CHOGM, Carnival 2010 under threat from Swine Flu

Trinidad & Tobago would have to consider whether to cancel the November Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) because of the threat posed by Swine Flu. That's the word from Health Minister Jerry Narace who told reporters Friday next year's Carnival could also under threat.

The CHOGM will bring heads of government from 51 Commonwealth nations together with their officials; Carnival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.

Both events are now being considered as possible breeding grounds for the virus, Narace said. He told the media a decision has already been made to cancel next month's Caribbean Games.

(see story below)

"We are going to be looking at all events. We are going to be keeping a close eye on all of the circumstances surrounding the development of the virus, all of the international circumstances, and as we examine them, we will then take a decision. But right now, we are just examining them," he said in reference to CHOGM and Carnival.

He said whenever a large group of people comes together it provides the ideal environment for the virus to breed. He is hoping that researchers will develop a vaccine before the events, however, he gave no assurance about hosting CHOGM and Carnival.

"We don't want to speculate. When we are ready, we will make a statement on that, well in advance if that is the case... all we continue to do is advise the Cabinet accordingly," he said.

Narace noted that the virus has been spreading rapidly with more than 40,000 confirmed cases globally by June 17. The latest WHO bulletin puts the total at 44,287 with 180 deaths.

(Check the WHO statistics and other Swine Flu data)