered thanks to the government,” Hermonstine added.
“We have returning medalists, including some who have won gold on this very soil previously. We are confident in their ability and will continue to invest in and support our athletes.”
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 & Management Team: Niall Stanton (Manager), Cheryl Sam (Safeguarding Officer), Quincy Clarke (Coach), Kesia Burnett (Coach), Anson Ambrose (Coach), Robin Phillips (Coach).
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