Parade Of Athletes Highlights CARIFTA Games Opening Ceremony

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At the historic CARIFTA Games opening ceremony, 114 Bahamian athletes paraded together through Hasley Crawford Stadium, just before parting ways for the weekend—two teams, chasing one goal. The parade highlighted an afternoon of entertainment showcasing vibrant cultural performances, celebrating Caribbean unity and heritage.

This year marks the first time both the Athletics and Aquatics Championships are being held concurrently in the same country.

Algernon Cargill – President, Bahamas Aquatics
“This is a significant moment for our athletes, as we look forward to a competitive and successful Carifta Games.”

The athletics events are scheduled at Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain through the 21st, while the swimming competitions will take place at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva through the 22nd. Additionally, the open water swimming events will be held on April 23 at Five Islands Beach in Chaguaramas.

Drumeco Archer – President, BAAAs
“We are thrilled to participate in these Games, and I expect great performances from our athletes.”

Competition for both teams will begin tomorrow at 9 a.m. at their respective venues.

Team Bahamas Prepares for the Games

It’s been a busy day for the athletes. Before Hasley Crawford Stadium was transformed into a venue for celebration, the track and field teams held their final practice sessions ahead of Carifta 52. Team Bahamas had their first opportunity to test the facilities in Trinidad with competition just hours away.

Expectations are high for the 78-member Team Bahamas, who for the most part worked side by side with Team Jamaica, as both countries shared the same practice time slot.

One of the athletes setting the bar high for himself is quarter-miler Eagan Neely. In the U17 Boys’ 400m, Neely enters with a personal best of 47.45 seconds and has his sights set on breaking the Carifta record of 47.27 seconds.

Eagan Neely – U17B 200m/400m, Team Bahamas
“I’m focused on hitting that Carifta record and giving my best performance.”

Last year, in St. George’s, Grenada, Team Bahamas finished second in the standings with 35 medals—nine gold, 13 silver, and 13 bronze. Jamaica won their 38th consecutive title with 84 medals—45 gold, 23 silver, and 16 bronze.

It’s A Family Affair For Team Bahamas In T&T

As the 2025 CARIFTA Team prepares for competition starting tomorrow, there are some unique family connections that stand out. Head Coach Travano McPhee, a former national swimmer, is especially proud to have his daughter, Isabella Munroe, on the team for her very first Carifta competition.

Travano McPhee – Head Coach, Team Bahamas
“She’s way further than I was at her age, and it’s such an honor to have her on the team for her first Carifta.”

For Isabella Munroe, she emphasizes that while her dad is her coach, there is a clear separation when they are at the pool.

Isabella Munroe – Swimmer, Team Bahamas
“When we’re at the pool, he’s the coach, and I’m the swimmer. There’s a clear line between dad and coach.”

But they aren’t the only family members on the team. Allan Murray, a three-time Olympic swimmer for The Bahamas, serves as this year’s open water coach. His children, Alexander and Alanna, are both on the team—Alexander swimming in the 13-14 boys category and Alanna competing in open water.

Allan Murray – Open Water Coach, Team Bahamas
“I did it before, and now it’s amazing to see my kids doing the same. I’m proud of them, and I’m here to help them be the best of their ability.”

Both Alexander and Alanna shared their thoughts about having their father as their coach on the team.

Alexander Murray – Swimmer, Team Bahamas
“My dad is very amazing. He’s been there for me, and it’s special to have him as my coach. I still see him cheering for me in one of my races.”

Alanna Murray – Swimmer, Team Bahamas
“It’s a little bit of pressure sometimes, but I know he’s pushing me to do my best, and that means a lot.”

The opening ceremonies were held today at Hasley Crawford Stadium, and we’ll bring that to you in tomorrow’s newscast.

Rhema Collins Transfers to FIU Panthers

It didn’t take long for Rhema Collins to find a new home in the NCAA transfer portal. Collins has announced her intention to transfer to the FIU Panthers for the upcoming season.

The 6’2″ forward appeared in 13 games last season for Ole Miss, averaging 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Collins has ties to South Florida, having attended Schoolhouse Prep in Miami during her high school days before transferring to The Webb School in Tennessee. She also played for the Miami Suns AAU club on the Nike Girls EYBL circuit.