BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PREPARATIONS for the hosting of the CARIFTA Games in St. Kitts and Nevis are moving apace as the grand event is scheduled to commence over the Easter weekend.
In an interview with media personnel, Chief Administrative Officer of the CARIFTA Secretariat Kiethley Phillip explained how preparations are proceeding from a local standpoint.
“Things are going well. We have right now, of the 27 teams that ought to be represented we have 25. There are two that have opted out in Montserrat and Belize.”
He explained that of the 25 teams, 19 of them have sent their preliminary entries.
Phillip also spoke about the logistical preparation and indicated that there is only one problem at the moment, which would soon be rectified.
“Last week we had a visit from the Technical Director. We visited the Stadium. There is a bit of work that is going on there but, essentially, that is good. The teams have been sending their information. The followers of the teams have been calling us, so that is good.
“The only difficulty we might be having right now is to deal with the rooms, and we are quickly trying to get that sorted out. We have already contacted all the international technical officials who will be coming in.”
He further indicated that a number of private sector companies have partnered with them.
Those companies are LIME, National Bank, TDC, St. Kitts Bottling Company, Carib Brewery and Island Purified Water.
“We can say a fair amount of the private sector is onboard. The Government has also given us their assurances. The Minister of Sport, the Hon. Shawn Richards, has given us his assurance that his Ministry would provide,” Phillip said.
The Local Organising Committee had established a CARIFTA Secretariat on Fort Street and Phillip highlighted the purpose behind the move.
“The office is here really to make the ease of persons who want to get information regarding CARIFTA. With the office here on Fort Street, persons can easily find it…they don't need to go out their way to get to us.”
The office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.
Phillip made a plea for volunteers to come onboard for the games.
“Volunteers are critical to us. Without the volunteers we cannot effectively produced the games, so we are right now seeking volunteer. Persons who would have taken part in the CPL, Music Festival, CARIFTA and even some of the One Day games we would have hosted, anyone with any experience at all, even those without experience, because we would provide training for them. All persons have to do is fill out a form and indicate what aspect they would like to serve.”
He indicated that they are seeking at least 100 volunteers.
