The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has concluded its encampment programme ahead of the 2026 CARIFTA Games, with officials expressing confidence in a 24-member team set to compete in St George’s, Grenada, from April 4 to April 6.
The national squad, comprising the country’s top junior athletes, is scheduled to depart Guyana on April 2 following what the Association described as an intensive and structured preparation period.
According to the AAG, this year’s build-up featured an earlier start to training programmes, allowing for greater emphasis on technical refinement and recovery.
In a release to the media, AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine said the success of the camp was driven by collaboration among coaches and strong institutional support.
“We had a successful camp following our various trials and the National Secondary Schools Championships,” Hermonstine stated.
She added that international input played a key role in sharpening the team’s readiness. “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.”
Athlete welfare was also central to the preparation, with physiotherapists integrated into the daily programme. According to Hermonstine, this ensured that “athlete welfare was paramount”, helping competitors reach peak condition ahead of departure.
The 2026 squad is notably smaller than the 42-member team that competed in Trinidad and Tobago in 2025, when Guyana secured five medals. However, the Association is optimistic, drawing on the 2024 CARIFTA Games in Grenada, where a 23-member team returned with 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 medallists, 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.”
The team will compete across sprint, middle-distance, field, and relay events.
In the Girls’ Under-17 category are Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m); Angel Jeffrey (100m, 200m) and Olivia Solomon (400m, 800m). The Boys’ Under-17 squad includes 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) and Nathaniel Samaroo (shot put, discus).
Competing in the Girls’ Under-20 division are Athaleyha Hinckson (100m, 200m); Akeela Dover (100m, 200m) and Tianna Springer (400m). The Boys’ Under-20 team features 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) and Walton Alleyne (long jump).
Relay teams include the Under-17 Boys’ 4x100m unit of Welch, Cornette, Kendall, Campbell and Gishard. The Under-20 Boys’ 4x100m team comprises Dunn, Thompson, Skylar Charles, Farrell, Alleyne and Easton, while the Under-20 Boys’ 4x400m team features Austin, Easton, Charles, Farrell, Persaud and Roberts. The mixed 4x400m relay squad includes Easton, Austin, Springer, and Dover.
The technical and management staff is led by manager Niall Stanton, with Cheryl Sam serving as safeguarding officer. Coaching responsibilities are handled by Quincy Clarke, Kesia Burnett, Anson Ambrose, and Robin Phillips.
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