Minister Mario Bowleg and Executive Director Petra Haven Represent The Bahamas at Fourth World Anti-Doping Agency Forum in Cayman Islands
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.