The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully concluded its groundbreaking tenure at the helm of the Organization of American States’ principal narcotics oversight body. Lieutenant Colonel Edward H. Croft, Director of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), formally transferred leadership of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) during the 78th Regular Session in Washington, D.C. on December 15-16, 2025.
This historic chairmanship, which commenced in November 2024, marked a significant milestone for Caribbean representation in hemispheric policy-making. Under Antigua and Barbuda’s guidance, CICAD achieved several critical advancements in regional drug policy coordination. The commission convened two major Regular Sessions (CICAD 76 and 77) and established a specialized Working Group to develop the Hemispheric Plan of Action on Drugs for 2026–2030.
In a particularly symbolic moment, Lieutenant Colonel Croft presented CICAD’s Annual Report at the OAS General Assembly hosted in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2025—marking the first occasion the Caribbean region had ever hosted this prestigious gathering.
Reflecting on the tenure, Lt. Col. Croft emphasized in his closing address: ‘This experience has fundamentally demonstrated that leadership within international institutions is measured not by geographical size but by dedication and vision. I strongly urge other Caribbean and Central American nations to embrace this momentum and actively participate in shaping future hemispheric policy directions.’
The outgoing chair extended gratitude to the CICAD Executive Secretariat, specifically acknowledging Acting Executive Secretary Angela Crowdy, alongside the diplomatic staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Mission in Washington and ONDCP personnel for their sustained support throughout the leadership period.
CICAD, comprising all 33 member states of the Organization of American States, continues to serve as the primary consultative and advisory mechanism addressing drug-related challenges throughout the Americas region.