The 49th edition of the Carifta Games which was to be staged on the Easter weekend in Bermuda was postponed because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The event has now been pushed back to 2021 and will remain at the same venue.

The decision to postpone the Games was made after talks between the Bermuda National Athletics Association and the Carifta local organising committee, as well as the Bermuda government, Guyana, which were scheduled to host in 2021, all member countries and sponsors.

In a release sent out by president of North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC), Mike Sands, it was agreed that the event be postponed to Easter 2021.

This means that six local and many regional athletes who would have had their last opportunity to perform at the Carifta Games will not be able to compete.

T&T athletes falling within this bracket are Safiya John of Kaizen Panthers, Kelsey Daniel (Kaizen Panthers), Camille Lewis (Fire Fitness), Dominic Cole (Abilene Wildcats), Antonia Sealey (FAD) and Genesis Joseph (Unattached).

When contacted by Guardian Media Sports on Friday president of National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Ephraim Serrette, said the postponement is regrettable but assured the young athletes that all is not lost.

He said: "It is very unfortunate. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused sports, the world over to halt. The athletes who are in the Under-20 age group and will no longer be able to compete in 2021, they will have an opportunity to participate in the NACAC U-23 Championships next year. Therefore all is not lost when it comes to scholarships. We have absolutely no control on what has happened. The scouts will be there whenever the track and field season resumes."

He added, "In the United States, the NCAA has stated that all athletes who were eligible for Spring Sports (including track and field) in the United States would be eligible in 2021. He reminded all that in 1980 the United States pulled out of the Olympic for political reasons and in 1984 Russia did the same. Those athletes at that time were ready to deliver but their countries took a political decision. At present we are speculating and hopeful that the Games will come off in 2021 but we are not certain of anything right now. All we can do is pray and hope."

Guyana, which was suppose to host the 50th edition of the Carifta Games next year but with the postponement of the premier track and field meet, will now perform the duties in 2022.