Despite the accommodation and support offered by the residents of Pemberton in British Columbia during a visit by the JBF last month, the Jamaicans have instead opted to train in Salt Lake City in the United States.

"Unfortunately, the economic realities of the day have made that impossible for us and we have decided to move to Utah where we have trained and competed before as guests of the terrific Jamaican and athletic community in Salt Lake City," said Stokes in a release

"We are very appreciative of the kind hospitality of the people of British Columbia and are eager to return to the great bobsleigh fans of Vancouver, Whistle, Pemberton and Calgary as soon as possible," said Stokes.

Jordan Sturdy, mayor of Pemberton, said he was not surprised by the decision.

"We wish the individual athletes, some of whom have become personal friends, the best of luck with their journey towards the 2010 Olympics," Sturdy said.

The Jamaican bobsleigh teams made its Olympic debut 21 years ago at the Winter Games in Calgary, Canada, and competed in the four-man event at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.