Integrity of Independent Anti-Doping Panel and Appeal Tribunal Should Never Be in Question – Minister Grange

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange has charged the Independent Anti-Doping Panel (IADP) and the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal (ADAT) to operate at the highest standard, noting that the integrity of the bodies should never be in doubt.

“No athlete or their support personnel should ever have any cause to call the integrity of the process into question, once a decision is rendered, having been brought before the panel,” she said.

Minister Grange made the comments during a briefing session with newly appointed members of the IADP and the ADAT held on Thursday (March 21) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

The IADP is independent of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) and determines the sanctions handed down to athletes who have committed anti-doping rule violations.

The appeal tribunal, which is also an independent body, is responsible for hearing and determining the outcome of issues arising from decisions made by the IADP.

Minister Grange reminded the members that it is the Anti-Doping in Sport Act 2014, which sets out the parameters for the local anti-doping framework, to ensure that Jamaica is compliant with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention against Doping in Sport.

“It is this legislation that created the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, the Independent Anti-Doping Panel and the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal. They are all separate and independent bodies, which serve as part of the local mechanism geared towards ensuring clean sport in Jamaica,” she pointed out.

Welcoming the members of the panel and the tribunal, Minister Grange expressed her gratitude to them for their “willingness to serve.”

“Let me thank you for your service. You have a big responsibility and you have done Jamaica and clean sport proud,” she added.