oct.29.2008

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ( TTOC) remains confident that Trinidad and Tobago can host a successful Commonwealth Games .

The National Olympic Committee also acts as the Commonwealth Games Association for T&T .

One year ago the TTOC announced that it was considering the feasibility of an official bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Local Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association chief Larry Romany confirmed that the idea is still on the "front burner" and that discussions with national stakeholders on all aspects of the bid process will get underway very shortly.

" Given what is happening with the global economy there is a lot to contemplate but we [TTOC] believe that T&T can stage a fantastic Games the concept that we have in mind will be modern,compelling ,dynamic and creative".

Trinidad and Tobago next year will host the Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in addition to the inaugural Caribbean Games.

Romany believes that in the context of a Commonwealth Games bid 2009 will provide a litmus test.

"Hosting the Summit of the Americas in April,The Caribbean Games in July and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in November will test the country's resolve and public opinion .Between the three events T&T will welcome 11,000 visitors.Our capacity,infrastructure,vision,logistics for major international event hosting will be tested." said Romany

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly will vote on the 2018 host city in 2011 but the bid process is expected to start at the beginning of 2010.