Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest yesterday launched the government's anti-drug strategy for 2012-2016.
The strategy's key elements include curbing the demand of narcotics, reducing supply and disrupting trafficking networks and strengthening the country's criminal justice system and bilateral regional and international cooperation.
The minister spoke yesterday to senior police and defence force officers at Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters.
According to Turnquest, the strategy's main goal is to mobilize the country as a whole for a comprehensive and effective national response to drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
"It therefore creates partnerships among government ministries and agencies and civil society, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, the churches, the media, professional associations, the schools and tertiary institutions to counter the dangers that drugs present," he said.
Turnquest noted that the government would closely monitor the strategy so that it may be evaluated and adjusted over the five-year period.
"The first of these [strategies] is government leadership at the highest political level in an area that demands political consensus," he said.
"A ministerial committee comprising ministers with responsibilities on core areas in drug control will have oversight of the strategy."
The Ministry of National Security's National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS) has been given an important role to play in the implementation of the strategy as well, Turnquest said.
"NADS will be allocated the required resources to ensure that it can effectively carry out its responsibilities," he said.
According to the minister, the government intends to provide a regular and dependable source of grant funding and other support for NGOs and community organizations from the Confiscated Asset Fund (CAF).
He pointed out that the strategies require strong public support.

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