On Thursday 13th March 2014, the Director of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, Director, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft, made a presentation to the Substance Abuse Prevention Division in the Ministry of Social Transformation. Ms. Norma Jeffrey-Dorsett was on hand to receive the items of a View Sonic Projector and a HP Laptop.

Director Croft noted that the items will be assisting the Substance Abuse Prevention Division, with their educational outreach programmes, especially to the youths in the schools and the in community. The equipment should facilitate getting the message out to prevent substance abuse within the community. This approach fits into the national anti-drug strategy as there is the requirement for implementation of various programmes, namely Drug Reduction, Supply Reduction and the application of Control Measures. The Substance Abuse Prevention Division is charged with the responsibility of educating the public on the dangers of drugs and drug abuse and also provides some treatment for individuals.

Ms. Jeffery-Dorset thanked Director Croft and stated that the Laptop and the Projector are well appreciated and will assist her Division greatly. She reinforced her Division’s focus is to try their best to delay the youths first use, as it is noted that the longer the delay in trying drugs the less likely they are to use it. Ms. Jeffery-Dorset remarked that whenever she uses the equipment, the ONDCP will always be on her mind.

Lieutenant Colonel Croft stated since one of the functions of the ONDCP is to co-ordinate the implementation of policies for the reduction of the demand for illicit drugs, it is important that the Agency assists where possible to strengthen the departments which have specific responsibility to reach the youths before the Agency is required to apply supply reduction measures in controlling the availability of illicit drugs. There needs to be greater collaboration in the implementation of the national drug strategy, and the two entities will be working hand in hand to reduce drug abuse in the country and as they both undertake their respective responsibilities.