Guyana will now host the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games in 2022 instead of 2021 following the cancellation of this year’s event due to the pandemic, COVID-19.
In a statement, NACAC President, Mike Sands stated that Bermuda will host in 2021.
“The Executive thought that the aforementioned decision would still mean that Bermuda would host the 49th edition of our Carifta Games, leaving the door open for Guyana to continue planning to host the 50th anniversary edition but in 2022.”
Below is Sands’ full statement.
Dear Friends,
Our Executive convened, online, last Thursday, 9 April 2020. One of the major decisions taken at the meeting was to cancel the Carifta Games 2020. The factors that led to this decision were:
The COVID-19 pandemic and its overall impact on the host country as well as all members of the Carifta Family.
The impact on government and private sector plans and budgets for 2020 and perhaps, beyond.
Uncertainty in respect of the re-convening of international travel
Closure of schools and sports facilities thereby impacting athletes’ ability to train and adequately prepare for a delayed edition of the Carifta Games in 2020
Delayed examinations for students at the pre-College stage of their careers
World Athletics has already announced the postponement and/or cancellation of several of its own competitions for 2020, including the World Junior (U-20) Championships.
The Executive therefore agreed to have me, in my capacity as President, engage in discussions with our member federation in Bermuda, the government of Bermuda, the National Olympic Committee (the local representative of Panam Sports) as well as sponsors of the Games of 2020, to ascertain their thinking in respect of the postponement of the Games to Easter of 2021.
The Executive thought that the aforementioned decision would still mean that Bermuda would host the 49th edition of our Carifta Games, leaving the door open for Guyana to continue planning to host the 50th anniversary edition but in 2022. Discussions have begun with all stakeholders in Guyana, craving their understanding and support, given that Bermuda did nothing to lose the annual event and is therefore deserving of being given the opportunity to make good on its commitment, albeit, one year later.
The NACAC Executive believes that our decision is in the best collective interest of our Carifta Family and allows us all an opportunity to support both Bermuda and Guyana in the face of these most trying times. We have an excellent opportunity to work more deliberately together, to show to the world that our annual Carifta Games are indeed, the very best Junior track and field competition, globally.
Today, 14 April 2020, NACAC once more appeals to all of its stakeholders to heed the advice of our medical fraternity and adhere to the established protocols aimed at enhancing our capacity to defeat COVID-19.
In a reaction, President of the Athletic Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson stated that he welcomed the move as the world grapples with the pandemic.
“The AAG has been in consultation with NACAC as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on the CARIFTA Games moving forward. Our discussions were very cordial and Guyana being in the position that its in, understanding the need for Caribbean unity and us holding one head in promoting the best Junior Championships in the world, we have agreed to allow Bermuda to host the Games in 2021 and for Guyana to host in 2022.”
Hutson stated that the one-year postponement could be a plus for Guyana. “This gives us an even greater opportunity for us to host these Games at the level that is expected from us since it’s going to be the 50th edition. For us it is better for us to agree to that position in 2022, for our athletes also, it give them a bit more elbow room.”
Besides that, Hutson listed the economic crisis and the current political situation in Guyana as major hurdles the AAG would have had to cross to pull off a successful event next year.
“It gives our sponsors more elbow room also because we foresee a more stable world economy. So when we talk to sponsors about 2022, we want to talk to them in a more stable world economic climate and a more stable political situation in Guyana. So in a nutshell, I think it will be good for the sport and good for Guyana” Hutson stated.
