PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)

Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic Committee (T&TOC) president Larry Romany has described the cancellation of the first-ever Caribbean Games this summer as a huge blow to the organisers and the region.

Local officials cancelled the scheduled July 12-19 Games on Friday due to the growing threat of the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

"It is a blow for the Caribbean Olympic movement. You are looking at nine years of planning and dreaming. Words cannot adequately describe the disappointment," Romany said.

With Trinidad and Tobago's cases of the virus listed at 18 and authorities warning of the likelihood of that figure increasing over the coming days, the local health ministry recommended the event be cancelled.

T&T Health Minister Jerry Narace and Sports Minister Gary Hunt said the decision was taken after discussion with various stakeholders.

risk potential

The virus has so far affected more than 76 countries and infected more than 30,000 persons.

"Since the virus was first identified and detected in the USA last April, the TTOC was mindful of the risk potential the H1N1 virus could pose to the 2009 Caribbean Games," Romany said.

These concerns were further heightened on June 11 when the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic.

The T&T Olympic chief stated that the priority had to be the well-being of the athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and volunteers from the 27 Caribbean nations.

The Caribbean Games would have brought together approximately 2,000 athletes, officials and media workers from the region at a cost of TT$35 million (US$5.7 million).

"It has been a deeply emotional experience. Our collective dedication and commitment to the Olympic movement, the Olympic ideals, spirit and values have been put to the test. It was an honour and a privilege for T&T to be asked to host the inaugural Caribbean Games," Romany said.

Romany said he would like to apologise to all the athletes, coaches and Olympic committees throughout the Caribbean for the disappointment and inconvenience caused.

"What the Caribbean Games meant to the region's youth and athletes inspired us (T&T) to undertake our responsibilities and obligations with a deep sense of mission and purpose. There was a lot of expectation and responsibility placed on us."