Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Senator, the Hon. Owen K. Darrell was invited to attend the third annual World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] Forum which took place from January 15 – 17, 2024. Minister Darrell joined several other Sports Ministers in the Caribbean regions.
The forum, gathering Ministers responsible for Sport in the region, focused on fostering collaboration among public authorities. The key areas of discussion included the development of educational anti-doping activities, updating the World Anti-Doping Code, ensuring the operational independence of National Anti-Doping Organizations, and enhancing government involvement in the fight against doping.
Minister Darrell presented an outline of Bermuda’s 2023 process of passing the Anti-Doping in Sport Act 2023. This presentation focused on assisting other regional Governments in their interactions with World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] compliance. Minister Darrell was pleased to announce that the World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] recognised Bermuda’s continuous efforts in anti-doping to best align with international standards. They applauded the swift approval of the recommended amendments to the Anti-Doping in Sport Act, well ahead of the February 2024 deadline.
Minister Darrell also acknowledged that all attending Ministers signed the Kingston Declaration. This declaration speaks to the important role that Governments play in driving policy related to the global fight to protect fair play and promote clean sport. It also affirms our collective commitment to continue to build on the progress made in the Caribbean Region.
Minister Darrell was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Marva-Jean O'Brien and CEO of the Bermuda Anti Sports Doping Authority Deborah M. Hunter.