Minister Dunkley Outlines National Drug Plan

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce the release of the National Drug Control Master Plan and Action Plan 2013-2017, which represents the second National Strategy on drugs. Honourable Members and the public will recall that during the debate on the Department of National Drug Control Act 2014, I undertook to table this Plan for the information of the House. Today, I am pleased to fulfill that promise.

Mr. Speaker, the National Drug Control Plan is based on an extensive stakeholder and community-wide needs assessment; continues with an integrated and balanced approach to reducing both drug supply and drug demand established in the 2007-2011 Plan, and is Bermuda’s plan to implement policies and programmes that will reduce the harms caused by alcohol and other drug use.

Mr. Speaker, the plan supports a comprehensive focus on approaches that address drug-use prevention, drug abuse treatment, research, legislation, institutional frameworks, law enforcement and interdiction, protection of the borders, drug supply reduction, international cooperation, and monitoring and evaluation.

The Master Plan and Action Plan will serve as an instrument to be used to monitor and evaluate the desired national outcomes to be accomplished over next four years. It summarises authoritatively the key national goals, defines implementation priorities, and allocates responsibilities and resources for the national drug control efforts. The Plan acts both as a director and a directory of this country’s policies and programmes aimed at diminishing the negative impact drugs misuse, abuse, and illicit trafficking .

Mr. Speaker, the three main goals of the 2013-2017 National Drug Control Master Plan are:

1. To reduce drug-related harms by recognising the drug problem as a major public health threat to the nation.
2. To minimise the immediate concerns to the citizens in the context of the principal harms of drug use and abuse such as crime, public nuisance, drug-related violence, physical and mental health problems, social costs, and community degradation.
3. To respect human rights, local judicial norms, and cultural attitudes toward alcohol and drug use.

The key objectives of the Master Plan are:

1. To provide effective coordination and oversight of the National Drug Control Master Plan.
2. To ensure appropriate resources for drug-related programmes are available.
3. To implement a balanced, multi-disciplinary approach to substance abuse prevention and treatment.
4. To educate the public about risks and methods for preventing engagement in inappropriate use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
5. To expand the implementation of research-based prevention programming to effectively reduce drug use amongst youth.
6. To develop community partnerships that will promote prevention activities that address environmental change.
7. To improve access to treatment services.
8. To improve the quality of treatment and rehabilitation services.
9. To educate the public on the health risks associated with substance use and abuse.
10. To develop measures to reduce drunk driving.
11. To have a coordinated approach between BPS and H.M. Customs.
12. To increase H.M. Customs’ capability to target and dismantle drug importation rings.
13. To have an amalgamated intelligence function/arm.
14. To establish a code of conduct or professional standards for interdiction personnel [or across the Justice System].
15. To gather information that will facilitate evidence-based decision making for substance abuse prevention and treatment programmes.
16. To provide an evaluation framework to assess the management, coordination, and implementation of the national drug control initiatives and the strategies outlined in the National Master Plan.
17. To provide evidence to support the establishment of laws and policies that foster healthy individuals and communities.
18. To facilitate, coordinate, and manage the Bermuda Drug Information Network [BerDIN].

Mr. Speaker, the management of the Master Plan is intended to be driven by a coordinating body or steering committee. This coordinating body will decide on the priorities of the National Plan annually and will manage the general order of business to ensure the implementation of the Plan over the next four years.

Mr. Speaker, as stewards of the National Drug Control Master Plan, the Department for National Drug Control [DNDC] is responsible for the management, coordination, and evaluation and monitoring of the Plan. While the DNDC plays a major role in driving the Plan, the Department and its functions are just a small part of the National Drug Control Strategy; actions need to be taken by government, non-government entities, and community members alike.

Mr. Speaker, the harms resulting from illicit drugs in our country are consistently identified as contributing to our social ills. It is my belief that as we work to implement the National Drug Control Plan for 2013-2017, we need to be united in our vision for a healthy and drug-free community with each sector of the community playing its role.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend the Department for National Drug Control, its strategic partners, and members of the community for their input and unparalleled support in expertly informing the planning and drafting of this National Plan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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