{"id":216796,"date":"2024-11-19T16:34:43","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T20:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=216796"},"modified":"2024-11-19T16:40:56","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T20:40:56","slug":"antigua-and-barbuda-assumes-leadership-role-at-cicad-inter-american-drug-abuse-control-commission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/antigua-and-barbuda-assumes-leadership-role-at-cicad-inter-american-drug-abuse-control-commission\/","title":{"rendered":"Antigua and Barbuda Assumes Leadership Role at CICAD Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Antigua and Barbuda Assumes Leadership Role at CICAD: PM Gaston Browne Addresses Inaugural Session<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda delivered remarks at the inaugural session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), hosted at the OAS Main Building in Washington, D.C. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the support of member states in electing Antigua and Barbuda to chair this esteemed body, marking a historic moment as the first island state from the Eastern Caribbean to hold this position.<\/p>

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\u201cThis is both an honor for us and an endorsement of the leadership role that countries like ours could and should undertake on the world stage,\u201d Prime Minister Browne stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne highlighted the contributions of Caribbean nations within CICAD’s framework. He commended Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and other regional leaders for their roles in expert groups addressing demand reduction, maritime narcotics trafficking, and multilateral evaluation mechanisms. He also acknowledged the involvement of Caribbean professionals in capacity building and early warning systems, ensuring enhanced drug policy responses across the region.<\/p>

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The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government\u2019s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health and protecting the nation\u2019s tourism-dependent economy from the adverse effects of drug abuse and trafficking.<\/p>

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Prime Minister Browne outlined Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s recent achievements in drug policy development, noting that the country\u2019s previous policy expired in December 2023. By March 2024, a comprehensive evaluation of implemented actions was completed with support from CICAD. This laid the groundwork for drafting a new policy document in collaboration with CICAD\u2019s Institutional Strengthening Unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI assure you that as soon as the draft is completed, it will be presented to our Cabinet of Ministers for approval,\u201d Browne pledged.<\/p>

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The Prime Minister praised the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft, Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s Commissioner to CICAD, describing him as a steadfast advocate for the Commission\u2019s mission. He expressed confidence in Croft\u2019s ability to represent the nation effectively during its chairmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of local officials and institutions, including Dr. John Swift of the Anti-Drug Strategy Unit, Regis Burton of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority, and Feona Charles-Richards of the Family and Social Services Division, among others.<\/p>

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In closing, Prime Minister Browne announced Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s selection to host the OAS Assembly in 2025, underscoring the nation\u2019s dedication to fostering open and inclusive dialogue among member states.<\/p>

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\u201cWe are committed to addressing the hemisphere\u2019s pressing issues collaboratively and inclusively,\u201d he affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event featured other distinguished speakers, including Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS, and Adam Namm, Executive Secretary of CICAD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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