The 52nd edition of the Carifta Games officially opened on April 18 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, marking Trinidad and Tobago's first time hosting the regional athletics championship in two decades.

The opening ceremony began at 3 pm and welcomed junior athletes from 28 Caribbean countries and dependencies to an event described by World Athletics president Sebastian Coe at the opening as athletics' 'most important junior competition in the world.'

The event opened with performances by the police, fire service and prison bands, who delivered calypso-inspired arrangements to a cosmopolitan audience.

The ceremony featured a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, including a parade of costumed stilt-walkers and a sequence of traditional dances. These performances narrated the origins of the Carifta Games - tracing its establishment in 1972 as part of the Caribbean Free Trade Association's efforts to encourage unity through sport. The event also celebrated the ethnic and religious diversity of TT and the wider region.

It was followed by a full parade of athletes, who entered the stadium bearing their national flags to an audience occupying much of the covered stands.

Addressing the crowd just before declaring the Games open, recently sworn-in PM Stuart Young said, 'The level of pleasure I have here today to see these young athletes who represent their countries come together for the games that will take place here in TT over the next few days…

'Sport plays such a critical, critical component in our societies.

'Having competed in competitive sports for my life, I know personally the value of what sport brings not only to the individuals, the coaches, the families, but the communities. And to see our young people who are learning the lessons of discipline, the lessons of hard work, the lessons of success, the lessons sometimes of disappointment… but most importantly sportsmanship is indeed a thrill and a pleasure.'

He added: 'So today I give our young people, especially in TT, as well as the rest of Caricom, our commitment as a government… that we will continue investing in you as you continue flying the flag for whatever country you represent.'

'Parents, thank you… Coaches, never underestimate the important role you play. Well done. Have a wonderful games. Compete hard. Compete well. Build friendships that will last your lifetime… and know that we believe in you because you will carry us, Caricom and your nations forward in the not-too-distant future.'

Capping off his address with a spirited proclamation, Young clenched his fist in the air and shouted: 'Prime Minister Stuarty declares these games Carifta 2025 open!'

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee Michael Romany also addressed the gathering, urging athletes to embrace every moment of the event.

'Today I ask of you only this: compete fiercely, respect your rivals, embrace every single moment of this experience,' Romany said.

'To our dedicated coaches, parents and team managers, thank you for guiding and support