Govt. “mum” on IAAF World Relays cancellation

Govt. “mum” on IAAF World Relays cancellation

Finance Minister Peter Turnquest was just one of a number of government officials who refused to comment Thursday when questioned about the IAAF World Relays being hosted by the Bahamas in 2019.

Yesterday, rumors quickly spread that The Bahamas had pulled out of its contractual agreement made between the previous Christie administration and the IAAF to host the games, which is held every two years.

It is believed the hefty $5 million price tag was too high a price for the government when considering its new fiscal reform.

Additionally, word quickly spread that many of the payments to staff who were contracted to work the previous games were still outstanding even though certain high-profile persons had already been paid for the last games.

While up to this point the government has not confirmed or denied the report, Turnquest has told Eyewitness News that Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is expected to speak on the matter today.

The Bahamas has been the only country to host the IAAF World Relays since the event began back in 2014.

While it is an expensive undertaking, the country has gained considerable international exposure and prominence due to what had become its marquee sporting event.