The Government of Bermuda and all of the Caribbean Carifta Countries have made the decision to move the 49th Edition of the Carifta Games to 2021.
Bermuda National Athletics Association President Donna Raynor said, “On behalf of the Bermuda National Athletics Association and the Carifta Local Organizing Committee we would like to advise that following long discussions and consultation with our International Governing Body [NACAC], the Government of Bermuda and all of the Caribbean Carifta Countries we have made the decision to move the 49th Edition of the Carifta Games to 2021. The dates being April 2nd – 5th.
“The Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports supports the decision to postpone the Carifta Games until 2021. We continue to adhere to the guidelines of the global and local health experts and professionals and will continue to put the health, safety and wellbeing of our young people as the highest priority. In 2021, we will be ready and prepared to host a spectacular Carifta Games. And we very much look forward to joining the Bermuda National Athletics Association and the rest of the Island in celebrating our talented young athletes.” ~ The Hon. Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP.
“The decision was not taken lightly and these are some of the factors that led to this decision:-
- The COVID-19 pandemic and its overall impact on the host country as well as all members of the Carifta Family
- Uncertainty in respect of the re-convening of International travel
- Closure of schools and sports facilities thereby impacting athlete’s ability to train and adequately prepare for a delayed edition of the Carifta Games 2020
- Delayed examinations for students at 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
“We feel this is in the best interest of all especially the athletes. These are unprecedented times and everything is so unpredictable.
“We are disappointed as we were so ready and prepared to host these Games April 9th – 13th 2020 with 3 weeks prior to the Games this COVID-19 virus affected the entire world. We were ready to greet and entertain our overseas guests and deliver a first class event. This event would have taken place over this past weekend and we had beautiful weather as well.
“The NACAC Executive have reached out to Guyana who was going to be the host country for 2021 leaving the door open for them to continue planning the 50th anniversary edition in 2022.
“Similar to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games keeping their branding, this will still be the 49th edition and will remain the Carifta 2020 Games as we have already purchased all of our marketing material, medals etc and we were very pleased with what we have received.
“As you are aware we were ready and prepared for 2020 and we now have the opportunity to make the Games in 2021 bigger and better and a grand celebration.
“Thank you for all of your support thus far and I have no doubt you will be there to support us through to 2021.
“We hope that you are staying safe and heeding the advice of our Government and medical fraternity aimed at enhancing our capacity to defeat the COVID-19.”
