Jamaica has secured a seat on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board, which is the organisation’s highest decision-making body.

The country was elected at the recent general assembly of the American Sports Council (CADE) held in Cartagena, Colombia.

Jamaica will represent CADE on the WADA Foundation Board, while the United States will represent the Council on the WADA Executive Committee.

Former Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and newly appointed Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade State Minister, Alando Terrelonge, who attended the meeting, told JIS News that the development is a “milestone”, noting that the English-speaking Caribbean has never been represented on the governance structure of WADA.

“Jamaica has now received the confidence of member countries from Central America and the Caribbean through the Conference of Central American and Caribbean Sport Councils (CONCECADE), and from the continent through CADE,” he pointed out.

Terrelonge said the appointment also provides Jamaica with a “remarkable opportunity” to make a direct contribution to the review and revision of the WADA Code, adding that it is “a pivotal moment for Jamaica’s sporting prowess and regional leadership”.

“The historical significance of Jamaica’s achievements further solidifies the country’s regional leadership. This election adds to the remarkable accomplishments of Jamaica and highlights the country’s growing influence in the regional sports governance arena,” he noted further.

Jamaica committed to fair competition

WADA’s 42-member Foundation Board is composed equally of representatives from the Olympic movement and public authorities. Members are appointed by their respective constituency groups.

During the CADE assembly, Jamaica was also elected to the executive committee of CONCECADE, which is one of the subregional groups of CADE.

The country was elected Vice-President for the Caribbean (2023-2025).

“This achievement reflects Jamaica’s commitment to promoting clean and fair competition and will further amplify our voice in global sports governance. As Vice President of CONCECADE, Jamaica will champion greater involvement of member countries from the Caribbean in CONCECADE and CADE activities,” Terrelonge said.