Minister of National Security Marvin Dames told Law Enforcement Agencies gathered for a National Drug Planning Workshop with the Inter-American Drug Control Commission (CICAD) that he is looking forward to receiving a plan that can be implemented over the next 2years.
This follows the request of the government of The Bahamas, the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Secretariat for Multidimensional Security of the Organization of American States (OAS), in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) of The Bahamas are meeting contribute to the Development of Action Plans for the five pillars of the current National Drug Strategy.
Mr. Dames, during his remarks at the opening ceremony told participants that the planning stages means “no one is left behind”.
“The 2017-2022 plan, which is the third in a series since the establishment of NADS, the previous two covering the years 2007-2012 and 2013-2017, is different in that it now has to take into consideration, the global recommendations emanating from the United Nations General Assembly of Special session 2016.
“The CICAD Hemispheric Plan of Action; and the many changes that are going to necessary if we are to make any headway in our attempt to achieve those Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant to The Bahamas.
“So, I challenge you, as you deliberate, think carefully of those underlying conditions that contribute to our social conditions being what they are; our situation with respect to drug treatment; prevention; the available supply of illicit substances; and chemical control,” Mr. Dames said.
Mr. Dames also challenged workshop attendees to direct their efforts to what should be most paramount.
“Based on all the available information, ask yourselves, ‘what are the best strategies and activities that we must employ if we wish to have the greatest desired impact on priority problems’.
“In the area of demand reduction, should the strategies include: incentives and penalties, increasing access/lowering barriers; changing policies and or regulations, or changing the environment,” Mr. Dames said.
The workshop is being held at Superclubs Breezes Resorts.
