ISSUP was pleased to participate in the first English-speaking training event on the Prevention, Treatment and Recovery curriculum for Faith-Based Organisations, organised by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) of Barbados. The event took place in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 14 to 16 January 2026.
This landmark training brought together key stakeholders working within faith-based organisations, alongside experts from The Caribbean, North America and Europe, creating a valuable space for learning, exchange and international collaboration. The initiative aimed to strengthen the capacity of faith-based networks to address substance use challenges from within their communities, using evidence-informed and espiritual approaches.
ISSUP remains committed to working with international partners to support and strengthen faith-based networks that play a vital role in preventing substance use, supporting treatment, and promoting recovery at the community level. Faith-based organisations are often deeply embedded within communities and are uniquely positioned to reach individuals and families affected by substance use, offering trust, continuity and social support.
The opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers, including Wilfred Abrahams, Minister of Home Affairs and Information of Barbados, Rev. Selwyn Brathwaite, Deputy Chairman of the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) Barbados, and Angela Crowdy, Acting Executive Secretary of CICAD/OAS. Their contributions highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and the role of faith-based organisations in national and regional responses to substance use.
From ISSUP’s perspective, participation in this training represented a valuable opportunity to further strengthen our understanding of how evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery approaches can be effectively adapted and implemented within faith-based settings. We are delighted to have taken part in this capacity-building initiative and look forward to sharing the knowledge and insights gained with faith-based organisations that are seeking to enhance their efforts to support individuals and communities affected by substance use.
ISSUP extends its sincere thanks to CICAD/OAS and the National Council on Substance Abuse of Barbados for their leadership and collaboration in delivering this important training, and looks forward to continued partnership in advancing high-quality, evidence-based responses to substance use across diverse community settings.
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