There have been cancellations of several tournaments and games in the Caribbean owing to the outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) in the region, but Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony says people have nothing to worry where Guyana is concerned because we are free of the virus.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony

Speaking at a press conference where he was addressing local media on Sunday’s Caricom 10K road race, Minister Anthony stated that unlike some Caricom countries, the suspected cases of the H1N1 when tested came out negative.

The disease has caused the cancellation of the much anticipated Caribbean games, which was set for Trinidad and Tobago next month as well as the Senior Caribbean Squash championships on the island.

Eleven members of a Surinamese Volleyball team who took part in a tournament in Trinidad earlier this month had reportedly contracted the virus.  A medical doctor by profession, Anthony noted that the Ministry of Health had already put measures in place to monitor the situation locally and stressed that those athletes and officials coming for the road race should have nothing to think of regarding the virus.

“The Ministry of Health here is very strong when it comes to dealing with this disease. As a matter of fact, when we had the few suspected cases here, we sent the tests overseas and they all came back negative,” Anthony stated.

“I don’t think there is anything to worry about in Guyana. We have everything under control here and so let me make it clear that we have no swine flu cases here.”