‘Clean Sport’ takes centerstage in Trinidad and Tobago this weekend as the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization holds its Annual General Meeting in the twin-island Republic, May 6th-7th 2023. Delegates from the 18 Caribbean RADO Member Countries as well as representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will meet over two days at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad to discuss matters pertinent to the anti-doping movement in the Caribbean.
Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman has noted that this year’s AGM is particularly important.
“We have some major activities on the horizon. For example, the WADA Code Compliance Questionnaire which requires all Member Countries to analyze and evaluate their anti-doping programmes will soon be due. Based on this questionnaire, WADA will conclude whether a country is compliant with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code. A review of this questionnaire will be one of the key items on our agenda,” said Werleman.
The Caribbean RADO Chairman also noted that the regional organization was extremely grateful to hosts Trinidad and Tobago for accepting the position as the designated alternates after initial hosts U.S Virgin Islands unfortunately had to withdraw from that role.
“We truly appreciate the efforts made to bring this meeting to fruition. This shows that Trinidad and Tobago – the Government, the Minister of Sports and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee – all value Clean Sport!” said Werleman.
He added that with the Commonwealth Youth Games being held in Trinidad and Tobago in August, the Caribbean RADO was eagerly preparing to support the Local Organizing Committee and was looking forward to working with the various stakeholders in the staging of a successful event.
This weekend’s proceedings begin with a Member Country Representative Capacity Building Workshop on May 6th which will focus on key areas such as the Anti-Doping Administrative Management System (ADAMS), compliance and operational independence as well as risk assessment and test distribution planning; followed by the official Opening Ceremony in the evening. Activities continue with the formal AGM on May 7th.
