FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (CMC) — President of CARIFTA Aquatics Stephen Joachim has praised Martinique for its job in staging a highly successful 39th edition of the CARIFTA Aquatic Championship.

The French Caribbean island hosted the regional swimming meet for the second time in its history, with close to 500 swimmers from 24 countries taking part in the April 3 to 8 competition.

At the end of the five-day meet, The Bahamas emerged victorious for the eighth-consecutive year, with arch-rivals Jamaica second and Trinidad and Tobago third.

Following the conclusion of the regional championships, Joachim said it exceeded expectations.

“Martinique has done a terrific job. What really matters is the experience of the kids. Two years from now, what are they going to remember? They’re going to remember they had a great time in Martinique,” Joachim said.

Meanwhile, president of the Martinique Swimming League Alex Badian said he believed the country had done a stellar job in hosting the meet.

He said he hoped Martinique would not have to wait another 10 years to stage the championships.

“We are delighted to have hosted these CARIFTA Championships; it had been 10 years. My hope is that CARIFTA returns to Martinique every four to five years, so that we do not lose the expertise we have built,” Badian said.

The regional championships featured pool events at the Lamentin Aquatic Centre, artistic swimming, and a 5-km open water race at Les Anses d’Arlet.

In a landmark development at CARIFTA, artistic swimming featured a full programme of solos, duets and team events across three age categories, bringing together Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the Cayman Islands.

The CCCAN Congress, held on April 7 under the chairmanship of Joachim, ratified several key decisions shaping the event’s future.

The congress also adopted a new CARIFTA manual, approved an injured athlete replacement policy and strengthened athlete safeguarding requirements.