SAGE says get rid of NDC, but Government moves ahead with five-year drugs plan

New measures to tackle drug abuse in Bermuda will be put before the House of Assembly today.

The National Drug Control Act 2013 sets out the roles and responsibilities for the Department of National Drug Control.

And it is designed to create a coordinated system for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.

The legislation will be tabled just days after the SAGE Commission’s final report recommended that the Department should be abolished to save money.

But Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said he remained fully supportive of the department.

He added: ““I fully understand the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability.

“The Department for National Drug Control is far more than a simple ‘clearing house’ for grant funding and fulfills a critical role in the fight for much needed cultural and attitudinal change in the area of alcohol and drug use and abuse.

“At this time the Department needs a clear mandate and the importance of their work is reflected in this Government’s determination to give them statutory support.

“Drug misuse and abuse remains a serious public health and public safety issue, requiring focused efforts to diminish harm to the people of Bermuda.”

The new act will involve the preparation of a five year National Drug Control Plan that addresses both drug demand reduction activities and drug supply reduction activities. n