NDACC and OAS hold regional drug prevention workshop
Just as drug traffickers have created a regional network of trade, the OAS and the National Drug Abuse Control Council want to create a regional safety net of treatment opportunities. Today in his address to participants at the James Hendricks Memorial Treatment and Prevention Workshop, OAS consultant Willie Anderson said that crack addicts and other substance abusers have no trouble locating drugs anywhere in the Caribbean or Central America, but they cannot always get the help they need to kick the habit.
Willie Anderson, OAS Consultant
“The same kind of continuity that exists when we take an individual from Kingston, Jamaica and place then in the center of Guatemala and he is addicted to crack cocaine, there are no cultural barriers that preclude him in the center of Guatemala from getting the drug of his choice. The only time there is a problem with that is when that person seeks some type of treatment.”
Minister of National Security Jorge Espat said while much of the trafficking originates outside of Belize, the local trafficking and abuse is all too prevalent and we can no longer throw up our hands in despair. With stronger government policies and the work of the National Drug Abuse Control Council, Espat says things will change.
Jorge Espat, Minister of National Security
“Those who choose to take drugs and undermine their families and communities need to seek treatment and rehabilitation. Those who seek to perpetuate the violence of drugs will continue to be punished swiftly and harshly. For the first time Belize’s National Drug Council is completing a comprehensive national drug strategy with specific strategies and measurable goals. I believe our goals should be a drug free Belize. We can become a drug free Belize through creative drug prevention and education initiatives, aggressive law enforcement and criminal justice and sensible drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.”
Sixteen Belizean professionals from the areas of education, social work, health care, the prison system and the clergy will participate in the training along with participants from Central America. The sessions at the Radisson Fort George continue through Friday.
