Kylla Herbert, the Camden, NJ-based coordinator of the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Committee, says she is “anxiously anticipating” the return of Team St. Kitts and Nevis to this year’s Penn Relays.
The 129th running of the Penn Relays Carnival will take place from April 24 to 26, 2025, at Franklin Field Stadium at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
“In 2024, we welcomed the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) as the first school to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at the prestigious Penn Relays Track and Field Carnival,” Herbert, who is also president of the Camden, NJ-based South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization (SJCCDO), told Caribbean Life recently.
“CEMSS’ Boys’ Team competed in the 4x400m and 4x100m relays. The CEMSS Girls’ Team competed in the 4x400m, winning Silver in their race,“ she added. “CEMSS’ inaugural journey to the Penn Relays was met with financial and other challenges that were overcome with perseverance and proper planning.
“CEMSS obtained financial support from St. Kitts and Nevis Government, businesses, and individual donors that assisted them with getting to the United States,“ Herbert continued. “Once CEMSS arrived, their accommodations, food, and transportation were paid for by generous donations from St. Kitts and Nevis organizations and individuals based in the USA.”
Herbert said SJCCDO worked in collaboration with Stewart Williams, president of the Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS), St. Kitts and Nevis Tri-State Association (SKNTSA), and individual donors to raise funds to support St. Kitts and Nevis at the Penn Relays in 2024.
She said that, during the three days of the races, Team Jamaica Bickle provided meals. This Jamaica, Queens-based philanthropist organization has been providing meals, hydration stations, and physical therapy, among other things, to Jamaican and other Caribbean athletes competing in the Penn Relays.
Herbert said the 2024 SKN team also received assistance from Quandasha Huggins, Dr. Cherise Walwyn and St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the US, Jacinth Henry Martin.
For 2025, she said the St. Kitts and Nevis Penn Relays Committee is requesting financial support for Team St. Kitts and Nevis while in Philadelphia for the relays.
Herbert said the Sandy Point Benevolent Society, SJCCDO, and other interested individuals are again collaborating to provide transportation, food, and accommodations from April 22 to April 29, 2025.
She said athletes will also visit local universities and experience local culture.
Livingston Benjamin, from Butler’s Village, Nevis, and SJCCCDO member, told Caribbean Life on Tuesday: “As a SKN national, it brings tremendous pride to see our high school athletes have the opportunity to get international exposure.
“I feel that the Penn Relays can provide a foundation for emerging talent. It can ignite national pride and inspire future generations,“ he added.
Williams said he “was excited to see CEMSS at their first Penn Relays in 2024.
“I am more excited to see CEMSS coming back with more determination and desire to be competitive,” he added. “So many things need to happen to get the teams on track.
“Thanks to Kylla Herbert and the team manager Niketa Isles, I am learning to expect the very best execution,“ Williams added. “I want to encourage all from St Kitts and Nevis to join in again.
“In fact, I would like to see all from SKN amplify their participation – time we spend, monies we donate, ways we help organize – let’s make CEMSS 2.0 better than CEMSS 1.0,“ Williams continued.
Lawson Webbe, CEMSS’ male coach, said the Penn Relays 2025 contingent comprises 18 members, including the manager, assistant manager, head coach, assistant coach, and throws coach.
He said 6 boys will participate in the 4x400m, 4x100m, and javelin throw, while the 7 girls will compete in the 4x400m and 4x100m.
“Last year’s experience, overall, was challenging, as it relates to the weather, but we adjusted as best we can,“ Webbe said. “The competition experience was new and exciting, as well as a little nervy for the athletes who were out there for the first time in a stadium buzzing with noise and logistical operations.
“The hospitality by both the South Jersey Organization and the SPBS organization and other key personals who hosted us with the logistics was very organized and generous, and we are grateful; and so, we thank them for helping us to be comfortable,“ he added.
“This year, we are looking to perform better than last,“ Webbe continued. “We aim to showcase stronger teams and be more competitive. We plan to improve on the time performances than that of our last year’s quartet set.“
Niketa Isles, CEMSS team manager, thanked the following for their “unwavering“ support: Charles E Mills Secondary School; SJCCDO; Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS); the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Sports; St. Kitts-Nevis and Anguilla National Bank; the Office of the Prime Minister; Advance Caribbean; Dr. Norgen Wilson; Dr. Trevor Christmas; Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Dr. Daryl Warner; Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale; parents, Sandy Point; Newtown Ground; St. Pauls and Dieppe Bay Community; and the entire Federation of St. Kitts- Nevis.
“Our debut at the PENN Relays in 2024 was not possible without all parties’ support,“ Isles said. “They have all once again come on board to support this year’s team at PENN Relays, and we could not be more grateful.“
Uzariel Hodge, a CEMSS student-athlete who attended the 2024 Penn Relays, has “high expectations“ for this year’s 2025 Penn Relays.
“This year, I expect my team to push harder and win their heat with a good time to advance to another round of the relay competition,“ she said.
“I expect to be seen by scouts as I plan to run a better and improve the leg than I did last year,“ Hodge added. “Also, I am looking to speak to more athletes and professional athletes, as well as scouts and coaches. Hearing their experience and getting motivational advice to help me pursue my dream of becoming a college athlete and a professional athlete who wants to compete in the Olympics.”
Tejuan Webbe, another CEMSS athlete, said he is “really looking forward to the Penn Relays, especially since I was unable to attend last year.
“From what I have seen and heard, it looks very interesting and exciting,“ he said. “I look forward to competing against others from various schools outside my home country.
“I hope to interact with different coaches and learn some different running strategies,“ Webbe added. “Of course, the ultimate goal is to be scouted by various schools in the US.”
To support the St. Kitts and Nevis Penny Relays initiative, contact Williams or Herbert to discuss ways to help. Visit www.hopp.bio/stkittsnevispenn.
Herbert is also asking the community to support the Sandy Point Benevolent Society’s Annual Breakfast Bash on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Church of the Holy Nativity, 3061 Bainbridge Ave., Bronx NY. Contact any SPBS member or visit spbsinc.com.
“SPBS‘ fundraiser is a great way to enjoy local food from St. Kitts and Nevis and support one of the organizations that play an integral part in assisting the Team. St Kitts and Nevis at the Penn Relay,“ she said.
Herbert can also be reached at (267) 257-9625.
