By Tyriq Walters

Vice President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), Rawle Toney, says he believes this year’s women’s national basketball team is the strongest he has seen in a long time as Guyana prepares to host the FIBA Women’s Caribbean Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

“I think this is one of the best women’s teams that we’ve had in quite a number of years,” Toney said. “I would even go as far as to say it’s the best team since Karen Abrams captained us to the title in 1996 in Trinidad when we beat Jamaica in the final.”

Toney said the team is filled with experienced players, including professionals Joy Adams, Anaya Clemons, and Ruth Adams, who all play in European leagues.

He said the players are setting a great example for young girls in Guyana, showing them what they can achieve through basketball.

“Most of these women were born in Guyana, and they’re showing the girls at home that if they keep playing, they can reach the top too,” he highlighted.

Guyana will play four matches in the round-robin tournament against The Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Suriname, and Jamaica, starting Tuesday night. The top three teams will qualify for the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship.

Toney said the goal is clear: win every game and finish as the top team in the Caribbean.

“We’re looking to win all four games and head to Centrobasket as number one,” the basketball vice president said confidently.

The team will be led by Head Coach Kenny Avent, as he will be assisted by Warren Wilson and Willon Cameron. Guyana opens its campaign on Wednesday at 20:30 hrs against The Bahamas.