An expert on drugs in sport will give Bermuda the benefit of his expertise during the next two days as the Island prepares to implement the latest laws laid down by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).

Dr. Andrew Pipe, who arrived on the Island yesterday afternoon, will hold two workshops, today and tomorrow, to help local officials come to terms with the increasing demands placed on them in the battle against drug cheats.

Brought in by the Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sports, he will also be bringing local medical professionals, and the legal professionals who serve as members of the Island's disciplinary panel, up to speed with how the latest directives effect them.

A world-renowned member of the medical profession in this field, Dr. Pipe is currently the chairman of the Commonwealth Games Association for Canada and is also on the WADA Scientific Committee for the Prohibited List.

Currently the Medical Director of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Minto Prevention and Rehabilitation Centre, Dr Pipe is a Professor at the University of Ottawa, with appointments in the Department of Family Medicine and the Division of Cardiac Surgery.

Today's workshop is primarily for medical professionals interested in participating on the Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee for the BCDS.

The half-day workshop tomorrow is aimed at legal professionals and will provide important information for those who will serve on the Disciplinary Panel or the Appeals Panel.

"We salute the Bermuda Council for Drug-free Sport for continuing to move towards Bermuda achieving compliance under the World Anti Doping Code by ensuring these training workshops are delivered to these professional bodies," said Norbert Simons, Director for the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation.

"The support systems that are necessary to sustain our National and Elite level athletes are critical to the Island of Bermuda being considered as equals in the wider world of sports.

"We need our athletes to be in a strong position to represent Bermuda and these two pieces are integral to their success. These panels are mandated by WADA and if we do not have them in place by January, 2010, Bermuda's ability to host international events and for our athletes to compete internationally are at risk.

"We are grateful to the legal and medical professionals for giving up their personal and professional time to attend these important sessions and for their commitment to be able to participate when called upon."