Regis Burton has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA).
Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the development yesterday.
The position of CEO at MCA has been vacant since October 2021 and a release from the Prime Minister’s Office said his appointment “is a significant step towards advancing the responsible management of cannabis in the country”.
The statement said Burton is passionate about public health and wellness and is committed to the economic empowerment of Antiguans and Barbudians, as well as the unification of the Caribbean region within the cannabis industry.
Burton plans to tackle the abuse and misuse of cannabis by youths while harnessing the economic value of responsible cannabis use to improve the life and livelihood of the country.
“As the Chief Executive Officer of Antigua and Barbuda Medicinal Cannabis Authority, my top priorities will be to actively involve and engage local stakeholders in our decision-making processes and urgently implement a youth educational program,” said Burton. “Local input and involvement are crucial to ensure that the ownership and benefits of the cannabis industry are shared by our communities and that we address any concerns or issues effectively. We also need to work together to promote and educate the public on responsible cannabis use by adults, public health and wellness, and the economic empowerment opportunities available.”
Burton and the MCA will be launching a local stakeholders conference for Antiguans and Barbudans in May 2023, titled “Waladli Cannabis Summit 2023”.