Keep sport clean and forge better partnerships
FOR THE past 10 years, the Jamaica AntiDoping Commission (JADCO) has been ensuring that all athletes comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code which harmonises regulations regarding anti-doping across all sport and all countries of the world
The Government of Jamaica is forever grateful for the work that the local governing body continues to do as gatekeepers for potential risks, threats or damage to our sportsmen and women and, by extension, Brand Jamaica.
Indeed, the genesis of JADCO emerged from much work with our international partners. After adopting the World Anti-Doping Programme and the World Anti-Doping Code in 2003, Jamaica became the 97th signatory state of the Copenhagen Declaration on Anti-Doping in Sport on February 10, 2004.
The historic signing was followed by the forming of the Anti-Doping Committee and the drafting of the Anti-Doping in Sport Act, which was passed in 2008. The act was established to execute the national anti-doping programme in accordance with the standards stipulated by the international governing body, WADA.
Let me use this opportunity to thank the management and staff of JADCO who have diligently executed their role to keep all our athletes in line with the standards set out by the world regulatory body.
Since its establishment in 2008, JADCO has been a deterrent to doping in sport. In that regard, the commission has engaged stakeholders through communication activities and public education initiatives, detecting doping through testing activities and investigations, and enforcing the anti-doping rules by presenting cases of possible anti-doping rule violations to the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel. These efforts must be commended, as Jamaica has a strong track record of success and high standard in sport and anti-doping activities.
I extend heartiest congratulations to the JADCO board of executives and staff for ensuring quality, world-class athletes compete in furtherance to a clean sport locally and on the world stage.
I commend JADCO for its contribution to building our great nation. As you celebrate your 10th anniversary, I wish you every success as you continue to keep sport clean and forge better partnerships.
ANDREW HOLNESS
Prime Minister