The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

MIKE Sands, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations president, believes that “hiccups” were inevitable during Carifta as thousands flocked to the national stadium over several days.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Sands said although his team ran several tests ahead of the start of the games on Friday there were still unforeseen challenges.

Officials said they experienced several problems, including logistical issues, bathrooms were backed up, and a few international 
journalists were not allowed access to various parts of the stadium due to issues with accreditation.

“I know,” said Mr Sands, “we had some problems and I prefer to deal with and discuss the great job that was done during the games.

“We must appreciate the fact that this was the first time that we as a country staged an event of this magnitude. So for anyone to suggest or believe that there would be no issues they were mistaken.

“I am also advised that every effort was made to accommodate where there were inefficiencies and shortfalls.

“I still think that the manner in which we responded to the issues was excellent.”

During the games there was criticism circulating on the internet that the media area was not up to par and that the accreditation system did not work.

Journalist Anthony Foster wrote on www.trackkalerts.com: “Well into the meet, journalists suffered and may still be suffering big time from the poor quality of internet service. We pleaded for internet service on Friday, but nothing, apart from late in the night, after the opening ceremony, we were told the net was up.

“However, on our arrival on Saturday there was no internet in the ‘so-called’ press tribune. And even though this was reported by almost everyone, the technical people showed little or no urgency.”

His words sparked a response from Carifta sponsor BTC’s spokesman, Marlon Johnson who said: “For the record, we did not provide commercial internet services at the stadium. We were never asked to do so. We have provided free WiFi services for the first 1500 customers who access the service. We were not contracted to provide any commercial grade service at the games.”

Another reporter, Miami Herald Caribbean Correspondent Jacqueline Charles tweeted: “Very disappointing #Bahamas, @Carifta experience so far, despite Chinese built $100m new stadium that sits 15,000, according to PM Christie.

In another post she said “After being removed from VIP seat for third time Sun, #NACAC executive Alain Jean-Pierre left stadium at #carifta2013.”