CARIFTA Athletes Introduced

By Stuart Wilson

The Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) held a press conference to introduce this year’s CARIFTA athletes at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex on 20th March, 2026.

In attendance for the meet and greet were members of the press, as well as CIAA and representatives from the Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC).

CUC sponsors the Cayman Islands CARIFTA team on an annual basis.

CIAA President, Mr. Delroy Murray noted the importance of parenting in producing world class athletes. 

“I want to thank you for encouraging your children to take part in sports, which builds character and I see before me a group of youngsters who have shown their character on the field. I suspect this translates to school as well because in athletics you have to be disciplined, as is the case in every area.”

Mr. Murray said he was happy to see the progress of several young athletes who have now trimmed their times to under 13 seconds in the 100m dash and encouraged them to continue to strive, even beyond what they thought was possible for themselves.

“…You are representing a country that is the smallest country per capita in the CARIFTA region but sits as number 12 out of the 28 countries in terms of medals.

“We are little but we ‘tallawah’…,” he exclaimed

“You are competing at a very high level at this stage and outside of the World Youth and the World Junior Championships, the meet that has gotten the Presidents of the World Athletics Association to travel to regional meets, is the CARIFTA Games, adde the CIAA President.

“Winning medals is in our DNA. Do not go out there fearing anyone. Go out there and compete. When we do what we do, people should look up and say is that Cayman Islands?

“We have a strong tradition to live up to,” he told the youngsters.

Chief Executive Officer of CUC, Mr. Richard Hew said, “It gives me great pleasure to be here representing CUC on this occasion. The company is celebrating 60 years of operations this year and for 47 of those years, we have been sponsoring athletics in the Cayman Islands.”

He echoed the comments of the CIAA President regarding the importance of athletics in developing young bodies, minds, and attitudes for the demands of life.

“You often hear about CUC and the amount we invest in assets but the company also invests significantly in people because it is people that matter, and in particular, young people. The future of this country and the future of all the businesses operating in this country relies on you developing into outstanding citizens,’ he remarked.

“Some of you may even be running the country in the future and so it is very important that we invest in you….” added Mr. Hew, who reminded the young athletes that though it is important for them to be on the podium, it is also as important to achieve personal bests.

Young Captains of the team gave remarks on behalf of the athletes.

“I am honored to be this year’s female captain. This is my third year competing at the games and so I know a thing or two about it. As someone who has been there before, I can remember competing for the first time at the Caribbean’s biggest junior mete, seeing all of the athletes and seeing all the countries cheering for their athletes. This can be very nerve racking but go into the meet with confidence. Use your nerves and the adrenaline as the fuel for your performance,” Under 20 Girls Team Captain Delora Johnson told her fellow athletes.

Under 20 Boys Team Captain, Jah’Muari Watkis noted:

“We have worked very hard to get here and relentlessly to get here and we are happy to go out there representing our team and our Cayman colors. We are excited to go out there and make our country proud.”

Second Vice President, Mrs. Maxine Anglin introduced the team, among whom included:

Under 17 Girls

Gabriella Linton (Shot Put and Discuss); Kalia Haye (Shot Put and Discuss); Kerikea Edwards (400m and 4x100m Relay); Daquana Howell (100m, 200m, and 4x100m Relay); Giavanna Henry (High Jump); Madison Lyn (100m and 4x100m Relay); Jeleah Maise (4x100m Relay)

Under 17 Boys

Talan Blake (100m and 200m); Reagan Jacques (High Jump); Donardo Henry (100m); Walter McLaughlin (Octathlon)

Under 20 Girls

Delora Johnson (Long Jump)

Under 20 Boys

Jah’Muari Watkis

Delegation:

Paula Dawkins (Safeguarding Officer); Simon Savage (Manager); Patricia Isaac (Assistant Manager); Kenrick Williams (Head Coach); Dwayne Williams (Assistant Coach/Masseur)

This year’s (53rd CARIFTA Games) will be held in St. George’s, Grenada, from April 4th–6th.