Onlookers observing from a far might just believe that the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission is just a joke. Over the last two weeks this has been clearly demonstrated by their ineptitude to deal with the current doping issue of five Jamaican athletes so tested for banned substances at the Jamaican Trials. Earlier in the week, Sheri-Ann Brooks, one of the five, was cleared of taking banned substances, or so it seems. It turns out that there was a mishap in terms of the procedures, in that, when her 'B' sample was tested there was no observer present from her camp, as they were not informed of a time or date of the testing. The committee set up to hear the case of Ms. Brooks decided to clear her due to this fact, but now an appeal has been made by JADCO. Seems very strange at the least.

Yesterday the other four athletes had their hearing with the committee and now will wait on a decision on Monday. We see in Brazil that two of their athletes tested positive for banned substances, and they have been banned from the WC. The pace of our hearing has been dismal, with countless delays and a lack of information, which has caused persons to speculate.

If we are to maintain our transparency and professional approach to drug testing, then this must be improved immediately. If this does not happen then there will be no confidence in our drug testing, and people will forever be pointing their fingers and saying our athletes are taking drugs. The JAAA needs to insist that these standards are raised. Mr. McCook who is a member of the IAAF must insist that proper procedures are followed and that a PR person be assigned to disseminate information. Without this we will be seen as a joke.....