The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission's (BADC) first Doping Control Officers' (DCO) Training Seminar is going on presently at Superclubs Breezes. On Thursday night, Commission Chairman Dr. Jerome Lightbourne welcomed the trainees, and delegates from the various sports federations and special guests at the opening ceremony.
He expressed much satisfaction in the commission being able to begin in earnest the process of providing a training environment for more DCOs. Chief Doping Control Officer Nurse Beatrice Arthur is enthused as well. The depth of officers better prepares the commission as it goes forward to carry out its mandate of ensuring "clean sports" in The Bahamas. Most impressive for me is the fact that the Family Islands are represented quite well. Trainees from Grand Bahama, Abaco and Andros registered on Thursday during the opening ceremony.
It is important for national sports bodies, all of which are based in New Providence, to be inclusive of the Family Islands. The commission is charged with being watchful of the entire country for those who are inclined to cheat by using banned substances. Accordingly, because quite a few important sporting events happen outside of New Providence each year, the BADC
has to be prepared for the huge task at hand. DCOs situated in the Family Islands can greatly assist the BADC in carrying out its duties in a manner that will be pleasing to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Government of The Bahamas.
It's a tall order for the commission. Is it up to the challenge? The future will tell.
It is definitely important for the BADC to have a real solid working relationship with the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC), the federations, associations and other sports entities, appointed by the Government of The Bahamas. WADA advocates for the world anti-doping bodies to put a strong focus on encouraging the federations to be helpful partners in the fight to keep sporting competitions fair.
It must be emphasized that although the Anti-Doping In Sports Act of The Bahamas is legislation that gives the commission official clout, the BADC has absolutely no authority over the federations. The BADC is empowered to monitor the sports scene in this country. In the case of non-compliance, the commission's role is clear. It has no jurisdiction to penalize the federations but it is expected to make reports to the government and WADA.
Such reports could be problematic for the federations. Therefore a good working relationship with the BADC is imperative. I believe however, that in this embryo period for the commission, reaching out to the federations is essential. Once this happens all apprehension would be eliminated.
Worldwide today, it is agreed that anti-doping bodies would be the vanguard for clean sports. Most countries (The Bahamas included) have signed an agreement to work along with WADA. The Bahamas government by establishing the act that enables an anti-doping body to go forth on behalf of the country, has demonstrated due diligence. Now, it's up to the commission to operate true to form. The training seminar that will undoubtedly produce a nice group of qualified DCOs is a step in the right direction.
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission is on the move.
To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com.

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