60th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs

As a follow up to the United Nations Special Session of the General Assembly (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem, held in April, 2016, the Commission exchanged views on efforts undertaken to implement the Political Declaration and Plan of Action to address the global drug problem. Focusing on the thematic areas outlined in the UNGASS outcome document, delegations reported on national actives aimed demand and supply reduction, addressing persistent challenges and threats, including new psychoactive substances and alternatives treatment measures with a view to tackling underlying causes to drug dependency such as socio-economic conditions.

The Bahamas, in its capacity as the current Chair of the Inter-American Drug Commission (CICAD) was invited to participle in a side event designed to shared experience with regard to problem-solving strategies for drug related offenses as it relates to collaboration between justice systems and community actors. Her Excellency Rhoda M. Jackson, Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Office in Geneva reiterated the challenge for The Bahamas as a transit country which is strategically placed between producing and consuming markets. Despite that, the Ambassador reaffirmed The Bahamas commitment to intensify its efforts to minimize the impact of illicit drugs on our most vulnerable, the youth. The launch of the Citizen Security and Justice Programme and the establishment of specific centers for at-risk youth were cited as ongoing initiatives.

Accompanying Ambassador Jackson to the Meeting was Ms. Greer McKinney, Research Officer of National Anti Drug Unit, Ministry of National Security. Ms. McKinney moderated a session on tools for evidenced-based policy making on drugs sponsored by COPOLAD, the European Union Drug Cooperation programme with Latin America and the Caribbean.