WADA’s Latin America and Caribbean Office attends Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization’s anniversary celebration

This week, two members of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) Latin America and Caribbean Office were in Christ Church, Barbados, for the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization’s (Caribbean RADO) Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Office Director, Francisco León, and Government Relations Advisor for the Latin America and Caribbean region, Raphael Rezende, were in attendance as the Caribbean RADO celebrated its 20th anniversary and also marked the 25-year anniversary of the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados (Barbados NADO). 

Mr. León said: “It was a pleasure to be in Barbados to take part in these milestone anniversaries celebrating the Caribbean National Anti-Doping Organization and the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados. Both organizations have played an important role in the development of the anti-doping programs in the region and have been staunch protectors of clean sport for decades. The commitment to clean sport in the Caribbean is strong, and we look forward to many more years of shared successes and continued collaboration here and throughout the region.” 

The AGM was attended by representatives from 16 Caribbean countries, as well as representatives from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and UK Anti-Doping. A gala was also held during the AGM to mark the anniversaries. Mr. León delivered an address during the celebration, and WADA was formally recognized for its longstanding support in the region. The Caribbean RADO board also unanimously agreed to issue a strong public statement condemning the Enhanced Games in the near future. 

Dr. Karen Pilgrim, Caribbean RADO Chairperson, said: “The World Anti-Doping Agency has always been supportive of the Caribbean RADO from its establishment in 2005, whether through the provision of Testing Grants or support for various activities and capacity building initiatives. With both the Caribbean RADO and our AGM host, the National Anti-Doping Commission of Barbados, marking pivotal milestones in 2025, we were happy to have Mr. León and Mr. Rezende join us, as their presence and contributions are valued. As we look ahead to a new strategic cycle, we are further encouraged by WADA’s commitment to supporting and strengthening anti-doping programs in the region, and we look forward to continued collaboration in the years to come.” 

Before the AGM, Mr. Rezende also met with the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Hon. Charles Griffith, and the Barbados Olympic Association President, Ms. Sandra Osborne, to discuss support for both the Caribbean RADO and the Barbados NADO.