The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), in partnership with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES), has officially signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to host the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN) Americas Workshop in Jamaica in 2027.
The signing ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Ministry’s office, marked a significant milestone in strengthening intelligence-led approaches to safeguarding clean sport and enhancing collaboration across sectors.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to clean sport and international collaboration, highlighting Jamaica’s leadership role in advancing anti-doping efforts and protecting the integrity of athletics.
Minister Grange stated, “Jamaica has long been a champion of fairness and integrity in sport, and this partnership with WADA further strengthens our resolve to protect our athletes and uphold the highest standards globally.”
She added, “Hosting the GAIIN Americas Conference reflects Jamaica’s leadership in the region and our commitment to working collaboratively across sectors to combat doping and safeguard the future of sport.”
WADA’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Francisco León, commended Jamaica’s longstanding partnership with the global body. He noted, “Jamaica is a very strong partner of WADA, and JADCO is an example of what a national anti-doping organisation should look like.” He noted this can only happen if there is the right leadership, and he thanked Minister Grange, JADCO’s Chairman, and JADCO’s Executive Director for the work being done. He also lauded the entire JADCO team, “for what they do day in day out, without you this would not be possible.”
León added that collaboration remains central to progress, stating, “We cannot work outside of athletes; we must work with them to ensure we are moving in the right direction.” He underscored the importance of intelligence and investigations in addressing doping at its root, rather than focusing solely on athletes.
Director of Intelligence and Investigations at WADA, Günter Younger, highlighted the evolving approach to anti-doping, emphasising that the first pillar is education and communication, and providing athletes with information is the first and most critical step.
He explained that while the second pillar, testing, remains essential, a more targeted approach is necessary: “Testing will always be necessary, but the question is, are so many tests necessary when there are so many negative tests?”
Describing intelligence and investigations as the third pillar, he said this is what will allow WADA to focus on those who are orchestrating doping. “Intelligence and investigations are critical to targeting real risks and reducing unnecessary testing, while protecting athletes, especially minors, from undue intrusion.” He highlighted that of the eleven anti-doping rule violations, only two are detected through testing, with the rest needing to be investigated.
Younger also underscored the role of the fourth pillar, law enforcement, noting that collaboration with law enforcement is critical, as their focus is on dismantling criminal networks behind doping, not the athletes themselves.
In her remarks, JADCO’s Chairman Debby-Ann Brown Salmon described the occasion as a defining moment in the global fight against doping, stating, “This signing represents a landmark moment for anti-doping and clean sport communities and symbolises the beginning of a joint mission with our partners and key stakeholders in the fight against doping in sport.”
She further emphasised the values underpinning the initiative, noting, “Clean sport is not just about fair play; it involves upholding integrity, promoting transparency, and protecting the health and rights of athletes.”
Delivering closing remarks, JADCO’s Executive Director, June Spence Jarrett, described the signing as a major step forward for Jamaica and the region and underscored Jamaica’s global standing: “by working collaboratively with our international and regional partners, we are enhancing our capacity to detect, deter, and disrupt doping and related illicit activities.”
Spence Jarrett said hosting the GAIIN Americas workshop in Jamaica positions the country as a leader in advancing intelligence and investigation within the anti-doping landscape. “It also underscores our commitment to safeguarding athletes, upholding integrity in sport, and contributing to broader national and regional security efforts.”
The GAIIN Americas workshop will bring together stakeholders from law enforcement, customs, immigration, sporting bodies, and intelligence agencies to strengthen cooperation, share best practices, and enhance investigative capacity in addressing doping and related illicit activities.
The signing reinforces Jamaica’s commitment to clean sport, athlete welfare, and international collaboration, while positioning the country at the forefront of innovative anti-doping strategies in the Americas.
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