Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games Organizing Committee chairman Wellington Miller has given reassurances that the Caribbean nation will be able to stage next year’s event after admitting construction at some venues was delayed following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew.
The Bahamas was severely affected by the hurricane, which struck in October, as the nation sustained more than $600 million (£480 million/€576 million) worth of damage.
Grand Bahama, the northernmost island in The Bahamas and closest to the United States, was one of the worst-hit areas, along with Eight Mile Rock and Holmes Rock.
Recovery efforts by the Government in the wake of the hurricane, the first category five storm in the region since Hurricane Felix in 2007, prompted late funding of the operational personnel for the Commonwealth Youth Games.
The Queen Elizabeth Sports Complex in Nassau, due to be the centrepiece of the Youth Games, was hit by "minimal damage", while construction work has begun on the rugby field which is set to be used for the event.
Renovations at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium, due to stage judo, have also started.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Review Committee recently conducted a three-day visit to inspect preparations but they claim to be pleased with progress despite the damage caused by the hurricane.
Rachel Simon, who is responsible for the Commonwealth Youth Games at the CGF, and sport services manager Ann-Louise Morgan, joined members of the Review Committee, such as Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee President Brian Lewis, for the visit.
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