On 19th June 2009, The Minister of Health, Senator the Honourable Jerry Narace announced that he has recommended that the Caribbean Games 2009 in Trinidad and Tobago be postponed as the Ministry continues its efforts to mitigate the spread of the A H1N1 pandemic. Following meetings and collaborations between the Minister of Health and the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Minister Gary Hunt, it was determined that it would be difficult to find another slot and as such postponement would mean cancellation. This decision was based on several factors and the top 3 factors directly affects the Athletes and Officials from all 26 countries and the wider Trinidad and Tobago community as follows:- While the organizers, athletes, officials and volunteers, who have been preparing for these games for more than 3 years, find the news extremely disappointing they understand and respect the decision. Below are statements by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Caribbean Games 2009 Ms. Dennise Demming, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Mr. Larry Romany and Secretary of Caribbean Associations of National Olympic Committees (CANOC). Ms. Dennise Demming - Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Caribbean Games 2009 There’s one word to describe the actions of the government – responsible. In postponing the Caribbean Games, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has acted in the interest of the athletes and people of the region. As Chairman of the LOC, I understand that decision … but it is a bitter sweet. For 3 years now, the Board has served selflessly and ensured the refinement of the vision for the games. For about 2 years now, the staff of the LOC has been serving diligently to put together a well oiled engine. Twelve hundred athletes have been preparing tirelessly for this event … xxx hundred volunteers have been simulating CGO9 … A lot of good work has gone into this activity. We looked forward to the opportunity to demonstrate that our people are competent and able to stage a world class event. The legacy of the games is not simply physical facilities but the experience gained in ramping up and I trust that this experience will be put to use for some future event. For all of us, the real learning was in the journey and I remain committed to making “Sport the Weapon of Choice for our Youth” Mr. Larry Romany - President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) This is a difficult moment but the decision taken by the Government that T&T cannot host the inaugural Caribbean Games as scheduled (12- 19 July) due to the Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus is respected and supported by the TTOC. Since the virus was first identified and detected last April, the TTOC was mindful of the risk potential the H1N1 virus could pose to the 2009 Caribbean Games. These concerns were further heightened on 11 June when the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared flu pandemic. I believe that the priority is the well-being of the athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and volunteers. This is a blow for the Caribbean Olympic Movement. You are looking at nine years of planning and dreaming. Words cannot adequately describe the disappointment. However, we must remain resolute and indomitable. It has been a tremendous learning experience for all the Caribbean Games stakeholders. The challenge is to create a lasting legacy of knowledge and relationships. It has been a deeply emotional experience For the T&T Olympic Movement .Our dedication and commitment to the Olympic movement, and the Olympic ideals and values has been put to the test. As host NOC for the inaugural games .It was an honour and a privilege .What the Caribbean Games meant to the movement, the athletes and the youth and Caribbean people inspired us[ T&T] to undertake our responsibilities and obligation with a sense of mission and purpose. There are still those around the world who believe that the Caribbean cannot unite, nor that we have the vision, capacity or capabilities to organise a multi-sport Games. I would like to apologise to all the athletes and coaches throughout the Caribbean for the disappointment and inconvenience caused. I know there is a profound sense of disappointment that everyone would be feeling, including, the hard working and dedicated Caribbean Games Organizing Committee Board of Directors, staff and volunteers who had so valiantly responded to the call. But the risks regarding the realities of H1N1 has to be accepted and addressed. I wish to thank the local, regional and international sponsors and partners who would have stepped forward to offer support either monetary or value-in-kind. I acknowledged that the decision as to possible new dates for the inaugural Caribbean Games is one that will have to be decided on by the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC). The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has communicated its position. It is now left to CANOC to decide on the future status of the 2009 Caribbean Games. Mr. Elton Prescott - Secretary of Caribbean Associations of National Olympic Committees (CANOC). As Secretary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, I have conferred with the Chairman and members of the Executive of the Association and informed them of the implications for our athletes, technical officials and guests of the information and recommendations of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago - Ministry of Health. These implications have led us as responsible organization, after discussions with the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, to agree that the Caribbean Games 2009 should be postponed. CANOC continues to be truly appreciative of the efforts of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, the volunteers, the National Federations and the Board and Staff of the LOC. We are also sensitive to the disappointment we all share over this development. The Executive of CANOC will meet shortly to determine a further course of action having regard to the interests of our NOCs, athletes and the realization of the dreams of all of us to stage the Caribbean Games in the region.
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