VI archers strike gold in debut @ Regional Field Archery C/ships in T&T
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It was the first time in history that a team of archers from the Virgin Islands (VI) travelled regionally to compete in an official International Field Archery Association (IFAA) sanctioned Field Archery Competition.
Meet the Archers!
Compound archers Xavier M. Buxo, Khailic J. Georges-Cruz, and Ritseeniyah N. Georges all overcame challenging conditions to win gold medals in their respective divisions.
The championship featured 28 targets each in the Field, Hunter, and Animal Rounds—a true test of endurance, precision, and adaptability across rugged terrain. The goal? Earn classification scores and measure skill against some of the best in the region, all over a three-day gruelling trek through rainforest conditions.
Despite heavy rainfall brought on by passing tropical waves, the event pushed forward. With 112 arrows per day, the team pressed on through muddy, swampy courses, from one target to the next. But the harsh weather only added to the experience—and the story.
Overcomers!
Buxo competed in the Senior Male Unlimited Compound division. He faced unexpected equipment failure when a part of his arrow rest broke. Forced to borrow a replacement mid-competition, it affected his performance—but not his spirit. Xavier still managed to bring home gold, a testament to his resilience and experience.
Georges-Cruz, competing in the Senior Compound Bowhunter Unlimited division, made history as the first archer ever to compete in this category in Trinidad and Tobago. This division is one of the most demanding: archers use fixed sight pins, and once the competition begins, no adjustments are allowed. It’s a true test of distance judgment, equipment mastery, and mental toughness.
“I expected it to be rough—it’s Field Archery after all,” said Khailic. “It was more intense than what we usually shoot back home, but I really enjoyed the experience and the people. This was a totally enjoyable event.”
Georges made her debut in the Senior Female Unlimited Compound division. The mud and waterlogged terrain posed a serious challenge, but Ritseeniyah took it all in stride. After finishing day one completely exhausted, she rebounded with renewed focus and determination.
“This is the archery I love—the nature, the elements, the unexpected situations, and learning how to adapt at a moment’s notice to get that shot,” she said. “Even though I do not like frogs, I walked through it all. When I locked in for the shot, the sounds of the frogs disappeared.”
Reflecting on her results, she added: “I surpassed my personal goal in the Animal Round, and that was my signal to raise the bar higher. I truly want to thank the Trinidad and Tobago Field Archery Federation for the invitation and the incredibly welcoming atmosphere. The food was amazing, the people were like family—thank you.”
‘Proud moment’ for field archery in VI- VIFAF President
The President of the Virgin Islands Field Archery Federation (VIFAF), Mr Reuben J.A. Stoby, congratulated the archers for making the VIFAF and the VI proud.
“This is a proud moment for field archery in the Virgin Islands. We hope that these fantastic achievements will motivate the archers to continue to improve and that more people will take up the fantastic sport of archery, whether for competition or just recreation."
Mr Stoby said the VI participation was also an “opportunity to observe”, as the newly formed VIFAF will be seeking to host its own regional field archery event soon.
The VIFAF President also extended appreciation to CIBC, National Bank of the VI, Caribbean Insurers, Joma Properties and Deloitte VI LTD for their part in making the VI’s historic participation possible.
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