may.10.2009

Steve Stoute, president of the Caribbean Association National Olympic Committees (CANOC) will visit T&T tomorrow to evaluate T&T’s readiness for the inaugural Caribbean Games which will be held 12-19 July.

Stoute who is also President of the Barbados Olympic Association will meet with the Caribbean Games 2009 Local Organizing Committee, TTOC president Larry Romany and the Minister of Sport Gary Hunt or his representatives.

Romany said that the visit by the CANOC president is not "out of the ordinary" but a routine part of the process within the Olympic Movement.

"The count down is well and truly on.We have 64 days to go.CANOC is the rights owner of the Caribbean Games and therefore it is the norm for evaluation visits to be made. I am not worried -the LOC, TTOC and the Ministry of Sport are working hard to deliver a well organized multi-sport Games that is in accord with the Olympic Charter. Its historic .There are challenges but we will rise to the occasion"

"Measures are in place to make sure that the Caribbean Games operate within budget. The economic down turn has meant that some belt tightening has had to take place. The procurement policy is transparent and accountable in keeping with best practice standards ."

The T&T Olympic leader reminded that the Caribbean Games LOC has benefited from expert assistance from Brazil, Canada and Scotland.

“In addition to the LOC.The TTOC has drawn on the hands on experience of international colleagues who have successfully bid for and staged multi sport events to provide insights into the myriad issues around major event management. I am confident that the Caribbean Games is on course .Whatever concerns there may be will be satisfactorily address. Where we need to improve we will acknowledge and do so."