BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – St. Kitts and Nevis is to host the Commonwealth Games Federation Assembly Meeting in 2011, the Federation’s Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has disclosed.
St. Kitts and Nevis will host the meeting from November 5 – 12, 2011, Prime Minister Douglas told his large radio audience on “Ask the Prime Minister” a one hour weekly programme which is syndicated simultaneously on Kyss FM; Choice FM, Sugar City Rock, Radio One and ZIZ Radio.
“This will do tremendous good for our little country, as it will further showcase St. Kitts and Nevis to the entire world because 71 nations will be represented at this meeting together with several observers,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
St. Kitts and Nevis was selected at the just concluded meeting of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in India, which will host the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games Federation is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games.
President of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Commonwealth Games Association, Mr. Alphonso Bridgewater, who made the presentation on behalf of St. Kitts and Nevis, said four countries were in the running. Kenya was ruled out and St. Kitts and Nevis, along with Barbados and Northern Ireland were shortlisted.
Mr. Bridgewater told the Communications Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister (CUOPM) that Barbados withdrew and indicated it would support the candidacy of St. Kitts and Nevis. In the final vote, St. Kits and Nevis received 42 votes to 21 by Northern Ireland.
“St. Kitts and Nevis as a progressive nation, to be given the honour of hosting the meeting of the Assembly in November 2011 is laudable,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of Sports.
He expressed thanks to the members of the NOC delegation which travelled to India and presented St. Kitts and Nevis to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly meeting.
“They are true ambassadors and St. Kitts and Nevis gives the commitment that it will live up to its name – a country where peace abounds and a country that is progressive and always conscious of its international responsibilities, though small,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
Other members of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation were Vice President of the Natuional Olympic Committee, Mr. Freddie Knight and General Secretary, Mr. Glenn Jeffers.
