The North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletics Association has called upon Jamaica through the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to host the 2022 CARIFTA Games.
The event has not been held since 2019 when the Cayman Islands were the host. The global COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted one of the Caribbean’s greatest track and field showpieces.
Bermuda had earned the right to host the event in 2020, however, despite a few date changes, it was cancelled because of rising COVID-19 numbers.
The following year (2021) Bermuda got the green light to host but were unable to do so due to a spike in cases. NACAC has taken the decision to cancel based on the Covid-19 regulations outlined by the host nation, Bermuda. The Government of Bermuda required 14-day quarantine for unvaccinated visitors and said this was non-negotiable, making it highly impractical for there to be an Under-17 category as is the norm and for NACAC to stage the region’s premier junior track and field meet.
Garth Gayle, president of the JAAA, when asked of the possibility of Jamaica hosting the CARIFTA Games in 2022, responded: “Very strong.”
“We receive a letter asking us to undertake the hosting, it’s in short order, but we believe we can do it,” said Gayle.
Gayle said the JAAA executive has already given the thumbs up and is now “waiting for government approval.”
The CARIFTA Games, founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) in 1972, is an annual athletics event. The Games has two age categories: under-17 and under-20.
Several world stars such as Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, Yohan Blake, Kirani James, Kim Collins, Anderson Peters, and Keshon Walcott have all competed successfully at the CARIFTA Games.
Jamaica last hosted the CARIFTA Games in 2011 at the Montego Sports Complex in St. James.
“We believe as an association, we have the skillset and all the necessary things to make it a successful CARIFTA Games,” president Gayle promised.
The question should have been is the rest of world sprinters ready for the Jamaicans?
I implore Jamaica Athletics to invite Mboma & Masilingi as guests so we can strengthen our sisterly relationship as countries. Fans are fighting on social media over who’s best, high testosterones, bla bla bla.. We are all children of mother Africa, whether we like or not…..
David Moyston I did not get that impression they just listed well know athletes from around the Caribbean that have taken part in the games
David Moyston indeed neither was SAFP a champs star….neither was Bolt.
Finalllllyyyy! Now, I can listen to world class sport’s commentary.
David Moyston maybe not but who’s the star now “in all articles” 😎
David Moyston I did not get that impression they just listed well know athletes from around the Caribbean that have taken part in the games
Ean Ennis you are incorrect about Bolt, he did set the WJR at the 2004 CARIFTA Games in Bermuda. Definitely remember him running 45.35 in the 400 at the 2003 champs.
Note that I only saw him at the 2003 champs as since 1993 I have resided in Saint Lucia.
Ean Ennis Bolt did dominate in Class 2 and the year he competed in Class 1
David Moyston I didn’t say Bolt didn’t do well at Carifta. He wasn’t a Champs Star. He did come into the champs thing late & didn’t stay long. I think he did 1 year in class 1 when he dragged out poor Jermaine Gonzalez who still hasn’t recovered. I will check to see who was the Marquee name on the male side then. But in SFP time it was definitely Aneisha Mclaughlin who people went to see.
One correction though competing at CARIFTA SAFP was not a CARIFTA star. That impression may have been implied by the article.
David Moyston indeed neither was SAFP a champs star….neither was Bolt.
Courtney Stewart Champs was held without no issues. It’s not that different. They have a blueprint to successfully hold a track meet so it should be smooth sailing.
With all the covid19 drama I doubt it!
Sounds great. Let’s show them proper commentating, ann organized meet, proper camera placement or proper video graphing.
Tamika Harris true man
That would be great.
champs in kinston, and carifta on the north coast
Meu nome é DANIELSON eu sou do Nordeste
Uma cidade pequena chamada com Maceió Alagoas Brasil comecei a correr comeu 18 anos agora estou com 21