The Cayman Islands is in line to host an international anti-doping in sports workshop next year, as a global programme expands into the Caribbean.
Sports minister Isaac Rankine met with Günter Younger, director of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s Intelligence and Investigations Department, to discuss plans for the event.
The aim is to run a June 2027 session under the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN).
The programme brings together anti-doping bodies and law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and strengthen investigative capabilities.
Since its launch, GAIIN has supported more than 225 operations, contributed to the seizure of more than 78 tonnes of performance-enhancing drugs, and to the dismantling of 75 illicit laboratories worldwide.
The Jamaican government and the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission signed a joint declaration of intent to host a separate workshop in September 2027.
It has been endorsed by Jamaican sports minister Olivia Grange, who sits on WADA’s foundation board.
Both Caribbean workshops will follow sessions already scheduled for November in Peru and March 2027 in Ecuador, as WADA extends the programme across the Americas.
The workshops will cover intelligence functions, investigative techniques, confidential source management, open-source research and analytical and interviewing methods.
In a press release on 30 March, Younger said it was a pleasure to meet with partners from Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
“Both the Cayman and Jamaican governments, and the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, have been strong partners to WADA and have played a leading role in the protection of clean sport in the Caribbean over the years,” he said.
“The expansion of GAIIN into the Americas region has been met with great enthusiasm, and I am confident the workshops that will take place in the Cayman Islands and Jamaica in 2027 will lay a strong foundation for future success in the region.
“We are appreciative of the interest being shown and look forward to finalizing plans for both workshops in the months ahead.”
