Bermuda National Athletics Association President Donna Raynor has revealed that the fate of this year’s CARIFTA Games remains in the balance, but has not yet been cancelled over the threat of the coronavirus.
AAG President Aubrey Hutson
The spread of the virus has wreaked havoc on sporting events across the globe, with several events cancelled or postponed. The 2020 CARIFTA Games are scheduled for Bermuda next month but the threat of the spread of the virus has put the staging of the event in doubt.
“Basically, what we are [doing] in Bermuda is keeping a close eye on what has been happening with the coronavirus not only in Bermuda but in the Caribbean islands as well,” Raynor told the SportsMax Zone in an exclusive interview.
“One of our local organising committee members sits on the Health Organisation Committee of Bermuda and they are having a meeting tomorrow to discuss all of the sporting events that are taking place in Bermuda,” she added.
“We also have the international triathlon set to take place the Friday after CARIFTA and, of course, that will involve several athletes from the US, Europe and so forth. The only saving grace is that most of our athletes are coming from the Caribbean and on charters. So far, Bermuda hasn’t had anybody that has tested positive, but we cannot be confident it will take place. We are ready to host the Games but we have to be directed by our government,” she explained.
Initially, Raynor admitted that the body had been confident of being able to stage the event due to the limited footprint of the virus in the Caribbean so far. With Jamaica confirming its first case on Wednesday and Canadian authorities claiming that one of their latest cases travelled to the country from Trinidad and Tobago, things could be about to change. Trinidad and Tobago have reported no cases so far. The Games have been staged every year at various countries around the Region since 1972.
“It changes the ballgame (Jamaica positive test). Today it’s Jamaica, tomorrow it could be the Bahamas, the day after that Bermuda. So that’s definitely shaken our confidence and we definitely cannot say it (the Games) will take place.” (SportsMax)
All plans a go for AAG’s CARIFTA qualifying event
Meanwhile, all plans are a go in Guyana as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) plans to host its final CARIFTA qualifying event this weekend. With 12 athletes already meeting the qualifying standard for the Easter weekend regional event, their peers will have a final chance on Saturday and Sunday to add their names to the Guyanese roster. In addition, the Early Season Classic will be used for a similar purpose by Guyana’s senior track and field athletes.
When contacted by Guyana Times Sport about the threat that the CARIFTA event may face, AAG President Aubrey Hutson shared that no official communication has reached the Association as yet.
“No, nothing has been officially communicated to us as yet, so we’re going ahead with our preparations as planned,” Hutson stated.
However, he noted that if the hosting of the track and field event is to be affected by the pandemic, the Association will act in the best interest of Guyana’s junior athletes.
