Some of the members of Team VI who will compete in Carifta 53 in Grenada from April 4 to 6, 2026, at the Kirani James Stadium. Photo: Facebook

2nd Vice President of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), Ms Ashley N. Kelly, encouraged Team VI members to look at Carifta 53 as a stepping stone to a fruitful and thriving life. Photo: Facebook

Carifta 53 is being held under the theme 'Passion Drives Performance’. Photo: Internet Source

The 53rd Carifta Games is scheduled for April 4 to 6, 2026, at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s, Grenada. 

Team VI will join other youth athletes from across the Caribbean as they showcase their athletic talents during the games, which will be held under the theme ‘Passion Drives Performance’. 

Meet Team VI 

The 27 athletes who will represent the Virgin Islands according to category are as follows: 

U-17 Girls: M’Kenzii Crabbe (100/200/4x1), Macayla Logan (100/4x1), Kaeja Creque (400/4x1), Sam’ Asia Leonard (200/4x1), T’Keiya Smith (High Jump), Shanai Morgan (4x1)

U-17 Boys: Ty-Rique Charles (100/200), Bryson Walters (High Jump), Caedon Fraites (400), Audony Gangoo (200/4x1), Ethan James (100/4x100), Shamahni Scatliffe (4x1)

U-20 Girls: Taryn Augustine (100/200/4x1), Shannia Johnson (200/4x1), Deneil Clarke (400/4x1), Jah’Kyla Morton (High Jump), Cristal Daly (Long Jump/4x1), Shyra Stoutt (Long Jump/4x1), Jameila Chambers (100/4x1)

U-20 Boys: J’Den Jackson (100/200/4x1), Mario Carter (200/400/4x1), Othniel Gillings (High Jump/ 4x1), Tiondre Frett (4x1), Paul Hewlett (Dec), Jaheem Lennard-Joseph (100/4X1), Latriel Williams (4X1), Shaumal Donovan (4X1)

The delegation also includes Team Officials Tarika Moses (Team Manager), Annabelle Skelton-Malone (Head Coach), Erwin S. Telemaque (Coach), Winston Potter (Coach), and Rhennie O. Phipps (Safeguarding Officer). 

VI resident and local Official Rosalind Leonard-Fahie has been selected by the NACAC to referee the games, while Dezarre Woodley, who served as a pole vault official at the 52nd Games, has been selected to officiate the pole vault event in Grenada

Members of the BVIAA Board: Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports; and Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Debra D. Hodge, round off the VI’s delegation. 

Carifta is where regional champions are born- Ashley N. Kelly

2nd Vice President of the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC), Ms Ashley N. Kelly, encouraged Team VI members during the presentation of the team. 

“What I want you to take and look at this experience as not just a track meet but a stepping stone to a fruitful and thriving life,” she told them.

Ms Kelly explained that the BVI Olympic Committee has a clear vision to inspire and empower the people of the Virgin Islands through sport. 

Championing the Olympic ideals of inclusivity, excellence and sustainability, the BVIOC’s mission is to advance sports development in these Virgin Islands, guided by the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect; and to provide meaningful support for athlete development and progression towards competition at the highest level of sport. 

“You, this team, are the living embodiment of this mission. Carfita is one of the most important competition starting blocks on the pathway to participating in major and international games; it is where regional champions are born; it is where you test your limits to aim for excellence; experience competition at the regional level; build friendships that will last a lifetime; and demonstrate respect for your coaches, your fellow competitors, and those who have supported you along this journey.”