The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), officially opened the doors of its new office during a ceremony held at its new location at 1 Ballater Avenue, Kingston 10 on June 11, 2020.
The 6, 299 square feet facility boasts a disabled-friendly environment, additional office space to facilitate expansion and larger conference rooms.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, keynote speaker the Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport said, “Today is a dream come true and JADCO has worked very hard to the point that this is now a historic event in the sporting nation of Jamaica. This is not just the opening of a new facility, this demonstrates that the government walks the talk, because we have ensured you now have the ideal space to function.”
Chairman of JADCO, Alexander Williams also said, “Our new and improved facility will enable JADCO to continue to build capacity and strengthen operations, as we strive to provide world-class service to all our stakeholders. The Commission was very fortunate to find this location within close proximity to the Half Way Tree metropolitan area. This will significantly reduce the impact that the relocation will have on our stakeholders.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony Paralympian, Alphanso Cunningham noted, “The new facility is very convenient, in terms of wheelchair accessibility, it is state of the art and the sport mural with someone physically challenged makes me excited and warms my heart.”
Dr. Warren Blake, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) also said, “One of the things for persons living with disabilities is that they should have access to all public buildings. It is really good to see that the para-athletes have been thought about. The location is more convenient and you can approach it from several directions. The new facility is very modern and I hope that JADCO continues to do excellent work.”
JADCO also continues to build capacity by adding six positions to its organisational structure and upgrading several existing posts.
JADCO was formally established in 2008 to execute the national anti-doping programme in accordance with the standards stipulated by the international governing body, the World Anti-Doping Agency. JADCO’s mission is to foster a dope free environment in Jamaica that promotes the ethics and spirit of sport through education, testing, advocacy and coordination of an effective anti-doping programme in Jamaica.
