With all the discussion around of Bermuda being non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), www.islandstats.com will discuss the issue with the Minister of Sports Live at 5:00 pm.
A statement released on Friday October 13th, by WADA stated, “As part of a circulatory vote that ended yesterday, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Executive Committee (ExCo) approved a revised recommendation of the Agency’s independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) to add the Bermuda National Anti-Doping Organization (Bermuda NADO) to WADA’s compliance ‘watchlist’1.
In the days following the ExCo, the Bermuda NADO provided draft amendments to the legislation that WADA confirmed were in line with the Code, as well as a clear calendar for adoption of those amendments within four months. On this basis, the CRC has updated its recommendation for inclusion on the ‘watchlist’. As per the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS), by adding the Bermuda NADO to the ‘watchlist’, the ExCo has given it four months to execute its corrective action plans. If by February 12th, 2024 the non-conformities have not been corrected to the satisfaction of the CRC, the Bermuda NADO will be alleged as non-compliant without the need for a further decision by the ExCo.
The Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport can confirm that Bermuda’s Flag will be flown at the Pan Am Games, which is due to commence on October 20th, 2023, in Santiago, Chile.
The achievement of this outcome can be attributed to the comprehensive and effective review process led by Ministry Headquarters, the Bermuda Sports Anti-Doping Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Earlier today, the Minister for Youth, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell said, “I am pleased that the work carried out over the last few weeks has resulted in our being added to the WADA Watchlist and I look forward to the tabling of the legislative amendments following the reconvening of the legislature next month.
“I must thank the technical staff at BSADA and public officers who continue to be committed to providing a clean competitive environment for our athletes.
"It is anticipated that once the Bill moves through the legislative process, it will bring Bermuda into complete compliance with the WADA Code before the due date of February 12th 2024.
“It is my hope and expectation that the legislative changes will enjoy full bipartisan support in both the lower and upper house, given the national significance that competing in sports at the highest levels holds for our Country.”
Minister Darrell added, "This week, athletes, coaches and officials from Bermuda will be traveling to Santiago Chile to compete in the Pan-American Games and we wish them every success as they fly the flag for Bermuda and make our country proud."
