The Hon. R. Danny Williams, Chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), says that the Commission welcomes the passage of the new Anti-Doping in Sport Bill. The Bill, which was passed in the Senate last week, repeals the Anti-Doping in Sport Act of 2008 and allows for the enactment of a new Anti-Doping in Sport Act, 2014.
“The Act clearly articulates the names and portfolio responsibilities of the four agencies under the Ministry of Sports which are associated with the conduct of athletes. It separates JADCO from the direct responsibilities of the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal,” Mr. Williams said.
He pointed out that the passage of the Bill was most significant, as it places the Jamaican legislation in line with the revised World Anti-Doping Code, which comes into effect on January 1, 2015. The new Act will also allow the Commission autonomy in its accounting procedures and sets clear guidelines for the appointment of executive members.
At a one-day board retreat on December 18, the Commissioners reviewed the performance of JADCO over the past year and managers reported on the agency’s 2015 strategies. “We are confident that, with a stronger staff complement in place, the Commission will be better able to meet its education and testing programmes in 2015,” Mr. Williams affirmed. He is calling on coaches and other athlete support personnel to assist JADCO by encouraging athletes to abide by the rules, especially as it regards submitting their whereabouts information, and to attend workshops in order to be fully aware of the anti-doping rules.
In that regard, Mr. Williams also commended the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) for its recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JADCO, which will result in members of the Association making presentations about banned substances at workshops.
As the country’s National Anti-Doping Organisation, JADCO continues to work toward fostering a dope free sporting environment which promotes the ethics and spirit of sport through education, testing, advocacy and implementing an effective Anti-Doping Programme in Jamaica.
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