Jamaica’s Sports Minister Natalie Neita-Headley has said the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) two-day meeting with the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) had been “constructive” and “fruitful”.
The visit follows allegations Jamaica’s drug testing regime was inadequate.
Former Jadco executive director, Renee Anne Shirley, claimed testing in the run-up to the London Olympics wasn’t conducted as stipulated by WADA’s comprehensive anti-doping programme.
Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Sherone Simpson all recently tested positive for banned substances.
The Minister, Neita-Headley, has vowed to improve the country’s drug testing, saying: “I am pleased to confirm that the three-member WADA team visited Jamaica and engaged in constructive meetings with Jadco over the past two days.
“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.
“There is no doubt that we have done some things well but, like with all other growing organisations, Jadco is only five years young and there are areas that we are seeking to improve.”
Nine new Jadco posts are likely to be filled within two months in addition to the newly appointed executive director Carey Brown, coupled with plans tyo increase staff numbers.
WADA’s audit is not expected to be made public until after their conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for November 12 through 15.
