I celebrate your first decade ... the work continues

SPORTS MEAN a great deal to us in Jamaica. In many ways, sports define us as a nation and Jamaica has a great reputation in sports, built through much hard work over many years. It is a reputation that we’re very proud of and which we must protect. One of the ways we do this is through the work of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).

Since its inception 10 years ago, JADCO has been leading our efforts to fight doping in sports. As Government, we are committed to keeping our sports clean and to enable JADCO to do its work of coordinating an effective anti-doping programme, inclusive of testing and, equally important, athlete education. Lack of appropriate knowledge can lead to mistakes that produce adverse findings which can turn honest, hard-working athletes into perceived drugs cheats; rob them of much-needed opportunities; and affect our country’s reputation in sports.

Over the years, JADCO has been building a great reputation in the field of anti-doping in sports. It has been commended for its performance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Even so, we continue to evaluate the commission and make adjustments to enhance its operation.

As minister, I celebrate JADCO’s good start over the last decade to foster a dope-free environment in Jamaican sports. However, the work continues. The fight to keep our sports clean goes on and we are determined to succeed.

OLIVIA GRANGE, CD

Minister of Culture,

Gender, Entertainment and Sport