Debby Ann Brown Salmon (right), Chairperson at JADCO, June Spence Jarrett (2nd right), Executive Director, JADCO and the Hon. Oliva Grange (3rd right), Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES), engage in dialogue with Dawn-Marie Richards (centre), President, Sandra Chisolm (3rd left), 2nd Vice President, Camille Williams (2nd left) and Denise Dacres-Reeves (left), 1st Vice President, all of the Nurses Association of Jamaica. The occasion was the 10th annual staging of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) Symposium held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) highlighted the Jamaica Athletes' Insurance Plan (JAIP) at the 10th annual staging of its Symposium at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, in Kingston on Thursday.
The event was held under the theme, “Protecting Brand Jamaica Through Clean Sport”.
Participants at the symposium, included members of sporting associations and federations, professional groups, principals, coaches, sport administrators and athletes.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, The Honorable Olivia Grange said, “As Minister with responsibility for Sport, I am pleased to share with the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission and all its stakeholders once again at its annual symposium. This year is particularly special, as JADCO is celebrating its 15th anniversary, that is 15 years of promoting clean sport and protecting clean athletes in Jamaica and I wish you all could put your hands together and applaud JADCO for the way it has operated and what it has achieved so far.”
She added, “Today it gives me great pleasure to announce that effective February 1, 2024, in addition, to the existing schedule of benefits, both under the group health and group life portfolio, athletes will now be able to access accidental medical reimbursement in the sum of $100,000.00 for injuries sustained on the field of play, or in a motor vehicle accident.”
The Jamaica Athletes’ Insurance Plan is the Government’s Group Health, Group Life and Personal Accident Plan for all eligible national athletes.
Athletes eligible to be covered under the Plan must be a member in good standing with a national association or federation.
They must be enrolled in the national development programme for a specific sporting discipline and they must participate in at least two Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission workshops per year.
Also speaking at the symposium, Chairperson of JADCO, Debby Ann Brown Salmon said, “I trust you will use the knowledge imparted to make informed decisions. I also implore you to continue working in harmony with the Commission in attaining the title of ‘Premier World Class Anti-Doping Organisation’.”
She added, “The onus is not only on JADCO, but also athletes and support personnel to protect the integrity of sport and the health and rights of our athletes. Let us be guided by the theme, ‘Protecting Brand Jamaica Through Clean Sport’ in 2024 and beyond.”
Lavana Shorter, Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Portmore United Football Club said, “Education is key, as it relates to drugs in sport and I would like to encourage everyone that is associated with sport, administrators and athletes to take part in events such as these, because it is important that we know the stipulations and guidelines, as it relates to the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission.”
Dawn-Marie Richards, President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica said, “We, as a body, need to know what is happening with our athletes and for our athletes. Jamaica does well in terms of athletics and we would want to know that we are meeting the recommended criteria locally and internationally. For me, being here today was an eye opener. It is my first symposium, but it will not be my last. I see a role, especially for my organisation, where we can assist with testing and so on.”
The 2024 JADCO Symposium also included presentations on the functions and responsibilities of JADCO and the doping control process. The event has been held annually since January 2015 to facilitate continuous dialogue with athlete support personnel.
Jamaican Olympic legend George Rhoden passes away at 97
The athletics world mourns the loss of George Vincent Rhoden, a Jamaican sporting icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who passed away at the age of 97 on August 24, 2024. Rhoden was the last surviving member of Jamaica's historic 4x400m relay team that clinched gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, marking a significant moment in Jamaica’s rich athletic history.
Born on December 13, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica, Rhoden’s journey to Olympic greatness began in the late 1940s, where he emerged as one of the leading long sprinters of his era. Alongside his compatriots Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley, Rhoden helped establish Jamaica as a dominant force in athletics during the post-war period.
Rhoden first competed in the 1948 London Olympics, where he participated in the 100m and 400m events. Although he did not secure a medal in London, it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. Rhoden and his teammates were expected to perform strongly in the 4x400m relay, but a muscle injury to Wint during the final dashed their hopes of a medal.
Undeterred, Rhoden continued to build on his successes. On August 22, 1950, he set a new world record in the 400m, clocking 45.8 seconds in Eskilstuna, Sweden. His dominance in the 400m was further cemented by his victories in the AAU championships from 1949 to 1951 and the NCAA championships while at Morgan State University, where he claimed titles in the 220-yard (200m) and 440-yard (400m) events.
Rhoden’s crowning achievement came at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where he was a pre-race favorite in the 400m. In a thrilling race, Rhoden narrowly edged out his fellow Jamaican and close friend, Herb McKenley, to claim the gold medal. But Rhoden’s Olympic glory did not end there. As the anchor leg of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team, he led his team to victory, securing a second gold medal and setting a new world record of 3:03.9. This victory was especially sweet, as it came against the United States, the country where Rhoden had made his home after moving to San Francisco.
Rhoden’s legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and national pride. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Jamaican athletes, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.
As the last surviving member of that legendary 1952 relay team—comprising Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Arthur Wint, and Les Laing—his passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics. Rhoden’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered as a cornerstone of Jamaica's rich sporting heritage.
George Rhoden is survived by his family, friends, and a grateful nation that will forever honor his contributions to Jamaica's sporting legacy.
Jamaican Olympic icon Veronica Campbell Brown honoured with multiple awards in New York
Jamaican sprinting legend Veronica Campbell Brown, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of track and field, was recently honored with a series of prestigious awards at a ceremony in New York. The event, which celebrated Campbell Brown’s incredible contributions to the sport, saw her receive accolades from various prominent figures and organizations.
Campbell Brown, who won gold in the 200m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and successfully defended her title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was recognized by the Jamaica Independence Foundation (JIFI) with the Trailblazer and Sports Icon Award. This recognition highlights her role as a pioneer and inspiration for countless athletes in Jamaica and around the world.
In addition to the honours from JIFI, Campbell Brown was awarded a Proclamation from United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Proclamation from New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, and a Certification of Recognition from Mayor Eric Adams on behalf of the City of New York. These awards underscore her impact not only on the track but also as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica.
Reflecting on the ceremony, Campbell Brown expressed her gratitude for the recognition. "It was an honour to be recognized by the Jamaica Independence Foundation and the State of New York through several prestigious awards. It was a great night spent with a group of distinguished individuals," she shared.
Campbell Brown's illustrious career is marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the first Jamaican to win a global 100m title at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Her legacy as a trailblazer in sprinting continues to inspire new generations of athletes, and these awards serve as a testament to her enduring influence in the world of sports.
The ceremony in New York not only celebrated Campbell Brown’s athletic achievements but also her contributions to the broader community, both in Jamaica and internationally. As she continues to be recognized for her outstanding career, Campbell Brown remains a shining example of excellence and dedication in the world of athletics.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launches hair care line, AFIMI, ahead of final Olympic Games
In what is hoped will be a memorable year for Jamaican track and field star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the legendary sprinter has announced the launch of her new hair care line, AFIMI. The announcement comes as Fraser-Pryce prepares to compete in her final Olympic Games, aiming to make history by winning a record-extending fifth Olympic 100m medal in Paris.
Fraser-Pryce, 37, has faced injury challenges over the past few years and has only had four races this season, three of which were at the Jamaican national championships in late June. Despite her limited time on the track, her entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive. The three-time Olympic gold medalist shared the news of her latest venture on Instagram, posting a video that features her running on a track, enjoying the beach, and proudly standing beside her products, all while wearing various hairstyles that showcase the versatility of her yet-to-be-released hair care line.
In her Instagram post, Fraser-Pryce, adorned in Jamaican colors, is seen wearing braids, lace front wigs, and other styles, emphasizing the multi-use nature of AFIMI products. The caption reads, “Hair is your most powerful form of self-expression and has been an exciting way to reinvent myself every time I step on the track. From the main stage to the finish line, my hair has helped me set the tone for many fearless victories. That’s why it’s so important that it gets the care it needs. I’ve designed these products with you in mind to keep your hair feeling and performing its best no matter what comes your way. This line is a vibrant tribute to Jamaica, inspired by its lush resources and welcoming essence — each ingredient naturally sourced from the earth to enhance your natural beauty. AFIMI, It’s for you, no matter who you are.”
Fraser-Pryce is no stranger to making bold statements with her hair. Whether at the World Athletics Championships or the Olympic Games, she has consistently used her hair to express her vibrant personality and Jamaican pride. At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she won her fourth world championship gold medal in the 100 meters with a stunning rainbow-dyed hairstyle. In 2022, she claimed her record fifth world 100m title in Eugene, Oregon, while sporting a beautiful blonde look with green and yellow highlights.
At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, she left fans speechless with a striking orange wig featuring elements of hot pink during her first 100m heat. Similarly, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, she wore a yellow-to-orange ombre wig while taking home the silver medal in the women’s 100m race.
Fraser-Pryce's love for hair dates back to 2013 when she launched Chic Hair Ja, a store that retailed virgin human hair and hair care products in Kingston. The store enjoyed a successful run until 2017. That same year, she revamped and rebranded her hair care line to Lady Shelly, adding natural products to the lineup. Lady Shelly featured products made in Jamaica with natural ingredients, catering to all hair textures and positioning itself as a multicultural hair care line.
As Fraser-Pryce prepares for her final Olympic Games, fans are eagerly anticipating not only her performance on the track but also the stylish hair looks she will undoubtedly bring to Paris. With AFIMI, she continues to inspire and empower, showing that her influence extends far beyond the world of athletics.
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