On October 8th and 9th 2008 The National Drug Council (NDC) in Conjunction with the Honourable Anthony S. Eden, OBE, JP, Minister for Health and Human Services hosted the 2008 National Anti-Drug Strategic Planning Meeting, where we presented a draft of the National Anti-Drug Strategy for The Cayman Islands 2009-2013. The draft of the National Anti-Drug Strategy for the Cayman Islands is a strategic framework to address the unique drug control needs of the Cayman Islands in both demand and supply reduction.
On April 14th 2009 Cabinet approved “A Comprehensive Plan for Drug Control – The National Anti-Drug Strategy 2009-2013.” The ultimate aim of the strategy is to significantly reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and misuse amongst the Cayman population and to minimise the social harm and health damages it causes in society.
The development of such an important document will assist the Cayman Islands in setting out the Government and its stake holder’s commitment to addressing the issues related to substance abuse and misuse in the Cayman Islands in a coordinated, efficient and effective manner. This five-year Strategy summarizes national policies and recommends the strategies in the national interest, to combat the drug problem.
Drug abuse and illicit trafficking are worldwide phenomena and a rapidly changing social and economic climate, coupled with increased availability; accessibility and acceptability have contributed to the increasing magnitude of Cayman’s substance abuse problems. There has been an increase in social and economic factors which make people, especially the young more vulnerable and likely to engage in substance use and drug-related risk-taking behaviour.
The broad consultative approach which we have taken in the development of this document seeks to ensure that the most comprehensive tools for addressing the national drug situation have been considered and articulated.
The NDC through ongoing annual strategic meetings and stakeholder contacts continued to be made aware of the need for a more coordinated, proactive and integrated approach to the issues of drug control.
It is essential for coordination to occur and for effective and sound financial spending in regards to matters of a National Anti-Drug Plan and we are excited about the revitalization of a National Strategy.
It is with this I share the National Anti-Drug Strategy 2009-2013 with you.