Burnett was bestowed the rare Caribbean Pharmacy Primus Award at the 26th Caribbean Association of Pharmacists convention in St. Kitts & Nevis on 18th August 2006. He was chosen among a highly esteemed cluster of nominees namely: The Head of the Pharmacy School from the reputed University of Technology (UTEC) in Jamaica, Dr. Eugenie Browne and Vanya Role a highly respected pharmacist from the Bahamas.

“I believe I was selected for several reasons. I was told by the President of the CAP that they have been following my career. I have missed a few conferences. It was the first conference I attended over the last four years and I was surprised. I believe that I was conferred with that distinction partly because of my work with the OECSPPS. We do not only procure pharmaceuticals but we offer the countries value added services. I have spareheaded a huge research project whereby we reviewed two thousand one hundred and forty prescriptions written for patients suffering with hypertension/diabetes. We looked at what is considered a prescription audit and reviewed practices to ensure that those practices were in accordance with accepted treatment protocols and that document has been submitted to the Pan American Health Organisation. It is a landmark paper that will contribute to enhancing pharmaceutical care in the OECS Countries.”

Francis is also engaged in a short term consultative with the CARICOM Secretariat having been requested to look at the pharmacy internship programmes for graduates of pharmacy schools in the region.

He follows the first recipient of the award, President of the Commonwealth Pharmacy Association and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health in Jamaica Dr. Grace Allen Young, and the second awardee Dr. Peter Fontellas, Head of Food and Drugs in Curacao.

The Caribbean Association of Pharmacists conceived and launched the Award several years ago but has only been able to choose three honourees so far because of the high standards required for such an award.

Responding to Francis’ recent feat, Director General Dr. Len Ishmael is full of praise “Well done!  I could not have imagined a more deserving awardee. You make us all proud!”-Ishmael

Burnett, recognized for having a unique, transforming and long lasting influence on the profession of pharmacy in the Caribbean told the OECS News Link (ONL) the award has given him a renewed impetus in doing the work for the sub-region. He says the award further challenges his Unit to continue walking the fragile path of credibility.

“I hope this will encourage my senior professional staff to always strive for the highest in the field of pharmacy. It’s a tribute not only to me, but to PPS. We actively trade so it’s important to the management of PPS to be credible; to have a good reputation so that we attract the highest level of quality suppliers and usually in trade and business relations you reap the best harvest when you enjoy a good reputation with international suppliers. It will put added pressure to maintain the highest standards.”

Burnett told the ONL that OECS PPS is developing its 2006-2010 strategic plan in which an active research element will be incorporated in its operations to help sustain the integrity of the joint purchasing arrangement.