IN THE wake of the banning of Golden Boy Gumendra Shewdass by the International Power – lifting body for the use of a blacklisted substance, the Ministry of Sport intends to become more rigid with its anti- doping measures this year.In a comment on Shewdass’ ban, Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony said: “We in the Ministry are extremely disappointed to learn this. But we have to learn our lessons and move on, meaning that we have to be more rigid with our anti doping measures in Guyana”;
Minister Anthony said that as a policy, this year the Ministry intends to do more testing of athletes in and out of competition to make sure that Guyana does not have to experience this kind of embarrassment ever again.
He however noted that given the fact that over two hundred athletes leave Guyana every year for international competitions it would be difficult to test them all, adding that the tests cost US$600 for one athlete, making such an exercise even more difficult.
The Minister said though that despite this, the amount of random testing of athletes by local sports authorities will be increased. In addition the Ministry will rely on education and awareness activities to reduce / eliminate instances of either deliberate or accidental use of banned substances or products which contain banned substances.
He stressed that it was becoming very important that all coaches and all athletes become acquainted with the list; very important to ensure that the coach knows that the athletes under their charge are not using anything that is on that list.
The Ministry will towards this end post a list of these substances and the every day products which contain them on its Website.
The Minster also disclosed too that the Ministry has established an Anti-Doping Committee and athletes and coaches should feel free to contact members of the committee if they had any issues relating to banned substances.
During 2013, the Ministry tested six athletes for use of banned substances and all of them tested negative.
Shewdass it is said is the first ever Guyanese sportsman to be tested and found positive for the use of banned substances.
According to reports, he tested positive during competition testing for Methylhexaneamine and Oxilofrine, a drug used to reduce fat and enhance energy.
According to the International Federation, the Berbician failed a test done on August 26, 2013 at the Sub Junior Power – lifting championships in the United States.
The World Anti – Doping Agency (WADA).accredited laboratory in Germany indicated that the samples tested positive for the substance, hence he has been banned from competing or coaching in any capacity for a period of two years and fined $2000 Euros as cost for the testing .
He has not appealed the decision.

(By Clifford Stanley)