NACAC President urges CARICOM to establish wider sports committee

by Michael Bascombe

NASSAU, Bahamas, Aug. 29, 2026 - President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), Mike Sands, is calling for CARICOM to consider establishing a high-level sports commission or subcommittee, arguing that Caribbean political leaders need more structured and continuous engagement with sport beyond the regional grouping’s existing focus on cricket.

Speaking on Saturday’s TalkSports programme, Sands suggested that CARICOM could identify one of its political leaders to chair such a body and help ensure that sport receives greater attention as part of the region’s development agenda.

“Maybe it’s time for CARICOM to select one of those leaders to be the chair of a sports commission, if they don’t already have one,” Sands said.

During the discussion, it was noted that CARICOM has a prime ministerial subcommittee dealing with cricket. Sands said the concept should be widened.

“There should be a subcommittee probably for sports. That’s the point I make - not just cricket, sport,” he said.

Sands believes there is an opportunity to build on the recent engagement between CARICOM and regional athletics, particularly as preparations begin for Guyana to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games.

He disclosed that discussions surrounding the Games included the prospect of inviting, at minimum, CARICOM ministers responsible for sport.

“If we really want to sensitise our heads to the importance of sport, I think they need to be gathered in one place on a more regular basis,” Sands said.

He argued that such engagement should continue irrespective of changes in political administrations.

“Politics change the individual, but it should not change some principle things about nation-building,” he said, adding that political leaders and ministers responsible for sport and education have important roles in preparing the next generation.

Sands also stressed that any regional initiative should recognise the wider CARIFTA family and not be confined solely to CARICOM membership.

He noted that while all CARIFTA members may not belong to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), OECS members form part of the CARIFTA structure. The wider athletics family also includes territories outside CARICOM, which Sands said must be considered in any regional approach.

Beyond political cooperation, Sands said the 2027 Games should leave Guyana with tangible benefits.

“First of all, I think you have improved facilities. Let’s start with that. And you’ve got your full inventory of equipment,” he said.

Sands also expects knowledge gained from hosting the Games to remain with local officials, coaches, and athletes.

He said one of the longer-term outcomes should be a stronger relationship between CARICOM and the wider CARIFTA sporting community, creating more regular dialogue on the contribution sport can make to national and regional development.