The 2020 Carifta Games that were scheduled to be held in Hamilton, Bermuda, from April 10-13 has been postponed until further notice because of the threat of the spread of the coronavirus.
The decision was mutually agreed between the Executive Board of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) and the Bermuda National Athletics Association.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but in the best interest of all stakeholders against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving situation with regard to the COVID-19 across the globe, and supported by the World Health Organisation declaring a global pandemic, which has led several countries, regardless of size, political ideology or wealth, to close their borders, cease travel and stop mass gatherings,” said NACAC President Mike Sands in a statement.
“I have been advised that the Bermudan government has also announced a series of measures it is taking, with immediate effect, to protect its citizens. As have the governments of many of our CARIFTA family members.”
Sands said the NACAC Executive Board, in collaboration with the Bermuda National Athletics Association, will continue to monitor all future developments with the view of the Bermuda 2020 CARIFTA Games being placed back on the calendar at the earliest possible date shortly after an all-clear is given to resume normalcy.
“With this in mind, I urge you to maintain your athletes’ fitness level for this eventuality. You are also welcomed to make suggestions for alternative dates,” Sands advised.
“In the meantime, I once again encourage you to please continue following the advisories from your respective health and governmental agencies in a collective effort to overcome this temporary setback.”
Earlier this week, Antigua and Barbuda released a statement indicating that they would not be participating in either Carifta track and field or swimming competitions that were to be held in Bermuda and Barbados, respectively.
In addition, President of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, Algernon Cargill, told Sportsmax.TV that the three-time defending champions would not be attending the swimming championships while Drumeco Archer, the president of the BAAA, suggested that the country would not be sending a team to Bermuda for the track and field competition. Timothy Munnings, the Director of Sports in The Bahamas indicated on Thursday that The Bahamas Cabinet would have decided today whether the government would permit their track and field athletes to attend the Games. (www.sportsmax.tv)