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!

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.

Nassau, The Bahamas – In a significant development for the fight against doping in sports, Kimberley Rolle, the esteemed Director of Athletics at The University of The Bahamas, has been added to the Board of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC). This appointment comes in the wake of changes to the Anti-Doping in Sports Act late last year.

On December 1, 2008, Kimberley Rolle made history by becoming the Director of Athletics at The University of The Bahamas, becoming the first Bahamian and female to hold such a position. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Henderson State University and a Master of Science degree in Sports Studies from Miami University (Ohio), Rolle brings a wealth of academic expertise to her role.

Rolle’s impressive sports career began at S.C. McPherson, where she excelled in basketball, winning numerous high school titles and Fr. Marcian Peters tournaments. As a four-year letterman at Henderson State University, she was later inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

In addition to her role at UB, Rolle has been a prominent figure in Bahamian sports, representing The Bahamas on the women’s national basketball team from 1992 to 2005. She contributed to three CARICOM titles – Barbados in 1992, Belize in 1998, and Guyana in 2001. Rolle’s outstanding performance in Belize in 1998 earned her the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Recognizing her influence and achievements, the Bahamas Olympic Committee honored Rolle in 2013 as one of the 40 most influential women in sports. Her commitment extends beyond sports, as she is an active member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, and serves as the advisor to the undergraduate chapter at the University of The Bahamas. Additionally, she and her husband co-chair the Marriage Ministry at St. Ambrose Anglican Church.

With her diverse background and commitment to sports integrity, Kimberley Rolle’s addition to the BADC Board is hailed as a crucial step in fortifying the relationship between BADC and The University of The Bahamas.

BADC welcomes Rolle and looks forward to leveraging her extensive knowledge to advance their mission in combating doping in sports.

 

December 18, 2023

In a commendable display of dedication to the principles of fair competition and sports integrity, Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), has invested extensive time and effort in revising the Anti-Doping in Sports Act. Petra’s relentless commitment is aimed at securing the government’s approval to ensure The Bahamas aligns seamlessly with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) updated Code from 2021.

Together, Petra and Glenda Roker, attorney and BADC Board Member, graced the set of Bahamas at Sunrise, where they delved into the intricacies of the Act’s modifications, shedding light on the broader implications and offering clarity on what these changes signify for athletes and the sporting community at large. Their appearance marks a crucial step in fostering transparency and understanding surrounding anti-doping efforts in the Bahamas.

To watch the full interview, click here: https://fb.watch/p2HRAlX36y/

 

 

December 10, 2023

Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), took a proactive step in promoting clean sports by delivering a comprehensive educational session on anti-doping to a diverse audience of athletes, coaches, and parents from the Wolf Pack track club. The session aimed to raise awareness about the importance of fair play, integrity, and the adverse consequences of performance-enhancing substances in sports. Haven, a respected figure in the field of anti-doping, provided valuable insights into the latest developments in anti-doping regulations, testing procedures, and the role of athletes, coaches, and parents in maintaining a clean and transparent sports environment.

The educational initiative by Petra Haven garnered significant appreciation from the attendees, fostering a greater understanding of the collective responsibility to uphold the principles of fair competition. Participants left the session equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to the prevention of doping in their respective sports. Petra Haven’s commitment to fostering a culture of clean sports aligns with the BADC’s mission to eradicate doping from sports and ensure a level playing field for all athletes. The session served as a testament to the proactive measures being taken to educate and empower the sports community in the ongoing fight against doping.

Also in attendance was BADC’s Doping Control Manager and Administrative Assistant, Dominic Laing and Lael Johnson.

November 8, 2023

In a pivotal moment for the sports community, Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), took center stage at the Sport’s Administrators Meeting and Reception on November 8, 2023. Hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, the event aimed to address critical updates to the current sports policy, with a particular focus on the integration of anti-doping measures. Petra, an esteemed figure in the realm of anti-doping initiatives, was invited as a speaker to shed light on BADC’s role and strategies in collaboration with sports federations.

During her presentation, Petra Haven provided a comprehensive overview of BADC’s mission and emphasized the commission’s commitment to working closely with sports federations to achieve common goals. She outlined the practical aspects of BADC’s involvement, including the implementation of doping tests at sporting events and the facilitation of educational sessions. Petra’s address underscored the importance of a united front against doping in sports and highlighted the proactive stance that BADC intends to take in the upcoming year. As the event concluded, optimism filled the room as Petra expressed BADC’s eagerness to forge strong partnerships with all federations in preparation for the sporting endeavours of 2024.

Pictured L to R: Petra Haven (BADC Executive Director), Spence Finlayson, Dominic Laing (BADC Doping Control Manager)

November 7, 2023

In a riveting episode of the Immediate Response radio and TV talk show, Spence Finlayson welcomed Petra Haven, the Executive Director of the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC), and Dominic Laing, the Doping Control Manager. The dynamic duo engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the critical issues surrounding doping control in sports. Petra, whose commitment to clean sports is unparalleled, shared insights into the evolving landscape of anti-doping efforts and the pivotal role played by organizations like BADC in maintaining the integrity of competitive sports.

The conversation delved into the upcoming events in the world of sports and the significance of stringent doping control measures to ensure a level playing field for athletes. A notable highlight of the show was Petra Haven’s announcement of her selection as one of only 16 individuals globally for an exclusive educational program provided by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This recognition not only reflects Petra’s dedication to the cause but also underscores the international acclaim for BADC’s efforts in promoting clean sports. The trio emphasized the importance of education and collaboration in the fight against doping, reiterating the shared responsibility of athletes, sports organizations, and anti-doping agencies in upholding the principles of fair play and ethical competition.

Dominic Laing, the Doping Control Manager, brought a unique perspective to the conversation by shedding light on the intricacies of running the doping control program. With an unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards in anti-doping practices, Laing discussed the meticulous processes involved in sample collection, analysis, and the comprehensive protocols implemented to detect and deter doping in sports. His role as the Doping Control Manager highlighted the importance of a well-coordinated and systematic approach to ensure the efficacy of anti-doping measures.

Click here to watch the full interview: https://fb.watch/oafCJgUh1X/?mibextid=hubsqH

Pictured above (L to R): Dr. Christa Wells (Chairman of the Board); Petra Haven (Executive Director); Mrs. Genaye Nairm-Stirrup (Board Member – Education); Dr. Patricia Symonette (Board Member – Doping Control)

November 4, 2023

In a show of support for the promotion of fair play and integrity in sports, executives from the Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission (BADC) graced the Annual Sports Awards hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture. The event, held to celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes and contributors to the sports community, saw the BADC executives emphasizing the importance of anti-doping measures in maintaining a level playing field. Their presence highlighted the commitment of The Bahamas to uphold the principles of clean and ethical competition, sending a strong message about the nation’s dedication to fostering a sports culture built on integrity.