Bryan takes top post

Business development manager Anthony Bryan has been appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as chair of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Board (BMCLB).

The BMCLB has been established to govern the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA), both of which were established under the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act, 2019.

As head of the BMCLB, Bryan, who has more than 20 years’ experience in competitive sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry, locally and regionally, will lead the policy and strategic direction as well as the governance of the Board.

He has extensive skills and technical knowledge in pharmacology and medical sales, and has worked in various size environments within the pharmaceutical industry.

Speaking on his appointment, Bryan said: “I’m honoured to serve as the BMCLB’s new chair. I also look forward to working with BMCLA’s very talented leadership team to position the statutory enterprise for long-term, industry-leading profitable growth.”

“Based on the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Industry Act, 2019, and its accompanied Medicinal Cannabis Regulations, 2020, we are in a great position to win in the emerging global cannabis market. As we do so, we will be diligent in our commitment to ensuring that the BMCLA meets or exceeds best practices,” he added.

The other members of the Board are: banker Glyne Harrison; sociologist Dr Alana Griffith; anaesthesiologist and intensivist Dr Adrian Waterman; retired clergyman Reverend Dr Gerald Seale; youth representative Stacy Medford; Queen Asheba Avril Hinkson-Trotman and Lorenzo Harewood, both with agricultural backgrounds; and Senior Medical Officer of Health Dr Anton Best, representing the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“Our new Board members are well-suited to support management, oversee corporate governance, and add shareholder value. We are fortunate to have them to help lead us forward,” Bryan said.

The BMCLA was set up to regulate the handling of the medicinal cannabis industry. It is responsible for developing policies, procedures and guidelines to establish the industry and to ensure medicinal cannabis is available to patients in a safe and efficient manner.

It is also responsible for issuing licences for cultivation, processing, distribution, sale, transportation, import and export, laboratory, as well as the research and development of cannabis for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes.