Sports minister calls for national anti-doping awareness campaign

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith is calling for a national campaign to increase public awareness of anti-doping in Barbados.

Speaking on Saturday night at the opening ceremony and awards dinner hosted by the National Anti-Doping Commission at the Barbados Beach Club, Maxwell, Christ Church, Griffith, said there needs to be a comprehensive media campaign to raise awareness.

He noted that the current level of public knowledge is insufficient and said this is a major concern for him as Minister of Sports.

He urged the National Anti-Doping Commission to find practical ways to engage young people and their parents at the grassroots level, stressing that without parental involvement, key opportunities to influence behaviour could be missed.

Griffith also highlighted the high costs associated with sending test samples overseas, particularly to Canada.

He proposed that countries in the region collaborate to establish a local testing facility, which he said would be more cost-effective. If the costs were reasonable, he added, Barbados would support such an initiative.

Dr Adrian Lorde (left) was awarded for his outstanding contribution.

The minister also called for more individuals to be trained in anti-doping procedures. He suggested a “training of trainers” workshop to increase the number of qualified people able to spread the message islandwide, emphasising that a small group cannot manage the task alone.

While acknowledging the challenges, Griffith expressed confidence in regional efforts to tackle doping and reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to the cause.

The event celebrated two major milestones: the 25th anniversary of the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados and the 20th anniversary of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO).

Joy Adamson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, was presented with the award by Patrick Werleman, Chairman of Caribbean RADO.

Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman gave opening remarks, and Francisco Leon, Director of the Latin American Office of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), delivered the featured address.

Several individuals and organisations were recognised for their contributions to anti-doping efforts locally and regionally. (STT)