Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697647777689.pdf (Bahamas)
SIXTY-FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF CICAD April 24-26, 2017 Washington, D.C., United States Report by: David Ramsey Supply Reduction Officer National Anti-Drug Secretariat Ministry of National Security 22nd May, 2017 1.

Opening Ceremony The 61th Regular Session of CICAD was held in Washington, DC, April 24 - 26, 2017.
Representing, The Bahamas were: Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States; Administrator of the Bahamas National Drug Council, Dr. Bridgette Rolle; Supply Reduction Officer David Ramsey; Vice Consul /Alternative Representative to the OAS, Ms. Krissy Hanna.

The Bahamas continues to serve as Chair of the session having ascended to the position during the 60th Regular Session held in Nassau in November 2016.
During his opening address Ambassador Dr. Elliston Rahming told the Commissioners and delegates that the Government of The Bahamas remains committed to supporting the work of the Organization of American States (OAS) in identifying effective ways in which to address the world drug problem.
Furthermore, he added that his country is “actively engaged” with international drug control bodies such as the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND) and CICAD in addressing the global drug problem and that the country is re-writing its new National Anti-Drug Strategy (2017-2022) that provides a comprehensive, integrated approach aimed at countering the drug problem from a national standpoint in The Bahamas.
Bahamas Delegates at the 61st Regular Session of CICAD Figure 1: Pictured from left to right - Krissy Hanna, Second Secretary/Vice-Consul/Alternate Representative-OAS, Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Mrs. Rochelle Baden; Dr. Bridgette Rolle; Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States; Mr. Chet Neymour, Deputy Chief of Mission/Alternate Representative, Permanent Mission of The Bahamas; Ms. Carla Johnson and Mr. David Ramsey, National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS), Ministry of National Security, (BIS Photo/Matt Maura) Ambassador Namm’s Executive Secretary of CICAD said in his remarks that the focus of the Executive Secretariat will be on strengthening the capacity of Member States to address the drug problem.
He continued on by saying that, great importance will be placed on ensuring that the projects and programmes contain in public health, human rights, gender and development focus will continue.
The Executive Secretary added that, “In this regard, we need to continue working on 2 exploring alternatives to incarceration for drug-related crimes; continue strengthening joint CICAD/PAHO actions in the region; craft strategies to minimize the effects of drug production, trafficking and consumption amongst high-risk, vulnerable populations; and support effective, comprehensive and sustainable alternative development policies that guarantee the basic rights of individuals in rural and urban areas.” Figure 2: His Excellency, Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) (center) met with His Excellency Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS) (right) and (at left) Mr. Adam Namm, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) during a Session at the OAS Building in Washington, D.C. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura) 2.
Panel Discussions and Presentations (I) The Provision of Drug Treatment Services: Challenges and Solutions Moderator: Pernell Clarke, Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID), OAS/CICAD Objective: To examine the policy and operational challenges faced by some countries in the hemisphere in the provision of drug treatment services.
Mrs. Rochelle Basden, Deputy Director, Psychological Services at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, was one of four Bahamians who made presentations during the 61st Regular Session of CICAD of which The Bahamas sits as Chair.

Mrs. Basden told delegates attending the 61st CICAD Regular Session in the US capital that The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission’s decision to take a public health approach to the treatment of drug use and related disorders is one that should be embraced.
Ms. Basden said the public health dimension has gained momentum as nations strive for a more integrated and balanced approach to addressing the world drug problem.
“As an archipelagic nation stretching from Haiti in the South to Florida in the north, we share a strong history in drug interdiction with our ally, the United States of America, and 3 Turks and Caicos through the OPBAT Initiative, but we recognize all too well the need for a shared responsibility in addressing the world drug problem,” Ms. Basden said.
Presenting on the Sub-Topic, “Drug Treatment Services in the Caribbean Region,” as part of the subject on “The Provision of Drug Treatment Services: Challenges and Solutions,” Ms. Basden said that public health officials in The Bahamas have for some time held the view that a public health approach should be used in the treatment of drug use and related disorders.
“So we put our money where our mouth is and not only aim to curb supply and maintain law and order, but we also recognize the need to treat persons, families and communities affected by drug use with dignity and respect.
We therefore embrace a Public Health approach to the treatment of drug use disorders and related problems.” In her presentation Mrs. Basden also highlighted The Training and Certification Programme for Drug Treatment, Rehabilitation and Violence Prevention, (PROCCER) (a Training and Certification Model that may be implemented throughout the hemisphere in response to the need for trained prevention and treatment service providers working in violence and drug addiction) and the the Colombo Plan that received strong support from institutions/agencies and treatment professionals who participated in the training.
Training of Professionals Within the Public Health System in Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (II) Moderator: Alex Hill, Demand Reduction Unit, OAS/CICAD Objective: To present training and certification models to strengthen the capacities of drug prevention and treatment providers to improve the quality of services within the National Health Systems.
A panel of four professionals from the Demand Reduction Sector presented on the topic Training of Professionals Within the Public Health System in Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

Dr. Bridgette Rolle, Administrator at The Bahamas National Drug Council, Ministry of Health, the Bahamas in her presentation spoke on the sub-topic: Drug Prevention and Treatment Training in the Caribbean.
In Dr. Rolle’s presentation she listed the following courses, certification programmes and conferences that are designed to address capacity-building in the drug supply reduction     PROCCER Caribbean 2011 Embodies specialized training for drug treatment providers who work with adolescents.

This training was introduced to OAS Member States in 2011.
PROCCER 2017 International Centre For Certification and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE), which was established in 2009 to train and credential addiction professionals in the region.

International Centre For Certification and Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE), established in 2009 to train and credential addiction professionals in the region.

A new program developed to address capacity building and training activities for service providers in drug prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Identified several priority areas aimed at reducing illicit drug trafficking and increasing capacity in law enforcement and crime prevention for at-risk youth.

4   The Caribbean Institute on Addictive Disorders (CARIAD) - Formerly the Caribbean Institute on Alcoholism and other Drug Problems is a two-week summer school held annually since 1975 to train health and allied health professionals from the Caribbean region in addiction studies.
COPOLAD 2011-2015 (Cooperation Programme between Latin America, The Caribbean and the European Union on Drug Policies) Figure 3: His Excellency, Dr. Elliston Rahming, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations in New York and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) listens attentively during one of the plenary session at CICAD 61 during at the OAS Building in Washington, D.C. (BIS Photo/Matt Maura) (III) CICAD Reviews Early Warning Systems (EWS): Importance for Taking Action at a National Level Moderator : Marya Hynes, Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID), OAS/CICAD Presenters: Diego Olivera, Secretary General, National Drug Council, Uruguay Jenny Fagua Duarte, EWS, Colombian Drug Observatory, Justice Ministry, Colombia Objective: To examine existing models for Early Warning Systems (EWS) and their importance as a tool for responding to emerging problems at a national and local level.
The objective of the Panel discussion was to examine existing models for Early Warning Systems (EWS) and their importance as a tool for responding to emerging problems at a national and local level.

In addition this Plenary also focused on "Strengthening Coordination and Promoting Cooperation Among Supply Reduction Agencies in the Hemisphere.

Roger Bencze, International Affairs, Joint Inter-Agency task Force South, United States of America was the Presenter.
Sergeant David Ramsey, Supply Reduction Officer, National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS), Ministry of National Security, The Bahamas gave a ten minutes introduction by illustrating the importance of counter illicit trafficking operations, information sharing and networking, including partner nation initiatives to detect and defeat the flow of illicit drug trafficking in the hemisphere.
During Sergeant Ramsey presentation he shared some of his experience as a Drug Interdiction Officer for more than 12 years on the OPBAT Operation.

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Reports from Committees and Groups (I) CICAD draft resolution paragraphs for the 47th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly On Wednesday 26th April, 2017 Ms. Krissy Hanna Chair of CICAD Resolution Paragraphs on Advancing Hemispheric Security: A Multidimensional Approach Committee presented the draft resolution paragraphs to the Commissioners and Delegates.

The same was approved and will be included into CICAD Resolution Paragraphs for the 47th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly.
Figure 4: Ms. Krissy Hanna (at right) Chair of CICAD Resolution Paragraphs on Advancing Hemispheric Security: A Multidimensional Approach.

The paragraph will be inserted into the report for the 47th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly.
The following reports were also approved by CICAD Commissioners:  Report of the Group of Experts on Demand Reduction Introduction: Alex Hill, Demand Reduction Unit, ES/CICAD Report Presenter: Nara Santos, Project Director, SENAD, Brazil, Chair of the Group of Experts.
 Report of the Inter-Governmental Working Group (IWG) of the Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) Introduction: Sofia Kosmas, Multilateral Evaluation Unit, ES/CICAD Report Presenter: Mila Francisco, Alternate Representative, Mission of Chile to the OAS, IWG Chair 6 4.
Dialogue With Civil Society: Refining Drug Policy Indicators - Measuring Progress With A Focus On Individuals Ms. Lowena West (left), representing Civil Society Bahamas, addressed the Civil Society Dialogue during the 61st Regional Session of the Inter- American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) at the OAS Building in Washington, D.C. CICAD Executive Secretary, Ambassador Adam Namm applauded the "vital role" Civil Society plays in addressing the world drug problem and its "invaluable role" in the development and implementation of policies and programmes.
After three days of presentations, panel discussions The 61st Regular Session of CICAD concluded with remarks by OAS Permanent Observers, International, Regional and Civil Society Organizations accredited by the Organization of American States (OAS) 7 5.
United States and Bahamas Bilateral Meeting at CICAD 61st During CICAD 61st Regular Session delegates representing The Government of the Bahamas and the United States of America held an hour bilateral meeting in the General Services Building of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Addressing the Bahamian delegates, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Internal Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Mr. Luis E. Arreaga, congratulated The Bahamas on ascending to the Chair of CICAD and for chairing what he termed a successful 61st CICAD Regular Session.
He continued his remarks by saying that the United States/Bahamas partnership has served both countries well over the years and that his country looks forward to a “continued successful bilateral partnership” particularly in the war on the world drug problem.

He noted the 61st Regular Session of CICAD allowed United States officials the opportunity to welcome in the new leadership of the CICAD Executive Secretariat Ambassador Adam Namm who was appointed the Executive Secretary of CICAD in December, 2016.
Mr. Arreaga spoke on a few other topics including:  Opportunity for the United States to share its vision for implementation of the UNGASS Document and to alert the Hemisphere of the world opioids crisis.

The abuse of prescription opioid pain relievers among young people.
  Assisting the Bahamas in the establishment of Drug Treatment Courts as an alternative to incarceration for young, drug users/abusers, adding that the United States was “prepared to support the establishment of Drug Treatment Courts – especially for young people.” Delegates of the Bahamas and United States Bilateral Meeting during CICAD 61st Pictured (from left) are: Rochelle Basden, Deputy Director, Psychological Services, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre; Sergeant David Ramsey, Supply Reduction Officer, National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Ministry of National Security; Lowena West, Civil Society Bahamas; Luis Arreaga, U.S. State Department; Dr. Bridgette Rolle, Bahamas Head-of-Delegation; Teddi Shihadeh, U.S. State Department and Carla Johnson, Executive Officer, National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Ministry of National Security.
(BIS Photo/Matt Maura) Dr. Bridgette Rolle, informed Mr. Arreaga that The Bahamas was in the process of establishing Drug Treatment Courts and Community Youth Centres as alternatives to incarceration for young drug users/abusers.

Dr. Rolle also addressed a number of other areas during her response.

She reminded Mr. Arreaga that just last year during the 60th CICAD Regular Session held in Nassau, Minister of National Security, the Hon.
Dr. Bernard J. Nottage announced that The Bahamas was in the “critical stages” of establishing Drug Treatment Courts as alternatives to incarceration for drug-dependent offenders through treatment and rehabilitation.
Dr. Rolle; Sergeant David Ramsey, Supply Reduction Officer, National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Ministry of National Security; Rochelle Basden, Deputy-Director, Psychological Services, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, and Lowena West, Representing Civil Society Bahamas, also made interventions during the Bilateral Meeting.

Carla Johnson, Executive Officer, National Anti-Drug Secretariat, Ministry of National Security also participated in the Bilateral along with Teddi Shihadeh, U.S. State Department.
8 61st CICAD Bahamian Welcome Reception At the residence of Consul General Paulette Zonicle His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry Bahamas Ambassador to the United States of American chats with CICAD Executive Secretary Mr. Adam Namm Pictured from left to right - Mr. David Ramsey; Consul General Mrs. Paulette Zonicle; CICAD Executive Secretary Mr. Adam Namm; His Excellency Dr. Eugene Newry and Mrs. Newry; Dr. Bridgette Rolle; Mrs. Rochelle Baden and Ms. Carla Johnson.
9 CICAD 61st Commissioners and delegates enjoy the food, music and drinks during the Bahamian Reception held at the residence of Consul General Paulette Zonicle 10