Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange has declared her “full support” of Jamaica hosting the 2022 Carifta Games as a part of the country’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations with the National Stadium in Kingston being the venue.

The Games would take place between April 16 – 18.

Said Grange: “When news came that the selected host for 2022 – Guyana, was unable to fulfill the obligation, it was felt that the only country which could step up to the plate at such short notice would be Jamaica.”

She added: “Not just because of the ongoing dominance of our athletes, but because of our experience in staging similar events with athletes in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are very proud of the successful staging of the ISSA Boys’ and Girls’ Championships (CHAMPS) earlier this year. We have no doubt that we are equal to the task of staging the Carifta Games next year.

“With the cancelation of this important event for 2020 and 2021, junior athletes have missed out on the opportunity to gauge where they are at this critical stage of their development. Therefore, I feel that no effort should be spared in us trying to host the 2022 event. “

Grange said she has indicated to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association and the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association that, as Minister, she would do her best to assist in making it the island’s hosting of the Games possible.

“Carifta is of course the premier event for junior athletes across the CARICOM region with athletes competing in two age-categories: under-17 and under-20,” the minister noted.

“I must say, however, that although Jamaica is interested in hosting the event, it is subject to several approvals and sign offs as well as the requisite funding.

“The Ministry is therefore working very closely with the JAAA and NCACAC to satisfy all the requirements in order for me to make an official announcement.

“It is in our best interest to do everything to have the Games held here. Among all the other good reasons, our tourism, hotels in Kingston in particular, will definitely benefit.”