The host country for the next CARIFTA Games remains undecided after two Caribbean nations formally expressed interest during a recent congress of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).

Speaking at a media conference, NACAC President Mike Sands said no formal bids were submitted ahead of the meeting, preventing an immediate decision.

However, both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago declared their interest from the floor.

Sands said both countries have since been asked to submit the required documentation to support their bids, including a letter of guarantee from either their respective governments or a sponsor.

Sands explained that once the documents are received, NACAC’s council will review the bids and make a final determination within two weeks.
“We’ve committed to making a decision within the next 14 days,” he said.

He acknowledged that hosting the CARIFTA Games is a costly undertaking, which is why NACAC requires financial guarantees to protect both the participating federations and the reputation of the host country.

According to Sands, the guarantee serves as a safety net to cover any financial shortfall if organisers fail to meet their projected budget.

“It’s a very expensive venture,” he said, adding that most national federations cannot shoulder the cost of hosting such an event on their own.

While governments often provide backing, Sands cautioned local organising committees against relying entirely on state support.

Instead, he encouraged broader fundraising efforts to offset costs.

Trinidad and Tobago hosted the games last year, while Saint Kitts and Nevis last staged the event in 2015.

The CARIFTA Games is a key event on the regional athletics calendar, bringing together junior athletes from across the Caribbean, with the exception of Dominican Republic and Cuba.