The new chief executive of the National Drug Commission (NDC) said the agency was now beginning to pick up pace after a number of key posts were filled.

Dr. Don Philip responded to claims in The Royal Gazette on Monday by Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley that the agency was facing challenges, and said the NDC was now becoming active again.

He said the NDC recognised that over the last year internal changes had negatively impacted on its progress, and said that it had not been helped by a number of vacant posts.

However, Dr. Philip, who began on June 1, said there were a number of initiatives now running and key positions had been filled.

He said: "The NDC has embraced the Communities that Cares system using the St. Monica's Mission Community as a model for community development; partially funds the community-wide Needs Assessment for Youth and Families Project; concurrently is engaged in a project to investigate the risk and protective factors for substance abuse in Bermuda; and is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sports on a drug-free initiative through the Bermuda Drug-free Sports Committee."

In addition, he said the NDC was preparing for the autumn reopening of the Camp Spirit treatment facility for male substance abusers, and said those who have already successfully completed the programme had been integrated into transitional housing and given secure employment.

Dr. Philip said the NDC was working with Fair Havens Christian Care Association to help assist female abusers.

And said Fair Havens was anticipating the implementation of a treatment programme which would see the number of clients increase.

But the drug agency is also set to launch an anti-marijuana campaign in the coming weeks.

The chief executive officer said he believed criticism of the NDC was healthy and welcome, provided it was constructive, but maintained that alcohol and substance abuse affected the whole community and said therefore the solutions to prevent the problem should be paramount in the minds of all Bermudians.

He said Bermudian Kimberley Jackson had been appointed prevention officer and Shavana Wilson, also a Bermudian, was the new community co-ordinator.

Another Bermudian with extensive experience, he said, should be working by September in the post of treatment co-ordinator.

And interviews for the post of research officer were being conducted and an appointment was also likely by September.