Latest update March 25th, 2025 7:08 AM
Latest News
- Surinamese invest US$516M into country’s first oil project
- ExxonMobil impact study for Hammerhead project silent on likely explosion from new pipeline
- ‘A shocking breach’: Trump officials leak military attacks to The Atlantic
- Pensioner goes missing during creek outing at Kwakwani
- Cuban national jailed for entering Guyana illegally
Uniform data collection system imminent for drug and alcohol treatment agencies
A recent report by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) indicated that Latin and other Caribbean countries have the highest crime rates in the world. One of the root problems in this regard has been noted to be drug trafficking.
This is according to Retired Brigadier Michael Atherly. He made this declaration at the Police Officers’ Training Centre at Eve Leary, Georgetown on Wednesday last.
The Haitian envoy of the OAS to Guyana, Jean Ricot Dormeus (right ) and Paul Spencer, Advisor in the Office of the OAS Secretary General.
Atherly was giving his introductory remarks at the opening of the seminar on implementing a standardized data collection system for drug and alcohol treatment agencies in the Caribbean which is sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission.
Atherly expressed that the changing social and economic climate of the Caribbean coupled with the increased availability of drugs, along with the demand for it, have contributed to the global drug abuse problem and its associated ills.
In his innovative presentation, he presented the members of his audience with the tunes of several musical legends which included that of Jamaican artiste, Peter Tosh, who glorified the use of cannabis and suggested that it be legalized.
The coordinator of the task force on narcotics, drugs and illicit weapons, did this to place emphasis on his call for the mindset of the society on drug abuse and trafficking to be addressed. He noted as well that compounding the mindset issue was the fact that changes in the social world have made youths more vulnerable to these harmful activities. Considering the increasing production of illicit drugs and its use, he stressed that there is an urgent need for governments to make more efforts to target the supply of narcotics.
He informed too that it is significant that “we feature more prominently, programmes to reduce all forms of substance abuse and promote interventions that would reduce adverse consequences.”
Moreover, introducing the Haitian diplomat of the Organization of America States (OAS) to Guyana, Jean Ricot Dormeus was Paul Spencer, Advisor in the Office of the Secretary General OAS, Washington DC.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Dormeus said, that he is delighted to assume the position. During his stint in Guyana, the OAS representative will be adding his expertise during deliberations on best practices on building capacity and developing procedures that lend to stronger national security.
Over the next two days, he explained that the data system will be used throughout the region as he stressed that the seminar is not only to facilitate crafting a good data system but also sharing it with our Caribbean neighbours.
“I believe the work shop will improve the approach to drug and alcohol as many succumb to the artificial happiness of drugs. We need to protect and assist our people in the fight against drug abuse and I hope that the seminar provides for fruitful deliberations.”
In his address, the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee said that billions of dollars are spent on the fight against drugs and that the fight incurs not only a financial bill but a social and economic one as well.
Nevertheless, Rohee reassured that the standardized data collection system for drug and alcohol treatment agencies will help Guyana in its fight against drug abuse.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Desecration, Disrespectful, and Disgraceful
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The solemnity of Babu Jaan, a site meant to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Cheddi... more
The Caribbean: Destined to Grin and Bear the Consequences of Its Self-Created Vulnerabilities?
By Sir Ronald Sanders For decades, many Caribbean nations have grappled with dependence on a small number of powerful countries... more
Weekend Cartoon
