BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):AN AGENCY labeled as the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), will be launched in January to cater to the Caribbean.
Dr. Adrian Lorde, head of the Barbados National Anti-Doping Commission, said yesterday that RADO Caribbean had been put in place at the request of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
RADO Caribbean will be head-quartered in Barbados.
"There are some countries in the Caribbean which do not have anti-doping agencies, therefore, we have formed RADO Caribbean to bring every country on board," said Dr. Lorde, who is a member of WADA.
"The main areas to be handled will be conducting tests, co-ordinating results of tests, results management, appeals, and education of athletes and other in sports."
Such an approach is intended to increase worldwide testing and promote long-term sustainability of testing and anti-doping education, Dr. Lorde noted.
He added that the overall goal is to ensure that all athletes in all countries and in all sports are subject to the same anti-doping protocols and processes; and to collect samples from athletes in all countries throughout the world.
RADO Caribbean is expected to include countries, which are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Dr. Lorde added that Bermuda and Cuba are also interested in joining the organisation.
Over the first two years, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Corporation will fund RADO.
