abr.03.2009

Port.of.Spain-Friday 3 April

Commonwealth Games Federation Honorary Secretary General Louise Martin arrived in Trinidad yesterday for a three day visit that will form a critical aspect of T&T's preparations to host the historic inaugural Caribbean Games .

The primary purpose of the highly respected sport administrator's visit is to conduct a protocol audit for the 2009 Caribbean Games. Local Organizing Committee

Martin was instrumental in Glasgow winning the bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

She is in Trinidad following a request made to her by Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president Larry Romany.

"Louise has vast experience.She is an acknowledged driving force in Scotland Sport.She understands the requirements for successfully hosting multi sport Games.Her positive response in an individual capacity is deeply appreciated".

Romany pointed out that the task of hosting the inaugural Caribbean Games is a significant responsibility and in order for Trinidad and Tobago to set the foundation for a sustainable legacy for the future of the Games the TTOC's approach is that there is no second chance.

' I have always said that the decision of the Caribbean Heads of Government and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) to stage a Caribbean Games is visionary and audacious.I continue to call on everyone without exception to rally around the Caribbean Games' added Romany

Amid rumors to the contrary, the T&T Olympic chief remains adamant that the Region's best athletes are fully supporting the Games.

" I am in regular contact with my Caribbean Olympic colleagues and they are confident that in their respective countries there is a recognition of the sense of history and importance of the Games to the Caribbean people and region.I don't get a sense that there are any hidden agendas or self interest at play.Also the feed back from all the sports is positive and supportive"

This morning Martin is scheduled to make courtesy calls on the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Professor George Maxwell Richard,the Minister of Sport,Gary Hunt and the British High Commissioner.

The inaugural Caribbean Games will be held 12- 19 July.Five sports on the programme are Boxing,Tennis,Track and Field,Netball and Volleyball.The tennis competition will be held in Tobago.