Her appointment showed a "lack of commitment'' by Government in the war on drugs, Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ms Renee Webb charged.

Ms Webb questioned the new chief executive officer's ability to oversee the National Drug Commission's (NDC) possible multi-million dollar budget.

The PLP did not think Mrs. Simmons had a full understanding of the Island's substance abuse problem and what it would take to eradicate it, she said.

And she claimed other more qualified applicants were "overlooked''.

"The Progressive Labour Party would like to express its grave concern and disappointment that Government has once again shown its lack of commitment in the fight against drugs through its appointment...of Mrs. Eugenie Simmons,'' Ms Webb said in a statement from PLP headquarters.

"The position of CEO implies that the individual appointed has attained a level of experience in business management, administration and finance.

"We believe that a high level of understanding with respect to the scourge of substance abuse and the various means by which it can be eradicated is fundamental. We question the new CEO's capacity in both.

The PLP was not suggesting a teaching degree was without value, Ms Webb said.

But, "We do question the jump from teacher to managing a business with a responsibility for other executives and a potential multi-million dollar budget.'' She added: "The wealth of experience necessary for CEO of the National Drug Commission has not been demonstrated in the person selected and we understand other qualified applicants were overlooked.'' The PLP was "committed to the fight against drugs''.

Mrs. Simmons was named CEO this week by NDC chairman Mr. Alastair Macdonald and her appointment was approved by Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill.

She leaves her job as Behavioural/Educational Therapist with the Education Department to take up the full-time position.