NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) President Mike Sands has called for Caricom to consider establishing a high-level sports commission or subcommittee.

Speaking on Saturday’s TalkSports programme, Sands contended that political leaders needed more structured and continuous engagement with sport beyond the regional grouping’s existing focus on cricket.

“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.

“There should be a subcommittee probably for sports. That’s the point I make – not just cricket, sport,” Sands maintained.

The NACAC president said there was 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.

“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.

“…Politics change the individual, but it should not change some principal things about nation-building.”

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.

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