Prime Minister Stuart Officially Opens the 2025 CARIFTA Games

The 52nd edition of the Carifta Games unfolded in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, marking the twin-island nation’s first hosting duties in two decades. The Hasely Crawford Stadium, freshly renovated for the occasion, welcomed young athletes from 28 Caribbean nations and dependencies for what World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hailed as the “most important junior competition in the world.” The opening ceremony, a vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture, commenced with calypso-infused performances by local bands, followed by a parade of stilt walkers and traditional dancers, narrating the Games’ origins within the Caribbean Free Trade Association’s initiative to foster unity through sport. The ceremony also showcased the rich ethnic and religious diversity of Trinidad and Tobago and the broader Caribbean region. The athletes then paraded into the stadium, each nation proudly displaying its flag, to the cheers of a near-capacity crowd.

Newly appointed Prime Minister Stuart Young addressed the assembled athletes, coaches, and spectators, emphasizing the critical role sport plays in society. Drawing upon his own experience in competitive sports, he underscored the values of discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship instilled through athletic pursuits. Young pledged the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in young people, recognizing their potential to represent their nations with pride. He extended his gratitude to parents and coaches for their unwavering support, urging the athletes to compete fiercely while forging lasting friendships. With a resounding declaration, Prime Minister Young officially opened the 2025 Carifta Games.

Michael Romany, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, encouraging athletes to embrace the experience fully. He commended the coaches, parents, and team managers for their dedication and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago in preparing the venues. Romany also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sport and Community Development and all supporting partners. He invited the people of Trinidad and Tobago to showcase their renowned hospitality and support the athletes as they strived for victory. The stage was set for the Caribbean’s young athletic talent to shine on the regional stage.

The Carifta Games holds a distinguished legacy as a launching pad for many international athletic careers, with alumni including sprinting legend Usain Bolt, Grenadian 400m Olympic champion Kirani James, and Bahamian sprint sensation Shaunae Miller-Uibo. The prestigious Austin Sealy Award, established in 1977, awaits the most outstanding athlete of the meet. This year, Trinidad and Tobago fielded a 78-athlete contingent, second only to Jamaica, aiming to improve upon their third-place finish in the previous edition where they secured 27 medals – 8 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze. Competing on home soil provided added motivation for the local athletes, as their eyes rested firmly up the medal table.

The Hasely Crawford Stadium, revitalized through recent resurfacing and maintenance, provided a superb backdrop for the competition, widely regarded as the Caribbean’s premier junior athletics event. The young athletes competed across a wide range of disciplines, encompassing sprints, middle and long-distance races, relays, hurdles, jumps, throws, and combined events like the heptathlon and decathlon, categorized into under-17 and under-20 age groups. Alongside the track and field events, the Carifta Aquatics Championships ran concurrently in Couva, at the National Aquatic Centre, with open water events scheduled for Five Islands Beach. The integration of aquatics has further enhanced the scope and prestige of the Carifta Games.

The track and field competition commenced on April 19th, with a packed schedule of morning and evening sessions. Among the local medal hopefuls were returning medalists Kayleigh Forde in middle-distance running and Janae De Gannes in the jumping events. Sprinter Jaheim Haynes and shot put/discus athlete Tyra Gittens were also expected to challenge for podium finishes. The international field boasted promising talent, including Jamaican sprinter Kevon Williams, Grenadian hurdler Tiana Williams, and Bahamian quarter-miler Eagon Neely. The Games culminated on April 21st, featuring the highly anticipated finals of the 200m and 4x100m relays. Held annually since its inception, barring a single cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carifta Games has consistently provided a platform for young Caribbean athletes to showcase their talent, often serving as their first international competition. While Jamaica has historically dominated the medal tally, winning 46 out of 51 editions, the event remains a crucial opportunity for other nations to nurture their rising stars and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean athletics.