Team Jamaica are now staging their first training session at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva Trinidad under the watchful eyes of Kafia Rapley and her assistants Lemone Lowe. 

This ahead of Saturday’s start of the 38 the edition of the four days Carifta Aquatics Championship, where Jamaica’s 30 member team will compete in all age group categories including the boys 13-14 and 15-17 open water competition. 

The meet gets going on Saturday morning with the 800 metre freestyle for girls  in the 13-14 and 15-17 categories, with 13 finals set for the afternoon session on day 1. 

In the meantime, 18 points will be awarded for relay winners, 14 for second and 12 points for third, while the individual swimmers in each final will be awarded 9 points for a victory, with 7 points for the silver medalist’s and 6 points for those earning a bronze. 

Fourth to eight will also score points in both relays and individual events. 

Meanwhile, Jamaica scored 559 points in last year’s staging to finish fourth, and amassed 45 medals, inclusive of 18 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze.

Over 25 countries will be in action this year including new entrants Belize. 

Bahamas are the defending champions after topping the medal table last year with a 101 medals.