NACAC backs T&T to host safe Carifta Games

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

PRESIDENT OF the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC), Mike Sands, is confident that Trinidad and Tobago will successfully stage the upcoming Carifta Games and Carifta Aquatics Championships amid safety concerns.

Trinidad currently remains under a state of emergency that was declared late in December and extended another three months earlier this month in response to increased violence.

With the 2025 Carifta Games slated for April 19 to 21, and the Carifta Aquatics Championship scheduled for April 19 to 22, followed by the Open Water Swim on April 23, it means the state of emergency will extend to the weekend just before the Easter holiday.

While anticipation is growing ahead of competition for both disciplines, there are also rising safety concerns.

The state of emergency does not prevent public gatherings or impose a curfew. However, due to elevated crime numbers in the twin-island republic, it allows security forces to search and detain persons and property without a warrant.

Despite the current situation, Sands believes the two events will be held without much alarm.

“I have all the confidence to believe that the Carifta Games will take place in Port of Spain as scheduled.

“I know there is a lot of talk and concern about the state of emergency, but I am comfortable in saying that I am in communication with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Trinidad leadership on a daily basis, because there are a number of concerns being raised by member federations with respect to safety,” Sands pointed out.

“I have been assured by the LOC, who are in communication with their security personnel, that the games will not be interrupted.

“The state of emergency does not carry much restrictions. There are no restrictions on public gatherings and there are no curfews, but like everywhere else, they are trying to manage the uptick in violence, recognising that they have major international events coming to Trinidad.

“They are expecting thousands of persons to be coming in, so they are putting measures in place to ensure the safety of all of the visitors and participants,” he further added.

With Bahamians scheduled to travel into T&T for Easter weekend, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said that while it’s still early, the Bahamas will take the necessary precautions to protect the parties involved.

“Right now, we are in the early stages as Carifta is not until Easter time.

“Those who are responsible for the Carifta will make a decision on whether the games will remain there or not, so I do not really want to preempt any decision that is made,” Bowleg said.

“The Bahamas will take the steps that are necessary to safeguard its athletes and its citizens. We will just wait to see what is the outcome.”