IN SPITE of the growing health and security concerns surrounding the Commonwealth Games, public sentiment still seems in favour of Barbados’ attendance at the India games which open tomorrow.
At least from some of sports’ top brass.
Director of sports at the National Sports Council Erskine King and Amateur Athletic Association president Esther Maynard are still in support of the decision to send a contingent despite the absence of several key athletes.
The two did express initial concerns over the athletes’ safety but weren’t overly worried about the situation as opposed to any other international games.
“Of course, they will have to be security conscious but I’m sure every precaution will be taken by our management team,” reasoned Maynard, who also said she is attending the games as an international technical official.
“We just have to make the best of the situation but there should be no issues, as the Delhi police are handling the games’ security.”
Health has been the major cloud over these Delhi games, with the onset of flooding as well as a dengue outbreak in India leaving some question marks over the meet’s successful staging.
And those issues were further compounded after international media released pictures of unhygienic accommodation at the Games Village.
But chef de mission Cammie Burke allayed any possible health fears surrounding the Bajan camp, saying earlier this week that the village would be habitable by the time the athletes arrived.
“My only concern was for their safety,” said King, seemingly downplaying the much-publicised health worries.
“India is a big country with a big economy, so I would have to err with the Commonwealth Games committee in believing that Delhi can host these games.”
All 71 Commonwealth countries have sent contingents to compete at the games, which are scheduled to conclude on October 14. (JM)
