BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 23, 2018- Belize’s National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) received tough news after missing its third consecutive regional meeting. The Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO), which is formed by representatives of Central America, has suspended Belize for its absences.

Last week, RADO met in Cuba and Belize’s representative, Dr. Michael Pitts, failed to attend. This is the third time he has failed to attend, and NADO is facing the consequence, which they learnt from a letter addressed to Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Sports, and Hilly Martinez, president of the National Olympic Committee.

In the letter, RADO expressed its concern regarding Dr. Pitts’ absences, and then it lowered the boom on NADO, saying, “Considering the above, the members of the Advisory Board of the RADO-CAM, agree to suspend the benefits and delegation of responsibilities in anti-doping matters of Belize.”

In a nutshell, this means that NADO is no longer able to test samples from athletes. Since many international sporting competitions are firm about anti-doping, this puts Belize in a predicament since we currently have no recognized organization to test samples.

In the letter, RADO informed GOB that a formal request has to be made by them and the Olympic Committee in order to remove the suspension. Belize will also have to actively participate in activities of the organization.