Minister ensures swimmers’ training ahead of CARIFTA 

Sports Minister Charles Griffith has stepped in to guarantee that local swimmers can continue training ahead of the upcoming CARIFTA Aquatic Championships in Martinique, set for April 3–8 at the Pierre Samot Aquatics Centre.

The intervention follows a sudden closure of the Aquatic Centre on Thursday afternoon by the Ministry of Health, just hours before swimmers were scheduled to train.

Sharon Small, vice president of the Barbados Aquatics Sport Association, confirmed the closure, explaining that it was due to issues with the facility’s filtration system. Swimmers and their parents were reportedly informed that the centre would remain closed for a minimum of two weeks.

With CARIFTA just 17 days away Griffith authorised the CARIFTA team to use the pool at the Ursuline Convent exclusively until the championships begin, allowing athletes to continue their preparations.

“Our swimmers must not be disadvantaged in any way in their bid for podium places on the regional swimming stage, which is a preparation for Los Angeles in 2028,” Griffith maintained.

The island will send a 31-member team to the highly anticipated games.

At the 2025 Championships, Barbados finished with a total of 32 medals. 

This year’s team will be coached by Dave Farmer, Antonio Petrolanda, and Damien Thorne, with Kay Chandler serving as team manager. Dawn Boxill is the team physiotherapist, while Andre Johnson and Tikeisha Pounder will serve as chaperones.

(PR/KH)