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Tax athletes to fund JADCO

Published:Wednesday | October 16, 2013 | 12:00 AM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Perhaps it is time we consider independent funding for the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) as opposed to the cap-in-hand approach to the cash-strapped Government which currently obtains.

Our athletic success is too vital a commodity to be left to the whims and fancies of a financially insolvent government faced with tough choices. I recommend, therefore, that JADCO be funded through a special tax on the earnings (from both competition and endorsements worldwide) from all of our sportspersons.

The tax would go directly to fund JADCO. Our sportspersons could not complain, as it would mean a more robust and credible drug-testing regime in Jamaica. This could only inure to their benefit in the long run and restore some credibility and pride to the nation.

Our sportspersons have done us so proud over the years. It is a shame to have their names dragged through the mud because of penury, mismanagement and administrative bungling.

DALE STAPLE

dale_staple@yahoo.com