Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697648090562.pdf (Bahamas)
TTTHHHEEE NNNAAATTTIIIOOONNNAAALLL AAANNNTTTIII---DDDRRRUUUGGG SSSEEECCCRRREEETTTAAARRRIIIAAATTT 222nnnddd QQQuuuaaarrrttteeerrr RRReeepppooorrrttt 222000111555 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 1 2nd Quarter Report 2015 THE NATIONAL ANTI-DRUG SECRETARIAT Ministry of National Security Commonwealth of The Bahamas Phone: 242.356.4400 Fax: 242.356.6087 nads@bahamas.gov.bs 002-2015 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 2 DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE I am pleased to submit this 2nd Quarter Report for 2015 of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS).
The months of April through June of this year have been busy months, especially as it relates to demand reduction.

This underscores the fact that The Bahamas is becoming more strategically aligned with the global drug fight as it has shifted most of its efforts on preventing drug use and abuse.

During the period under review, NADS has completed and embarked on a number of critical work activities to promote and coordinate local anti-drug efforts.
Our stakeholders have been re-focused and updated on their mandates within the Government’s National Anti-Drug Strategy 2012-2016, and have pledged their renewed support to do their part in the fight against drugs.

While major drug siezures and arrests continue on the supply aspect, hemispheric partners have stressed the importance of a new spotlight on demand reduction.
Therefore, a significant amount of NADS actions have centered on educating youths on the direct and indirct consequences of drug use and abuse with a view to discouraging youths from using drugs.

Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna Assistant Superintendent of Police (Atg.)
Director National Anti-Drug Secretariat 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 3 NADS’ STAFF MEMBERS Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna Director chaswellhanna@bahamas.gov.bs Ms. Siobhan Deane First Assistant Secretary siobhandeane@bahamas.gov.bs Mr. David Ramsey Supply Reduction Officer davidramsey@bahamas.gov.bs Mr. Shervin Lloyd Demand Reduction Officer shervinlloyd@bahamas.gov.bs Ms. Indirah Belle, MS Reseacher, National Drus Observatory indirahbelle@bahamas.gov.bs Ms. Carla Johnson Secretary carlajohnson@bhamas.gov.bs 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 4 NADS ADMINISTRATION National Drugs Observatory (NDO) In an effort establish a properly functioning National Drug Observatory (NDO) within NADs, Ms. Indirah Belle, was assigned as a researcher during the period under review.
Among her key functions will be to conduct drug related studies to guide national anti-drug policies locally.

Ms. Indirah Belle, the latest addition to the NADS staff, is a serving police officer of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and holds the rank of Sergeant.

She received her Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration Degree from the North Carolina Central University in 2006.

She currently serves as a researcher in the National Drugs Observatory.
STAKEHOLDER VISITS During the period under review, NADS conducted visits at the following stakeholder agencies: Government 1.

Department of Social Services 2.

Urban Renewal NGOs 1.

Great Commission Ministries 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 5 Meetings were scheduled with several other stakeholders, but had to be canceled due to unexpected events.

During the visits, the NADS Director met with the heads of these agencies and shared the renewed focus of NADS in the anti-drug fight.
The Director also provided them with a copy of The Bahamas’ “National Anti-Drug Strategy 2012-2016” and reminded them of their role and responsibilities as outlined in the plan.

They were also admonished to maintain accurate reports each year and submit them to NADS as such reports will be highlighted in the NADS annual report.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES During the 2nd Quarter, Ms. Indirah Belle, a researcher in the National Drug Observatory within NADS, completed a study on the ‘e–cigarette’ also known as the ‘hookah-pen’ or ‘hookah-cigarette’.

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings and other chemicals to users in vapor instead of smoke.

They are manufactured to resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars or pipes, or even everyday items like pens or USB memory sticks.
Photo of youth smoking an e- cigarette Research has also indicated that hookah smoking may not be as safe as some declare.

It was found that smoking from a hookah has harmful effects on the health of a human being much like smoking a cigarette and in some ways it is even more dangerous than cigarette smoking.
It was discovered that these items are becoming 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 6 popular among first time users and youths as they are being marketed as a ‘healthier’ alternative to traditional tobacco products.

People have also been found to uses these devices to smoke illegal drugs including marijuana.

Most concerning, however, is that this product is a ‘gateway’ for persons to begin experimenting with illegal drugs.

The study concluded with the following key recommendations: 1.
In consideration of the health risks provide by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health should investigate the health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and determine whether such risks warrant prohibiting the products locally.

2.
2.

The relationship between the Ministry of Health and international health agencies such as the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization should be reviewed to ensure that The Bahamas adopts recommendations regarding health risks associated with consumer products.

3.

A public awareness campaign should immediately be launched to educate members of the public, particularly adolescent youths, on the lethal effects of smoking e-cigarettes specifically and smoking generally.
DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES Treatment Workshop in Saint Lucia.

On May 19th through 21st, Mr. Shervin Lloyd, Demand Reduction Officer and Ms. Indirah Belle, Researcher at the National Drug Observatory, attended a Standardized Drug Treatment Registration Form Workshop in Castries, Saint Lucia.

The workshop was hosted by the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) through its Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID).
The general purpose of this workshop was to strengthen the capacity of its member states to gather, analyze and report drug related information.

Participants were trained in the use and application of the standardized form and transcribing of data from the form 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 7 into computerized statistical programs.

A total of ten countries participated in the workshop including: 1.

Antigua & Barbuda 2.

Barbados 3.

Bahamas 4.

Belize 5.

Guyana 6.

Haiti 7.

Jamaica 8.

St. Lucia 9.


Trinidad & Tobago 10.

Surinam Representatives from the ten member states took time out for a group photo.
The specific objectives of the workshop was to discuss drug and alcohol treatment in participating countries, present data on 2014 drug treatment in the Caribbean, to undertake a detailed review of the standardized instrument, to present the experiences of countries involved in data collection, to introduce a new data entry template and new software to participants (Epi.

info and excel), and to discuss and agree on a way forward.
Mr. Pernell Clarke, representative from CICAD noted that citizens of member states are demanding more information.

According to Mr. Clarke, this information should be 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 8 scientific to assist in the planning and decision making of states.

The Research Specialist advised that the society in the Caribbean is changing.

Consequently, evidence surrounding treatment is important at the national and regional level.
He concluded by acknowledging the efforts of member states in gathering and analyzing data from treatment facilities.

He also noted that the work of the international body is very important particularly in the area of the Standardized Data Collection System for Drug and Alcohol Treatment.

Presentation of Drug Treatment Data Ms. Tiffany Barry, another CICAD staffer, presented data on drug treatment in the Caribbean.
In her presentation it was displayed that most countries in the region are battling with cocaine, marijuana and heroin use.

All the countries that were part of the analysis were dealing with alcohol addiction.

The Bahamas did not implement the Standardized Data Collection System for Drug and Alcohol Treatment.

Hence, no data was presented for The Bahamas.


Country Reports: Experience with Collecting Treatment Data All of the countries present, excluding The Bahamas, expressed their experience in using the data collection form.

The common challenge for member states was getting treatment providers to consistently provide data to the national institution and getting the buy-in of some institutions.
Following the countries presentation, there was a quick review of the updated CICAD Standardized Instrument by Mr. Clarke.

It was during this time that participants were able to become acquainted with the amendment made to the updated CICAD Standardized Instrument.

Discussion on EPI Info According to Mr. Pernell Clarke, Epi Info 7 is a suite of software tools that allow healthcare professionals to rapidly collect and analyze data using epidemiologic methods.
Subsequently, this program was used to develop the CICAD Standard Drug Treatment Admission Form, and provide a means to collect and analyze drug treatment data 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 9 nationally and regionally.

Mr. Clarke further advised that Epi Info 7 has to be downloaded on each computer used to carry out data collection.

Data is collected when the user fill out the “Treatment Form”.

Data entered in the “treatment form” are automatically saved in a data base created by the program.
This stored data can be read and analyzed to generate reports, statistics, tables and graphs.

One of the benefits of this software is it can generate reports which can be used by national and international bodies.

Mr. Pernell Clarke (CIAD representative), representatives from Trinidad & Tobago and The Bahamas team posed to take a photo after being presented with Trinidad and Tobago annual Report.
Overview of Drug & alcohol Treatment in Participating Countries All the countries that attended the workshop made presentation on the drug and alcohol treatment in their countries.

Mr. Shervin Lloyd made the presentation on behalf of The Bahamas team.

The Demand Reduction officer advised the workshop that The Bahamas has a combination of private and public treatment facilities.

The Government treatment facility is Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, he acknowledged.
He also advised the workshop participants that the Government of The Bahamas is in the process of 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 10 developing a treatment centre at The Bahamas Correctional Facility and that The Bahamas employs the methods of residential, detoxification and outpatient treatment.

Recommendations 1.

The Bahamas should implement the Standardized Data Collection Form immediately.
This will demonstrate The Bahamas’ commitment to its national and international obligations and it will give the appearance that it is a state that is cooperating in the war against drugs.

2.

Implement the Minimum Standard for Treatment Facilities Document; 3.

Continue to participate in international workshops/seminars; this will assist in increasing the body of knowledge for the Secretariat staff.
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE & ILLICIT TRAFFICKING As part of the commemorative effort of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, NADS and a Multi-Sectoral Planning Committee organized a series of activities geared toward raising awareness of the scope of the drug problem.
Under the theme, “Drugs I Reject, My Life I Protect”, the following activities were hosted including a church visit on June 7th at Kemp Road Ministries, a National Ribbon Day on June 26th and an Anti-Drug Exhibition on June 26th at the Mall at Marathon.

To assist with the planning and execution of the stated activities, several organizations were invited to be a part of the Multi-Sectoral Planning Committee.

The organizations are as follows: 1.

Royal Bahamas Police Force 2.


Royal Bahamas Defence Force 3.

Department of Correctional Services 4.

Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre 5.

Adolescent Health 6.

The Bahamas National Drug Council 7.

Ministry of Education 8.

Ministry of Health 9.

Ministry of Youth and Sports & Culture 10.

Ministry of Agriculture Marine Resources and Local Government 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 11 The following organizations responded to the Ministry’s request and assigned a staff to the Committee: 1.
Royal Bahamas Police Force 2.

Royal Bahamas Defence Force 3.

Department of Correctional Services 4.

Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre 5.

The Bahamas National Drug Council 6.

Ministry of Agriculture Marine Resources and Local Government The Committee members are as follows: 1.

Mr. Shervin Lloyd…………..Chairman(NADS) 2.

Dr. Corolyn Hanna………….The Bahamas National Drug Council 3.

Mrs. Carolyn Roberts……….Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre 4.

Mr. Christopher Minus……..Royal Bahamas Police Force 5.
Mr. David Ramsey…………..National Anti-Drug Secretariat 6.

Mr. Marvin Hepburn……….Bahamas national Drug Council 7.

Ms. Antoinette Saunders……Bahamas Department of Correctional 8.

Mr. Bradley Strachan……….Bahamas Department of Correctional 9.

Mr.

Origin Deleveaux……….Royal Bahamas Defence Force 10.
Ms. Angela Albury ………….Ministry of Land & Local Government Church Visit On June 7th, 2015, the Ministry of National Security, its stakeholders and the Multi- Sectoral Planning Committee visited Kemp Road Ministries.

The Minister of National Security the Hon.

Dr. Bernard Nottage, brought remarks on behalf of the Government and the Ministry of National Security.

Minister Nottage noted the most prevalent illegal drugs that persons are using in The Bahamas, namely marijuana and cocaine.
He described how the use and abuse of such drugs are fueling the local crime problem.

He also cautioned parents to be aware luring products such as ‘beedies’ and ‘e- cigarettes’.

He advised that while these products are not illegal in The Bahamas, there are instances where young persons are experimenting with these products and may not be aware of the damaging effects of these substances.
The Minister also acknowledged that research is showing that these products can cause users to experiment with illicit substances.

2nd Quarter Report– 2015 12 The sermon was delivered by Rev.

Ivan F. Butler, Senior Pastor.

Dr. Butler based his sermon on the national theme for the awareness campaign, “Drugs I Reject, My Life I Protect.

He encouraged parishioners and guests to stay away from drugs.
He listed several reasons why persons should stay away from drugs by underscoring the fact that they can destroy the body, mind and compromises a person’s potential.

National Ribbon Day On June 26, members of the public were invited specially made ribbons to raise awareness of drug abuse.

The Red Ribbon was used as an awareness symbol made by after DEA Agent Enrique Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Citizens in his home town of Calexico, California donned the ribbons to emphasize the need for increased prevention efforts.

The ribbons used for this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking featured the popular phrase “Say no to Drugs” Several organizations participated in this activity including the Ministry of National Security, Ministry of Education, Cabinet Office, Scotia Bank & the Bank of The Bahamas.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 13 Exhibition The final activity that was executed in New Providence for the commemoration of International Drug Day 2015 was a service and an Anti-Drug Exhibition at the Mall at Marathon.

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Gerald Cash Primary and Garvin Tynes participated on the program.

Mr. Andre Chappelle, a well known local recovering drug addict, gave a moving testimonial of his experience on drugs.
The dynamic students of Gerald Cash Primary School performing at the Opening of the Exhibition.

NADS Director, Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna, shared details about the occasion with the audience.

The keynote address was delivered by Senator The Hon.

Keith Bell, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security.

Minister Bell encouraged persons present to stay away from drugs.
He also noted the many accomplishments of the Government in supply reduction and stated that the Ministry of National Security is in a battle for the minds of the youths.

The exhibition lasted for two days at the Mall at Marathon.
Organizations that participated in the exhibition are the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Bahamas Correctional Services, The Bahamas National Drug Council, Sandilands 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 14 Rehabilitation Centre, Adolescent Health, and Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH).
The students of Gavin Tynes sang an original song based on the theme “Drugs I Reject, My Life I Protect” Officials & special guests present at the Opening Ceremony of the Exhibition including (l-r) Senator the Hon.

Keith Bell, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security; Bishop Victor Cooper; Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna, Director of NADS; Mr. Andre Chappelle and Mr. Terry Miller, Executive Director of BASH.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 15 Mr. Andre Chappelle, a well known local recovering drug addict, gave a moving testimonial of his experience on drugs.

Family Island Campaign Unlike the previous year, Eleuthera (southern district) was the only Family Island that planned and executed an activity in commemoration of International Drug Day.

The activity was held at Ocean Hole Park, Rock Sound.

The event commenced at 6:00 p.m. and the guest speaker was Dr. Wayne Thompson.
Residents of Eleuthera listened attentively to remarks that were made during the activity held at South Eleuthera District 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 16 Budget The initial budget for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking awareness campaign was $ 13,466.69.

However, because of budgetary constraints, the budget was reduced to $ 2463.00.

Below, the table outlines how the monies were spent.
Items /services Purpose Cost Company Refreshments Eleuthera Campaign $ 500.00 Brown’s Imperial Food Store Chairs Exhibition ceremony $135.00 Good Times Party Rental Church visit Church’s youth program $300.00 Kemp Road Ministries School performance School performance Table and table cloth Printed ad Radio appearances Refreshments for children (exhibition ceremony) Refreshments for children (exhibition ceremony) $140.00 Gerald Cash Primary School $140.00 Garvin Tynes Primary School (exhibition) $90.00 Mall at Marathon Public relations campaign Public relations campaign $304.00 The Nassau Guardian $ 18.00 Broadcasting Cooperation of The Bahamas Ribbons Ribbon Day $836.00 Uniform Expert Total $ 2,463.00 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 17 BASH’s PRESS CONFERENCE IN PREPARATIONS FOR ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY On January the 10th, 2016, Bahamas Association of Social Health (BASH) will be celebrating 25 years of service to the Bahamian community.
In preparation for its 25th anniversary, the Executive Director of BASH, Mr. Terry Miller, on May 6th at 11:00 am held a news conference at BASH.

During the news conference, Mr. Miller outlined the activities that BASH will be doing to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

Some of the activities are as follows: treasure hunt and Cultural mini fair 26th September, 2015.

Mr. Terry Miller, Executive Chairmen of BASH speaks at the Press Conference.
In addition to the activities that will take place at BASH, Mr. Miller highlighted the contributions BASH has made and continues to make to the Bahamian community.

For example, he noted that BASH was established in 1991 and manages an adult male residential substance dependency treatment and rehabilitation program based on the cognitive behavioral therapy.
According to Mr. Miller, the program has assisted many Bahamian males and he assured all that BASH will continue to serve the Bahamian community in collaboration with the Government of The Bahamas.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 18 GRADUATION AT TEEN CHALLENGE With the drug trade still "alive and well" and liquor stores on "almost every corner," officials from Teen Challenge, one of the nation's oldest drug treatment centers, held a graduation ceremony on the 14th June, 2015 for persons who completed their Temperament and Teen Challenge Program.

Teen Challenge Bahamas is one of the organizations in The Bahamas where hundreds of men are turning up to kick drug and alcohol habits.
Over the past 20 years Teen Challenge Bahamas has opened its doors to men suffering from addictions and treated them using a one-year mentoring program that uses spiritual, emotional, educational and vocational training to help break their illegal habits.

To date, teen Challenge Bahamas is now offering anger management and parenting classes to the community.
The picture shows Mr. Fox presenting a certificate to one of the graduates of the program A total of 21 graduates successfully completed various courses including Vocational Education, Leadership Training, Conflict Resolution, and Drug Treatment.

Family, friends, community leaders, Dr. Chaswell Hanna, Director of NADS and Mr. Shervin Lloyd, Demand 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 19 Reduction Officer in NADS, were also in attendance.
The Director of NADS brought remarks on behalf of the Secretariat and the Government of The Bahamas.

Dr. Hanna assured Mr. Fox of the government’s support for Teen Challenge and all progressive demand reduction centers locally.

Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna, Director of NADS brings remarks on behalf of the Ministry of National Security at the Graduation Ceremony.
U.S. Embassy Grants $25,000 to the Bahamas Association for Social Health to Combat Substance Abuse On Tuesday, March 24, the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Section awarded the Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) a $25,000 grant to implement an anti-drug media campaign targeting at-risk populations in The Bahamas.

BASH submitted the winning proposal for an openly- competed small grant competition.
The grant was awarded at BASH’s residential substance treatment center and headquarters by Susan Snyder, the Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Programs in the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

“INL looks forward to continued collaboration and cooperation with BASH to achieve our shared goals,” Ms. Snyder told BASH Executive Director Terry Miller and BASH Director of Treatment Services Lowena West at the award presentation.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 20 BASH Executive Director Terry Miller gives INL officials Susan Snyder and Kristin Gilmore a tour of the compound.

(Photo State Dept.)

With the grant money, BASH plans to create a documentary and three public service announcements highlighting the damaging consequences of drug abuse.

The documentary, tentatively titled “Healthy Choices,” will educate the public about the stark realities of substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Once production is complete, the documentary and public service announcements will run on local television stations.

In addition, BASH plans to conduct seminars and outreach with parents, teachers and high school students.

Funding for the grant comes under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 21 National Drug-Free Schools Day To fulfill one of its mandates articulated in the National Anti-drug Strategy 2011 - 2016, NADS has sought approval of Cabinet to commence an Annual Drug-Free Schools Day, to be held on the third Monday of each October.

The thrust of the campaign is to rebrand the anti-drug message in private and public schools throughout the entire Bahamas.
This initiative received support from the Department of Education as well as the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools.

A number of activities have been planned in order to make the day an impactful and meaningful one.

One of the main activities is an essay competition.

To get the full participation of students, it has been recommended that cash prize in addition to other worthy prizes be given to the top runners up.
The essay competition would be opened to both the primary and high schools.

However, they would be judged separately.

Also the idea behind the competition is for NADS to ascertain the thinking of students when it comes to drugs and the abuse of it.

The fruition of this initiative is dependent upon the approval of The Cabinet and it is hoped that it would be given, as the benefits to be gained is insurmountable.
Youth Build Program Design Workshop The Government of The Bahamas and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have jointly partnered and co-operated on ongoing Social Protection and Citizen Security Initiatives.

In this regard, the IDB has introduced the Youth Build Program Model to assist vulnerable populations such at risk youths between 16 and 25 years; out of school and unemployed who are at greater risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of crime and violence.
This strategy provides a multi-sector intervention for “unattached youths” to develop and become socially and economically engaged in a positive way.

The Youth Build program model was founded some 37 years ago in New York by its Founder and CEO, Dorothy Stoneman.

Since its inception, it has gained local and international acclaim.

Youth Build USA has built a network of 267 urban and rural programs in 45 states enrolling 10,000 young people each year who have built 28,000 units of affordable housing.
Youth Build International has 102 program sites and 12,000 young 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 22 persons in 15 country locations who have contributed to 200 community projects such as housing construction, community centers, parks, schools and green infrastructure.

On June 23 and 24, 2015 a two day YouthBuild Program Design Workshop was held at the Transfiguration Community Center on Vesey Street, Nassau, Bahamas.
Ms. Indirah Belle, a researcher in the National Drugs Observatory, represented the Ministry of National Security.

The workshop was designed to bring together local stakeholders including youths, community members, non government organizations, government and the private sector.

The participants were actively engaged to facilitate the program design process adapting the program model to fit local and cultural context.
Ms. Indirah Belle from the NADS along with other participants, pose for a photo with Youth-Build Program facilitators.

(Kneeling from l-r) Mr. Peter Twichell, Mr. Brett Lashley.

(standing far right Ms. Laurie Bennette .

The Youth Build program model would provide a comprehensive six month full time program that provides pathways to education, jobs, entrepreneurship and counseling support for youths leading to productive livelihoods and community leadership.
On 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 23 completion, participants will receive follow up support services up to three months.

Pilot Project will cater to two cohorts of fifty students and implementation is geared for fall 2015 with two program cycles to cover a total of 26 months duration.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES CICAD 57th Regular Session The Fifty-Seventh (57) Regular Session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) was held in Washington D.C. from April 29th – May 1st, 2015.

Prior to the CICAD Regular Session is the Hemispheric Drug Strategy Meeting was held on April 27th - 28th, 2015 also in Washington D.C.

The Bahamas Delegation included: Dr. Chaswell Hanna, Sgt.

David Ramsey and Sgt.

Indirah Belle.


Main Themes this Session Included: 1.

Drug abuse is a public health issue.

2.

Drug addicts should be treated as patients and not criminals.

3.

‘Decriminalization’ of drug abuse 4.

Focus should be on re-entry of treated persons back into society & health education 5.
Alternatives to incarceration Working Group to Develop Plan of Action The Working Group established to develop a plan of action for the new hemispheric drug strategy met 2 days proper to the start of the Regular Session.

Dr. Hanna represents The Bahamas on the group and was invited, along with other member states, to provide input on the new hemispheric plan of action for drugs 2016-2020.

The 6 thematic pillars included: 1.

Institutional strengthening 2.

Research, Information, Monitoring & Evaluation 3.


Demand Reduction 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 24 4.

Control Measures 5.

Control of Money Laundering & Forfeiture 6. International Cooperation The Bahamian delegations presented a copy of a history book of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to Ambassador Paul Simmons, the Executive Secretary of CICAD.

Pictured (l-r) Ms. Indirah Belle, Dr. Chaswell Hanna, Ambassador Simmons and Mr. David Ramsey.
2nd Quarter Report– 2015 25 The Hosting of CICAD 60th Session in The Bahamas At the 57th Regular Session of CICIAD held in Guatemala City, Guatemala, the Director of NADS expressed an interest in hosting a Regular Session of CICAD in The Bahamas.

No such session has ever been held locally or in the Caribbean Region.

Officials at CICAD were happy to learn of this interest and were very accommodating in providing associated logistics.
On Thursday April 30, 2015, a meeting was held with CICAD’s Assistant Executive Secretary, Ms. Angela Crowdy & Magali Santos to discuss the possibility of hosting the 60th Regular Session of CICAD in The Bahamas, November 2016.

The Bahamas has to prepare a Diplomatic Note which must be received by the Secretariat by September 2015.

A MOU must be signed which provides details of all the logistics involved in planning the event.
Vice Chair position must be secured by the Minister of National Security or his Designee at the 58th Regular Session scheduled for Lima, Peru in November 2015.

This involves consensus by member states.

The Chair position is assumed after serving as Vice Chair for a year.

The role of the Chair is to oversee the proceedings of meetings; ensuring that meetings proceed on schedule and member states deliberate in an orderly fashion.
CICAD conferences hosts 200 delegates from 34 member states speaking 4 different languages inclusive of English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

The host country must secure travel, accommodations, food and transportation for 20 Secretariat staff members.

OAS representatives while in The Bahamas will meet with Civil Society.

A Cabinet Paper was submitted seeking approval to host the session and we are awaiting a response.
THE UNITED NATIONS Special Session of UN General Assembly on the World Drug Problem 2016 (UNGASS) The UN General Assembly will hold a Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs in 2016.
This Special Session will be an important milestone in achieving the goals set in the policy document of 2009 "Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 26 towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem", which defined action to be taken by Member States as well as goals to be achieved by 2019.
In March 2014, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) conducted the high-level, mid-term review of the progress made in the implementation of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action, the results of which are included in the Joint Ministerial Statement adopted.

Member States identified achievements, challenges and priorities for further action on the way to the target date of 2019.
The General Assembly (GA) has requested the CND, as the United Nations organ with the prime responsibility for drug control matters, to engage in the preparatory process for the UNGASS.

In response to this request, the Commission adopted resolution 57/5, entitled "Special session of the General Assembly on the world drug problem to be held in 2016", in which it decided to ensure an adequate, inclusive and effective preparatory process for the 2016 Special Session.
This process has been started immediately.

As an initial step to facilitate that broader consultation with UN entities, international and regional organizations and non- governmental organizations, the website www.ungass2016.org has been created, which is meant to enable global dialogue in an inclusive and transparent manner and to function as a resource tool for the Commission in its preparations for the 2016 Special Session.
All relevant UN entities, international and regional organizations as well as all NGOs which regularly attend the Commission have been invited to contribute.

The website also contains a timeline that lays out important dates and events for the CND on the way to 2016.

In its resolutions 69/200 and 69/201 the GA asked the CND to lead the preparatory process by addressing all organizational and substantive matters in an open-ended manner.
Resolution 69/200 further requests that the special session on the world drug problem in 2016 shall have an inclusive preparatory process that includes extensive substantive consultations, allowing organs, entities and specialized agencies of the United Nations system, relevant international and regional organizations, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to fully contribute to the process, in accordance with the relevant rules of procedure and established practices.
The formal process is enriched by a series of informal activities with the aim of creating an environment for exchange to benefit from the extensive expertise the different 2nd Quarter Report– 2015 27 stakeholders (member states, UN entities, IGOs, IOs, civil society including NGOs, academia and the scientific community) can bring to the table.

The preparations are supported by a number of tools to facilitate an effective, transparent and inclusive process.
The initiatives and meetings are documented on this website.

In preparation for the special session, the 58th Session of the CND in March 2015 adopted resolution 58/8, entitled "Special Session of the General Assembly on the World Drug Problem to be held in 2016", making recommendations on organizational and substantive matters regarding the session for adoption by the General Assembly: e.g.
the special Session to be held from 19-21 April 2016 or the session to consist of a general debate and five interactive, multi-stakeholder round tables.