In a press briefing held at the offices of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) this morning, the Hon. Natalie Neita-Headley Minister without portfolio (Sport) described the meetings held over the last few days between JADCO and the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) as constructive.
In a press briefing held at the offices of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) this morning, the Hon. Natalie Neita-Headley Minister without portfolio (Sport) described the meetings held over the last few days between JADCO and the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) as constructive.
WADA had been in the island on the invitation of the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller following the fire storm created by the positive drugs tests of a number of high profile athletes and the contents of an article in Sports Illustrated in which former JADCO head, Ann Shirley was scathing of Jamaica’s handling of drug testing of their athletes.
The Minister spoke of the type of support that would be forthcoming, saying, “They had very fruitful discussions with our team and have committed to working in closer partnership with JADCO to make it not only world class but also best in class.
“WADA has assured the Office of the Prime Minister that they will collaborate with JADCO in the strengthening of their programmes and will also provide support to the establishment of JADCO’s new website which is already underway. Greater emphasis will be placed on communications in order to improve the flow of information in a more timely and responsive manner.”
Neita-Headley went on to elaborate on the efforts the government has been making over the past few months “As you are already aware a new Executive Director assumed duties a week ago. Already the recruitment process for five of the nine identified vacancies in JADCO’s establishment is near completion. We expect to fill all these positions within two months.
”On the matter of budgetary support, we have already increased this year’s JADCO budget by 14% over the previous year and recommendations have been made for additional funding to the Commission, to support its testing programme and the development of a new website.
“Our focus going forward is on strengthening and building capacity in collaboration with our partners. Our training and public education programmes stand to benefit from support from the CHASE Fund, IAAF and WADA.”
The minister did agree that there was a need for better communication and public relations to ensure that the work being done in the fight against drugs in sports by Jamaica was properly highlighted.
Photo: Honorable Natalie Neita-Headley
You must be logged in to post a comment Login