Although this year’s edition of the CARIFTA Games is scheduled for August 13-15, the August dates are  “under threat.”

Bermuda is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases.

At an information session on Saturday hosted by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) for the member federations as well as chairs of NACAC commissions and working groups, the CARIFTA  2021 Local Organising Committee (LOC) member Mia Bean spoke about a non-negotiable requirement that any unvaccinated visitor to Bermuda must be quarantined for 14 days.

Since the vaccination requirement would impact all Under-17 athletes as well as some of the Under-20s, it is seen as ” a major stumbling block.” Other potential challenges were put on the table, including the impact of positive COVID-19 tests during the Games, available hotel rooms, and timelines for booking charters and making payments.

Following extensive discussions, the CARIFTA 2021 LOC was given until April 30 to report to the NACAC Council on the latest situation with all the issues raised at the information session. The LOC is expected to meet with Bermuda Government officials before month-end.

After it receives the Bermuda LOC report, the NACAC Council will make a decision and communicate it to member federations.

Bermuda was scheduled to host the Games last year but the annual event was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CARIFTA Games , founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). was first held in 1972 and consists of track and field events including sprint races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays.