FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique, CMC- St.Kitts and Nevis have been chosen to host next year’s Carifta games after Turks and Caicos Islands withdrew their bid, organizers have announced.
The 2015 edition of the region’s premier track and field event will be staged in Sugar City, St. Kitts while the 2016 edition is to be held in Grenada, officials also announced.
The country’s Minister of Sports Glen Phillip says the Silver Jubilee Stadium will be upgraded later this year.
St. Kitts and Nevis last hosted Carifta Games in 2008.
Grenada was chosen as host venue for the 2016 games, an interest which had also been expressed by Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Lucia and The Bahamas who submitted Letters of Intent.
However St. Lucia pulled out to support Grenada while Bahamas backed down in support of Turks and Caicos Islands.
Grenada last hosted in 2000, but hurricane Ivan destroyed their stadium in 2004 and a brand new Chinese government funded athletics and football stadium under construction is scheduled for completion in August of next year.
Meanwhile, Bermuda is suggesting that a Carifta Games template be established to assist future Carifta Games host.
“Excellent idea, “declared St. Kitts and Nevis Track and Field on its facebook page.
“It’s about time and in that way the same mistakes will not be made especially as it relates to transportation, accommodation and media relations.”
Jamaica ended the 43rd Carifta games with a record 88 medals, 42 gold, 34 silver and 12 bronze, while Trinidad & Tobago finished second with 6 gold, 7 silver and 12 bronze and Barbados finished third with 5 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze.
