Jamaica ? the titans of the CARIFTA Games ? could well have been a no-show for this year's meet in Bermuda.

President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) Pat Anderson revealed yesterday they had considered a boycott of the regional junior championships because their contingent was asked to obtain visas at $50 (Jca$3,000) per person.

This request was in keeping with Government's January, 2003 decision that Jamaicans would henceforth require visas to enter Bermuda. Government and Immigration officials explained the policy was supposed to help combat drug trafficking.

"We were told that we had to get visas for everybody and we decided we don't see why we should have to get them," recalled Anderson, adding they were still aggrieved by the incident which unfolded a few weeks ago.

However, the JAAA informed Bermudian authorities that their participation in the annual Easter classic would be in jeopardy if the matter was not resolved which it ultimately was with the visa requirement being waived.

"Our young athletes have a good reputation in the Caribbean. They are well behaved and we're hurt about that . . . we were saying cancel and don't bother going to Bermuda.

"We're still hurting over that. My people are not too happy at all," said Anderson, estimating Jamaica will bring "a scaled back" squad of 50-odd athletes to the CARIFTA Games.

Astronomical costs will prevent Jamaica from bringing the 70 to 80 athletes which they usually enter in the Games.