THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr announced yesterday that his Government is ready to assist the country’s CARIFTA Games athletes in realising their track and field dreams.

Guyana returned home with seven medals – two gold, three silver and two bronze – while finishing fifth on the medal standings behind Trinidad and Tobago (23), British Virgin Islands (7), The Bahamas (17) and Jamaica (92).

Attoya Harvey and Anisha Gibbons won gold in the 1500m and U20 Javelin respectively. However, Harvey’s memorable performance on the track left the competition in awe.

Competing in the U17 event at her first outing at the CARIFTA Games, Harvey won gold in the 1500m (4:45.75), silver in the 3000m (10:51.40) and bronze in the 800m (2:14.08).

Narissa McPherson – silver (U17 400m), Javon Roberts – silver (U17 1500m) and Adriel Austin – bronze (U20 800m) are the other medallists from the country’s 13-member team.

While the team received a warm welcome home by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad, family and well-wishers, the athletes were told at yesterday’s meeting with Minister Ramson, that the Government of Guyana is planning an event to truly show them an appreciation for their outstanding performances.

Meanwhile, Minister Ramson, also stated that he’s looking forward to meeting the athletes individually. One athlete, Attoya Harvey, already knows what she wants – help in making her Olympic dream come true.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Harvey, when asked what she would be seeking assistance for, said “qualifying for the Olympics”.

“Representing Guyana at the Olympics is my dream, so I would love the support in helping me to live that dream,” the always smiling athlete said.

Harvey will be 18 when the 2024 Olympics comes around in Paris. And while she’s not sure which event she will focus on, for now, the 1500m seems like her strongest.

For the 2020 Olympics, the qualifying standard for the 1500m women’s event was 4:04.20. Harvey won the U17 1500m gold in Jamaica with a time of four minutes 45.75.

The country’s national record in the 1500m (4:17.91) is held by two-time Olympian and South American champion, Marian Burnett.

Burnett also holds the 800m national record (1:59.47)

Whatever the plans are, Harvey seems determined on making her Olympic dream come true.