Caribbean RADO Salutes Those Instrumental in its Establishment

The Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) celebrates its 20^th Anniversary this year. It was on November 12^th 2005 that this organization was officially established, following a regional meeting held in Jamaica with representatives from the National Olympic Committees and Governments. With the help of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), it was decided that a regional anti-doping body would be formed.

The Caribbean RADO has been based in Barbados from its inception. At a special ceremony during its recent Annual General Meeting weekend, we took the opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations who were instrumental in the establishment of and have been pivotal to the continued growth of the Caribbean RADO.

Steve Stoute who was the President of the Barbados Olympic Association at the time the Caribbean RADO was established. He ensured that the organization was not only headquartered in Barbados, but also took it a step further facilitating the housing of the Secretariat at the Barbados Olympic Centre – where it remains to this day.

Erskine King is the former Director of the National Sports Council. He was an ex officio member of the NADC and tireless supporter of the Caribbean RADO from inception, including being part of the delegation to that key meeting which led to the formation of the RADO.

The late Rudolph Greenidge in his capacity of Minister of Sport at the time, learnt of the formation of WADA at the Panam Games in Winnipeg. Noting the value to Barbados, he then oversaw the establishment of the NADC one year later. He was also the Minister of Sport who granted the blessing for the Caribbean RADO to be based in Barbados. Mr. Greenidge was also responsible for the Caribbean having a voice at the global level in anti-doping with Barbados being elected to serve as one of the four representatives of the Americas on the first WADA Foundation Board.

Neil Murrell was not only the first secretary of NADC but later went on to become the first ever regional Administrator of the Caribbean RADO – a role we now know as Executive Director. He spearheaded the coordination services for Cricket World Cup 2007 – which has been one of the largest doping control operations in the organization’s history. Mr. Murrell currently serves as the Chairman of the Approvals Committee for the UNESCO Fund for the Elimination of Doping in Sport.

The name of Dr. Adrian Lorde is synonymous with Anti-Doping in Barbados, the region and beyond. Dr. Lorde was the first Chairman of the National Anti-Doping Commission – a role he currently holds. He was also the 1st chair of the Caribbean RADO, guiding the regional body for 14 years. Among his many roles in anti-doping, he also represented Barbados as the first Caribbean Country to have a seat on the WADA Foundation Board.

Dr. Sonia Johnson is the embodiment of the trajectory of an individual who is truly committed to clean sport in the Caribbean. Dr. Johnson first served as a DCO, being trained by the Caribbean RADO. Through her dedication to the movement, she took up the mantle of Member Country Representative for Grenada and head of the Grenada National Anti-Doping Organization. Among her accomplishments, Dr Johnson spearheaded the doping control programme for the 2024 Carifta Games. She has also risen to the ranks of the Commonwealth Games Federation Medical and Anti-Doping Commission and continues to share her knowledge, experience and expertise with the region.

The following organizations were recognized for their continued support of the Caribbean RADO over the past two decades:

The event also marked the 25^th Anniversary of the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados (NADC Barbados). The NADC sought to recognize key personnel of their NADC team who have made an invaluable contribution to anti-doping efforts in Barbados.

George Shepherd could always be called on, even at short notice, to perform the duties of Doping Control Officer. Additionally, he was also involved in the education of athletes during our local outreach programmes, up until his passing in May 2025.

Jasper Blades has the distinction of being of one of the first DCOs in Barbados. He was one of the first Caribbean RADO trained DCOs and is now an internationally certified DCO under the International Testing Agency. He has served on or taken lead of many missions in Barbados and beyond, with this role taking him as far as the Olympic Games!

Mary Remise was one of the first Barbadians trained as a Doping Control Officer. Since then, she has been a staunch member of the local doping control teams. The Caribbean RADO-trained DCO, often juggles her work and family commitments to make herself available for local and regional missions.

Milton is a former West Indies fast bowler. Among his many other activities following his cricketing career, Milton continued to contribute to sport, serving as a doping control officer in Barbados. Milton is meticulous when carrying out Doping Control Missions. He is always willing, ready and able to conduct operations for the NADC and Caribbean RADO including acting as a member of both the doping control and athlete engagement teams during the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dr. June Caddle has been a member of the Board of the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados from its inception in 2000. Over the years, she has used her skills and expertise, including serving on the World Anti-Doping Agency Education Committee. Dr. Caddle is also a trained DCO and has worked in this capacity at the T20 World Cup, Olympic Games, and Pan Am Games.