Jamaica’s Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, has announced that Jamaica is set to host the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Forum for Caribbean Ministers of Sport once again.
Minister Grange confirmed that several ministers have already committed to attending the forum, scheduled for January 16-17, 2024. During the event, WADA President Witold Bańka will deliver an address and lead discussions. Minister Grange, fresh from her inaugural meeting on the WADA Foundation Board representing countries in the Americas, is also slated to address the forum.
“At the upcoming forum, we will provide updates on the progress we have made, both as individual countries and as a region, in implementing the anti-doping action plan discussed during last January’s forum here in Kingston,” said Minister Grange.
She added, “In addition, we will delve into various clean sport matters and initiatives, including athlete education, the strengthening of national anti-doping organizations in the region, and the crucial process of updating the WADA code.”
Third consecutive year that WADA is convening with Caribbean Sports Ministers
This marks the third consecutive year that WADA is convening with Caribbean Sports Ministers to address anti-doping issues. Minister Grange emphasized that Jamaica has been pleased to coordinate these meetings on behalf of WADA, fostering cooperation and collaboration toward a more robust anti-doping program in the region.
Ministers from the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, among representatives from 18 countries, are expected to participate in the WADA Forum at the Jamaica Conference Centre.
“We anticipate full participation from all countries in our region at this highly significant forum. While we are at different stages in developing our anti-doping programs in sports, each country is deeply committed to mutual learning and working together to uphold the integrity of sports,” Minister Grange emphasized.
