TEAM Guyana is set to step onto the grand stage in the Dominican Republic tonight for the historic centennial edition of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, carrying both the soaring hopes and the heavy hearts of a nation.
A 55-member delegation will proudly represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium as the XXV CAC Games officially commence.
However, the milestone celebration of the world’s oldest continuously held regional multi-sport event is profoundly tempered by grief back home.
In solemn solidarity with the victims, survivors, and families affected by the tragic M.V. Barima incident, the Games Organising Committee will fly the Guyana flag at half-staff during the opening ceremony.
The 90-minute production, featuring drone displays and hundreds of performers, will momentarily pause its jubilation to offer a poignant mark of respect to the Guyanese people.
The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has affirmed that while the country remains in mourning, the athletes are fiercely committed to honouring those affected.
Through their athletic pursuits, the delegation aims to reflect the nation’s enduring resilience, strength, and unity.
A formidable cross-discipline squad
Guyana’s sporting ambassadors will hunt for regional glory across a diverse slate of disciplines, moving away from traditional lists to showcase a unified front of talent on the track, in the pool, and across the courts.
The athletics charge will be driven by Javonna Cornette, Alisha Gibbons, Deshanna Skeete, Charissa December, Lloyd McCurdy, and Tonya Rawlins.
In the boxing ring, the nation’s medal aspirations rest on the swift hands of Desmond Amsterdam, Terron Wintz, and Colin Lewis.
On the basketball courts, Guyana is fielding formidable teams in both the men’s and women’s 3×3 formats.
The men’s squad features Christian Hinckson, Travis Burnett, Akil Hughes, and Nikkoli Smith, while Ruth Adams, Anaya Clemons, De Angelique Waithe, and Jamaicy Ogle will lead the women’s campaign.
Aquatic excellence will be pursued by swimmers Raekwon Noel, Paul Mahaica Jr., Patrice Mahaica, Ariel Rodrigues, and Shareefah Lewis.
At the table tennis venue, seasoned campaigners and rising stars unite, with Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Niran Bissu, Malachi Moore, Chelsea Edghill, and Jasmine Billingy wielding the paddles.
The squash courts will see intense competition from a stellar women’s lineup of Mary Fung-A-Fat, Ashley Khalil, and Kirsten Gomes, operating alongside the men’s trio of Jason Ray Khalil, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, and Daniel Ince.
Showcasing strength, precision, and tactical brilliance, the weightlifting roster boasts Shammah Noel, Samantha Williams, Delice Adonis, Anthonio Rodrigues, and Malachi Dummett.
Archery duties fall to Devin Permaul and Roshini Boodhoo; Ceili Peterson stands as the nation’s lone taekwondo warrior; and Anthony Drayton and Taffin Khan will meticulously battle over the chessboard.
Ahead of the grand opening, members of the delegation took part in the traditional flag-raising ceremony. The solemn yet proud moment was attended by members of the archery, taekwondo, and chess teams, alongside coaches Ryan McKinnon and Carlos Amezcua Blanco.
The entire expedition is being expertly guided by Chef de Mission Kenisha Headley and Assistant Chef de Mission Roger Callender, with crucial medical support provided by physiotherapists Rocala Williams and Elisabeth Kishundat.
During a pre-departure briefing, GOA President Godfrey Munroe, Secretary General Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, and Treasurer Garfield Wiltshire urged the athletes to embrace the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
“Representing Guyana at the Central American and Caribbean Games is a tremendous honour earned through dedication, sacrifice, and excellence,” the GOA noted in its official statement.
“We are confident that our athletes will compete with courage, discipline, and pride while serving as outstanding ambassadors for our country.”
As the spotlight turns to Santo Domingo, the GOA is calling on all Guyanese at home and across the diaspora to rally behind a team fighting for sporting excellence in the shadow of a national tragedy.
