BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the 2026 CARIFTA Games nearing its conclusion, officials have confirmed that St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago have expressed interest in hosting the 2027 edition of the regional athletics showcase.
The update comes amid the absence of formal bids for next year’s Games. Instead, both countries have expressed interest, signaling their willingness to be considered as potential hosts.
Speaking at a press conference this morning (Apr. 6), President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC), Mike Sands, confirmed the development and explained the approach taken.
He told reporters that the opportunity was opened to the floor for countries to indicate either a formal bid or an expression of interest, with only two nations stepping forward.
“There were no bids that were presented prior to the congress so therefore we were not in a position to make a decision, but from the floor St. Kitts and Nevis have expressed their interest and so does Trinidad and Tobago,” Sands revealed.
He added that both territories have since been asked to submit the necessary documentation, including a letter of guarantee outlining support from their respective governments and/or sponsors.
According to Sands, once the council receives the required documents, deliberations will follow, with a decision expected within the next 14 days.
A key requirement, he noted, is the letter of commitment, which ensures that any financial shortfall associated with hosting the Games will be covered.
St. Kitts and Nevis last hosted the CARIFTA Games in 2008 and 2015. However, the latter edition was followed by financial challenges after the event concluded.
Sands acknowledged the high cost of staging the Games, stressing the importance of financial safeguards.
“We all do recognise it's a very expensive venture for instance, and so to safeguard the member Federation in particular the reputation of the country…we require the member federation to have a letter of guarantee or support from either its government and or a reputable sponsor the guarantee meaning obviously at the end of the day whatever the cost is.”
He also urged Local Organizing Committees to avoid over-reliance on government funding and instead seek sponsorship to help meet budgetary demands.
The 2027 CARIFTA Games are scheduled to take place over the Easter weekend, from March 26 to 29.
