Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Hon. Shamfa Cudjoe has fully committed to the fight against doping in sport in the Caribbean.
Speaking during her address at the 7th UNESCO Conference of Parties (COP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport in Paris on Wednesday, Minister Cudjoe had high praise for the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) and the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) in combating doping in sport.
She said the work of Caribbean RADO is instrumental in helping to finalise the twin-island Republic’s phased plan of action and the development of a fully functional local anti-doping organization.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has committed to providing the necessary support re resources to ensure that we take responsibility, do right by our sporting fraternity, and uphold our commitment to UNESCO, WADA, our Caribbean RADO, and our peers in the international community.”
Minister Cudjoe acknowledged her Ministry’s role in continuing to raise awareness on doping through the facilitation of educational initiatives across the country. She however noted that there was still more to be done towards achieving international compliance.
She also issued a challenge to regional and international governments to provide support for the International Convention. In noting that the session was timely in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she commended UNESCO for its commitment to fighting doping while noting its importance to small nation states.
“I am pleased that we have joined forces to tackle this problem head on, because upon considering the power and considerable capabilities of sport, leaving this problem unchecked could cost us our very existence.”
The 7th UNESCO Conference of Parties (COP) to the International Convention against Doping in Sport runs until October 31st. Issues of compliance along with funding for the elimination of doping in sport were among the main topics for the statutory conference which is held every two years.
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Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization
Barbados Olympic Centre
Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados
Telephone: (246) 426-7859 or 429-1998 • Fax: (246) 271-0544 • Mobile: (246) 836- 9746
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