July 3, 2024
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission proudly congratulates our esteemed Executive Director, Petra Haven, on her successful nomination for the 2024 Top 40 Under 40 Awards for the most successful and influential professionals in The Bahamas presented by Professional Services Bahamas. Petra’s tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the Commission have been instrumental in setting The Bahamas amongst the top in the Caribbean for doping control.
Since joining the commission, Petra has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to excellence. Her leadership and innovative strategies have significantly advanced our mission, ensuring the integrity of sports in The Bahamas. Her passion for excellence and exemplary leadership continue to inspire us all and drive our mission forward.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Petra’s hard work and influence within the industry. We celebrate this well-deserved honor and eagerly anticipate her continued contributions to the field.
June 21, 2024
In a thrilling development for the anti-doping community, Executive Director Petra Haven and Lead Doping Control Officer Lavaldo Coverley have completed the prestigious International Testing Agency’s
(ITA) International Clean Sport Educator Program with top honors. The 12-week course, renowned for its rigorous curriculum, equips participants with the skills and knowledge to advocate for clean sport through education.
Petra Haven, a long-time champion of clean sports, has tirelessly promoted prevention through education. Her passion for clean sport is evident in the enthusiasm with which she delivers sessions to athletes, parents, and executives. Haven believes that educating stakeholders at all levels is the key to fostering a culture of integrity in sports.
Lavaldo Coverley, a stalwart in the anti-doping field for over a decade, has been instrumental in the northern Bahamas. His notable role as a doping control officer at the Tokyo Olympics underscores his commitment to fair play. Coverley’s experience and dedication were crucial in his successful completion of the program.
The ITA International Clean Sport Educator Program is a comprehensive training course that offers international-level certification. It includes six self-paced online learning modules and live virtual sessions with ITA experts. Participants also gain hands-on experience by preparing various video projects, which are essential for practical learning and peer review.
Enrolment in the program requires a solid background in sports-related fields, proficiency in English, and a passion for promoting clean sport. Both Haven and Coverley exceeded these requirements, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the table.
Their success in the program is a significant achievement not only for them but also for the broader sports community they serve. As certified Clean Sport Educators, Haven and Coverley are now even better equipped to inspire and educate others about the importance of maintaining integrity in sports.
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission not only congratulates Haven and Coverley but thanks them for their dedicated service.
Pictured above – Dr. Sandeep Goud
Nassau, Bahamas – May 10, 2024
Dr. Sandeep Goud, Team Bahamas Doctor and Doping Control Officer, recently conducted a comprehensive educational session for the Team Bahamas World Relays team, shedding light on the intricacies of the doping control process. With a focus on maintaining fair play and integrity in sports, Dr. Goud’s initiative aimed to equip athletes with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate anti-doping regulations effectively.
As part of his role as Team Bahamas Doctor and Doping Control Officer, Dr. Goud emphasized the importance of compliance with anti-doping protocols to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. The session covered various aspects of the doping control process, including prohibited substances, testing procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of athletes.
Nassau, Bahamas – May 10, 2024
Petra Haven, the esteemed Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission, took center stage during the 2024 World Relays with a compelling on-air interview hosted by ZNS. The interview, marked by its lively and engaging tone, served as a platform for Haven to elucidate the critical significance of doping control in sports.
In her candid discussion with ZNS, Haven underscored the paramount importance of doping control measures in ensuring fair play, integrity, and the safeguarding of athletes’ health. With the global sports community’s eyes fixed on the World Relays, Haven seized the opportunity to emphasize the Commission’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the purity of competition.
Beyond emphasizing the necessity of doping control, Haven utilized the interview to advocate for enhanced doping control education initiatives. She highlighted the Commission’s proactive approach to educating athletes, coaches, and stakeholders about the perils of doping and the ethical imperatives of clean sport. By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, Haven reiterated the Commission’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity in sports.
The interview with ZNS was characterized by its dynamic exchange of ideas, offering viewers valuable insights into the complexities of doping control and the Commission’s multifaceted efforts in combating doping in sports. Haven’s engaging demeanor and expertise captivated audiences, leaving a lasting impression on all who tuned in.
As the 2024 World Relays continue to captivate audiences worldwide, Petra Haven’s illuminating interview serves as a testament to the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission’s unwavering commitment to promoting clean, fair, and ethical competition in sports.
Interview YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMDUBINu-7g
(scroll to 1 hour, 32 minutes to catch the interview)
Nassau, Bahamas – May 10, 2024
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) proudly announces its successful execution of comprehensive pre-competition and in-competition testing in conjunction with World Athletics at the 2024 World Relays held in Nassau, The Bahamas.
As the world’s attention turned to Nassau for this prestigious athletic event, BADC took center stage in upholding the integrity of competition and ensuring a level playing field for all athletes. Led by a dedicated team of anti-doping personnel, the Commission worked tirelessly to implement rigorous testing protocols, affirming its commitment to clean sport and athlete well-being.
“We are honoured to have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the spirit of fair competition at the 2024 World Relays,” said Petra Haven, Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission. “Our team spared no effort in conducting thorough pre-competition and in-competition testing.”
BADC’s efforts were instrumental in promoting clean sport values and maintaining the credibility of the World Relays as a pinnacle event in track and field; with many teams punching their tickets for the 2024 Olympic Games to be held in Paris. By conducting testing both before and during the competition, the commission demonstrated its proactive approach to anti-doping, adhering to a standard of transparency and accountability in sports governance.
The success of BADC’s anti-doping initiatives underscores The Bahamas’ dedication to clean sport and ethical competition. By hosting a world-class event with integrity and fairness at its core, Nassau solidified its position as a beacon of sportsmanship on the international stage.
For more information about the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission and its ongoing efforts to promote clean sport, please visit www.bahamasadc.org.
Contact: +1 (242) 325-2632 Email: info@bahamasadc.org
About the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission:
The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) is the independent body responsible for implementing anti-doping programs and initiatives in The Bahamas. Committed to preserving the integrity of sport, the Commission works to protect the rights of clean athletes and uphold the principles of fair play. Through education, testing, and enforcement, BADC seeks to eliminate doping in sports and promote a culture of clean competition.
April 9, 2024
Location: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, Nassau, The Bahamas
In an effort to instill integrity and fair play within the sporting community, Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission, spearheaded an enlightening educational session at the historic Thomas A. Robinson Stadium. The session, held on April 9, 2024, brought together members of the T-Bird Flyers track club, comprising junior athletes eager to deepen their understanding of doping control regulations.
The session proved to be a dynamic exchange of knowledge and insights, as Haven provided the young athletes with essential information regarding doping in sports. Among the topics discussed were the definition of doping, its consequences, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), athlete rights and responsibilities, and the doping control process.
One of the highlights of the session was the active participation of the junior athletes, who posed engaging questions and expressed genuine interest in maintaining clean and ethical competition. The interaction fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of fair play and the detrimental effects of doping not only on individual athletes but also on the integrity of sports as a whole.
Furthermore, the event benefited from the firsthand experiences shared by coaches, with particular emphasis on the insights provided by senior athlete and coach Samson Colebrooke. His real-life anecdotes underscored the significance of adherence to anti-doping protocols and the role of coaches in guiding athletes towards ethical practices.
Petra Haven expressed her satisfaction with the enthusiasm displayed by the T-Bird Flyers track club, emphasizing the crucial role of education in combating doping in sports. She highlighted the importance of nurturing a culture of integrity and transparency within sporting communities, ensuring a level playing field for all athletes.
The educational session hosted by the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission stands as a testament to the commitment towards promoting clean and fair competition in sports, empowering the next generation of athletes to compete with honor and integrity. Through continued efforts in education and awareness, initiatives like these aim to safeguard the principles of fair play and uphold the spirit of true sportsmanship.
#CleanSportsBahamas
March 12, 2024
The annual World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Conference, renowned for shaping global anti-doping policies and strategies, drew key stakeholders from across the sports and anti-doping communities to discuss pressing issues in the fight against doping, particularly with 2024 being an Olympic year.
Both Dr. Wells and Laing attended panel discussions and workshops focused on the latest developments in anti-doping policies, detection methods, compliance and athlete education initiatives.
Their presence at the WADA Conference reaffirms the Bahamas’ commitment to the global fight against doping and underscores the importance of collaboration in preserving the integrity of sports competitions worldwide. As the conference concluded, their insights are poised to inform future anti-doping strategies and contribute to a level playing field for athletes across all disciplines in The Bahamas.
February 19, 2024
In a lively and informative event, Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission, alongside Dominic Laing, Doping Control Manager, spearheaded an engaging educational session with athletes, parents, and coaches from the Bahamas Football Association.
The event, held at the Andre Rodgers Basebell Stadium, buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered to learn about the nuances of doping, doping control procedures, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), and much more. Haven and Laing brought a refreshing approach, blending humor with education to keep everyone hooked.
“We wanted to make this session not just informative but fun and interactive,” Haven remarked with a grin. “It’s crucial for athletes and their support systems to understand the importance of clean sports and the consequences of doping. Education is our strongest weapon against doping. By empowering athletes, parents, and coaches with knowledge, we are safeguarding the future of Bahamian sports.”
Throughout the session, participants eagerly participated in quizzes, discussions, and role-playing activities, deepening their understanding of anti-doping protocols. Prizes were given to add an extra layer of excitement, with cheers erupting each time a winner was announced.
“It’s fantastic to see such enthusiasm from everyone,” exclaimed Laing as he handed out prizes to delighted attendees. “This kind of engagement fosters a culture of clean competition and ensures that our athletes compete on a level playing field.”
As the event concluded, Haven expressed her gratitude to the Bahamas Football Association for their collaboration and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting athletes in their journey towards fair and drug-free sports.
With smiles all around and newfound knowledge in their arsenal, athletes, parents, and coaches left the session energized and motivated to uphold the principles of clean sportsmanship in the Bahamas Football Association and beyond.
February 8, 2024
Cleotha Collie, a seasoned Senior Doping Control Officer (DCO) with the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), has been chosen to represent her nation as a DCO at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. With over a decade of experience in anti-doping measures, Cleotha, affectionately known as Cleo, has established herself as an invaluable asset to BADC. Her selection to officiate at such a prestigious event underscores her expertise and dedication to maintaining fair play and integrity in sports.
Throughout her tenure with BADC, Cleo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her role in ensuring clean competition, earning respect and admiration from her colleagues and athletes alike. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, Cleo carries with her the well wishes and support of the entire BADC team. Her participation in the 2024 Paralympics not only highlights her individual achievements but also reflects positively on the Bahamas’ commitment to upholding the principles of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. BADC expresses its utmost confidence in Cleo’s ability to excel in her duties on the international stage and wishes her every success in Paris!