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PM Davis: 50th CARIFTA Games stands on a ‘rich and proud legacy’

Wed, Apr 12th 2023, 12:38 PM
Politics Sports

As he welcomed athletes, stakeholders and the general public the 50th CARIFTA Games, on April 7, 2023, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, noted that they stood on a “rich and proud legacy of friendly competition, regional camaraderie, and excellence”.

“Since its inception in 1972, these games have grown to be one of the most important sporting events in the region, and one of the most respected in the world,” Prime Minster Davis said, during the Opening Ceremony, at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, on New Providence Island, in The Bahamas.  “We are so pleased to host these games this year, and we welcome all of you with open arms and open hearts to The Bahamas.”

“I am so happy that the CARIFTA Games are back on track,” he added.  “After a two-year hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now settling back into the joy of a sporting tradition which we have come to look forward to at Eastertide.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, for 50 years, the region had gathered and competed in the spirit of goodwill and friendship.

“For 50 years we have worked to cement positive relationships amongst ourselves, and for 50 years, the CARIFTA Games have provided a launchpad for our most talented up-and-coming athletes to shine,” he said.

“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of each and every one of you,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Your tenacity is unmatched, and your hard work has certainly paid dividends. For simply making it to this point, you deserve a roaring round of applause.”

To the athletes, Prime Minister Davis acknowledged that their journeys had not been easy.

He said that they had devoted countless hours “to training, to research, to hard work.”

“And your coaches and parents have toiled in tandem with you, guiding and steering you toward greatness” he added.  “For their sacrifice, and yours, we salute you.”

Prime Minister Davis pointed out that their resolve had made them “masters of your events”, and added that he could not wait to see them all excel, be it on the track or the field.

He said: “You represent the best of what your countries have to offer; and, as you compete over the next three days, do so with pride in the knowledge that some of the very best world-class athletes from the Caribbean got their start right here at the CARIFTA Games, as you would have heard from other speakers before me.”

Prime Minister Davis noted regional athletes such as Usain Bolt from Jamaica, Kim Collins from St. Kitts and Nevis, and Obadele Thompson of Barbados.

“The CARIFTA Games is where they all got their chance to shine, and they shined spectacularly,” he said.  “Now it is your turn; so run, jump, and throw with all you’ve got.”

Prime Minister said that, in the meanwhile, he and his CARICOM colleagues will continue to support “this wonderful expression of regional collaboration”, which had opened the door for educational opportunities and future professional pursuits for competitors.

He added that it was a source of great pride to know that the CARIFTA Games were the most successful competitive junior championships in the world.

“It is a legacy built on excellence and determination, and we look forward to celebrating even more milestones on this journey together,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “To the officials and local organisers who have made these games possible, I extend my sincerest thanks.”

“Let us continue to build on this proud legacy, my friends,” he added.  “Athletes, may your competitive spirit shine, and may God continue to bless each and every one of you.  I wish you all a safe and spirited 50th CARIFTA Games; and I wish you all the best.”

 

As he welcomed athletes, stakeholders and the general public the 50th CARIFTA Games, on April 7, 2023, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis, noted that they stood on a “rich and proud legacy of friendly competition, regional camaraderie, and excellence”.
“Since its inception in 1972, these games have grown to be one of the most important sporting events in the region, and one of the most respected in the world,” Prime Minster Davis said, during the Opening Ceremony, at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, on New Providence Island, in The Bahamas.  “We are so pleased to host these games this year, and we welcome all of you with open arms and open hearts to The Bahamas.”
“I am so happy that the CARIFTA Games are back on track,” he added.  “After a two-year hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now settling back into the joy of a sporting tradition which we have come to look forward to at Eastertide.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that, for 50 years, the region had gathered and competed in the spirit of goodwill and friendship.
“For 50 years we have worked to cement positive relationships amongst ourselves, and for 50 years, the CARIFTA Games have provided a launchpad for our most talented up-and-coming athletes to shine,” he said.
“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of each and every one of you,” Prime Minister Davis added.  “Your tenacity is unmatched, and your hard work has certainly paid dividends. For simply making it to this point, you deserve a roaring round of applause.”
To the athletes, Prime Minister Davis acknowledged that their journeys had not been easy.
He said that they had devoted countless hours “to training, to research, to hard work.”
“And your coaches and parents have toiled in tandem with you, guiding and steering you toward greatness” he added.  “For their sacrifice, and yours, we salute you.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that their resolve had made them “masters of your events”, and added that he could not wait to see them all excel, be it on the track or the field.
He said: “You represent the best of what your countries have to offer; and, as you compete over the next three days, do so with pride in the knowledge that some of the very best world-class athletes from the Caribbean got their start right here at the CARIFTA Games, as you would have heard from other speakers before me.”
Prime Minister Davis noted regional athletes such as Usain Bolt from Jamaica, Kim Collins from St. Kitts and Nevis, and Obadele Thompson of Barbados.
“The CARIFTA Games is where they all got their chance to shine, and they shined spectacularly,” he said.  “Now it is your turn; so run, jump, and throw with all you’ve got.”
Prime Minister said that, in the meanwhile, he and his CARICOM colleagues will continue to support “this wonderful expression of regional collaboration”, which had opened the door for educational opportunities and future professional pursuits for competitors.
He added that it was a source of great pride to know that the CARIFTA Games were the most successful competitive junior championships in the world.
“It is a legacy built on excellence and determination, and we look forward to celebrating even more milestones on this journey together,” Prime Minister Davis said.  “To the officials and local organisers who have made these games possible, I extend my sincerest thanks.”
“Let us continue to build on this proud legacy, my friends,” he added.  “Athletes, may your competitive spirit shine, and may God continue to bless each and every one of you.  I wish you all a safe and spirited 50th CARIFTA Games; and I wish you all the best.”
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