The event has also been sanctioned by the Government of Jamaica, through the office of the Minister of Sport. The event is expected to attract close to 650 athletes competing in U17 and U20 categories as well as 150 officials from 27 countries.
Jamaica also has the blessing of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) which has oversight for track and field in this region. NACAC President Mike Sands is expected to visit the island early next year for a venue inspection.
Meanwhile, the Games will be managed by a local organizing committee, already in place and will be chaired by the President of the Pan Am Games Technical Commission and immediate past president of the Jamaica Olympic Association Mike Fennell. JAAA’s Honorary Secretary Marie Tavares will act as General Manager.
A team of expert sports officials in key areas has been assembled to manage the event. That team has already met and plans are well underway. Chairman Fennell is confident that they can successfully host the games despite having many setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several milestones are to be celebrated next year. These include The Games 50th year, Jamaica’s 60th year of independence and the host federation, JAAA, 90 years in operation.
“The opportunity to host under these kinds of milestones is a tremendous opportunity for Jamaica to host some of the best sporting talents from the region to the world. This event will also offer some insight on what competition from this region could look like at the 18th World Athletics Championships, scheduled for Eugene, Oregon in July 2022,” said JAAA President Garth Gayle.
“The number of other international events which will follow allows the Carifta Games to signal that the youth from the region are ready for competition; that sport is ready and open for business and Jamaica will host the 800+ people from all over in a safe and secure environment.”
This is the eighth time that Jamaica will host the Carifta Games since its inception in 1972. Of the 48 editions held so far, Jamaica has topped the medal table on 43 occasions.
“We are pleased to advise that no proof of vaccination for COVID 19 will be required from participants including athletes, coaches and other support personnel, officials, representatives of the media, volunteers and spectators,” said a statement from the Carifta Games LOC on Wednesday.
Notwithstanding, the revised policy, the Chairman of the LOC, Mike Fennell wants participants to appreciate that the virus has not gone anywhere.
"(I) am strongly recommending and encouraging everyone to continue to practice all the standard safety measures such as good personal hygiene, wearing of masks, and social distancing. Please be reminded that the Covid 19 virus is still with us and due care and attention must be observed by all," Fennell said.
"We would also like to assure you that we will continue to sanitize all relevant areas at the Athletes Village and the warm-up and competition facilities at the National Stadium, and one of our partners for the Games, Konnexx Services, will be undertaking this responsibility as a part of our agreement.
"We remind you to check the current policies for the conditions and protocols required by airlines and those for your own countries’ re-entry."
As the patron, Pandohie will be the primary spokesperson for the event and will use his traditional and social media platforms to promote the Games scheduled for Kingston from April 16 - 18.
An estimated 500 athletes from across the region are expected to compete at what will be the 49th staging of the event.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mikel Fennell, made the announcement at the weekly meeting on Friday.
“It’s a happy day when on behalf of the LOC, we can welcome our patron. He is one of the brightest minds representing business in the corporate sector, having transformed the Seprod Group of Companies into one of the most dynamic companies in the region,” Fennell said.
“His association with the Games which seeks to convert the lives of young people in the same way as he has done with the manufacturing and distribution company makes him a natural fit for this role.”
In accepting, Pandohie said he is aware of the magnitude of the appointment.
“I understand fully the role I have to perform,” he said. “There is so much in Jamaica that comes with what sport (track and field) has to offer in the process of developing world-beaters.
JAAA President Garth Gayle acknowledged Pandohie’s appointment saying that his contribution will be of “tremendous value, not just to the Games, but to track and field in Jamaica.”
