Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange on Wednesday (January 29) announced several initiatives that the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) will be implementing to further strengthen its capabilities.
Speaking at JADCO’s annual symposium, Minister Grange said the Commission will finalise memoranda of understanding with local and international partners, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) to strengthen its intelligence and investigation activities.
She also noted that the Commission will expand its contract testing and training services to other National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), sharing its expertise and contributing to the global anti-doping effort.
Minister Grange said JADCO is moving to expand the sample collection pool through a national duty programme. “These initiatives will further enhance JADCO’s capacity to effectively combat doping and ensure a level playing field for all Jamaican athletes,” the minister noted.
She said maintaining Jamaica’s leadership in clean sport requires ongoing vigilance, education, and strong collaboration.
Minister Grange congratulated JADCO on receiving ISO 9001: 2015 certification, noting that this demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to quality and adherence to international standards. She added that research indicates that “No other National Anti-Doping Organisation has been recommended for ISO 9001 2015.”
While highlighting some of JADCO’s achievements, Minister Grange said, “the government fully supports JADCO’s mission with dedicated annual budgetary allocations.” She noted that JADCO conducts the highest number of blood and urine tests in the Caribbean, reflecting a proactive and robust approach to testing.
In her remarks JADCO’s Chairman, Debby-Ann Brown Salmon noted the Commission’s pivotal role in ensuring a drug-free sporting legacy for decades to come. “This is why we continue to encourage partnership with you our athletes, support personnel and other stakeholders, so our mission doesn’t become burdensome, but is instead one filled with pride and vigour.”
Brown-Salmon said, “JADCO is already acknowledged as a leader in the region, and having been held in such high regard, the Commission must maintain a steady trajectory of promoting the ethics and spirit of sport through education, testing, advocacy, and coordination of an effective anti-doping programme in Jamaica.” She also called on athletes to be fervent in competing honourably, despite whatever obstacles they may face. She encouraged them to protect their integrity at all costs.
JADCO’s Executive Director, June Spence Jarrett, called on athletes and support personnel to build on the foundation that has been laid, remaining steadfast in their dedication to fostering excellence and fair play in all endeavours.
First vice president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Custos Rotulorum Ian Forbes gave his full endorsement of what he said is the tremendous work that JADCO continues to do.
The 2025 symposium was held under the theme, “Clean Sport: Shaping Jamaica’s Global Reputation.”
Presenters included Alan Beckford, General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) who addressed the issue of Governance Structure in Sporting Federations, Consultant Physiatrist, Dr. Paula Dawson who looked at WADA-Compliant Pain Management and Athlete Health, and Dr. Ana-Kay Harvey who shared details of the 2025 WADA Prohibited List.
Representatives from nearly 30 sporting federations and associations, tertiary and secondary institutions, professional groups attended the event held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew. Representatives from regional anti-doping associations as well as overseas-based athletes joined online.
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