Guyana’s bodybuilding governing body has moved to tighten its grip on athlete conduct and anti-doping regulations by appointing a heavyweight disciplinary panel.
The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) confirmed the appointments on Sunday, signalling a major push toward “integrity and transparency” within the sport.
Headed by attorney-at-law Anastasia Sanford-Fredricks, the five-person Disciplinary Committee features a mix of high-level legal expertise and gym-floor experience.
Most notably, the panel includes Justice Nigel Niles, alongside lawyer Gabriel A. A. Benn and fitness industry figures Julio Sinclair and Alejandra Vieira.
The federation has made it clear that the primary mission of the new committee is to align with international standards—specifically those set by the IFBB and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
In a sport often dogged by questions surrounding performance-enhancing substances, the GBBFF’s commitment to strict WADA compliance marks a significant step in professionalising the local circuit.
The committee hasn’t been brought in just to make up the numbers, as they have been handed the power to issue a range of penalties for those breaking the rules, including: Formal warnings and fines; Temporary suspensions and Lifetime bans from the sport
However, the GBBFF was keen to stress that “natural justice” will prevail, ensuring all athletes have the right to a hearing to present evidence before any hammers fall.
In a dual role, Sanford-Fredricks will also serve as the federation’s official legal counsel, overseeing both domestic disputes and international affairs. (Modified Press Release)
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