Nassau, Bahamas – February 5, 2024

In a landmark move to align with global anti-doping standards, The Bahamas has updated its Anti-Doping in Sports Act, introducing substantial changes to enhance operational independence and compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) most recent Code update from 2021.

One of the significant modifications involves the selection process for the Board Members and Panel members of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC). The amended legislation removes the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture from directly selecting these members, emphasizing a shift towards a more impartial and transparent selection process.

Additionally, the updated Act excludes the Director of Sports from holding a position on the BADC Board. This change aims to further separate administrative and regulatory functions, reducing potential conflicts of interest and reinforcing the impartiality of the anti-doping governance structure.

In a move to enhance collaboration with the academic community and foster operational independence, the legislation now includes the University of The Bahamas’ Athletic Director as a member of the BADC Board. This addition is seen as a strategic step to bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the Commission, aligning with WADA’s emphasis on involving educational institutions in the anti-doping process.

These changes not only demonstrate compliance but also position The Bahamas as a proactive participant in the global fight against doping in sports. The sports community has welcomed the legislative changes, recognizing the importance of creating an independent and effective anti-doping framework.

As The Bahamas embraces these progressive changes, it reinforces its dedication to promoting clean and ethical sports, ensuring a level playing field for athletes, and upholding the principles of the international anti-doping movement.