In a ground-breaking move for local athletics, Dominica has, for the first time, appointed a Safeguarding Officer to accompany its national athletics team to a major sporting event. This initiative aims to prioritize athletes’ welfare and create a safer environment for all team members.

Mr. Felicien Antoine, a former national athlete, has been selected to serve in this historic role as the team prepares to participate in the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

A safeguarding officer, also known in some circles as a welfare officer, is a dedicated individual responsible for ensuring the protection, safety, and overall well-being of athletes, coaches, and

officials. Their role includes identifying and addressing potential risks, providing support, and ensuring a safe and respectful environment throughout the event.

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Mr. Antoine emphasized the importance of this position, stating,

“From recent trends noted by World Athletics, there has been an increase in cases and reports of abuse. So the creation of the safeguarding officer was initiated so that we can create a safe space to prevent any form of abuse for anybody in this athletics fraternity.”

Antoine’s primary role during the games will be to remain observant and aware of the team’s surroundings, proactively identifying any signs of potential abuse or misconduct, and ensuring that the welfare of the Dominica contingent remains the top priority.

The Dominica team, consisting of nine athletes, departed the island on Thursday morning, heading to Port of Spain for the games. The CARIFTA Games 2025 will be held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 3:00 PM on Friday.

This milestone marks a progressive step forward in safeguarding athletes and upholding the highest standards of care and integrity in Dominican sports.