Jamaica Extends CARIFTA Dominance; Guyana Finishes Among Top Five

Jamaica continued its commanding dominance of Caribbean junior athletics, topping the medal table for the 40th consecutive year at the 53rd CARIFTA Games, which concluded on April 6, 2026, at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.

Jamaica amassed a total of 71 medals, including 28 gold, 27 silver and 16 bronze, comfortably finishing ahead of regional rivals.

Dear Editor, I write with deep concern over reports of cows dying during transportation from Brazil to Lethem and Ebini ultimately destined to a farm on the Soesdyke Highway probably to the farm of a ranking government official. The cows were transported in an inhumane way. There were about 300, almost all pregnant heifers. They were overpacked in trucks. They appeared malnourished. They were neglected. For days, they had no feed or water. Many died. Some gave birth and both mother and calf died. It is not known how many died. Reports stated at least 28 died; the number may be larger. Some were pregnant heifers, suggesting two cows died when a pregnant one died from transportation negligence. If these reports are accurate, they raise serious questions about the welfare and treatment of cows that hold profound religious significance for Hindus as well as animal rights activists and people in general. Animal rights activists were not vociferous. Hindu leaders were quiet. Priests also remained silent. The Vice president was also quiet. Within Hinduism, the cow has long been revered as a symbol of motherhood, compassion, selflessness, and the sanctity of life. The cow gives milk nourishing life and its feces are used as manure for cultivation. Hindus revere the cow and don’t consume beef. Hindus speak passionately about protecting cows and honoring them as sacred. It is therefore difficult to understand the apparent lack of public statements from Hindu religious leaders and pandits in particular regarding these reported deaths. Are they worried they won’t get government contracts and land concessions or their children will be victimized. And how about other religious leaders? Imams and priests — why silent? Don’t they have moral principles for animal welfare? Why is Azruddin, a Muslim, speaking out against abuse of cows and Hindu leaders are quiet? Silence is seen as inconsistency or a failure to uphold Hindu values about cows. Shane on Hindu leaders and Hindu rights activists. Hindu leadership carries not only the responsibility of preserving rituals and traditions but also of speaking out when the values those traditions represent appear to be compromised. If cows are suffering or dying because of inadequate transport conditions, of neglect and lack of feed and water for them, then surely compassion demands a response from everyone, Hindus and non-Hindus. One expects Hindu leaders like Ravi Dev, Swami Aksharananda, Baytoram Ramharack, Pt Ravi, Pt Haresh, Pt Dinesh, Pt Balbidar, other Pandits, Komal Samaroo, Komal Singh, Vishnu Bisram, Vishnu Bandhu, heads of organizations, Members of Parliament like Vindya Persaud, Anil Nandlall, Vikas Ramkissoon, Charles Ramson, Ganesh Mahipal, Jagdeo, other Hindus, to speak up. Praise to Pt Ubraj, the lone courageous leader of Hindus, for speaking out against abuse of cows. The silence of others risks creating the impression that reverence for the cow is expressed only in words and ceremonies, rather than through advocacy for the humane treatment of living animals. This is not a call to assign blame before all the facts are known. Rather, it is an appeal for moral leadership. Hindu organizations and pandits could encourage proper enforcement of animal welfare standards, call for transparent investigation into this reported incident, and work with authorities and those involved in livestock transport to ensure that unnecessary suffering is prevented. Compassion (ahimsa) is among the highest ideals of Hindu philosophy. If the cow is indeed sacred, then concern for its welfare should extend beyond temples and festivals to every stage of its life, including transportation. Those cows and their calves suffered. The lord will make the perpetrators of their suffering to account in His own way. In the meanwhile, the cows should be cared for. There must be an investigation into the importation of cattle from Roraima State known for its corruption and linkage with corrupt PPP government officials. Who imported the cattle and who were they destined to? Did the state pay for them? Why wasn’t it disclosed? I hope our religious leaders, Hindus in particular, will lend their voices to this important issue and demonstrate that the principles of compassion and respect for life of cows and other animals, remain central to faith. Sincerely, Name Withheld

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Trinidad and Tobago secured second place with 35 medals (9 gold, 11 silver, 15 bronze), followed by The Bahamas in third with 30 medals (8 gold, 12 silver, 10 bronze). Barbados placed fourth with 17 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 8 bronze), while Guyana rounded out the top five with six medals—four gold, one silver and one bronze.

Guyana’s Golden Impact

Despite a smaller overall tally, Guyana’s performance was highlighted by an impressive four gold medals, signaling strong individual excellence. Among the standout performances was Olivia Solomon, who captured gold in the Under-17 girls’ 800 metres, contributing to Guyana’s podium success.

The result underscores Guyana’s continued progress at the junior level, with athletes demonstrating the ability to compete and win against the region’s best.

Jamaica’s Continued Supremacy

Jamaica’s dominance was once again evident across multiple disciplines, including sprints, hurdles, field events and relays. The team closed the championships with strong relay performances and record-breaking runs, reinforcing its status as the Caribbean’s athletics powerhouse.

Sprint star Shanoya Douglas was among the standout performers, delivering record-breaking performances and leading Jamaica’s charge on the track.

Regional Competition Intensifies

While Jamaica remains firmly at the top, the competition for the remaining podium positions continues to intensify. Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas maintained strong medal hauls, while Barbados and Guyana demonstrated growing depth and competitiveness.

The CARIFTA Games, established in 1972, remain the region’s premier junior athletics competition, featuring Under-17 and Under-20 athletes and serving as a pipeline for future international stars.

Looking Ahead

The CARIFTA Games 2026 officially began on Saturday, April 4, 2026, in St. George’s, Grenada, and ran through Monday, April 6, 2026.

The 2026 results highlight both continuity and change—Jamaica’s enduring dominance on one hand, and the steady rise of smaller nations like Guyana on the other. As regional athletics continues to evolve, performances at CARIFTA remain a key indicator of future success on the global stage.