The entire board of the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) has resigned in the wake of the country’s anti-doping controversy. JADCO’s credibility has been questioned since former Executive Director, Renee Anne Shirley, brought to light that just one out-of-competition test took place between Feburary 2012 and the Olympic Games. Furthermore, six Jamaican athletes, including former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, have tested positive for banned substances in 2013. This sparked an investigation into the Island’s anti-doping policies by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). If found to be non-compliant with the WADA code, Jamaica could face exclusion from future Olympics and international competitions.
Natalie Neita-Headley, the Jamaican minister with responsibility for sport, says that the resignation of the board is necessary in order to improve public confidence in JADCO. She said: “Quite recently, Jadco ‘s commissioners met and acknowledged that there is a public perception of the existence of conflicts of interests among some of the members of the commission.”
She also said in her statement: “The commissioners have taken a decision, in the national interest and in order to facilitate the re-structuring of Jadco, to tender their resignations. The Prime Minister respects the decision of the commissioners and has accepted their resignations.”
In addition to the credibility of JADCO’s policies being questioned, the Chairman of JADCO Dr Elliot Herb, has had the legitimacy of his professional qualifications queried. The Wall Street Journal added to the anti-doping controversy by questioning Dr Herb’s masters degree from Columbia University and medical degree and PhD from Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. Dr Herb dismissed claims of illegitimacy.
In light of recent events, Neita-Headley has announced a restructure of the organisation and says: “As we continue to build on this rich sporting legacy, the Government of Jamaica will continue to do whatever it can to protect our good name and reputation and in the maintenance of a doping-free sporting environment. ” In addition, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, has promised WADA that the issues surrounding of anti-doping and the drug testing of Jamaican athletes will be a top priority for the nation. The JADCO board, including Chairman Dr Elliot Herb, will step down on 31st December 2013.
