Guyana to host 2027 Carifta Games after St Kitts and Nevis withdraws

GEORGETOWN, Guyana. Guyana has stepped in to host the 2027 Carifta Games, one week after St Kitts withdrew as host of the Caribbean's premier junior athletics championships.

The announcement was made by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), which also confirmed that Barbados will host the 2028 edition.

St Kitts and Nevis withdrawal

The St Kitts-Nevis Athletics Association and Olympic Committee said when it withdrew that it was "not the most ideal time" for the twin-island nation to stage the Games.

NACAC Athletics said Guyana's decision to host in 2027, and Barbados's commitment for 2028, followed swift intervention and support from Caricom heads of government.

'Secures the immediate future'

"On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the Caricom Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the Carifta Games," NACAC Athletics president Mike Sands told a media briefing.

"I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host Carifta 2027 and 2028," he said. "This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world's premier junior athletics event."

Longer-term model

NACAC said it would work closely with authorities in Guyana and Barbados to begin early preparations for both editions of the Games.

It will also continue talks with Caricom leaders on creating a more sustainable model for athletics and major youth sporting events across the Caribbean.