Following news that Jamaica’s World U20 Women’s 4x100m record will not be ratified by the World Athletics, due to an administrative error from the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), Gabriela Morris, opposition spokesperson on sports, has noted the rejection with disappointment.

The record, which was set by the Jamaican team at the 49th staging of the Carifta Games, held at the National Stadium in April, was rejected ratification by World Athletics due to JADCO’s failure to adhere to the doping control rule of testing all athletes after they have set a world record.

In expressing her concern over the mishandling of the process by JADCO, Morris opined that the decision to exclude one of the athletes from testing, contrary to instructions given by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), is a monumental overstep by the local anti-doping organisation which must be quickly rectified.

“Like the JAAA, I am disappointed by the situation but even more saddened for the athletes who delivered a stellar performance on home soil,” said the opposition senator.

“It is unfortunate that such carelessness has reversed the hard work of the athletes and their coaches.”

According to Morris, “This incident must now spur contemplation and action to foster greater oversight and accountability in our management of processes surrounding sports.”

She added: “JADCO has a key role that only they play, and errors of this kind are unforgivable.”

She added that, as a nation that has consistently done well in track and field, the administration of rules must adhere to the standards of international bodies which govern sports.

Morris suggested that Olivia Grange, the minister with responsibility for sports, undertake a review of the anti-doping policies and guidelines that should be followed by JADCO as well as the Therapeutic Uses Committee, which has the responsibility of ensuring that the credibility of the nation’s athletes and its sporting legacy is preserved.

She noted: “This process should be done in a timely manner to restore the confidence of the athletes, coaches and other stakeholders.”

READ: JADCO promises operational changes after JAAA starts Carifta testing ‘blame game’