Antigua and Barbuda has assumed the role of Vice Chair of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission of the Organization of American States (CICAD/OAS) for the 2023-2024 term, during CICAD’s 74th Regular Session held in Washington D.C. Uruguay took on the role of Chair.

This is a significant moment, marking the first time that an OECS country has held a leadership position at CICAD.

It should be noted that between its creation in 1987 and 2016, four Caribbean member states have been elected to the leadership of CICAD.

CICAD comprises most member states in the Western hemisphere, from Canada in the North to Argentina in the South. CICAD serves as the consultative and advisory body of the OAS on the drug issue.

It provides OAS member states with technical assistance to increase their capacity to counter the drug problem and serves as a forum for them to discuss and find solutions to the drug problem.

Lt. Col Edward Croft, Director of the ONDCP, spoke on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda at the session, which was attended by Counsellor Gillian Joseph of the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda (Washington D.C) and Dr. John Swift of the ONDCP.