FOREWORD
This document, the National Drug Strategy Master Plan of Guyana 2005-2009,
reflects the recognition by all concerned that the level of drug activity in our country
requires a comprehensive integrated and coordinated approach in order to make a
major impact on controlling its penetration into the fabric of our society.
From the early 1990s, the Caribbean region has increasingly come under threat
from the narco-traffickers with the expansion and diversification of their activities
into the islands and territories of the Caribbean and South America. The
sophistication and spread of their operations have caught most of the small
developing countries of this region off guard and unprepared to respond to these
incursions into these countries and societies.
In fact it is now recognized that possibly the greatest threat posed to democracy in
the English-speaking Caribbean is the narco-trade and its complementary activities
such as illicit trafficking in arms, prostitution, heightened criminal activity and
violence. So much so that the CARICOM Heads of Government have committed
themselves to strengthening their coordination through a number of mechanisms
such as the Regional Task Force on Crime and Security, the Regional Anti-Drug
Unit and the establishment of National Commissions on Law Order and improved
networking between law enforcement agencies within the region.
The November 2004 meeting of the Ministers of National Security for Latin
America and the Caribbean in Ecuador re-affirmed this position that the
transnational nature of crime and narco-trade required a bilateral, regional,
multilateral and international response with dedicated assistance from developed
countries and the donor agencies in order to make major concerted inroads into
their activities.
This National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2005-2009 is different from previous
National Drug Strategies as it focuses mainly on the reduction of the Supply end of
the Narco trade and identifies the areas of weakness that we have experienced as a
country and a society in responding to narco activity entering, penetrating our way
of life and exiting to primarily northern countries. It offers a mechanism for
addressing these weaknesses which will broaden the various partners in the anti-
drug campaign and includes new stakeholders in the private sector and civil society.
The Demand side has also been strengthened to include new initiatives to assist in
reducing drug abuse/use and to expand rehabilitative services.
I wish to acknowledge the work done by the consultant Mr. Henry Chester, D.S.M.,
and CICAD for their financial support to bring us to this stage. I wish to thank
former Minister R. Gajraj and the staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs for their
contribution as well as the heads of the various law enforcement agencies,
Ministries, state agencies and members of civil society who all participated in the
development of this plan.
Now that we have a very comprehensive plan which priorities Guyana's response
for the next five years in the struggle against the Supply and Demand sides of the
narco trade in our country, we look forward to the support of the developed
countries and the donor communities to render technical and financial assistance in
order to facilitate its implementation in a timely fashion.
The Government of Guyana is committed to the implementation of this Plan which
offers the means to effectively control the narco-activity in our country. The success
of its implementation will be dependent on the commitment of all partners and
stakeholders both within and external to Guyana.
Gail Teixeira, B.A.,M.A., M.P.
Minister of Home Affairs
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport
June 2005
INTRODUCTION
With its limited resources Guyana is an active participant in the global fight against Drug
Abuse and its attendant ills. Working along with member states of CARICOM and in
other fora, we have sought to address the problem both on the Supply and Demand
Reduction fronts. The Law Enforcement Agencies have actively pursued their role in
seeking to keep the society safe.
The Health and Education Sectors, working along with the Community and school-age
children, have sought to raise the level of awareness of the dangers of Drug Use/Abuse.
Parliament enacted supportive legislation in the form of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act No. 2 of 1988, with further amendments in 1989
and 1999, Money Laundering (Prevention) Act No. 1 of 2000, and the Maritime Drug
Trafficking (Suppression) Act No. 12 of 2003, in an effort to reduce the demand and
supply of illegal drugs.
At the conclusion of the first Strategy Plan 1997-2000, it was clear that many of the aims
and objectives were not achieved. Therefore, new approaches and continued
programmes as envisioned in this five-year Plan 2005-2009, need to be implemented and
strengthened. The situation is compounded by the transnational nature of crime and the
association of the narcotic trade with trafficking in arms, gun crimes, prostitution and
violence.
Collaborative efforts have been recognized as the primary vehicle by nations of the
world, to keep societies and people safe. Guyana in its efforts in this regard, in
partnership with its CARICOM colleagues, has entered into and signed agreements with
several nations inclusive of the United States of America, Brazil, Suriname, Columbia,
the United Kingdom, Cuba and Venezuela.
In the process of crafting this plan key stakeholders were consulted and their collective
inputs helped in understanding the many social and other related issues which had to be
addressed. It is, therefore, with confidence that the Government of Guyana through this
new Strategy Plan, will seek to involve all levels of society Schools, Faith Based
Organizations, Civil Organisations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Communities and
F' families in this noble effort to free our society from the scourge of Drug Trafficking,
Dealings and Abuse.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
-----------------
Guyana's efforts to combat the problem of drug use and abuse were detailed in
the first four-year Drug Strategy Master Plan 1997-2000. Many challenges in both
Supply and Demand Reduction attended the successful realisation of all its objectives.
These included co-ordination and lack of resources.
Through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission/Organisation of American
States (CICAD/OAS), the Government of Guyana secured assistance for the contracting
of a consultant to co-ordinate the crafting of this second Master Plan which will be for
five years, 2005-2009.
The Plan addresses the geographical location of Guyana, which 'straddles' the islands of
the Caribbean and countries of South America in the growing cannabis cultivation and
cocaine trafficking trade.
Resulting from consultations with Government Ministers, Head of the Presidential
Secretariat, the Police, Army, Government Technical Officials, Civil and Non-
Governmental Organisations, Churches, Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and the
Guyana Trades Union Congress, the issues of institutional framework and rehabilitation
are emphasized.
The statutory establishment of a Secretariat as the central contact for Supply and Demand
Reduction activities and for ensuring the implementation and monitoring of this Plan will
be a priority.
On the Supply Reduction side the overall strategy seeks to have:
(a) Improve the functioning of the Criminal Justice Administration System
(b) Improve the legislative environment against drug trafficking
(c) Build the capacity of National Anti- narcotic Units
(d) Operationalisation of Joint Intelligence Co-ordination Centre (JICC)
(e) Policy and system of Intelligence Gathering
(f) Sitting of Interior Magistrates' Court
(g) Computerisation of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and
Immigration Department
(h) Measures to tighten the control of Precurcors
(i) Drawing up of MOUs by Law Enforcement Agencies
(j) Border and airstrip control
(k) Strengthen Police Forensic Laboratory capabilities
(1) Improve co-ordination and collaboration among National, Regional and
International (Crime) Anti-Narcotics Organisations
Supply Reduction will be enhanced with increased port and border control intended to
prevent the 'inflow' of illicit drugs into the country, in transit to the Caribbean, North
America and Europe.
Law Enforcement Agencies will better be able to co-ordinate operational activities with
the functioning of the Joint Intelligence Co-ordination Centre.
In Demand Reduction, greater focus will be paid to the co-ordination of programmes
which are health and wellness driven, with the involvement of the Regions.
The Plan seeks to deal with:
Prevention
Develop and implement safe life style programmes for all Guyana
Strengthen current Health and Family Life Education
Target groups surveys
Develop statistical Substance/Drug Abuse data base for improving policy
formulation
Training Government of Guyana/Non Governmental Organisations
personnel in Substance/Drug Abuse education
Strengthen Civil Society involvement in Anti-Substance/Drug Abuse
advocacy
Education strategy for tobacco and alcohol
Media strategy to promote Drug awareness
Develop employee assistance programme
Train health workers to identify Drug users
Develop national policy on Demand Reduction
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Improve treatment and rehabilitation
Establish new rehabilitation centres
Strengthen rehabilitation centre run by Salvation Army
Foster prison rehabilitation and counseling
Strengthen probation service
Develop a national reporting format
The Plan has identified the lead Ministries/Departments for the co-ordination of several
programmes identified herein.
The cost for implementation of this Plan is approximately US$3,339,000.00.
Funding for the execution of the Plan is critical. It is anticipated that the Government of
Guyana, apart from its own financing will seek the necessary human, material and
financial support of local private businesses and NGOs. Bilateral and multilateral
support and assistance cannot be over emphasized. Provision for training, equipment and
finance will be pursued aggressively bilaterally, multilaterally and from donor countries
and agencies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Consultant wishes to express thanks to the many Ministries, Departments, Non-
Governmental and Civil Organisations, Businesses, Church and Labour Movement, that
contributed to the drafting of this National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2005-2009.
Office of the President
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports
Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Local Government
Ministry of Legal Affairs
CARICOM Secretariat
Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Guyana Defence Force
Guyana Police Force
Guyana Prison Service
The Salvation Army
Guyana Revenue Authority
Rotary Club of Georgetown Central
Bank of Guyana
Commercial Banks Association
The Supreme Court
* Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit
Religious Leaders
Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry
University of Guyana
Guyana Tourism Association
Private Aircraft Owners Association
Food and Drugs Department
Lifleline Counselling Services
Guyana Press Association
Guyana Trade Union Congress
A special thank you is extended to Mr. Ronald Gajraj M.P., Minister of Home Affairs,
Ms. Gail Teixeira, Minister of Home Affairs (acting), Dr. Roger Luncheon, Head
Presidential Secretariat and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms.
Angela Johnson, for their kind support.
Henry Chester, D.S.M.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retired)
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BEAMS Basic Education Assessment Management and Support Systems
BNTF Basic Needs Trust Fund
CANU Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit
CARICOM The Caribbean Community
CCLEC Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement
CICAD Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission
CIDA Canadian International Development Agency
CO Civil Organisation
EAP Employee Assistance Programme
FIU Financial Intelligence Unit
GOG Government of Guyana
Gr Grams
Ha Hectares
IDB International Development Bank
INCB International Narcotics Control Board
INTERPOL International Criminal Policing Organisation
JANOC Joint Anti-Narcotic Operations Committee
JICC Joint Intelligence Co-ordination Unit
Kg Kilograms
LEAP Linden Economic Advancement Project
NANCOM National Anti-Narcotics Commission
NANCOS National Anti-Narcotic Co-ordinating Secretariat
NACDER National Council for Drug Education, Rehabilitation and Treatment
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
OAS Organisation of American States
PAHO Pan American Health Organisation
PR Proportional Representation
PRCSSP Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project
RADU Regional Anti-Drugs Unit
RILO Regional Intelligence Law Enforcement Organisation
ROCIS Regional Organised Crime Intelligence System
SIDUC System of Uniform Data on Drug Consumption
UN United Nations
UNDCP United Nations Fund for Drug abuse Control
UNDP United Nations Development Fund
UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund
WCO World Customs Organisation
WHO World Health Organisation
Table of Contents
Page
Forward i ii
Introduction iii iv
Executive Summary v viii
Acknowledgement ix x
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations xi xii
Chapter 1 Country Profile
1.1 Present Country Situation and Assessment 1
1.1.1 Several Departments and Agencies 1
1.1.2 General Characteristics of Guyana 2-4
1.1.3 The System of Government 4
1.2 Global Economic Situation 4
1.2.1 The World's Economy 4
1.2.2 The National Economy 4-6
1.3 Socio-Political Development 6
1.3.1 Poverty and Unemployment 6
1.4 Impact of Drug use in Guyana 6
1.4.1 Successive Governments 6 7
1.4.2 As the Drug Problem became more pronounced 7- 9
1.4.3 Guyana geographical location 9
1.4.4 Areas of Drug Abuse 9
1.5 Illicit Trafficking of Product 9
1.5.1 Drug Trafficking Linkages 9 12
1.6 Economic Returns to Dealers/Producers 12
1.6.1 Cannabis, Cocaine 12
1.7 Licit Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 13
1.7.1 Guyana does not manufacture 13
1.8 Knowledge/Effects of Drug Abuse 13
Page
1.8.1 The National Co-ordinating Council for Drug Education and 13
Rehabilitation
1.8.2 A Division of Health Education Survey 14 16
1.8.3 The Recent School Survey 16
1.9 Treatment/Rehabilitation 16
1.9.1 Date Collection 16 17
1.10 Nature and Assessment of the Measures Currently Applied 17
to Control Drug Abuse
1.10.1 The Judicial and Enforcement Arms (including Customs) 17
1.10.2 The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance 18
1.10.3 The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 17- 18
1.10.4 Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2000 18
1.10.5 Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Act 2003 18
1.10.6 Food and Drugs Act 18
1.11 International Agreements and Conventions 18
1.11.1 The Government of Guyana 18 19
1.11.2 Agreements which have been signed and ratified 19 20
1.12 Evaluation Legal and Judicial Framework 21
1.12.1 The Legal and Judicial Framework 21
1.12.2 The Inadequacies of the Law 21
1.12.3 Challenges Confronting the Legal and Judicial Framework 21 -22
1.13 Evaluation Institutional Framework 22
1.13.1 Oversight groups 22 -25
1.13.2 Recognition of NANCOM 25
1.13.3 The Coast Guard 26 27
1.13.4 The Regional Anti-Drugs Units 26 27
1.13.5 International Support 27
1.14 Critical Assessment 28
1.14.1 The Drug Phenomenon 28
1.14.2 Positive Results of Demand Reduction Efforts 28 29
Page
1.14.3 Two factors contributed to Unsatisfactory Results on Demand 29-30
Reduction Activities
1.14.4 Positive Results of Supply Reduction Efforts 30
1.14.5 Unsatisfactory results of Supply Reduction Activities 30
1.14.6 Challenges Confronting the Demand Reduction Framework 31
1.14.7 Challenges Confronting the Supply Reduction Framework 31
1.15 Priorities 31
1.15.1 The Government of Guyana 31 -32
Chapter 2 Policies and Strategies
2.1 General Feature, Approach and Link with Planning System 33
2.1.1 Consultations 33
2.1.2 The Implementation of this Five-Year Plan 33
2.1.3 Policy on Drug Abuse Control 33
2.1.4 Anticipated Main Policy Trends 33 34
2.1.5 Objectives of the National Drug Strategy Plan 35 -36
2.1.6 The Overall Strategy 36- 37
Chapter 3 Details of Programmes and Activities by Sector
3.1 Details of Programmes and Activities of Control and Reduction 38
of Supply
3.1.1 Improve the Functioning of the Justice Administration System 38 39
3.1.2 Policy and System of Intelligence Gathering 39
3.1.3 Computerisation of Immigration and Criminal Investigation 39
Departments
3.1.4 Measures to Tighten the Control of Precursors 39
3.1.5 Drawing up of MOUs for Collaborative Activities by Law 40
Enforcement Agencies
3.1.6 Law Enforcement Presence at Specific Border Crossings, 40
Waterways and Uncontrolled Airstrips (Runways)
3.1.7 Expert Training for Law Enforcement Officers 40
3.1.8 Operationalisation of JICC 40
3.1.9 Strengthen police Forensic laboratory Capabilities 40
3.2 Details of Programmes and Activities of Demand Reduction 41
Prevention
3.2.1 Promotion of Educational Programmes abut Tobacco and 41
Alcohol
3.2.2 Develop Media Strategy to Promote Drug Awareness 42
3.2.3 Develop Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for the 42
Workplace
3.2.4 Train Health Workers to Identify Drug Users 42
3.2.5 Strengthen Current Health and Family Life Education 43
3.2.6 Develop National Policy for Demand Reduction 43
Treatment and Rehabilitation
3.2.7 Establish Rehabilitation Programme for Drug Users 43 44
3.2.8 Establish new Rehabilitation Centres 44
3.2.9 Strengthen Rehabilitation Centre run by Salvation Army 44
3.2.10 Foster Prison Rehabilitation and Counselling 44 45
3.2.11 Strengthen Probation Service 45
3.2.12 Develop a National Reporting Format 45
3.3 Strengthening the Legal Framework 45
3.3.1 Law Enforcement Agencies to be supported from Proceeds of 45
Forfiture
3.3.2 Training Central Bank and Financial Institutions Staff 45 46
3.3.3 Operationalisation of the FIU 46
3.3.4 Community Service for First Time Offenders 46
3.3.5 Revise Evidence Act to deal with Electronic Surveillance 46
3.4 Institutional and Managerial Framework 47
3.4.1 Strengthening the National Anti-Narcotic Co-ordinating System 47
3.4.2 Establish and Strengthen the National Anti-narcotic Co- 47
ordinating Secretariat
3.4.3 Strengthen International Co-operation 48
Chapter 4 Resource Requirements/Programme Financing
and Management
4.1 Control and Reduction of Supply 49
4.1.1 Programmes on Control and Reduction of Supply 49 59
4.1.11
4.2 Programmes and Activities of Demand Reduction 60
Prevention 60
4.2.1 Programmes on Prevention 60 69
4.2.11
Treatment and Rehabilitation 70
4.2.12- Programmes on Treatment and Rehabilitation 70 75
4.2.17
4.3 Legal Framework 76
4.3.1 Programmes on Legal Framework 76 82
4.3.7
4.4 Institutional and Managerial Framework 83
4.4.1 Programme on Institutional and Managerial Framework 83
4.5 Monitoring and evaluation 84 85
Chapter 5 TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION
5.1 Priorities 86
5.1.1 The Coast Guard's capacity 86
xvii
5.1.2 External Technical and Financial Assistance 86- 87
XV111
UHPE
COUNTRY PROFILE
1.1 Present Country Situation and Assessment
1.1.1 Several Departments and Agencies have been engaged in efforts to address the
drug phenomenon. These efforts, though well intentioned, were not co-ordinated and
gauging achievement has proven difficult. The first National Drug Strategy Master Plan
was conceived to give guidance and direction to organizations involved in interdiction,
control and education. The long term objective of that plan, which is still relevant today,
is as follows:
"Foster institutional, participatory, and democratic approaches towards the
achievement of a crime free and healthy society, founded on the principles
of social justice, rule of law and respect for authority."
The outcome of the Plan was constrained by a number of factors. These included poor
collaboration, lack of continuity and the high implementation cost of programmes.
However, the philosophy of societal wellness was not lost in the national pursuit.
Guyana recognizes that "drug trafficking in Central America and the Caribbean continues
to involve mostly cannabis and cocaine ... Drug trafficking in the Region takes place by
land, air and sea"1
1 International Narcotics Central Board Report 2003
1.1.2 General Characteristics of Guyana
Guyana covers an expanse of approximately 83,000 square miles or 216,000 square
kilometers (sq km). The country gained its independence from Great Britain on May 26,
1966, and became a Republic on February 23, 1970. It is the only English speaking
country on the South American continent, situated on the northern coast.
Guyana is bordered on the east by Suriname, on the south, south east and south west by
Brazil, on the north by the Atlantic Ocean and on the north west by Venezuela. The
country lies between latitudes 1 and 9 degrees north and longitudes 56 and 61 degrees
west. Its coast line runs for approximately 270 miles (432 km). The border with
Venezuela is 420 miles (672 km), Suriname 390 miles (634 km), and Brazil 750 miles
(1200 km). However, Guyana shares political, historical, cultural and economic linkage
with islands in the Caribbean through the many regional institutions with the primary
regional institution CARICOM, being headquartered in the country.
Over eighty percent (80%) of the population lives along the coast land with the interior
region being heavily forested and largely populated by the country's indigenous peoples
- the Amerindians. Guyana is known as the 'land of many waters' with several navigable
rivers and creeks, the largest rivers being, Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice, which serve
to divide the country into the three counties of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice.
The country is divided into four natural regions:
(a) The low coastal plain
(b) The hilly sand and clay area
(c) The highland or mountain region
(d) The interior savannahs
Regional Administrations exist within the three counties namely:
Region 1 Barima/Waini (Venezuela/Guyana Border)
Region 2 Pomeroon/Supernaam (Atlantic Ocean)
Region 3 Essequibo Islands/West Demerara (Atlantic Ocean)
Region 4 Demerara/Mahaica (Atlantic Ocean)
Region 5 Mahaica/Berbice (Atlantic Ocean)
Region 6 East Berbice/Corentyne (Suriname/Guyana Border)
Region 7 Mazaruni/Cuyuni (Brazil/Guyana Border)
Region 8 Potaro/Siparuni (Brazil/Guyana Border)
Region 9 Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo (Brazil/Guyana Border)
Region 10 Upper Demerara/Berbice (Inland)
See Map at Appendix 1
The country has six Municipal centres namely:
Georgetown (the Capital) Region 4
Linden Region 10
New Amsterdam Region 6
Rose Hall Region 6
Corriverton Region 6
Anna Regina Region 2
The ethnic composition of Guyana, according to the 1991 census (last record available),
was made up of 48.3% East Indian 32.7% Blacks, 6.3% Mixed, 6.3% Amerindians and
0.5% others. It is believed that there has not been much change in the ethnic composition
since that census. The Labour force was estimated to be about 259,222, according to the
said survey. There has been population shift country wide between 1980-20022. See
Appendices 2 and 3.
2 National Census (Interim) 2002
Guyana's economy is largely agricultural based. The primary economic activities are in
the areas of Sugar, Rice, Forestry and Fish production, along with the mining of Bauxite,
gold, diamonds and other minerals.
1.1.3 The System Of Government is a democratic one. National Elections, with the
electorate being age eighteen years and above, are held every five years under the system
of Proportional Representation (PR). The President is elected from the party obtaining
the most seats and he appoints the Prime Minister and Members of Cabinet. Forty
national and twenty-five regional representatives are elected. The six Municipalities and
sixty-seven Local Government bodies are elected to represent Neighbourhoods every
three years. These latter bodies have not held elections in ten years. A review of the
Local Government system is being undertaken to make it more responsive to new
developments.
1.2 Global Economic Situation
1.2.1 The World's Economy experienced a downturn over the last three years,
compounded by the September 11, 2001, bombings in the USA. "After an initial period
of uncertainty and dampened growth prospects, the global economy experienced strong
growth towards the latter half of last year. The most recent estimates, suggest that world
output expanded by 2.5% while world trade growth increased by 4.7%. Sluggish growth
in Japan, Germany and other parts of Western Europe, the war in Iraq and the impact of
SARS, were some of the reasons advanced to explain the fragility in the first half of the
3
year.
1.2.2 The National Economy contracted by 0.6% in 20034. Mixed fortune attended
vital sectors of the economy to greater or lesser degrees. Sugar production declined by
8.7% from the previous year, likewise mining declined by 8.7%, rice production
increased by 23.3% over the same period, while bauxite rose by 4.7%. Government in its
3 Budget Speech 2004, Guyana Minister of Finance
4 Ibid
xxii
continued attempt to strengthen the economy has embarked on a number of initiatives
including creating an enabling environment for private sector investment. Among those
initiatives were the launching of a stock exchange on 2003-09-25 and "approval to a
regional development financial institution to offer private equity in Guyana as well as
management services to small and medium size enterprises."5
Being fully aware of the international and local economic factors contributing to human
development, the Government of Guyana has vigorously pursued, with the assistance of
international funding institutions, efforts to cushion the effects on the more vulnerable in
society. For example, support was received from the International Development Bank
(IDB) in Basic Education Access Management and Support Systems (BEAMS), which
has to do with the lifting of the general standard of education.
Guyana is the recipient of international, financial and technical support in its thrust for
improved health. This includes the construction of a new hospital in New Amsterdam
Berbice (Region 6), and in the fight against HIV/AIDS and STI. In Housing,
Government has invested in excess of $1.2 billion in new and existing units and
settlements.
The Honourable Minister of Finance in his budget speech 2004, recognized that
"significant progress has been made with respect to poverty alleviation in Guyana. The
1999 Living Conditions Survey reported that 35% of the population were living below
the poverty line, with 19% living in extreme poverty. While these percentages represent
an improvement since 1993, they are still high and further work needs to be done to
reduce them".
Government has therefore, been implementing a number of donor assisted and locally
financed projects to alleviate poverty and improve income under the Poor Rural
Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP). Similarly, the Linden Economic
Advancement Project (LEAP), amounting to $200 Million came on stream. The Basic
5 Ibid
XX111
Needs Trust Fund with emphasis on roads, footpaths and water supply in the more
depressed communities has been ongoing. Positive results are being experienced in the
communities being serviced.
1.3 Socio-Political Development
1.3.1 Poverty and unemployment have been identified as feeder links for dealing in
drugs. There is a perceived connection between drugs, violence and criminal activities.
"International research has consistently reported a positive relationship between
economic inequality and crime. The relationship does not hold for all types of crime, but
is especially true for violent crimes including homicide".6
The period 2003-2004 has witnessed social and political tensions. The major opposition
party boycotted the Parliament, which resulted in non-formation of constitutional service
commissions for appointment of Judges, Teachers, Police and Public Servants.
"The socio-political tension also coincided with high incidence of violent crime,
engendering racial insecurity and disregard for law and order in some segments of the
country. The genesis of the problem was the jail break of February 2002 that led to the
escape of 5 felons who led a rampage of killing, robbery, extortion, kidnapping and the
murder of police officers. The targeting of members of the business community and
innocent Guyanese contributed to the increasing migration of entrepreneurs and
professionals and also had a negative impact on investment flows, both domestic and
foreign direct investment (FDI)."7
1.4 Impact of Drug Use in Guyana
1.4.1 Successive Governments have emphasised that drug use and abuse are
unacceptable in the fabric of Guyana's society. Guyana's drug problem saw a very slow
6 Report of the CARICOM Regional Task Force on Crime and Security
7 Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy: Progress Report 2004
xxiv
development through the 1960s and 1970s with a more noticeable increase in marijuana
use in the 1980s. Prior to this period, as a colony, the country's Legislators did recognize
that illicit drugs were likely to be a serious problem and enacted laws under the
Dangerous Drugs Ordinance 1953, which spelt out penalties for persons who "imported
or bring into or exported from the colony any resin obtained from the plant Cannabis
Sativa".8 There were other related offences under the Ordinance dealing with possession,
cultivation, selling or dealing in the cannabis plant.
As the pattern of drug use started to evolve in the 1980s, it was in 1983 that 185 persons
were charged with marijuana possession and 680.400 kg of the drug seized. By 1985, the
number of persons charged for possession had increased to 410 while 6,269.165 kg of
Cannabis were seized. Guyana was now cultivating the Cannabis plant along the riverain
areas. By 1986, large fields of the plant were found a mere 17 kilometres from the
International Airport. In 1987, the first offender was arrested and charged for possession
of 257 grams of cocaine.
1.4.2. As the drug problem became more pronounced, Guyana ratified the 1988 UN
Convention against illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and the Parliament of Guyana
promulgated the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. The Act
was considered draconian by many citizens, since for the first time there was mandatory
imprisonment, fines and forfeiture of assets for possession and trafficking of a narcotic.
The Act was amended in 1989, 1991 and 1999.
Large acres of Cannabis can be found cultivated along the intermediate savannahs.
During the period 1999-2003, an average of 13.7 hectares of Cannabis cultivations were
discovered from which an average of 1,866 plants weighting an average of 12,706 kg
were destroyed per year. In 2003 alone, an estimated 14.6 hectares of Cannabis
cultivation from 40,555 plants weighing approximately 8,618 kg, 455 grams were
destroyed. See Tables I, II and III for Cannabis eradication/prosecution.
8 Laws of British Guyana 1953 (Revised Edition)
xxV
Table I
ERADICATION OF CANNABIS PLANTS
YEAR HECTARES PLANTS WEIGHT PERSONS
kg CHARGED
1999 12 43,000 3,538 4
2000 10 46,698 4,387 3
2001 16 48,925 10,322 5
2002 17.3 80,150 36,664 3
2003 14.16 40,555 8,618 11
Total 68.5 259,328 63,529 26
Average 13.7 51,866 12,706 5
Source: Guyana Police Force
Table II
HERBAL CANNABIS
QUANTITY SEIZED PERSONS
YEAR SEIZURES kg CHARGED
1999 413 416 587
2000 472 130 557
2001 549 243 689
2002 321 4,085 380
2003 378 380,336.5 371
Total 2,133 5,254.337 2,584
Average 427 1,051.67 517
Source: Guyana Police Force
xxvi
Table III
CANNABIS CASES
YEAR CASES MADE PERSONS CASES CASES
CONVICTED DISMISSED PENDING
2000 502 253 22 225
2001 607 227 40 331
2002 358 145 14 200
2003 378 162 16 198
Source: Guyana Police Force
1.4.3. Guyana's geographical location ideally presents an advantage for the cultivation
of marijuana and the cross border trafficking of cocaine and other illicit drugs.
1.4.4. Areas of Drug Abuse concentration have been found to be in the six
Municipalities. It is in these areas that the greatest number of users, traffickers and
dealers can be found, undoubtedly as a result of population size and the lifestyle of
affluence associated with these communities.
1.5 Illicit Trafficking of Product
1.5.1 Drug Trafficking Linkages have been clearly established between Guyana and
several countries within the Caribbean, South and North America and Europe. A
significant occurrence of one such a link, related to a 12.3 metres metal container in
Xxv11
2002, originating from within the Caribbean region containing 1,871 kg of cannabis
being routed through Guyana bound for North America.
Information at hand suggests that cocaine transits Guyana from bordering countries using
non-commercial air and sea transport, mostly smuggled into the country by small
outboard engine powered boats, which hug the Atlantic Coast to enter the country. Light
aircraft are also used from that source to make air drops into the rivers, from where the
drug is retrieved by operatives on the ground.
On the eastern border the Corentyne River is used mainly by 'mules' moving between 3
to 10 kilos. See Tables IV and V.
Table IV
COCAINE SEIZURES
YEAR AMOUNT SEIZED NUMBER OF PERSONS
kg CHARGED
1999 37.082 215
2000 163.988 210
2001 79.208 178
2002 38.288 107
2003 277.219 107
Total 595.785 817
Average 119.157 163
Source: Guyana Police Force
XXv111
Table V
CRYSTAL COCAINE
Source: Guyana Police Force
Table VI
CRACK COCAINE
XXix
YEAR NUMBER OF AMOUNT SEIZED NUMBER OF
SEIZURES kg PERSONS CHARGED
1999 15 33.919 19
2000 24 160.008 17
2001 22 72.764 25
2002 19 36.902 28
2003 37 276.255 32
Total 117 579.747 121
Average 23 115.949 24
YEAR NUMBER OF SEIZURES AMOUNT SEIZED NUMBER OF
kg PERSONS CHARGED
1999 147 3.163 196
2000 145 3.980 193
2001 141 6.444 153
2002 80 1.387 79
2003 65 1.064 75
Total 578 16.038 696
Average 116 3.208 139
Source: Guyana Police Force
Table VII
COCAINE CASES
YEAR CASES MADE PERSONS CASES CASES
CONVICTED DISMISSED PENDING
2000 192 53 16 124
2001 159 57 14 90
2002 91 28 6 57
2003 94 30 9 55
Source: Guyana Police Force
It has been internationally recognized that "some of the drugs destined for countries
which represent large consumer markets now remain for domestic use in the countries
where production or transshipment occurs".9 Over the past year, Guyana has experienced
the introduction of the synthetic drug Ecstasy and there is evidence of the presence of the
opium based drug, Heroin.
1.6 Economic Returns to Dealers/Producers
1.6.1 Cannabis/Cocaine sales in Guyana currently reflect that a kilo of Cannabis can
be purchased for G$25,000.00 or US$125.00 while that of cocaine fetches between
G$900,000.00 G$1,300,000.00 or US$4,500.00 to US$6,500.00. The ostentatious
living by dealers/producers in the society portrays to the community the economic
benefits of the illicit trade. This "quick-rich" image fools youth in particular, to be
susceptible to the vagaries of the drug dealers in the communities.
9 Multilateral Evaluation Mechanisms Hemispheric Report 1999-2000
xxx
1.7 Licit Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
1.7.1 Guyana does not manufacture any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance. The
Government Food and Drugs Department is the agency responsible for importation
control, of all licit narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and legal importers must
register with the Department, authorized quotation to be imported. The Food and Drugs
Department works in close collaboration with the International Narcotic Control Board
(INCB).
Monitoring of licit importation of drugs is hampered by limited resources and poor
collaboration among relevant agencies. Measures need to be taken to ensure that an
effective monitoring mechanism is implemented.
1.8 Knowledge /Effects of Drug Abuse
1.8.1 The National Co-ordinating Council for Drug Education and Rehabilitation
(NCCDER), which in 1993 was changed to the National Council for Drug Education
Rehabilitation and Treatment (NACDER), in 1986 conducted a National Survey of
school children to determine the extent of drug use and abuse amongst school age
children above primary level.
The questionnaire was adopted from one that had been developed by the World Health
Organisation (WHO) in co-operation with the United Nations Fund for Drug Abuse
Control (UNDCP). Responses were received from 98% of the questionnaires sent out.
Of those 58.8% were females and 45.4% males with 8% unidentified. The youngest
student was age 11 years whilst the eldest was 18 years.
xxxi
The data indicated that 59% of students agreed that there was a problem of drug abuse in
the country against 4.1% who disagreed. 36.9% claimed that they did not know. These
students also recognized alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and cocaine as 'Drugs of Abuse'.
1.8.2 A Division of Health Education Survey1o conducted in 1997, using Knowledge,
Attitude, Practice, Behaviour (KAPB) method, targeted forty-eight randomly selected
secondary and community high schools across Guyana. The ages ranged between 11-19
years. Two thousand, eight hundred and one questionnaires were distributed to
determine:
(a) The level of awareness of substances (marijuana, cocaine, alcohol,
tobacco, tranquillisers, amphetamines) that exist among school children in
Guyana.
(b) Information about the level of substance abuse occurring in various
regions of the country.
(c) Students' knowledge of the effects of drugs on behaviour and
(d) Students' reason for using substances.
See Tables VIII, IX and X
Table VIII
Distribution of Respondents by Age and Sex
GENDER AGE TOTAL
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 NS
M 5 21 199 331 337 239 79 15 1 1147
F 2 15 142 479 512 312 101 11 1574
TOTAL 7 36 261 810 849 551 180 26 1 80 2801
O Report of Survey on Substance Use and Abuse among School Age Children in Guyana, December 1997
xxxii
.25% 1.3% 9.3% 29.0% 30.3% 19.7% 6.4% .93% .04% 2.9%
Table IX
Students who have seen Marijuana/Cocaine by Region
Regions Total Seen Marijuana % of Total Seen Cocaine % of Total
Interviewed
Region 1 46 23 50 28 60.96
Region 2 155 24 27.16 32 20.6
Region 3 329 66 17 76 23.1
Region 4 1081 437 40.4 313 29
Region 5 236 45 19/1 53 22.5
Region 6 455 146 32.8 113 25.4
Region 7 120 43 35.8 33 27.5
Region 8 28 8 28.6 7 25.6
Region 9 30 12 40 3 10
Region 10 245 123 50.2 80 32.7
Source: Report of Survey on Substance Use and Abuse among School Age Children in
Guyana, MOH, December 1997, page 6
Whilst there were differences in responses between Regions, there were rather
interesting differences within Regions specific to communities.
However, the 1997 Survey Report noted that "17% (502) of the respondents
indicated that they had used tobacco products and 1702 (60%) had used alcohol. The
usage level for marijuana, cocaine, tranquilizers and amphetamine was considerably
lower. 7(2.5%) students indicated they had used marijuana, these included 6 13 year
olds, 13 14 year olds, 22 15 year olds and 17 16 year olds. 36 of these students had
used marijuana in the last year... the admitted use was highest for alcohol, followed by
XXX111
tobacco, tranquilizers, and amphetamines. The lowest admitted use was for cocaine and
marijuana".11
Based on its findings, the Report (1997) recommended that:
preventative programmes amongst youth (using a school community -
non-government organization (ngo) media approach)
training of teachers, health and social services workers, community
leaders and ngo to provide continuous support to youth and to make
communities safer (p. 29)
1.8.3 The Recent School Survey,12 using a System of Uniform Data on Drug
Consumption (SIDUC) questionnaire developed by CICAD, and conducted by the
Division of Health Science Education of the Ministry of Health, was done in 2002, but
was confined only to the largest region, Region 4. There was a focus on lifetime
prevalence of cigarettes, alcohol, tranquilizers, stimulants, solvents, inhalants, marijuana,
hallucinogens, heroin, opium, cocaine powder, crack cocaine and ecstasy. It was
informative to observe that "most students in all forms, whether male or female,
perceived the use of substances as being harmful. However, some students, an average of
2.3%, felt that smoking cigarettes, frequently drinking alcohol and getting drunk or
taking tranquilizers, stimulants or inhaling solvents, even smoking marijuana or taking
cocaine was not harmful".
1.9 Treatment/Rehabilitation
1 ibid
12 School Survey 2002, Guyana Report
xxxiv
1.9.1 Data Collection in this area can be considered poor since statistical data on
treatment and rehabilitation provided by the Government of Guyana relates only to
admission to the Psychiatric Observation Ward at the Georgetown Hospital and the
National Psychiatric Hospital at Fort Canje, Berbice (Region 6). Additionally, the
records do not specify which admissions are substance abuse related. In the early and
mid 1980s (between 1983 -1986), such admissions accounted for between 25% to 30% of
the intake, with an increasing adolescent population. Drug related admissions to private
medical institutions are not readily available for use. There exists no formal treatment
facility in the country except the two institutions mentioned earlier. Two very small
rehabilitation centres exist, one run by a religious organization, the Salvation Army and
the other by an NGO Phoenix Recovery Programme.
1.10 Nature and Assessment of the Measures Currently Applied to
Control Drug Abuse
1.10.1 The Judicial and Enforcement Arms (including Customs) of the State of
Guyana deal primarily with the Supply Reduction side of the drug phenomenon.
Interdiction, seizure and arrest followed by prosecution of offenders engage quality man-
hours of operatives.
1.10.2 The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance of 1953, Chapter 142 Sections 7 and 8 spelt
out the procedure under which prosecutions were brought against offenders of the law.
1.10.3 The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act which
repealed the Dangerous Drug Ordinance on June 3, 1988, covered a wide range of
offences, including possession, trafficking, cultivation of certain plants, narcotics in
transit, licences, enhanced penalty in certain cases, forfeiture of narcotics, implements
and conveyance and forfeiture of assets. The Act also addresses the question of
rehabilitation and procedure with respect to restriction on power to impose lesser
sentence, power to search premises, disposal of seizure etc.
xxxV
The amendment to the Act in 1989 increased certain penalties for example, the
imposition of the death penalty under Section 6(1) instead of imprisonment for life if an
offender supplies, administers or causes to be taken by a child any narcotic which results
in death of that child.
The 1991 Amendment dealt with admission to bail by an offender for possession of a
narcotic, against Sections 4 and 12 of the Act without there being any special reasons for
granting such bail.
The amendment to the Act in 1999 primarily addressed precursor drugs, the substitution
of a fine for imprisonment of anyone found in possession of 5 grams or less of Cannabis
for personal consumption, and named twenty-six additional substances. The Amendment
also gave authority to the Coast Guard and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) to
function under the Act.
1.10.4 Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2000 assented to on March 29, 2000,
addresses the offence of money laundering, the supervisory authority, freezing and
forfeiture of assets and international co-operation. The Bank of Guyana is the
supervisory authority under the Act. A Financial Intelligence Unit is now being
established. Draft regulations have been prepared and are being vetted for approval
before implementation.
1.10.5 Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Act 2003 assented to on August 19,
2003, is "an Act to provide co-operation in the suppression of illicit drug trafficking and
for connected matters" and addresses Guyana's airspace and territorial waters. It is still
to become operational.
1.10.6 Food and Drugs Act Chapter 34:03 requires importers of foods, drugs,
cosmetics or medical devices to be licensed. Provision is made for penalties for breaches,
such as misleading representations, and declarations by manufacturer with regard to
drugs and forfeiture.
xxxvi
1.11 International Agreements and Conventions
1.11.1 The Government of Guyana acceded to the United Nations Single Convention
on Narcotic Drugs on July 15, 2002. There was signing of the United Nations
Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three protocols earlier this
year (2004). The country ratified on May 4, 1971, the UN Convention on Psychotropic
Substances of 1971, and acceded on March 19, 1993, to the 1988 UN Convention against
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The OAS Convention
against Terrorism was also signed.
1.11.2 Agreements which have been Signed and Ratified:
Signed:
(a) Guyana/Columbia Promoting co-operation between the parties so as to
harmonise policies and develop joint programmes for the prevention of
consumption and the suppression of illicit trafficking and distribution of
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances so that they may be able to
interdict trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
(b) The Anti-Drug Strategy in the hemisphere through CICAD to support the
implementation of the Anti-Drug strategy in the hemisphere through their
voluntary contributions to CICAD's programmes.
(c) UNDCP Drug Demand Programme which employs an integrated approach
to drug demand reduction with UNDP, UNICEF, PAHO and UNDCP
each funding specific components of the programme.
RATIFIED
xxxvii
(d) Guyana/Venezuela Co-ordinating the efforts of their competent National
Authorities to prevent the consumption of, suppress trafficking in, and to
establish and operate a regime of control over Narcotic and Psychotropic
Substances, their raw materials, including basic substances and essential
chemical products, and to provide treatment and rehabilitation of drug
addicts. They likewise undertake to harmonise their respective legislation
for these purposes.
(e) Guyana/Cuba Promoting the co-operation between the parties, so that
they may be able to contain international trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances, more effectively.
(f) Guyana/United Kingdom Providing mutual assistance to the extent
possible within the laws in operation in their respective territories in the
investigation of offences relating to drug trafficking, the forfeiture of
instruments used for or in connection with such offences and the
deprivation of drug traffickers of financial benefits accruing from their
criminal activities.
(g) Guyana/Suriname Co-ordinating the efforts of their respective
competent authorities in order to prevent illicit production, consumption
and traffic of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and to establish
and operate a system for control of all substances frequently used in their
illicit manufacture.
(h) Guyana/Brazil Joining efforts to harmonise policies, for the supervision
and repression of the illicit traffic of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances and the raw materials used in their processing in order to
contribute to the eradication of their illicit production. Joint efforts will
also include the prevention of their improper use and the treatment and the
rehabilitation of drug addicts.
XXXV111
(i) Guyana/US Sharing intelligence on drug trafficking activities is a vital
part of the US-Guyana fight against drugs; establishment and support for
projects with the objective of eliminating illicit cultivation, processing,
production, trafficking, consumption and export of narcotics.
1.12 Evaluation Legal and Judicial Framework
1.12.1 The Legal and Judicial Framework remains the custodian of the human rights
and fundamental freedoms of the people of Guyana and functions as such. There is
separation of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary.
In ascending order there is the Magistracy, which deals with both summary and
indictable cases; the High Court of the Supreme Court in its Criminal Jurisdiction,
which hears indictable matters after there would have been a hearing on a criminal charge
in the Magistrates Court; the Full Court of the Supreme Court, where appeals from the
Lower Courts are heard and lastly, there is the Court of Appeal, which is the final court
where all appeals from Lower Courts are heard and adjudicated upon.
1.12.2 The Inadequacies Of The Law relate to the need to strengthen
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act
The Money Laundering Act
The Evidence Act
The Food and Drugs act
The Maritime Drug Trafficking (Suppression) Act
1.12.3 Challenges Confronting the Legal and Judicial Framework have to do with
capacity building of the existing Court System and a shortage of Magistrates and Judges,
xxxix
which has contributed negatively on the hearing and completion of cases in the
Magistrate's Courts and the hearing of appeals in the Higher Courts. This situation has
not lent itself to the curtailment of activities by dealers in the trade, who are aware that
the process is slow and that witnesses and exhibits are likely to disappear.
Inconsistency of decisions and sentencing by Magistrates has in some instances,
frustrated the work of Law Enforcement Agencies. Suspicion of corruption has attended
many decisions meted out by the Courts.
The sitting of the Magistrate's Courts in the far-flung interior Regions of the country has
presented enormous problems since those courts sit only once every three months. In
some instances due to personnel and financial constraint sitting of those courts are not
convened. Persons charged in those areas have either languished in Prisons awaiting
trial or are sent on bail, the matters never to be concluded because of the non-functioning
of Courts.
Under the Food and Drugs Act, the law seems inadequate with respect to the criteria for
determining who is an importer. There is also need for closer collaboration between the
Customs and Trade Administration and the Food and Drugs Department. Lack of human
and financial resources for enforcement as well as low penalties are challenges facing the
department.
Procedures relating to legitimate importation and use of narcotic drugs need
strengthening. The regulations need to be addressed. Better policing mechanisms need
to be in place so that the actual use of the narcotic imported can be validated.
1.13 Evaluation Institutional Framework
1.13.1 Oversight Groups have been established at the national level to deal with the
spiraling trends of the drug problem. These Groups include the following.
NAME COMPOSITION FUNCTION RECOMMENDATION
NAME COMPOSITION FUNCTION RECOMMENDATION
The National
Anti-Narcotics
Commission
(NANCOM)
The Joint
Intelligence
Co-ordination
Centre (JICC)
President of Guyana and
Head of State (Chairman),
Minister of Home Affairs,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Minster of Health,
Minister of Education,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Attorney General,
Head Presidential
Secretariat,
Chief of Staff (Army),
Commissioner of Police,
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Legal Affairs,
Commissioner,
Customs and Trade
Administration
National Director (Head),
Representatives from the
Army, Police and CANU
Formulate policies;
Co-ordinate, monitor,
evaluate and plan
integration of the Supply
and Demand Reduction
Sectors
"to bring together various
counter drug agencies in
a single work
environment, encourage
the sharing of information
and intelligence, improve
the co-ordination of efforts
among those agencies,
assist in establishing a
database that would be
useful as tactical
intelligence by providing
database software,
stimulate the collection of
The Committee
should also include
the following
representatives -
Minister of Culture,
Youth and Sports,
Commissioner
General Revenue
Authority,
Head Police Narcotics
Unit
The Committee has
not met for some
time. Its work is
considered pivotal to
lending, particularly
moral and financial
support to both the
Supply and Demand
Reduction Sectors. It
may be necessary
because of the
importance of this
Committee to
programme quarterly
meetings or earlier, if
needs be at the
discretion of the
President.
JICC has not
functioned for
sometime, primarily
as a result of staffing.
Every effort should be
made by the relevant
agencies to supply
personnel in support
of the work of this
very important Centre
NAME COMPOSITION FUNCTION RECOMMENDATION
information on the arrival
of general aviation,
maritime vessels and the
persons associated with
them, and encourage the
sharing of drug
information and
intelligence among
countries"13
The Joint
Anti-Narcotic
Operations
Committee
(JANOC)
The National
Council for
Drug
Education
Rehabilitation
and
Treatment
(NACDER)
Deputy Commissioner
Law Enforcement (crime)
(Chairman),
Head Joint Intelligence
Committee (HJIC),
Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Local
Government,
Commissioner, Customs
and Trade Administration,
Operations and Training
Commander, Guyana
Defence Force (GDF),
OC Intelligence Unit,
GDF,
Commanding Officer,
Coast Guard,
Director of Training,
Ministry of Culture, Youth
and Sports,
Head, Customs Anti-
Narcotic Unit (CANU),
Head, Police Narcotic Unit
Minister of Health
(Chairman),
Minister of Education,
Manager, NACDER,
Director, Health Sciences
Education, Ministry of
Health (Secretary)
Representatives of the
To implement policies of
NANCOM
Responsible for the entire
Demand Reduction efforts
Responsible for raising
public's consciousness
about the evils of Drug
Abuse by getting involved
in educational activities,
JANOC ought to
resume meeting as a
Committee in order to
co-ordinate the efforts
of law enforcement.
Meetings should be
held monthly. In an
ongoing or planned
operation it may be
held as is necessary.
This Committee
should also include a
representative of the
Salvation Army,
Council of Churches
and Rotary Club.
For various reasons
13 Counter Drug Assessment, Guyana 13-23, May 2002 |US Department of State
1.13.2 Recognition by NANCOM was given to the need for networking, hence five
Sub-Committees were put in place. These are:
(a) Joint Operations under the chairmanship of the Minister of Home
Affairs, responsible for all joint operational strategies and their effective
implementation.
(b) Joint Intelligence under the chairmanship of the Head Presidential
Secretariat, responsible for the effective operations of JICC and the
effectiveness and efficiency of drug intelligence.
xliii
NAME COMPOSITION FUNCTION RECOMMENDATION
Ministry of Labour, co-ordination and the Council has not
Human Services and monitoring of programmes met for some time
Social Security, Army, designed to alleviate the and also need to
Police, Lions Club problems formally schedule
Guyana meetings to deal
collaboratively with
Demand Reduction.
The Council should
meet monthly since it
will assume a larger
role during the life of
this plan.
Customs Anti- CANU was established as Operates under the
Narcotics Unit an arm of the Customs guidance of NANCOM
(CANU) Department under the and JANOC in the
Customs Act Chapter fulfillment of its objectives.
82:01. However, in 1999,
by amendment of the The unit has taken part in
Narcotic Drugs and joint operations with the
Psychotropic Substances Police and Army.
(Control) act, members of
CANU were empowered
with the same authority to
act as members of the
Guyana Police Force.
(c) Legal under the chairmanship of the Attorney General, with
responsibility for the revision and production of all legislation in support
of anti-drug strategy.
(d) International Relations under the chairmanship of the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, responsible for the implementation of all bilateral and
multilateral agreements on drugs.
(e) Education and Rehabilitation under the chairmanship of the Minister of
Health, responsible for the Demand Reduction strategy.
ORGANISATIONAL CHART OF THE NATIONAL ANTI-DRUG SYSTEM
CANU NACDER
JOINT
OPERATIONS
SUB-
COMMITTEE
I
JOINT
INTELLIGENCE
SUB-
COMMITTEE
I
LEGAL
SUB-
COMMITTE]
JICC
\
RADU JANOC
EDUCATION & INTERNATIONAL
REHABILITATI SUB-COMMITTEE
E ON SUB-
COMMITTEE
xliv
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.13.3 The Coast Guard established under the Defence Act Chapter 15:01 has authority
to enforce the provisions of the law relating to:
(a) "The regulation of any river, harbour or port of Guyana
(b) Quarantine
(c) Fisheries
(d) The territorial sea, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone and fishery
zone of Guyana
(e) Safety at sea
(f) Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances ...
(4) for the purposes of carrying out their duties the members of the Coast Guard
shall have the same powers, authority and privileges as are conferred by law on,
and shall be liable to all the responsibilities of members of the Police Force"
The Coast Guard has performed with both CANU and the Police in interdiction exercises.
1.13.4 The Regional Anti Drugs Units, as proposed in the Drug Master Plan 1997-
2000, should have been comprised of senior officials of the Local Authorities. The
National Anti-Narcotics Co-ordinating Secretariat (NANCOS), should have served as the
Executive Arm of NANCOM, fulfilling activities of being the central contact at ensuring
the implementation of the Master Plan, by monitoring the various programmes of Supply
and Demand Reduction and the National Drug Information Centre intended to be the
database to provide data on the general drug problem. These units were never
established. Therefore, co-ordinating activities remained within the Ministry of Home
Affairs. The Regional Anti-Drugs Units when established should meet monthly.
1.13.5 International Support in the fight against the narcotics trade and drug abuse has
been forthcoming from the (CICAD/OAS), for training of personnel both in the Supply
and Demand Reduction Sectors, by UNDCP primarily in health, the Government of
Canada (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), the British Government through the
Caribbean Regional Drug law Enforcement Training Centre, and the United States
Government having provided assistance both in training and the delivery of equipment.
1.14 Critical Assessment
1.14.1 The Drug Phenomenon is both a social and economic problem. Institutions to
inform and educate the citizens about the dangers of drug use and those identified for
treatment and for counselling services, are inadequately funded because of Government's
inability to provide the necessary funds no matter how well intentioned. With a 13%
unemployment rate14 several families exist below the poverty line and see drug dealing
and trafficking as a way out of their poverty.
"It is clear that Drug-trafficking is having a deleterious impact on our national
institutions and poses a serious threat to our economic stability. Consequently, the nature
and scope of National anti-drug programmes have now become important considerations
of national Budgets of small and fragile economies reacting to the assaults of local,
regional and international drug trafficking, money-laundering and the crimes and social
consequences of the drug trade."15
The drug economy is difficult to assess since there is no current method which can be
employed to arrive at anything definitive. However, intelligence has been received of
undeclared large sums of money being taken out through the ports of
14 Bureau of Statistics 1997
15 Remarks by Guyana's Minister of Home Affairs at meeting of the Inter-Governmental Task Force on
Drugs 1999
xlvi
Guyana by travelers, who return within twenty-four hours with the same amount of cash
which is then declared.
Past and current activities (apart from other limitations) in both the Supply and Demand
Reduction Sectors are a reflection of the inputs. Efforts have been limited since
corresponding inputs were limited.
1.14.2 Positive Results of Demand Reduction Efforts are reflected in the surveys
carried out by the Division of Health Science Education of the Ministry of Health in
determining and working with target groups, especially those young adolescents and
young adults in the school system, in wellness programmes. Training in capacity
building has also been done in the community, utilizing the participatory methodology to
prevent drug abuse. Programmes are in train by the Ministry with international
assistance to involve seven Regions, as the Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Health
and Wellness Unit current plans are effected to:
Support school health services and youth friendly clinic services
Support training of health care providers in adolescent health
Provide health promotion programming for adolescents
Advocate for adolescents health prioritization with stakeholders
Provide co-ordination of adolescent health programme
Promote research in child and adolescent health and
Support for child and adolescent health legislation
Further, the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has
recently embarked on a countrywide Health and Family Life Education programme,
which targets a wide cross-section of the country, eschewing habits, including substance
use and abuse.
The Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre though small (24 beds), with a halfway house
arrangement, has worked with addicts whose relatives have sought the institution for their
xlvii
counselling and rehabilitation. This private institution can be more effective with
governmental funding.
1.14.3 Two Factors Contributed to Unsatisfactory Results of Demand Reduction
Activities. These were:
The failure of the NACDER to function as planned, i.e. as a co-ordinating
body
The non-establishment of the Regional Anti-Drugs Units to co-ordinate
appropriate action in the Regions, in keeping with local circumstances and
priorities.
Having regard to the fact that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control)
Act 1988 anticipated the establishment of a rehabilitation centre, where offenders may be
sent on non-custodial sentences and that the Salvation Army caters only for male paying
drug abusers, national drug rehabilitation centres should be established and managed by
the State.
1.14.4 Positive Results of Supply Reduction Efforts were in the domain of the Law
Enforcement Agencies which with limited resources executed their tasks with zeal
throughout the country with many seizures, arrests and cannabis eradication exercises.
This includes identification of Ecstasy for the first time and the reintroduction of Heroin.
Internationally, the agencies continued to collaborate with their Law Enforcement
Colleagues through the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) system,
Regional Organised Crime Intelligence System (ROCIS), Caribbean Customs Law
Enforcement Co-operation (CCLEC), World Custom Organisation (WCO) and the
Regional Intelligence Law Organisation (RILO). Bilateral contacts have also resulted in
many drug seizures and arrests locally and overseas.
xlviii
Currently, discussions are ongoing among Member States of CARICOM and Co-
operating and Supporting States, for the signing of a MOU on Maritime interdiction of
illegal drugs.
1.14.5 Unsatisfactory Results of Supply Reduction Activities again can be related to
the non-functioning of Committees. Directional or operational law enforcement as a
result of the multi-dimensional nature of crime has to be intelligence driven. The JICC
has to be an integral part of the fight. Similarly, importance must be given to the
establishment of NANCOS.
1.14.6 Challenges Confronting the Demand Reduction Framework
No nationally structured programme
No minimum rehabilitation and treatment standard for the establishment
of treatment and rehabilitation facilities
Insufficient groups surveys
Training of Counsellors
The need to address the question of Demand Reduction by developing social programmes
in a holistic manner, calls for sustained collaboration in dealing with the three major
components of Primary prevention awareness and education, Secondary -
counseling/treatment and Tertiary facilities aimed at rehabilitation for reintegration.
1.14.7 Challenges Confronting the Supply Reduction Framework
Training of Drug Enforcement Officers in drug specific enforcement areas
Training of Court Officials in drug specific enforcement areas
Lack of adequate intelligence
Vast and porous borders
Slow judicial process
Unco-ordinated law enforcement efforts
Inadequate resources
xlix
There is need for a better operational working relationship amongst Law Enforcement
agencies.
1.15 Priorities
1.15.1 The Government of Guyana will explore "all avenues for achieving lasting
peace and stability ... while offering all stakeholders opportunities for their full
involvement and meaningful participation in the planning and execution of our policies
and programmes"16
It is within that larger context that this National Drug Strategy Master Plan is prepared so
that all Departments, Agencies, Service Clubs, NGOs, Community Leaders and the
Family can play a key role in keeping the nation safe from the ravages of the Drug Trade
and Substance/Drug Abuse.
16 Budget Speech 2004, Guyana's Minister of Finance
UHPE
POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
2.1 General Features, Approach and Link with Planning System
2.1.1 Consultations were conducted with Ministers of Government, the Head of the
Presidential Secretariat, Government Technical Officials, Civil Organisations, Non-
Governmental Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, the Georgetown Chamber of
Commerce and Industry and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC).
2.1.2 The Implementation of this Five-Year Plan will be decentralised. Some of the
programmes for execution will be for shorter periods within the five-year projection,
since it is envisaged that for example laws can be enacted and conventions and
agreements ratified within the first year of the plan.
2.1.3 Policy on Drug Abuse Control is directed from a governmental level, supported
by laws enacted by Parliament. Over the years, successive Governments of Guyana have
been consistent in dealing with this problem. "Guyana is committed to employing all
resources within its capacity as well as cooperating with the International Community in
combating the menace of drug abuse and drug trafficking".17
2.1.4 Anticipated Main Policy Trends revolve around:
(a) Community Groups Youth Clubs, Faith Based Organisations,
Community Leaders, Regional Education Officers and Community
Development Councils these organizations and groups playing a more
active role in drug education and awareness.
7 Guyana Strategy for dealing with the Drug Problem, December 1988
(b) Training in health and family life education for Parent Teachers
Associations (PTA), intended to instill into the child positive life skills.
(c) Establishment of a National Drug Secretariat (NANCOS), with statutory
powers to co-ordinate and monitor all drug activities local and
international.
(d) Survey Target Groups to determine the prevalence of drug use in order to
address specific areas of greater concern.
(e) Expert training for Law Enforcement Officers to deal with money
laundering, electronic surveillance (wire tapping), liquid narcotics, etc.
(f) Training of the Judiciary, Magistracy, State Counsel of the AG's
Chambers and DPP's Chambers along with Police Prosecutors, in relevant
aspects of drug interdiction including seizure and forfeiture of proceeds of
crime.
(g) Revision of the Evidence Act and the Food and Drugs Act, along with
amendments to legislation to cater under special circumstances, for
community service for first offenders under the Narcotic Drug and
Psychotropic Substances Act, and for a less cumbersome procedure for
seizure and forfeiture of proceeds of crime.
(h) Enhanced port security
(i) Operationalisation of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
2.1.5 Objectives of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan"1 have not changed and
continue to be:
Long Term Objective: "To foster institutional, participatory and democratic approaches
towards the achievement of a crime free and healthy society, founded on the principles of
social justice, rule of law and respect for authority. By so doing the society will be
enabled to develop, safeguard, and strengthen the base for sustainable social, political,
and economic stability, and ensure the preservation of its democratic society, attractive to
investors and tourists".
Short Term Objectives:
(a) "To anchor the idea of a crime free society as a common national goal,
and to sharpen anti-drug measures through a synergetic national approach.
(b) To obtain a clear understanding of the size of the drug problem, its trends
and antecedents.
(c) To progressively improve the level of deterrence and to seize and
confiscate profits from drug production, cultivation, dealing and
trafficking.
(d) To create an atmosphere of, and engineer the conditions for non-tolerance
towards illegal drugs.
(e) To sensitise individuals, groups and communities to the adoption and
promotion of healthy life styles.
18 National Drug Strategy Master Plan 1997-2000
(f) To develop through consultative processes, alternatives for individuals,
families, groups and communities vulnerable to, or negatively affected by
the drug problem.
(g) To strengthen and preserve the Rule of Law
(h) To improve collaborative efforts and understanding among Latin
American and Caribbean territories, and to strengthen international co-
operation and linkages."
2.1.6 The Overall Strategy seeks to:
Establish the National Anti-Narcotics Co-ordinating Secretariat
Conduct target groups surveys
Develop national policy for Demand Reduction
Establish rehabilitation programme for drug users
Establish new rehabilitation centres
Strengthen rehabilitation centre run by Salvation Army
Develop media strategy to promote drug awareness
Promote educational programmes against tobacco and alcohol
Strengthen current health and family life education
Develop employee assistance programmes for the workplace
Develop a national reporting format
Foster Prisons rehabilitation/counseling
Strengthen probation service
Train health workers to identify drug users
Strengthen existing court system, and provide for functioning interior
Magistrates Courts
Amend/draft laws to deal with:
i. Use of electronic surveillance (wire tapping)
ii. Giving of expert scientific evidence from foreign jurisdictions
iii. Provision for liquid narcotics/hashish
iv. Seizure and forfeiture legislation to be made less cumbersome
v. Plea bargaining
vi. Community service for first offenders under certain conditions
* Revision of the Food and Drugs Act
* Policy and system for intelligence gathering
* Computerization of Immigration and Criminal Investigation
Departments
* Drawing up of MOUs for collaborative activities by Law Enforcement
Agencies
* Law Enforcement presence at specific border crossings, waterways
and airstrips (runways)
* Law Enforcement Agencies to be supported from proceeds of
forfeiture
* Expert training of Law Enforcement Officers
* Strengthening Police forensic laboratory capabilities
* Operationalisation/staffing of JICC
* Operationalisation of the Financial Intelligence Unit
* Training staff of Central Bank and other financial institutions in
relation to:
i. Money Laundering Act
ii. Giving of evidence
UHPE
DETAILS OF PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES BY
SECTOR
3.1 Details of Programmes and Activities of Control and Reduction of
Supply
Programmes/Activities spelt out hereunder in the various Sectors, and the means
of achieving the objectives, are dependent on allocation of available resources by the
Government, through its own funding or bilateral and/or multilateral assistance as is
deemed necessary.
3.1.1 Improve the Functioning of the Justice Administration System
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Train court officials in Law as it relates to drug prosecutions
(b) Provide the necessary facilities for the trial of Drug Cases including
interior court buildings
(c) Fill vacancies in both the Judiciary and Magistracy
(d) Assess the need for and establish new courts where necessary
(e) Revise the Food and Drugs Act classifying who is an importer of narcotic
drugs and providing greater authority to the Food and Drugs Department
for monitoring, distribution and transportation control of licit drug imports
(f) Revise the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, to
provide for a speedier, less cumbersome procedure for the forfeiture of
drug assets
3.1.2 Policy and System for Intelligence Gathering
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Draw up standard operational procedures for handling informants
(b) Provide the necessary funding for informants programme operated by Law
Enforcement Agencies
(c) Implementation of electronic surveillance protocols
3.1.3 Computerisation of Immigration and Criminal Investigation Departments
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Install secure computer systems within the Immigration and CID
Departments
(b) Interconnect with necessary safeguards Immigration and CID Departments
database systems
3.1.4 Measures to Tighten the Control of Precursors
Government undertakes to:
(a) Enact legislation for the licensing of importers
(b) Audit imports
3.1.5 Drawing up of MOUs for Collaborative Activities by Law Enforcement
Agencies
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Give direction to Heads of Services for drawing up and implementing
MOUs
(b) Provide additional financial and material support for collaborative
activities
3.1.6 Law Enforcement Presence at Specific Border Crossings, Waterways and
Uncontrolled Airstrips (Runways)
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Increase joint enforcement presence at the nine ports
(b) Set up joint enforcement post in the vicinity of Orinoco Delta and other
locations
(c) Increase surveillance at Bartica, Anna Regina, Linden and Enmore
runways
3.1.7 Expert Training for Law Enforcement Officers
The Government undertakes to:
Facilitate training in expert areas e.g. computers, electronic surveillance (wire
tapping), identification of pharmaceutical and synthetic drugs
Iviii
3.1.8 Operationalisation of JICC
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Provide the necessary personnel
(b) Ensure functioning/compatibility of equipment
3.1.9 Strengthen Police Forensic Laboratory Capabilities
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Examine the current state of the police laboratory
(b) Install an infrared spectrophotometer
(c) Provide training for staff in body fluid analysis and precursor drugs
3.2 Details of Programmes and Activities of Demand Reduction
Prevention:
3.2.1 Promotion of Educational Programmes about Tobacco and Alcohol
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Design and implement educational programmes against tobacco and
alcohol
(b) Involve all Regions
3.2.2 Develop Media Strategy to Promote Drug Awareness
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Develop a national communication media strategy, to promote drug abuse
prevention
Review current advertisements
3.2.3 Develop Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for the Workplace
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Provide incentives to permit employers to facilitate drug and substance
abuse awareness and sensitisation and to support rehabilitation of
employees
(b) Implement EAP in Ministries and Government Departments
(c) Encourage establishment of EAP in the Private Sector
3.2.4 Train Health Workers to Identify Drug Users
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Train health workers to discern when persons are using substances
(b) Train health workers in patient care, restraint and safety
3.2.5 Strengthen Current Health and Family Life Education
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Provide training in collaboration with CARICOM/UNICEF
(b) Expand the participation of the early school leavers youth camps
(c) Support life skills based approach
3.2.6 Develop National Policy for Demand Reduction
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Draw up a national policy document
(b) Give general direction and management of resources
Treatment and Rehabilitation Programmes:
3.2.7 Establish Rehabilitation Programme for Drug Users
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Establish rehabilitation facilities (in-patient and out-patient)
(b) Set up Detoxification Unit
(c) Establish Regional Drug Abuse Prevention Committees which would
facilitate community support groups
(d) Establish standards for, and monitor and evaluate all rehabilitation and
treatment service providers.
3.2.8. Establish New Rehabilitation Centres
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Establish residential facilities for women and adolescents
(b) Establish residential facilities for men
(c) Provide professional support for the maintenance of treatment and
rehabilitation centres
3.2.9 Strengthen Rehabilitation Centre Run by Salvation Army
Government undertakes to:
(a) Provide funding for accommodation and treatment for twenty additional
clients.
(b) Provide personnel for counselling
3.2.10 Foster Prison Rehabilitation and Counselling
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Strengthen and improve rehabilitation and counselling services in relation
to drug use and abuse
(b) Train Prison Officers to recognize drug users
(c) Train Prison Officers and facilitators who network with the Prisons, in
counselling
3.2.11 Strengthen Probation Service
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Increase the strength of District Probation and Family Welfare Officers
(a) Increase supervision of substance abusers in recovery
(c) Facilitate non-custodial sentencing
3.2.12 Develop a National Reporting Format
The Government undertakes to:
Create a common reporting format for all institutions dealing with treatment,
counselling and rehabilitation
3.3 Stren2thenin2 the Legal Framework
3.3.1. Law Enforcement Agencies to be Supported from Proceeds of Forfeiture
The Government undertakes to:
Enact legislation permitting the sharing of a given percentage of asset forfeiture
among narcotic Law Enforcement Agencies for the purpose of drug control
lxiii
3.3.2 Training of Central Bank and Financial Institutions Staff
The Government undertakes to:
Implement provisions of the Money Laundering Act in relation to training of staff
of Financial Institutions
3.3.3 Operationalisation of the FIU
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Implement the necessary regulations
(b) Staff the unit with required experts
(c) Make the unit an autonomous agency
3.3.4 Community Service for First Time Offenders
The Government undertakes to:
Enact legislation for community service instead of custodial sentencing for first
offenders under certain conditions
3.3.5 Revise Evidence Act to deal with Electronic Surveillance
The Government undertakes to:
Revise the Evidence Act to deal with electronic surveillance (wire tapping) and
expert scientific evidence from a foreign jurisdiction
lxiv
3.4. Institutional and Managerial Framework
3.4.1. Strengthening the National Anti-Narcotic Co-ordinating System
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Ensure the functioning of all Committees
(b) Ensure reporting procedure through NANCOS to NANCOM
(c) Provide appropriate training
(d) Provide technical and financial support
3.4.2. Establish and Strengthen the National Anti-Narcotics Co-ordinating
Secretariat
The Government undertakes to:
(a) Enact legislation establishing and empowering the Secretariat with
authority to deal with counter narcotic activities, to supervise the
implementation of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, regional and
international drug agreements, and to prepare monthly reports for
submission to NANCOM.
(b) Set up an Observatory Unit as a mechanism for the objective
analysis/assessment of information and trends
(c) Provide resources for the functioning of the Secretariat
3.4.3. Strengthening International Co-operation is one of the pillars upon which
Guyana's National Drug Strategy Plan is built. The Government in furtherance of its
international commitment will within one year of the coming into effect of this Plan:
(a) Ratify the Inter-American Convention on Mutual assistance in Criminal
Matters
(b) Ratify the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of
and Trafficking in Explosives and Other Related Material
(c) Incorporate as Money Laundering Predicate Offences the trafficking of
human beings, prostitution, pornography, kidnapping and terrorism
lxvi
Resource Requirements/
Programme Financing,
Management and Activities
4.1 Control and Reduction of Supply
4.1.1
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Improve the functioning of the Criminal Justice
Administration System
OBJECTIVE The ability of Magistrates, Judges and Prosecutors to efficiently
and effectively deal with all drug related cases including seizure
and forfeiture of assets and Money Laundering
EXPECTED Drug cases are dealt with in a timely manner
RESULTS Drug cases are successfully prosecuted
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Build capacity of court system
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Train court officials in the law relative to drugs
Provide human and material resources
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Attorney General and Ministry of Legal
EXECUTION Affairs, Chambers of the Director of
Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Registry of
the Supreme Court
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President, the
Chambers of the Attorney General the Ministry
of Legal Affairs, Chambers of the DPP, and
Registry Supreme Court
BENEFICIARIES Judges, Magistrates, Prosecutors and other Court Officials
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan
lxvii
CHAPTER
4
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Overseas short term training for State Counsel
EXPENDITURE In country training
CATEGORIES Text and material for library and references
Accommodation
Estimated Cost US$480,000
ACTIVITIES Hearings and determination of cases are expediently
INDICATORS addressed
Highly motivated Court Officials
Increased convictions
4.1.2
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Improve the Legislative Environment against Drug
Trafficking
OBJECTIVE To enact corresponding interstate Drug Trafficking laws
EXPECTED Implementation of modem extradition agreements
RESULTS Enact modern legislation for assistance in
seizure/forfeiture of assets
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Modernise and harmonise anti-drug legislation
IDENTIFICATION Facilitate interstate cooperation through extradition and
other mutual legal assistance
OBJECTIVE Draft and enact laws
Sign interstate agreements and MOUs
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney General and Ministry of Legal
CHARGE OF Affairs
EXECUTION Support Institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Chambers of the Attorney
General and Ministry of Legal Affairs and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
BENEFICIARIES Guyana and the corresponding Nation States
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Drafting of legislation and agreements
EXPENDITURE Traveling
lxviii
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$15,000.00
ACTIVITIES Extraditions
INDICATORS Provision of assistance for seizure/forfeiture
4.1.3
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Build the capacity of National Anti-Narcotic Units
OBJECTIVE To enable a more professional Law Enforcement approach to
drug interdiction
EXPECTED Increased number of skilled Law Enforcement Officers with
RESULTS appropriate training
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Improve the functioning of anti-drug operations
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Plan and implement comprehensive training in all aspects
of anti-drug operations
Develop and monitor inventory of equipment, tools and
supplies used in National Anti-Drug Operations
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Home Affairs (GPF)
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: GDF, CANU, JICC
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the GPF, GDF and CANU
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement Agencies
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Six months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Training local and overseas
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$80,000.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES More well executed and successful law Enforcement
INDICATORS Operations/Exercises
lxix
4.1.4
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Operationalisation of the Joint Intelligence Co-ordination
Centre To ensure that equipment and personnel are in place to
facilitate the running of the Centre
OBJECTIVE To collect, assess, collate, and disseminate counter drug
information and intelligence amongst Law Enforcement
agencies, national and international
EXPECTED Increased arrests of drug offenders
RESULTS Increased forfeiture of drug assets
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Co-ordinate and support counter drug activities of Law
IDENTIFICATION Enforcement agencies, national and international
OBJECTIVE Secured and networking computers
Personnel
Funding
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: National Anti-Narcotic Commission
CHARGE OF (NANCOM)
EXECUTION Support Institution: GPF, GRA, GDF, CANU, FIU
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from Office of the President,
NANCOS, GDF, GRA, GDF, CANU and FIU
BENEFICIARIES Law enforcement agencies
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Three months from the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Maintenance of building
EXPENDITURE Equipment
CATEGORIES Personnel
Payment for utilities
Security
Seminars
Traveling
Estimated Cost US$152,000.00
ACTIVITIES Greater sharing of information amongst Law
INDICATORS Enforcement agencies
Better co-ordination amongst Law
Enforcement Agencies
Increased international contact with Intelligence counter-
drug agencies
4.1.5
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Policy and system of Intelligence Gathering To effectively
manage intelligence sources including informants, for better
service by the Law Enforcement arms of the State
OBJECTIVE Ensuring that drug operations /exercises are intelligence driven
EXPECTED Greater number of arrests
RESULTS Increased assets forfeiture
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Devise policy on handling of informants
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE An operational manual
Funding
Training
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Home Affairs (GPF)
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: CANU, GDF, JICC
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from GPF, CANU, GDF and JICC
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement Agencies
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Preparation of Manual
EXPENDITURE Training
CATEGORIES Secret Service
Estimated Cost US$47,000.00
ACTIVITIES Increased Law Enforcement operational activities
INDICATORS Increased regional and international co-operation
lxxi
4.1.6
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Sitting of Interior Magistrate's Court
OBJECTIVE To ensure that Interior Magistrates Courts function as required
on statutory dates
EXPECTED Trials are conducted and cases determined within
RESULTS reasonable time
Remand period for prisoners is reduced
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Provision for the statutory holding of Magistrates' courts in the
IDENTIFICATION interior
OBJECTIVE Improved accommodation for legal/Court personnel
Adequate support personnel and services
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Registry of the Supreme Court
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President and
Registry of the Supreme Court
BENEFICIARIES Interior communities
GEOGRAPHICAL Administrative Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Travelling
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$13,000.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES Trials being conducted at Magistrates' Court in the
INDICATORS interior
Reduced number of prisoners on remand
Reduction in waiting time for hearings
lxxii
4.1.7
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Computerisation Criminal Investigation (CID) and
Immigration Departments Co-ordination between
Immigration and CID of passengers arrivals and departure
OBJECTIVE To identify and take appropriate action against offenders of the
law from within and outside of the jurisdiction
EXPECTED Increased arrest of suspects/offenders
RESULTS Greater surveillance of suspects
Improved data collection
Refusal of entry to suspect individuals from outside of
the jurisdiction
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Computerise departments
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Install computers at ports of entry
Install computers at CID and Immigration Headquarters
Network computers (with necessary safeguards)
Training
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: GPF, Guyana Revenue Authority
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Home Affairs,
GPF and GRA
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement agencies
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL Ports of entry and headquarters location of Immigration and CID
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within six months from the implementation of the Maser Plan
IMPLEMENTATION and throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Computerised equipment
EXPENDITURE Maintenance
CATEGORIES Workmanship
Estimated Cost US$105,000.00
ACTIVITIES Greater collaboration between CID and Immigration
INDICATORS Departments
Higher levels of interception of travellers and contraband
lxxiii
4.1.8
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Measures to Tighten the Control of Precursors
OBJECTIVE To ensure that licit importation of precursor drugs are not
diverted for illicit use
EXPECTED Greater monitoring of imports
RESULTS Construction of a data base of licensed importers
Improved collaboration between stakeholder agencies
and relevant Government Departments
Control of the use of precursor drugs
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT The regularisation and control of importation of precursor drugs
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Enact new legislation for licensing of importers
Auditing of use of precursors
Documentation of all imports, trades and manufacturers
and the disposal of precursors
INSTITUTIONS IN
CHARGE OF Managing Institution: Food and Drugs Department (Ministry
EXECUTION of Health)
Support Institutions: Customs and Trade Administration
(GRA) and Guyana Police Force
Co-ordinators: Director of Food and Drugs Department,
Commissioner of Police, Commissioner,
Customs & Trade Administration
BENEFICIARIES The entire society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
Within one year of the implementation of the Master Plan and
TIMEFRAME FOR throughout the life of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Laboratory supplies and Equipment
EXPENDITURE Human resource development (upgrading analytical
CATEGORIES capabilities)
Computer system for storing and developing data,
Transportation for monitoring/surveillance
Estimated Cost US$87,000.00
ACTIVITIES Authentic Register of licensed importers
lxxiv
INDICATORS Verifiable quantities of imports
Increased collaboration among stakeholder agencies and
Government Departments
4.1.9
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Drawing up of MOUs by Law Enforcement Agencies With
the short lead time for joint operations, it is necessary for a
documented and signed standard procedure for support by other
Law Enforcement Agencies, for the lead agency to take action
OBJECTIVE To mount joint operations under previously agreed terms
EXPECTED Speedier action, better synchronised and collaborated
RESULTS
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Documented course of action to be pursued in joint Law
IDENTIFICATION Enforcement operations
OBJECTIVE Identify lead agency
Draw up agreement
Provide human and material resources
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: GPF, CANU,GDF
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President,
GPF, CANU and GDF
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement Agencies
The entire Guyanese Society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within six months of the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Meetings
EXPENDITURE Document preparation
CATEGORIES Additional resources
Estimated Cost US$121,000.00
ACTIVITIES Increased number of successful joint operations
INDICATORS
lxxv
4.1.10
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Border and Airstrip Control Control of border ports in the
interior and across the country to lend legitimacy to all visitors.
To seize contraband and to prevent incursion by undesirables.
OBJECTIVE To ensure the legitimacy of persons and goods entering or
leaving Guyana
EXPECTED Prevention of illegal entry into and exit from Guyana
RESULTS Interception and seizure of contraband goods
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Provide for the manning of ports and airstrips
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Buildings
Computer network
Close circuit television
Human resources
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Guyana Police Force
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Customs and Trade Administration
EXECUTION (Guyana Revenue Authority), CANU,
GDF
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Home Affairs,
GPF, GRA, CANU and GDF
BENEFICIARIES The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within six months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION and throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Buildings
EXPENDITURE CCTV
CATEGORIES Computers
Human resource
Estimated Cost US$121,000.00
ACTIVITIES Improved data in relation to the movement of persons
INDICATORS and goods into and out of Guyana
Greater collaboration amongst the Police, Customs an
CANU operatives
lxxvi
4.1.11
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Control and Reduction of Supply
PROGRAMME Strengthen Police Forensic Laboratory capabilities To
provide equipment for laboratory and training for the staff in
order to raise the level of effectiveness
OBJECTIVE Improved the capacity of the Laboratory to analyse for narcotics
EXPECTED The ability to analyse liquid and concentrated narcotics
RESULTS The determination of percentage purity of a narcotic
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT To improve on the capabilities of the Police Forensic Laboratory
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Training
Identification of precursor chemicals
Analysis of Body fluids for narcotics
Installation of Infra-red spectrophotometer
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Guyana Police Force
CHARGE OF Support Institution
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Home Affairs
and the GPF
BENEFICIARIES State prosecutors
Ananysts
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within one year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Equipment
EXPENDITURE Training
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$16,000.00 *
ACTIVITIES Improved scientific analysis of narcotics
INDICATORS A more highly trained laboratory staff
* This is a modest intervention as it is anticipated that additional training and equipment
will be required to further strengthen the Police's forensic capabilities in the anti-drug
campaign.
lxxvii
4.2 Programmes and Activities of Demand Reduction
Prevention:
4.2.1
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Demand Reduction
PROGRAMME Develop and implement safe life style programmes for all
Guyana
OBJECTIVE To ensure a drug free society
To advance health and wellness activities
EXPECTED A society aware of the dangers of drug abuse and the positives of
RESULTS alternative life styles
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Build capacity in Government Agencies and NGOs to plan and
IDENTIFICATION implement safe life style strategy
OBJECTIVE Train personnel in Government Agencies and NGOs to
implement strategy
Enlist media support in popularizing safe life style
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministries of Local Government and
EXECUTION Labour, Human Services and Social
Security
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Health, Local
Government and Labour, Human Services and
Social Security
BENEFICIARIES The entire Guyanese Society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Training
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$12,000.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES Social wellness
INDICATORS Positive life styles
lxxviii
4.2.2
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Strengthening current Health and Family Life Education -
involvement of community workers and other groups
OBJECTIVE To target a wide cross section of society with life skills
EXPECTED Awareness of the alternatives to drug use
RESULTS Greater community involvement
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT The involvement of a wider cross section of the community in
IDENTIFICATION Health and Family Live Education
OBJECTIVE Train delivery group
Run youth camps
Involve youth groups, CDCs and PTAs
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and
EXECUTION Ministry of Education
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Health,
Culture, Youth and Sports and Education
BENEFICIARIES Young people, parents and the wider Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within one year of the implementation of the Master Plan and to
IMPLEMENTATION the end of the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Training
EXPENDITURE Youth camps
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$24,000.00
ACTIVITIES Greater collaboration at the central and regional levels
INDICATORS Number of schools, youth groups, CDCs, PTAs, etc
involved
4.2.3
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Target Groups Surveys Conducting of research as an ongoing
activity to determine groups affected by and the prevalence of
drug use
lxxix
OBJECTIVE To be aware of the extent of the problem of drug use and abuse
EXPECTED Determination of critical groups requiring assistance
RESULTS
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT To ascertain the extent of drug use and abuse and make
IDENTIFICATION recommendations
OBJECTIVE Appoint co-ordinators/enumerators
Draw up questionnaires
Analyse date
Submit report
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President
BENEFICIARIES The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION annually, throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Transportation
EXPENDITURE Questionnaire
CATEGORIES Design
Co-ordinators
Enumerators
Data analysis
Report writing
Funding Estimated US$88,000.00
ACTIVITIES Targetted group/area requiring assistance
INDICATORS Discriminate utilisation of resources
4.2.4
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Demand Reduction
PROGRAMME Develop statistical Substance/Drug Abuse database for
improving policy formulation
OBJECTIVE To ensure that prevalence of identified problem is appropriately
and adequately addressed
EXPECTED Speedier intervention methods
RESULTS Curtailment/eradication of a drug related activity
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
lxxx
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Develop and implement statistical surveys for continued
IDENTIFICATION monitoring of age related incidences
OBJECTIVE Plan school based statistical surveys
Plan occupational based statistical surveys
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Ministry of Health
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President and
the Ministry of Health
BENEFICIARIES The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Surveys
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$88,000.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES Better overall knowledge of the drug problem
INDICATORS
4.2.5
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Demand Reduction
PROGRAMME Training Government of Guyana/Non-Governmental
Organisation personnel in Substance/Drug Abuse Education
OBJECTIVE To ensure larger resource base of Substance/Drug abuse
Educators
EXPECTED Increased service provided to communities
RESULTS Increased awareness of the ills of Substance/Drug Abuse
Reduction in reported cases of Substance/Drug Abuse
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Provision of Substance/Drug Abuse Education to wider group
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Training through the provision of workshops, on
treatment and rehabilitation
Establishment of academic training programme in
treatment and rehabilitation
lxxxi
Facilitators
Funding
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministry of Local Government and the
EXECUTION University of Guyana
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Health and
Local Government and the University of
Guyana
BENEFICIARIES Government of Guyana/Non-Governmental organizations
personnel
Communities
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Training
EXPENDITURE Workshops
CATEGORIES Facilitators
Estimated Cost US$19,000.00
ACTIVITIES Number of trained Government of Guyana/NGOs personnel
INDICATORS
4.2.6
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Demand Reduction
PROGRAMME Strengthen Civil Society involvement in Anti-
Substance/Drug Abuse advocacy
OBJECTIVE To provide for a wider community outreach
EXPECTED Greater community awareness
RESULTS Increased collaboration amongst Civil Society groups
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Enlist Civil Society groups
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Seminars/workshops
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Ministry of Health
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President and
Ministry of Health
lxxxii
BENEFICIARIES Civil Society groups
The entire Guyanese Society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Seminars
EXPENDITURE Workshops
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$12,000.00
ACTIVITIES The number of Civil Society Groups involved
INDICATORS Groups anti-drug activity within Communities
4.2.7
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Education strategy for Tobacco and Alcohol Formation of a
plan which reaches every Region, identifying Tobacco and
Alcohol as 'gateway drugs'
OBJECTIVE To reduce and prevent the use of alcohol and tobacco which can
lead to the use of harder drugs
EXPECTED Greater awareness of the ill effects of alcohol and
RESULTS tobacco
Reduced use of alcohol and tobacco, particularly among
younger people
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Cause anti-alcohol and tobacco messages to be widely circulated
IDENTIFICATION using the Regional organs including schools, Community
Development Councils, NGOs etc.
OBJECTIVE Design programme
Identify facilitators
Involve regional administration
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministries of Local Government and
EXECUTION Education
Co-ordinators: Ministers of Health, Minister of Local
Government and Education
BENEFICIARIES Young people and the entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
lxxxiii
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Programme design
EXPENDITURE Facilitators
CATEGORIES Travelling
Advertisement
Estimated Cost US$19,000.00
ACTIVITIES Greater collaboration within the Regions
INDICATORS Reduced demand nationally for alcohol and tobacco
4.2.8
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Media strategy to promote drug awareness Develop a
national communication media strategy to promote drug abuse
prevention
OBJECTIVE To provide a public education programme of drug awareness via
the media
EXPECTED A larger number of the population being reached
RESULTS Modified life styles
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Dissemination of drug awareness messages to the general public
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Review current forms of advertisement
Use of radio, television, bill boards, print media etc.
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministries of Education and Local
EXECUTION Government
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Health,
Education and Local Government
BENEFICIARIES Adolescents, youths and the entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Six months from the implementation of the Master Plan, and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Review
EXPENDITURE Message design
CATEGORIES Advertisement
lxxxiv
Estimated Cost US$22,000.00
ACTIVITIES Identified areas and population reached
INDICATORS Positive feedback
4.2.9
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Develop Employee Assistance Programme A co-ordinated
approach of educating workers about the effects of drug abuse
and to providing counselling
OBJECTIVE To ensure a safe and productive work environment where the use
of drugs does not result in absenteeism, poor industrial relations
and neglect of family
EXPECTED Sustained economic/managerial growth in the workplace
RESULTS Improved worker/employer relationship
Drug free environment
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Educate workers on the ill effects of drug use with respect to the
IDENTIFICATION development of the organisation and to family
OBJECTIVE Provision of educational material
Training of facilitators
Provide incentive for employers
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Ministry of Labour, Human Services and
EXECUTION Social Security
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Office of the President
and the Ministry of Labour, Human Services
and Social Security
BENEFICIARIES Staffers
The organisation
The family
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Educational material
EXPENDITURE Training
CATEGORIES Counselling
Employers incentive Recommended reduction in
lxxxv
Consumption Tax, using determined percentage. This will
depend on the number of employees and cost of counselling
services
Estimated Cost (minus Employers Incentive) US$81,400.00
ACTIVITIES Full attendance at work by workers
INDICATORS Increased productivity in the workplace
4.2.10
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Train health workers to identify drug users
OBJECTIVE Early detection of a user of drugs
EXPECTED Prevention of addiction
RESULTS Family and community support
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT To equip health workers with knowledge to detect an early drug
IDENTIFICATION user
OBJECTIVE Training
Implementation of measures required
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institution:
EXECUTION Co-ordinator: To be drawn from the Ministry of Health
BENEFICIARIES The user
The neighbourhood and the entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within one year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Programme development
EXPENDITURE Counselling services
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$30,000
ACTIVITIES Larger number of professionally trained health workers
INDICATORS Reduced number of Drug users
lxxxvi
4.2.11
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Prevention
PROGRAMME Develop National Policy on Demand Reduction Drawing up
of a policy document to give direction and guidance for the
treatment and rehabilitation service providers, which spell out
minimum standards to be adhered to, with respect to Demand
Reduction
OBJECTIVE To ensure that minimum standards for treatment and are
habilitation are set for service providers
EXPECTED A common standard of treatment and rehabilitative care for
RESULTS Substance/Drug abusers, by Government and Non-Government
service providers
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Regularisation of standards to deal with treatment and
IDENTIFICATION rehabilitation of Substance/Drug abusers
OBJECTIVE Draw up standard reporting format
Provision for inspection and monitoring
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institution:
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Health
BENEFICIARIES Government and NGOs service providers
Drug abusers
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Six months from the implementation of the Master Plan with
IMPLEMENTATION inspections/monitoring throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Policy development
EXPENDITURE Reporting Forms
CATEGORIES Travelling
Estimated Cost US$12,000.00
ACTIVITIES Common overall policy on treatment and rehabilitation
INDICATORS Greater collaboration amongst service providers
Greater number of recovered abusers
lxxxvii
Treatment and Rehabilitation:
4.2.12
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Improve Treatment and Rehabilitation -Standardisation of
professional service to be given Substance/Drug abusers for their
care and treatment
OBJECTIVE To ensure a National minimum standard for treatment and
rehabilitation of Substance/Drug users
EXPECTED Greater collaboration among service providers
RESULTS Improved treatment and care for Substance/Drug users
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT The standardization of Substance/Drug treatment and
IDENTIFICATION rehabilitation
OBJECTIVE Training rehabilitation professionals including counselors
Develop minimum policy standards
Network of services
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institution:
EXECUTION Co-ordinator: To be drawn from the Ministry of Health
BENEFICIARIES Substance/Drug users
Service Providers
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Training
EXPENDITURE Programme development
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$12,000.00
ACTIVITIES Harmonisation of treatment and rehabilitation
INDICATORS Larger resource base of service professionals and
providers
lxxxviii
4.2.13
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Establish new Rehabilitation Centres Providing facilities for
Females and adolescents with another for males
OBJECTIVE To provide for a larger addict population
EXPECTED Residential care for adolescent and female Drug Addicts
RESULTS Decentralization of resident facilities
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Ensure that resident structures and services to cater for
IDENTIFICATION adolescents and women are provided
OBJECTIVE Construct buildings
Furnishing and equipment
Staffing
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Ministry of Labour, Human Services and
EXECUTION Social Security and identified NGOs
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Health,
Labour, Human Services and Social Security
and Identified NGOs
BENEFICIARIES Addicts
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL Administrative Regions 2, 4 & 6
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR In the fourth year of the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ New resident facilities
EXPENDITURE Furnishings
CATEGORIES Counselling
Equipment
Estimated Cost US$252,000.00
ACTIVITIES Extended geographical area of operation
INDICATORS Number of recovered addicts including adolescents and
females
Enhanced government/NGOs working relationship
lxxxix
4.2.14
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Strengthen rehabilitation centre run by Salvation Army To
provide for treatment and care to twenty-four additional
recovering addicts
OBJECTIVE To improve the capacity and service of the resident facilities of
the Salvation Army
EXPECTED The provision of care to more addicts in need
RESULTS
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Provide more space and service for the resident facilities
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Funding
Counselling services
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Salvation Army
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Health and the
Salvation Army
BENEFICIARIES Salvation Army
Ministry of Health
Addicts
GEOGRAPHICAL Administrative Regions 3,4,5 & 10
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR In the fourth year from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Extend building
EXPENDITURE Furnishings
CATEGORIES Counselling
Estimated Cost US$173,000.00
ACTIVITIES The number of recovered addicts
INDICATORS Enhanced Government/NGO working relationship
4.2.15
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Foster prison rehabilitation and counseling Develop
programme to prevent Substance/Drug induced behaviour which
can compromise the health of prisoners and security of the
prisons
OBJECTIVE To reduce the demand for Substance/Drugs within the prisons
EXPECTED Behavioural change
RESULTS
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT A plan to target selected inmates
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Therapeutic treatment
Counseling
Life skills
Sports
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE OF Support Institution: Ministry of Health
EXECUTION Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Home
Affairs and Health and Guyana Prison Service
BENEFICIARIES Inmates
The Guyanese society
Prisons
GEOGRAPHICAL Prison Institutions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION and to the end of the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Counsellors
EXPENDITURE Trainers
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$23,000.00
ACTIVITIES Drug free inmates
INDICATORS Acquisition of skills
4.2.16
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Strengthen Probation Service To provide for more Probation
and Family Welfare Service Officers across the Regions
OBJECTIVE To provide additional resource as Substance/Drug Abusers
Counsellors
EXPECTED Improved supervision and assistance to substance/drug
RESULTS users/addicts in recovery
Facilitators for alternative sentence to custodial
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Increase the capacity of Probation and Family Welfare Service
IDENTIFICATION Officers
OBJECTIVE Specialised training (Substance/Drug abuse counselling)
Resources
Monitoring and evaluation
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Labour, Human Services and
CHARGE OF Social Security
EXECUTION Support Institutions: Ministries of Health and Home Affairs
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Labour,
Human Services and Social Security, Health
and Home Affairs
BENEFICIARIES Substance and Drug users/addicts
Neighborhood communities
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Master Plan and
IMPLEMENTATION throughout the life of the Plan
BUDGET/ Co-ordinators
EXPENDITURE Facilitators
CATEGORIES Transportation (travelling)
Training
Estimated Cost US$159,000.00
ACTIVITIES Number of substance, drug users/addicts counseled
INDICATORS across the Regions
Percentage ratio of successes from evaluation
xcii
4.2.17
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Treatment and Rehabilitation
PROGRAMME Develop a National Reporting Format For better co-
ordination of treatment, rehabilitation and data collection
OBJECTIVE To ensure that standard form information for analytical purposes
are obtained
EXPECTED Better assessment of a given drug problem requiring
RESULTS treatment and rehabilitation
The ability to address a given national drug problem
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Health
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Preparation of a written reporting format for data analysis and
IDENTIFICATION attention
OBJECTIVE Draw up standard reporting form for institutions
Detail method of transmission of information
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Health
CHARGE OF Support Institution:
EXECUTION Co-ordinator: To be drawn from the Ministry of Health
BENEFICIARIES Ministry of Health
Service providers
GEOGRAPHICAL All ten Administrative Regions
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Within nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Report forms
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$2,500.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES Responses received from circulated format forms
INDICATORS Common identifiable drug problems
XC111
4.3 Legal Framework
4.3.1
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Strengthening the legal system with amendment to the
Evidence Act
OBJECTIVE To allow for the acceptance of evidence by a scientific expert
from a foreign jurisdiction
EXPECTED Prosecution of a greater number of offenders
RESULTS Stronger international law enforcement collaboration
Higher standard of scientific evidence
Acceptance of scientific evidence by an expert from a
foreign jurisdiction
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT The enactment of legislation which permits the giving of
IDENTIFICATION scientific evidence in the Courts of Guyana by scientific experts
from a foreign jurisdiction
OBJECTIVE Parliamentary passage of the required legislation
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney General and Ministry of Legal
CHARGE OF Affairs
EXECUTION Support Institutions: Guyana Police Force, Customs & Trade
Administration (GRA), Customs Anti-
Narcotic Unit (CANU)
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Attorney General's (AG)
Chambers, Guyana Police Force (GPF), GRA
and CANU
BENEFICIARIES Court Prosecutors
Investigators of Enforcement Agencies
Scientific experts, both local and from foreign
jurisdictions
GEOGRAPHICAL State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Drafting of Legislation
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$2,500.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES A greater number of successful prosecutions
xciv
INDICATORS
4.3.2
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Law enforcement agencies to be supported from proceeds of
forfeiture As a result of the cost associated with law
Enforcement, a percentage of the forfeiture of drug assets for
further enforcement work should be made available to the
agencies involved in the related matter
OBJECTIVE To support drug enforcement activities
EXPECTED Law Enforcement agencies made more operational
RESULTS
INSTITUTION IN Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Determination of a percentage of forfeiture to be made available
IDENTIFICATION to Law Enforcement Agencies
OBJECTIVE Amendment/enactment/ of the Law
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Ministry of Home Affairs
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Attorney General and Ministry of Legal
EXECUTION Affairs and Ministry of Finance
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministries of Home
Affairs and Finance
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement Agencies
The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Nine months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Drafting of legislation
EXPENDITURE Estimated Cost US$2,500.00
CATEGORIES
ACTIVITIES Increased capacity to mount operations
INDICATORS
4.3.3
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Appropriate legislation to deal with community service
instead of custodial sentencing for first time offenders under
certain circumstances
OBJECTIVE To avoid further corruption of first time offenders of the law
who have committed minor drug related infractions from being
influenced by hard core criminals within the prison system
EXPECTED Reduced prison population
RESULTS Reduced number of convicted individuals sent to prison
Reformed first offenders
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Enactment of legislation which replaces custodial sentencing
IDENTIFICATION with community service taking into consideration the drug crime
committed by a first offender
OBJECTIVE To Enact new legislation to favour community service
for first-time offenders
Supervision of first-time offender
counselling
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney General's Chambers and
CHARGE OF Ministry of Legal Affairs
EXECUTION Support Institution: Ministry of Labour, Human Services an
Social Services
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the AG's Chambers
and Ministry of Labour Human Services
and Social Security
BENEFICIARIES The prison system
First time offenders
The Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Drafting of legislation
EXPENDITURE Supervision and Counselling
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$148,000.00
ACTIVITIES Reduced incidents of drug crimes
INDICATORS
xcvi
4.3.4
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Strengthening the legal system Putting in place the necessary
regulations to support the Money Laundering Act which
empowers the operation of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
OBJECTIVE To ensure that the activities of the FIU are in conformity with
the law
EXPECTED Procedural powers of the FIU
RESULTS Clear direction on dealing with business transactions and
business transaction records
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General's Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Drawing up of regulations which governs the activities of the
IDENTIFICATION FIU
OBJECTIVE Implement regulations
Employ experts in fields of frauds, finance, computer
programming and accounting
Training
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney General's Chambers and
CHARGE OF Ministry of Legal Affairs
EXECUTION Support Institutions: Ministry of Finance and the Chambers of
the DPP
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Ministry of Finance and
the Chambers of the DPP
BENEFICIARIES The entire Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR Six months from the implementation of the Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Draft regulation
EXPENDITURE Training
CATEGORIES Salary
Equipment
Estimated Cost US$216,000.00
ACTIVITIES Easily identifiable breaches of the law
INDICATORS Identification of money launderers
Improved international liaison
xcvii
4.3.5
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Strengthening the Legal System Filling vacancies in
Magistracy and Judiciary
OBJECTIVE To ensure a sufficiency of Magistrates and Judges to preside
over drug prosecutions
EXPECTED Speedier court hearings
RESULTS Shorter remand period for drug offenders
Less prison overcrowding
INSTITUTION IN Office of the President
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Appointment of adequate number of Magistrates and Judges
IDENTIFICATION
OBJECTIVE Appoint Magistrates and Judges
Provide support staff
Equipment
Accommodation
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Office of the President
CHARGE OF Support Institution:
EXECUTION Co-ordinator:
BENEFICIARIES The Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Staffing
EXPENDITURE Equipment
CATEGORIES Accommodation
Estimated Cost US$395,000.00
ACTIVITIES Adequate Magistrates and Judges
INDICATORS Speedier trials
XCV111
4.3.6
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Revision of the Evidence Act Chapter 5:03 to allow for
electronics surveillance
OBJECTIVE To gather evidence for production in court by wire tapping of
suspects
EXPECTED Stronger prima facie evidence against drug offenders
RESULTS Greater number of convicted offenders
Skilled Law Enforcement Agents in the field of wire
tapping
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT Revision of the Law to allow Law Enforcement Agencies to
IDENTIFICATION listen into, record and print for court presentation,
communication involving drug offenders
OBJECTIVE Revise and implement new legislation
Provision of appropriate equipment
Training
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE OF Support Institutions: Chambers of the DPP, GPF, CANU and
EXECUTION the GDF
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Chambers of the AG and
DPP, GPF, CANU and GDF
BENEFICIARIES Law Enforcement Agencies
The Criminal Law
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Equipment
EXPENDITURE Training
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$100.000.00
ACTIVITIES Greater knowledge of drug offenders network
INDICATORS Increased prosecution
Improved date collection
Increased asset forfeiture
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4.3.7
PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION
Line of Action: Legal Framework
PROGRAMME Strengthen the Legal System Revision of the Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substance (Control) Act 1988 to make less
cumbersome the procedure for seizure and forfeiture of drug
assets
OBJECTIVE To ensure speedier procedural and judicial process for the
seizure and forfeiture of drug assets
EXPECTED Taking early possession of identified assets
RESULTS Speedier court hearings
Speedier acquisition of forfeiture by the State
INSTITUTION IN Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
CHARGE (AT THE
CENTRAL LEVEL)
PROJECT The enactment of legislation to simplify the procedure for the
IDENTIFICATION forfeiture of drug assets
OBJECTIVE Enact legislation
Training
INSTITUTIONS IN Managing Institution: Attorney General and Ministry of Legal
CHARGE OF Affairs
EXECUTION Support Institutions: DPP's Chambers, Registrar Supreme
Court and the Public Trustee
Co-ordinators: To be drawn from the Chambers of the AG and
DPP, and Supreme Court Registry
BENEFICIARIES The judicial system
The Guyanese society
GEOGRAPHICAL The State of Guyana
COVERAGE
TIMEFRAME FOR One year from the implementation of the Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
BUDGET/ Revised legislation
EXPENDITURE Training*
CATEGORIES Estimated Cost US$2,500.00
ACTIVITIES More drug assets in possession of the State
INDICATORS Skilled cadre of assets seizure and forfeiture investigators
and prosecutors
* Dealt with at 4.1.1
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