📚 Brenda Watson appointed as new director of the National Drug Council

Brenda Watson, who has served the National Drug Council (NDC) for ten years, has been appointed as the organization's new director. Watson's appointment follows an open recruitment process and marks a new phase in the NDC's ongoing efforts to enhance its impact on public health and education around substance misuse. Watson has been acting in the post and expressed her commitment to advancing public health initiatives, enhancing research capabilities, and amplifying the strategic impact of drug prevention efforts. 📈

In 2022, Watson managed the eleventh cycle of the Cayman Islands Student Drug Use Survey (CISDUS) across 19 schools, which for the first time was conducted online. This led to the creation of a school substance use policy guide, providing schools with a valuable template for policy development and revision based on the survey’s findings. The NDC board praised Watson's contributions over the past decade, noting her depth of knowledge about the NDC and her dedication to promoting the council's core values and programs. 🎓

Watson, who has over 24 years of experience and a degree in education, started her career in teaching and administration before moving into substance use prevention. During her tenure at the NDC, Watson has developed and executed numerous educational programs and public information campaigns. One of her significant achievements is the expansion of the Research Informed Student Education (RISE) program to include a curriculum for primary schools. Watson also restructured the Youth to Youth program, introducing it to Year 6 students and enhancing early preventative efforts. 🏫