BVI Olympic Committee Announces Team of 11 for Santo Domingo 2026 Games

July 13, 2026 by
BVI Squash and Archery athletes for Santo Domingo 2026 CAC Games
(L-R) Oliver Henderson (Squash), Daniel Henderson (Squash), Winnette Lawrence (Archery) and Joe Chapman (Squash) along with 6 track and field athletes (not pictured) – Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m), Wanyaé Belle (200m), Beyoncé Defreitas (100m, 200m), Deya Erickson (100m Hurdles), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Khybah Dawson (Long Jump) and Jah’Kyla Morton (long jump) – will represent the BVI at the Santo Domingo 2026 CAC Games to be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 24 – August 8, 2026.

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) has announced that 11 athletes from 3 sports will represent the Virgin Islands at the 25th Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from July 24 to August 8, 2026.

The team announced by Deputy Chef de Mission Zebalon McLean comprises 4 track and 3 field athletes, 3 squash players and 1 archer. All athletes qualified to represent the territory at the Centennial Edition of the oldest regional multi-sport Games.

The athletics competitors include Rikkoi Brathwaite (100m), Wanyae Belle (200m), Beyoncé Defreitas (100m, 200m), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles), Djimon Gumbs (shot put), Khybah Dawson (long jump) and Jah’Klya Morton (high jump). Events will take place at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.

The all-male squash players competing in the men’s team include Joe Chapman also competing in the singles, and brothers Oliver and Daniel Henderson in the singles and doubles. Squash matches will be held at courts in the Metropolitan cluster.

Winnette Lawrence will compete in archery in the Women’s Compound held at the Parque del Este Sports Complex. Lawrence also will serve as Team BVI’s flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony.

This will be the second CAC appearance for Brathwaite, Defreitas, and Gumbs after their debut at the San Salvador 2023 Games where Brathwaite and Gumbs respectively won bronze medals in the 100m and shot put. Erickson will make her third CAC appearance after debuting at Baranquilla 2018 and competing at San Salvador 2023. It will be the first CAC Games for Belle, Dawson and Morton as well as Lawrence. This will be the first time that squash will be represented at a CAC Games since 2014 making it a first-time appearance for Chapman, and the Henderson brothers.

The delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Sophia Brewley-Messiah, assisted by McLean.

BVIOC President Ephraim Penn described the selection as another important milestone in the continued growth of sport in the Virgin Islands.

“The Central American and Caribbean Games provide one of the most competitive environments in our region,” said Penn. “Our athletes have earned the opportunity to compete through commitment and performance, and we know they will represent the Virgin Islands with honour.”

On announcing the team, McLean shared his expectations of the team to embrace the challenge of competing against the region’s best.

“Every athlete on this team has earned the opportunity to compete at these Games,” he said. “We expect them to perform with confidence, represent the Virgin Islands proudly and gain valuable experience that will continue to strengthen the national programmes of the respective sports.”

BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine said “We have seen exceptional performances throughout the season and are excited about what this group can achieve in Santo Domingo. Beyond results, these Games are another important step in the development of our athletes.”

Virgin Islands Archery Association President Patrick Smith described Lawrence’s qualification as a landmark achievement.

“This is a great moment for archery in the Virgin Islands,” said Smith. “Winnette has earned her place through determination and consistent performances, and her qualification demonstrates the growth of our sport. We are extremely proud to see her make history for the Territory.”

BVI Squash Racquets Association President Mark Chapman said qualifying three athletes for the Centennial Games highlights the continued development of squash locally.

“Although squash is not part of the Commonwealth Games programme this year, qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games is a tremendous achievement. Daniel, Oliver and Joseph have worked incredibly hard, and we are excited to see them represent the Virgin Islands on this important regional stage.”

Supporting the athletes will be athletics coaches Jean Carlos Cruz, Michael Heimerman and Willis Todman, squash coach Adam Murrills and physiotherapist Levi James.

The CAC Games are the oldest continuous running regional games dating back to 1926. Held every four years, the Games typically host competitors from countries in Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda and the South American countries of Suriname, Guyana, Colombia and Venezuela. The Santo Domingo Games will bring together more than 6,000 athletes from over 35 countries and territories.

The CAC Games are considered the starting point of international competition for athletes from the region who are seeking to represent their countries at the Olympic level. They are designed to provide a step between sub-CAC region Games and the Pan American Games, which are held before the Summer Olympic. The next Pan American Games are slated to take place in Lima, Peru July 23 – August 8, 2027.

Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, Beyoncé deFreitas, BVI Olympic Committee, CAC, Deya Erickson, Djimon Gumbs, Ephraim Penn, Joe Chapman, Khybah Daswon, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Santo Domingo 2026, Squash, Wanyae Belle Tagged With: , , , , , ,

BVI Team Named for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

July 13, 2026 by

Commonwealth Sport BVI (CSBVI) has officially announced the athletes and officials who will represent the Virgin Islands at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Mark Chapman, Chef de Mission for Glasgow 2026 named the team of 7 track and 4 field athletes who will compete on a state-of-the-art new track at Scotstoun Stadium when competition kicks off on July 27.

Track athletes: Adaejah Hodge Women’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Women’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Beyoncé Defreitas Women’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Women’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Rikkoi Brathwaite – Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27), Jaleel Croal -Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Men’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Wanyaé Belle – Men’s 100m (Round 1 – July 27) & Men’s 200m (Round 1 – July 29), Kaelyaah Liburd – Women’s 400m (Round 1 – July 28), Deya Erickson – Women’s 100m Hurdles (Round 1 – July 30)

Field athletes: Khybah Dawson – Men’s Long Jump (Round 1 – July 27), Djimon Gumbs – Men’s Shot Put (Round 1 – July 29), Chantel Malone – Women’s Long Jump (Qualifying Round – July 31), Kimberly Smith – Women’s Long Jump (Qualifying Round – July 31)

Hodge was named the flag bearer with Jaleel Croal named as the baton bearer and will carry the King’s Baton – uniquely decorated for the Virgin Islands by local artist Desiree Smith – into the arena at the Opening Ceremony.

“We are taking one of the strongest athletics teams the Virgin Islands has assembled for the Commonwealth Games. Several members return with valuable Games experience, while others will be making their debut on one of the world’s biggest multi-sport stages. We are confident they are prepared to compete at the highest level.” said Chapman.

Malone competed in long jump at Glasgow 2014 with a 4th place finish and a 5th place at Gold Coast 2018. Brathwaite, Defreitas and Gumbs all made their Commonwealth Games debuts at Birmingham 2022. It will be the first appearance for Hodge, Croal, Belle, Liburd, Dawson and Smith.

Speaking at the official team announcement, Commonwealth Sport BVI President Ephraim Penn acknowledged the unique challenge presented by the overlap between the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.

“This year has required tremendous collaboration between our National Federations and both organising committees to ensure our athletes have every opportunity to compete at the highest level. We appreciate everyone’s commitment to finding solutions that place our athletes first,” said Penn. “With such a successful season so far for our team members, we are excited to be bringing them to a world stage where they will put everything to the test as they aim for the highest results in these friendly Games.”

“Glasgow 2026 is a celebration of sport, culture and community and so it is our expectation that the experience will foster friendships between all athletes across the Commonwealth,” added Penn.

BVI Athletics Association President Steve Augustine praised the athletes’ preparation following an outstanding season that included impressive performances at the NACAC Championships and on the international circuit.

“Our athletes have shown throughout the season that they belong among the very best. They have trained exceptionally hard, achieved qualifying standards and continue to raise the profile of Virgin Islands athletics. We look forward to seeing them compete against some of the strongest nations in the Commonwealth.”

Attending the Games with the athletes are coaches Jean Carlos Arroyo, Michael Heimerman, Winston Potter, Karene Hodge and physiotherapists Thomas Jepperson and Sofie Slider. Desiree Smith will also be attending the Games, courtesy of the Premier and Minister of Finance and Tourism, Dr. The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley in recognition of her selection to decorate the Baton for the Territory.

The delegation will arrive in Glasgow ahead of the Opening Ceremony on 23 July.

Conducted every four years since inception in 1930, Glasgow 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games with approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories competing in 10 sports for championship titles. To date the Virgin Islands has participated in 9 Commonwealth Games since Auckland, New Zealand in 1990 with two championship medals secured by Kyron McMaster in the 400m hurdles at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022.

Following the withdrawal by the original host city, Victoria, Australia, Glasgow stepped forward to stage the 23rd Commonwealth Games with a streamlined programme featuring ten sports. The adjusted events removed squash, a sport that the BVI has been represented in at every Commonwealth Games since Melbourne 2006.

Updates on the team will be posted on the BVIOC Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Filed Under: Adaejah Hodge, Athletics, Beyoncé deFreitas, chantel malone, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Deya Erickson, Djimon Gumbs, Ephraim Penn, Glasgow 2026, Jaleel Croal, Kaelyahh Liburd, Khybah Daswon, Kimberly Smith, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Wanyae Belle Tagged With: , , ,

CTL Home Center Commits US$10,000 to Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship programme, Pledges Continued Support Over Three Years

January 7, 2026 by

CTL Home Center has reinforced its commitment to sports excellence in the Virgin Islands (UK) with a second US$10,000 donation to the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) in support of the Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship (THSEAS) Programme. The presentation, made on January 2 at the store’s location in Fish Bay, Tortola preceded a Meet & Greet with Olympian Kyron McMaster OBE.

The donation forms part of CTL Home Center’s three-year commitment to the programme, aimed at ensuring sustained support for the Territory’s top-performing athletes. The funds will be used to provide direct financial assistance to elite athletes, supporting critical needs such as training expenses, international competition travel, coaching services, medical and sports science support, and high-performance equipment. These resources are essential in allowing athletes to compete consistently at the highest levels while representing the Virgin Islands on the regional and global stage.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVIOC, underscored the significance of sustained corporate partnerships in elite sport development.

“Elite performance requires long-term investment. CTL Home Center’s commitment over multiple years allows us to plan strategically and provide consistent support to our athletes as they progress through their competitive cycles. This partnership directly strengthens our high-performance programme,” Penn said. “The effectiveness of the THEAS programme has been proven over the years from when it was launched in 2012 with a fund of $50,000 to support Tahesia Harrigan, the territory’s leading athlete at the time. The fund allowed us to support 6 elite athletes in the last quadrennial – four of whom qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This quadrennial, we have nine athletes on the roster – all with their sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

Steve Augustine, President of the BVI Athletics Association, highlighted the practical impact of the funding on athlete readiness and performance.

“These funds address real and immediate needs faced by elite athletes, from access to quality training environments to the ability to compete internationally. Support of this nature plays a vital role in maintaining and elevating the standard of athletics and sport in the Virgin Islands,” Augustine stated.

Michael Thomas, Managing Director of CTL Home Center, explained the company’s motivation for investing in the programme and committing to long-term support.

“At CTL Home Center, we believe that supporting elite athletes is an investment in national pride, youth inspiration, and the future of the Virgin Islands. Our three-year commitment reflects our belief in sustained development and our desire to play a meaningful role in helping our athletes reach their full potential on the world stage,” Thomas said.

Thomas added that CTL Home Center views sport as a powerful platform for positive social impact, leadership development, and community unity, aligning closely with the company’s corporate values. The donation was made through the CTL Cares initiative – CTL’s platform for its ongoing commitment to community support, sponsorships, and partnerships that positively impact the Virgin Islands.

The 9 elite athletes include track and field athletes Kyron McMaster OLY, Chantel Malone OLY, Rikkoi Brathwaite OLY, Beyoncé De Freitas, Djimon Gumbs, Jaleel Croal, Kimberly Smith, Kaelyaah Liburd and Khybah Dawson. Representing the scholarship recipients, Olympian Kyron McMaster expressed appreciation for the continued backing and stability provided through the programme.

“Consistent support makes a tremendous difference in our preparation and performance. Knowing that partners like CTL Home Center are committed to us over the long term allows athletes to focus on training, recovery, and competition with confidence,” McMaster shared.

The event was moderated by Zebalon McLean, Member at Large of the BVIOC, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector, sporting bodies, and athletes in building a sustainable high-performance environment.

The Tahesia Harrigan Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Programme is designed to provide comprehensive support to the British Virgin Islands’ elite athletes as they prepare for major regional and international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships. Sponsors of athletes preparing for Paris 2024 included CTL Home Center, DLT Solutions, Conyers, Capriccio di Mare, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Trident Trust (BVI) Ltd, Deloitte, Mrs. Vivian Lloyd, The Guana Fund, Republic Bank, BDO, Scrub Island Resort and Smiths Gore.

Filed Under: Athletics, Beyoncé deFreitas, BVI Olympic Committee, chantel malone, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Sport BVI, Djimon Gumbs, Ephraim Penn, Jaleel Croal, Kaelyahh Liburd, Khybah Daswon, Kimberly Smith, Kyron McMaster, Olympic Solidarity, Panam Sports, Rikkoi Brathwaite, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott Elite Athlete Scholarship Tagged With: , , , ,

 4 athletes confirmed for Santiago 2023 PanAm Games

October 17, 2023 by

Four athletes are officially confirmed as members of the team who will represent the Virgin Islands (UK) in track and field and sailing at the 2023 Pan American (PanAm) Games. The 19th edition of the Games takes place October 20 – November 5, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. The BVI Olympic Committee named Eldred Henry (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (discus throw), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles) and Thad Lettsome (men’s ILCA 7 laser) as registered to compete.
 
Erickson will be the flag bearer for the VI at the Opening Ceremony on October 20.
 
This will be Henry and Lettsome’s second Panam Games appearance and the first for Gumbs and Erickson.
 
The schedule for the track and field events starts on October 30 when Gumbs will compete in the discus throw at 6:40pm EST. Erickson competes in the 100m hurdles heats at 5:45pm EST on October 31 with Henry competing in the shot put at 4:25pm EST on November 3.
 
The track and field events take place at the Coliseo del Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez, Ñuñoa, Región Metropolitana.
 
Lettsome’s races will take place 11:00am – 5:30pm at Cofradia Nautica del Pacífico in the Valparaiso region, October 28 – November 5.
 
Mark Chapman is the Chef de Mission for Santiago 2023.
 
“This is the VI’s 11th Pan Am Games. We have competed in each of the Games since the 9th edition. The event will be the last of the season for our athletes and I am satisfied that the Games’ organisers have put in all efforts to provide comfortable accommodations and good competition venues,” said Chapman.
 
“It has been a long season for all team members, and we congratulate them on securing spots at the Games,” said BVIOC President Ephraim Penn. “It’s the last major competition of the year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and we wish our athletes well.”
 
Penn will be in Chile for the PanAm Sports AGM ahead of the Games which he will attend not just as President of the BVIOC, but also as a member of the PanAm Sports Technical Commission.
 
Approximately 6,909 participants from 41 countries in the Caribbean and Americas are expected to compete in 39 sports. The Games provide an opportunity for competitiors to qualify for Paris 2024. The Games will be streamed live on the Panam Sports Channel on YouTube with news on our athletes provided by Kamal Haynes, 284 Media and Todd Van Sickle of the BVI Beacon.

Filed Under: Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, Deya Erickson, Djimon Gumbs, Eldred Henry, PanAM Games, Panam Sports, Sailing, Santiago 2023, Thad Lettsome Tagged With: , , ,

Djimon Gumbs, Rikkoi Brathwaite win bronze medals at San Salvador 2023 CAC Games. Final events coming up.

July 5, 2023 by
Djimon Gumbs won the shot put bronze with a throw of 19.00m/62’34” at San Salvador 2023
Rikkoi Brathwaite won the 100m bronze in 10.26 seconds at San Salvador 2023

Five athletes in two sports represented the Virgin Islands (UK) non July 3 at the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games.

In Track and field events at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “El Magic” Gonzales, Djimon Gumbs, in his first appearance at a CAC Games, won the first medal for the VI at the 24th edition of the Games with a bronze in the shot put after hurling a distance of 19.00m (62.34ft) in his third attempt.

Eldred Henry OLY – shot put National Record holder (21.47m /70.44ft) – placed 6th in the shot put final with a best distance of 18.12m (59.45ft) during his 3rd attempt. Henry had won the territory’s first shot put medal at the CAC Games with a hurl of 20.18m (66.21ft) during his debut at Barranquilla 2018.

Sprinter Rikkoi Brathwaite went on to secure the territory’s second medal at the San Salvador 2023 with a bronze medal win in the 100m in a time of 10.26 seconds. Brathwaite had placed 1st in his heat with a time of 10.29 seconds a couple of hours earlier in his maiden race at the CACs.

The first ever medal for the BVI at a CAC Games was won in the very same stadium in 2002 by Dion Crabbe in the 100m with a then national record time of 10.28 seconds. Brathwaite would go on to break the record with a time of 10.20 seconds achieved at the 2022 NACAC Open Championships, Freeport, Bahamas.

“We knew that the competition field at San Salvador 2023 would be tough with strong contenders for medals and we couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments of Djimon Gumbs and Rikkoi Brathwaite,” said BVI Olympic President Ephraim Penn. “With 2 more days of competition to come, we wish our athletes all the best in their events.”

Athletes who also were competing at San Salvador 2023 on July 3 included Beyoncé Defreitas who debuted in heat 3 of the 100m semi finals to place 4th with a non-advancing time of 11.84 seconds. Defreitas will compete again in the 200m on July 5.

Archer Ritseeniyah Georges, who had competed in the first round of the women’s compound individual event at the Poligogo de Tiro con Arco Ciudad Merliot on July 2, lost 123 – 148 against Andrea Becerra (Mexico) in the elimination round. Georges had an average of 8.2 out of 10 compared to Becerra’s average of 9.9. Georges is the first archer to represent the VI at a major Games with her appearance at San Salvador 2023.

Deya Erickson made her second appearance at a CAC Games competing in the 100m hurdles semi finals on July 4. Her time of 13.92 for a fifth place finish qualified her to move on to the finals on July 5.

Also competing on July 5 are Jaleel Croal, who debuts at the CACs in the 200m semi finals. Twin brothers Djimon and Diamanté Gumbs will compete in the discus. This is also the first CAC games for the Diamanté Gumbs.

“Congratulations on great performances,” said Chef de Mission Gloria Fahie. “They are the beginning of greater accomplishments yet to come!”

Henry, Brathwaite and Georges along with archery coach Winnette Lawrence and technician Xavier Buxo depart El Salvador on July 6. ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome and coach Chris Watters left on July 2 after Lettsome qualified for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games with an overall 6th place in his event.

The BVI has won medals at every CAC Games since 2002 including 5 gold medals – 3 in the 100m by Dion Crabbe at San Salvador 2022, Tahesia Harrigan-Scott at Cartagena de Indias 2006 and Mayaguez 2010; 1 in long jump by Chantel Malone at Vera Cruz 2014 and 1 in the 400m hurdles by Kyron McMaster at Barranquilla 2018. Malone also won silver in long jump at Barranquilla 2018.

The BVI Delegation to the San Salvador 2023 CAC Games included 9 athletes in 3 sports. Missing from photo are ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome and coach Chris Watters.
Filed Under: Archery, Athletics, BVI Olympic Committee, CAC, Djimon Gumbs, Eldred Henry, Rikkoi Brathwaite, San Salvador 2023 Tagged With: , , , ,