A final decision on the fate of the Carifta Games will be announced next month.

The North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association hosted a special information session for the member federations as well as chairs of NACAC commissions and working groups at the weekend.

Having been postponed when originally scheduled in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bermuda transferred its hosting responsibilities to this year with the Easter weekend of April 3 to 5, set as the new dates.

However, continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic forced the Games to be postponed again with the NACAC opting for the new dates of July 2 to 4.

Despite the new schedule being set, the organisers were once again forced into rescheduling because of a clash with the Caribbean Examinations Council external exams.

A new date of August 13 to 15 was scheduled, but the Games have once again been thrown into doubt after the a recent spike in Covid-19 cases on island, with Bermuda reporting 868 active cases.

At Saturday’s meeting, Carifta 2021 Local Organising Committee 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 a significant 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.

After 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 the month-end deadline.

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