Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda –
Team Antigua Island Girls represented by Samara Emmanuel and kevinia Francis paid a courtesy call on Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George on Monday 5th October 2026.
During their meeting, Samara and Kevinia recounted their rowing expeditions in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the challenges they overcame in creating history as the only all-female team from Antigua and Barbuda and the Caribbean to undertake two rowing competitions.
They revealed that an invitation has been extended to the team to row another ocean in 2028/2029. However, Kivinia Francis and Samara Emmanuel said no decision has been made thus far, but if they agree to compete in another rowing challenge, then training will commence next year.
The two women also provided insight into their charitable endeavours in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, specifically the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation.
They also stated that Team Antigua Island Girls is putting the finishing touches on a documentary based on their participation in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Minister Dwayne George was informed that a private screening of the documentary is tentatively set for 12th November 2026, while the first public screening will likely be held on 28th January 2027, the 8th anniversary of the girls rowing into Nelson’s Dockyard after 47 days in the Atlantic Ocean, a journey that commenced in La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
Further details will be revealed by Team Antigua Island Girls in the weeks ahead.
The Minister of Sports and Creative Industries congratulated the two members of the team on their accomplishments thus far and encouraged them to continue creating history in the sporting discipline they have chosen, while at the same time expanding their charitable work.
Before the meeting ended on Monday, Samara Emmanuel and Kevinia Francis presented the Honourable Dwayne George with an autographed copy of an album, ‘Unchartered Waters with Team Antigua Island Girls’ that chronicles their first historic journey.
Source: Antigua News Room Antigua Island Girls Pay Courtesy Call on Sports & Creative Industries Minister.