ACTING president of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) George Comissiong believes it will be challenging for the TT athletes to travel to Bermuda for the 2021 CARIFTA Games if all unvaccinated visitors are required to quarantine for 14 days. He added it will be a logistical nightmare for the organisers to ensure the games run smoothly with the guidelines that are now in place.

The covid19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 Games and this year’s games are tentatively scheduled for August 13 to 15.

The pandemic also forced the date of the 2021 CARIFTA Games to be pushed back multiple times. The games are normally held at Easter time. A North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) media release said on Monday a final decision will be made in May whether the games will be held.

“The global pandemic eliminated the possibility of staging the Games on Easter weekend. NACAC had chosen July 2, 3 and 4 as the new dates, but was forced to postpone again because of the scheduling of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) external exams,” the release said.

The release said the new August dates are now under threat as Bermuda is now experiencing a spike in covid19 cases. TT has also seen a spike in covid19 cases with 171 cases being reported on Tuesday – the most cases in one day for 2021.

Following a special information session, it is now understood athletes and officials will have to quarantine for two weeks.

“At Saturday’s NACAC special information session, CARIFTA 2021 Local Organising Committee member Mia Bean spoke about a non-negotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.”

On the 14-day quarantine requirement, Comissiong said, “From where I sit I don’t think it is possible. We were actually working on a charter.”

Comissiong said a charter travelling straight from TT to Bermuda will minimise the travelling time for the athletes and officials and avoid travelling to the US before heading to Bermuda.

“A 14-day quarantine prior to any sporting competition would not serve the interest of the athletes. I am assuming that they will not have access to training facilities in Bermuda (during the quarantine).”

The NACAC release added, “Since the vaccination requirement would impact all Under-17 athletes as well as some of the Under-20s, it is a major stumbling block. Other potential challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive covid19 tests during the games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.”

Comissiong added, “Even if they had (access to training) since there is a number of countries participating scheduling will be a nightmare or you will have teams interacting with each other even while they in quarantine. To me a 14-day quarantine in the absence of training would not augur well for the team it is difficult if the authorities in Bermuda stick to the restrictions as they are currently imposed.”

Comissiong encouraged the TT athletes to be positive and reminded them that if the CARIFTA Games are not held more doors will open up in the future.

The NAAA has started to host track and field meets recently as covid19 measures have been relaxed. Comissiong said he was happy that the local athletes were able to compete again. Comissiong said the junior athletes are also getting the opportunity to improve their times in events which would help them in attaining university scholarships. “All is not lost,” Comissiong said. Accommodation will be costly if the TT contingent quarantines for 14 days before competing in the meet.

Discussing the high costs which will be incurred, Comissiong said, “Bermuda is one of the more expensive tourist destinations in the Caribbean.”

Asked if sponsors will be required, Comissiong said, “Most definitely unless the local organising committee and the Bermudians decide to subsidise the accommodation and meals of the participants.”