Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin was pleased with the meeting of the Americas ©GOC

A meeting of members of the Commonwealth Games Federation from the Americas in Guyana has been hailed as a success by the organisation's President, Louise Martin.

Remarkably, despite Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which have caused such havoc in the Caribbean, most of the countries and territories in the region were able to attend the two-day event.

The meetings were held in the Guyana Olympic Association's new headquarters at Liliendaal in East Coast Demerara and were opened by Moses Nagamootoo, the Prime Minister of Guyana.

Gold Coast 2018 updated countries from the Caribbean on preparations for the Commonwealth Games ©GOC
Gold Coast 2018 updated countries from the Caribbean on preparations for the Commonwealth Games ©GOC

Among the highlights was a presentation from representatives  of Gold Coast 2018, who updated representatives on preparations for next year's Commonwealth Games.  

"The sessions were really, really good over the two days," Martin said.

"I think everyone left feeling pleased about what was discussed, especially in the area of governance and how everyone can be on the same page in the Caribbean, as we are at the level of the Federation."

Countries and territories from across the Caribbean made it to the CGF meeting, despite the hurricanes which has caused so much havoc in the region recently ©GOC
Countries and territories from across the Caribbean made it to the CGF meeting, despite the hurricanes which has caused so much havoc in the region recently ©GOC

The future of the Commonwealth Games and a review of the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, which recently took place in the Bahamas, were discussed.

Martin also gave an update on the search for a new city to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games following the decision in March to strip Durban of the event after the South African city failed to meet a series of financial deadlines. 

It is expected that the Games will now be awarded to Birmingham in England.