St. Kitts-Nevis Penn Relays coordinator ‘proud’ of team’s debut

Kylla Herbert, coordinator and chairperson of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Committee, says she was “proud” of the team’s effort during its debut at the Penn Relays Carnival at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia late last month.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the staff and students from the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS),” Herbert, who is also president of the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization (SJCCDO), told Caribbean Life on Wednesday about the first school from the twin-island federation to compete in the prestigious relays.

“Everyone had positive attitudes and a willingness to experience something new,” she added.

Herbert said the girls in the 4x400m heat on Thursday – Norencica Gumbs, Uzariel Hodge, Anaya Rouse and Shyan Richards, with Rihanna Gardener, as alternate – clocked 4 min.:19.29 in placing 2nd, from among nine teams.

On Friday, the 4x100m boys’ team placed 7th in their race, clocking 47.35 sec. The team comprised Naseem Gerald, Jermadh Huggins, Jaeden Paul and Jaheem Clarke.

On Saturday, the final day of the relays, the 4x400m boys’ team of Naseem Gerald, Jermadh Huggins, Jaheem Clarke and Eirette Richards clocked 3 min.:35.71 in placing 8th.

“CEMSS believes in it,” said Herbert about the team’s maiden trip to the Penn Relays Carnival during a reception Saturday night, for Vincentian, Kittitian and Belizean teams, at the Calabash Restaurant and Lounge on Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. “It’s not easy coming from the Caribbean to get here – the visa issues, the financial issues.

“I want to thank them for not giving up,” she added. “The athletes at the school, they are very talented.”

Principal Eisha Jackson also told the reception that “the experience was a great one,” adding that competing in the illustrious games was “historic.”

Later, she told Caribbean Life: “God has been faithful to His word, and we are eternally grateful to Him.

Principal Eisha Jackson addresses reception in Philadelphia. Photo by Nelson A. King

“To have witnessed the school over which I preside, plan and execute our participation in the world renowned and auspicious Penn Relays is, indeed, a superb accomplishment,” Jackson said. “To say that I am proud of our student-athletes is an understatement. They have exhibited the discipline and tenacity to not only train but also perform exceptionally well.

“My international perspective has been enlightened through the numerous connections that were made while at Penn Relays,” she added. “I also plan on capitalizing on the opportunities for study that are available to our students- athletes in the USA.

“The journey to Penn Relays was not without its challenges, but the support that we received from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as ambassadors in the USA, added to the quality of the experience,” Jackson continued. “Permit me to extend heartfelt appreciation to especially Ms. Kylla Herbert and Mr. James Cordice of the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural Development Organization for their kind hospitality.”

Cordice, founder and president of the Philadelphia-based Team SVG International, also coordinates efforts for Vincentian and Belizean schools’ participation in the annual relays.

CEMSS Coaches Roatter Johnson and Lawson Webbe said in a joint statement that “it was an overwhelming feeling to see such a small school in the Western Hemisphere be granted the opportunity to take part in such a prestigious event as the Penn Relays.

“This meet is one of the biggest festivals in the world, and just to take part brings joys to our hearts,” they added. “This opportunity will not just open doors for the students who took part in the 2024 festival but for all school age athletes in St. Kitts-Nevis.

“We were pleased with their performance despite not being to properly acclimatize, they were still able to put their best forward resulting in the girls capturing the silver medal in their heat for the 4x400m,” Johnson and Webbe continued.

Manager Niketa Isles said she, too, was “very pleased with the way the athletes performed in this edition of the 2024 Penn relays.

“This is a historic moment not only for our school but also our country, St. Kitts-Nevis,” she told Caribbean Life. “This experience has shown us what work needs to be done to become more competitive next year.

“We would like to thank all persons involved who worked tirelessly to get us to the games including: Ms. Kylla Herbert, Mr. James Cordice, all members of the South Jersey Caribbean Culture Development Organization, Mr. Stewart Williams and the members of SPBS, the St. Kitts-Nevis Ambassador to the UN, Dr. Cherese Godwin, Team Jamaica Bickle and the SVG group.”

Stewart Williams, president Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) in St. Kitts, told Caribbean Life that he was “proud of the team – athletes, coaches and staff – who competed.

“I felt the preparation and the excitement,” he said. “I saw the thrills and agony. These games meant something significant to the athletes. Teamwork came in all flavors to make this a success.

“Kylla and the local team worked continuously to ensure a balanced experience for all,” Williams added. “And even when we doubted ourselves, many beckoned the call to lend financial support. You know who you are – thank you!

“Now is the time to dream BIG!” he continued. “Let’s get back in 2025 and create many more opportunities for our deserving youths.”

Herbert said CEMSS’s journey to the Penn Relays started in 2020.

She said CEMSS “had to overcome many obstacles to get to the Penn Relays, but, with consistent follow up and perseverance, the manager and staff took all of the steps necessary to allow them to arrive at the 2024 Penn Relays.

“CEMSS was able to travel to the USA with support from the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and their fundraising efforts,” she added. “Once CEMSS’ staff and students arrived in  the USA, the SKN Penn Relays committee coordinated ground transportation with personal drivers, food and hotel accommodations for CEMSS’ one-week stay in Philadelphia.”

Herbert said hosting the Charles E. Mills Secondary School in Philadelphia for the Penn Relays was “a collaborative effort amongst St. Kitts and Nevis organizations and individual donors in the Diaspora.”

She said the SKN Penn Relays Committee offers thanks Williams and members of the Sandy Point Benevolent Society; The St. Kitts and Nevis Tri State Association; members of the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization; Team Jamaica Bickle feeding program; Lassal Farrell; Quandasha Huggins; Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Camden, NJ; the Morgan Family; Dr. Cherese Godwin;  SKN Ambassador to the USA Jacinth Henry Martin; “and everyone that donated or contributed to make CEMSS’ stay comfortable and safe while in the USA.

“We look forward to working with CEMSS and other secondary schools or colleges that are interested in participating at the Penn Relays in the future,” Herbert said.