Thursday, January 23, 2025
Petra Haven, Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), was recognized by the Commonwealth Sport Organization as a leading female figure in sports governance. On Thursday, October 31, 2024, she was interviewed by Julian Crabtree, where she highlighted her unwavering commitment to advocating for clean sports and advancing gender equality in sports leadership.
A trailblazer in her field, Petra has over a decade of experience in management and marketing, which she has leveraged to ensure fair competition and integrity for Bahamian athletes. Her leadership journey began at Florida International University, where she served as President of the Student Programming Council. She later held pivotal roles at Atlantis Resort and Baha Mar Resort, where she forged strategic partnerships with professional sports teams.
In 2022, Petra earned a Master’s in Marketing, specializing in Digital Marketing and Branding, further enhancing her ability to promote clean sports and educate athletes on the importance of anti-doping. She is also a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Global Learning Development Framework Programme for Educators and a former participant in the Commonwealth Women’s Leadership Programme (CWLP), where she championed gender equality and inclusivity in sports leadership.
Petra’s dedication extends to creating pathways for women and young people to assume leadership roles in sports, fostering ethical practices, and leaving a legacy of fairness and inclusion. Her advice to aspiring leaders is to be fearless, persistent, and open to continuous learning, while her vision focuses on transforming sports governance to be more inclusive and equitable.
Read the full article here: Advocating for Clean Sports and Gender Equality in Leadership.
Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) continues to lead the charge in educating athletes across the nation on the importance of clean sports. On January 22, 2025, Petra Haven, Executive Director of the BADC, alongside Anastacia Hutchinson, Education Coordinator, delivered an insightful presentation to the T-Bird Flyers track club under the guidance of coach Samson Colebrooke.
The session provided the young athletes with a comprehensive overview of BADC’s mission and responsibilities, including discussions on what doping is, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), the doping control process, and other essential topics. The athletes were engaged throughout the presentation, displaying remarkable enthusiasm and posing numerous questions to gain deeper insights into anti-doping practices.
“We were thrilled to see the level of interest and curiosity from the T-Bird Flyers athletes,” said Petra Haven. “Our goal is to empower athletes with the knowledge to make informed decisions and uphold the values of fair play and integrity in sports.”
The BADC remains committed to its mandate of athlete education and looks forward to continuing its outreach efforts with clubs, schools, and sports organizations nationwide.
January 23, 2025
George Town, Cayman Islands – The Honorable Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, and Petra Haven, Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), proudly represented The Bahamas at the Fourth World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Forum for Ministers Responsible for Sport in the Caribbean region. This prestigious event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Heritage of the Cayman Islands in partnership with WADA, took place from January 15–17, 2025, in George Town, Cayman Islands.
The forum, now in its fourth edition, provided a vital platform for public authorities in the Caribbean region to discuss and review progress in the fight against doping in sports. Since its inaugural event in 2022, the forum has advanced regional collaboration and strengthened the implementation of anti-doping policies.
This year’s agenda focused on key areas, including:
- Advancing educational anti-doping initiatives.
- Updates on the ongoing review of the World Anti-Doping Code.
- Preparations for the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sports.
- WADA’s ongoing activities and strategic priorities.
During the forum, The Bahamas presented a comprehensive progress report highlighting significant achievements in anti-doping efforts, including:
- Passing the Anti-Doping in Sports Act, 2023 – A milestone ensuring The Bahamas’ legislation aligns with international anti-doping standards.
- Compliance with the 2021 Code – The Bahamas achieved full compliance, leading to its removal from WADA’s Watchlist.
- Doping Control at the Paris 2024 Olympics – Cleo Collie, a BADC Doping Control Officer, performed testing duties at the Games, showcasing BADC’s international credibility.
- Strategic Partnership with CCES – Continuing collaboration with the Canadian Center for Ethics in Sports to enhance testing and educational programs.
- Introduction of Blood Collection in The Bahamas – Including blood sample collection locally, in addition to collection in the United States marking a significant operational advancement.
- Expanded Doping Control Team – Increasing capacity to handle the growing number of tests conducted.
- Facilitation of Doping Control at the 2024 World Relays – The BADC conducted its largest number of tests during this event, solidifying its role as a regional leader in doping control.
- Enhanced Education Program – The hiring of an Education Coordinator and the establishment of an Education Officer Program to deliver vital anti-doping education nationwide.
Executive Director Petra Haven commented, “This forum represents an invaluable opportunity for The Bahamas to engage with regional and global leaders to further our commitment to clean sports. Our progress demonstrates our dedication to protecting athletes and upholding the highest standards in anti-doping practices. The Bahamas remains steadfast in its efforts to lead by example in the fight against doping in sports. This forum underscores the importance of collaboration and education in preserving the integrity of athletics across the Caribbean.”
As the region looks forward to the 2025 World Conference on Doping in Sports, The Bahamas continues to position itself as a regional leader in anti-doping initiatives, exemplifying its commitment to the global fight for clean and ethical sports.
Pictured (L to R) – Mr. Larry Wilson (Treasurer of the Board), Ms. Petra Haven (BADC Executive Director), Ms. Glenda Roker (Legal Adviser of the Board), Dr. Christa Wells (Chairman of the Board)
Nassau, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) proudly congratulates its Executive Director, Petra Haven, on being named one of the Top 40 Under 40 Bahamian professionals for 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights Haven’s remarkable achievements and leadership, positioning her among the most successful and influential business professionals in The Bahamas.
As Executive Director of BADC, Haven has played a pivotal role in advancing the Commission’s mission of promoting clean sport and ensuring the integrity of Bahamian athletics. Her tireless dedication to anti-doping education, athlete advocacy, and public awareness has earned her widespread respect in both the local and international sports community.
“We are incredibly proud of Petra and her continued contributions to the advancement of sports in The Bahamas,” said Dr. Christa Wells, Chairman of the Board. “Her recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 professional is a testament to her exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence.”
Nassau, The Bahamas – On Saturday, September 21, the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) conducted an informative session with members of the Equestrian Federation. Led by BADC Executive Director Petra Haven, the session provided athletes, coaches, and stakeholders with essential knowledge on anti-doping practices and regulations.
During the session, Ms. Haven covered key topics including the role of BADC, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list, Global DRO, the doping control process, and the rights and responsibilities of athletes. Additionally, she discussed the anti-doping rule violations that every athlete should be aware of to ensure fair play.
“This educational initiative underscores our commitment to keeping all sports clean and fostering integrity in Bahamian athletics,” said Haven. “It is crucial for athletes to understand not only the rules but also the resources available to them.”
The BADC will continue to collaborate with various sporting federations across The Bahamas to ensure widespread education on anti-doping regulations.
Nassau, The Bahamas – The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) has initiated a series of comprehensive training sessions for its newly appointed Education Officers. These officers will play a pivotal role in delivering vital anti-doping education to athletes, parents, and coaches across the nation.
Working closely with Executive Director Ms. Petra Haven, the Education Officers will lead informative sessions aimed at promoting fair play and clean sport. The program will cover key topics such as prohibited substances, testing procedures, and athletes’ rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code.
“The training of our new Education Officers marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Bahamian sports,” said Haven. “Through these efforts, we aim to empower all stakeholders with the knowledge they need to foster a clean and competitive environment.”
The training program will continue over the coming weeks, with sessions scheduled across various sporting communities in The Bahamas.
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)