Sport Minister Issues Statement on Anti-Doping Case
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Sport Minister, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange says she will be closely monitoring the case in which a Jamaican athlete has returned an adverse analytical result from the retesting programme of samples from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Minister Grange made the statement today, June 7, 2016, at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships 2016 Media Launch at the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston.
“As the Minister of Sport, I wish to assure the nation that I will be closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds over the coming weeks. This is not a matter in which the Government or its Agencies has any direct involvement,” the Minister said. Adding that, “It is understandable that there may be some level of anxiety and concern about this news, particularly as we look forward to the 2016 Olympic Games in just a few weeks.”
The Minister noted that, “This is not a matter in which we can afford to be cavalier with the rules and the procedures, it is in everyone’s best interests that due process evolves as it should.”
She urged everyone to be patient and calm, as the nation awaits the information and the outcome of the hearing.
The Sport Minister also used the opportunity to charge athletes to compete well and always give of their best. “We know that your profession is one that takes a great physical and mental toll on your bodies. You have to resolve in your minds not to let anyone sway you from your dreams and goals. Do not let them get into your heads,” she advised.
Minister Grange encouraged organisers, managers, coaches, mentors, medical and other support personnel to protect their athletes and guard the good name of Jamaica.
“Protect your athletes. Look after them. Protect and guard the good name of Jamaica. There will always be nay sayers. Be on the alert for the mental and psychological warfare, because it is real,” said Minister Grange.
The Minister encouraged Jamaicans to attend the trials and cheer on the athletes as they aim to secure a spot on the national team that will represent Jamaica at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships will take place from June 30, 2016 to July 03, 2016 at the National Stadium.
Commentary
A Jamaican has tested positive based on a retesting of a sample taken from 2008 from the Beijing Games. This item appears to have been on and off the ban substance list. It is not like steroids etc. So any punishment would not likely be severe.
This is not condoning any form of cheating …but errors do happen as we are not perfect.
Some would like to use this to tear down Jamaica’s programme which has integrity supreme. Athletes and their coaches are not always up to date on banned substances. This is no excuse just the facts.
We await the B sample test and a court hearing so it is not a done deal yet. There is due process … the athlete could be exonerated … we await the final bell.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper Canada.
