Código Deontológico

The government determined in its National Anti-Drug Strategy that cocaine dependency in The Bahamas is predominantly limited to those who became addicts during the 1980s and 1990s. The government further determined that experimentation and use of marijuana is increasing among school-aged groups. However, current, comprehensive drug consumption and use data is

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Country Reports

Hill (Nassau), the only prison in The Bahamas, tested positive for drugs and some of these inmates maintain access to drugs during their incarceration.

The government’s anti-drug strategy employs a multi-tiered approach, incorporating civil society organizations that work with youth, substance abusers, and ex-convicts. Its main institutional bodies are the National Anti-Drug Secretariat, The Bahamas National Drug Council, and The Sandilands Rehabilitation Center. The United States partners with Bahamas National Drug Council on media campaigns and school programs targeting at-risk youth.

The Sandilands Rehabilitation Center offers residential substance abuse treatment programs, drop-in treatment programs, substance abuse prevention programs, and relapse prevention

programs. Health care professionals report that women and residents of the outer islands (islands in the archipelago outside of New Providence) are under-represented in the treatment population. Additional resources would improve outreach and encourage program retention.

Her Majesty’s Prison has a small residential drug treatment program, which can accommodate ten inmates at a time. The facility has requested support from international donors to expand program participation to 100 inmates.

4. Corruption

The government neither encourages nor facilitates illegal activity associated with drug

trafficking. Two low-level government officials were arrested for drug-related activity in 2013.

C. National Goals, Bilateral Cooperation, and U.S. Policy Initiatives

The Bahamas is one of the most active and strategic contributors to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). To support the development of regional public security capacities, the United States funds RBDF participation in U.S. foreign security assistance training programs as well as maritime training programs on topics including maritime law enforcement, small boat

operations, port security, engineering, and maintenance. To improve local capacities in the region, the U.S. Department of Defense and United States Coast Guard (USCG) provide professional exchange opportunities, including professional exchanges between the RBDF and the Rhode Island National Guard, and subject matter expert exchanges in conjunction with USCG cutter visits to The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

The United States has delivered training and equipment needed by Bahamian government counterparts to combat organized and networked crime and improve civilian security in The Bahamas. For example, the United States donated 12 new computers to the Bahamas Customs Department in 2013 that will enable The Bahamas to better participate in the World Customs Organization’s Cargo Targeting System and identify risk factors for illegal contraband. In addition, seven Bahamian officials from Her Majesty’s Prison and the Ministries of Public Works, National Security, and Foreign Affairs and Immigration participated in a U.S.-funded study tour in Nebraska to examine security infrastructure. The consultative opportunity provided

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Country Reports

supported Bahamian participation in the International Drug Enforcement Conference and other regional counterdrug training opportunities.

U.S. assistance for demand reduction has supported the Bahamas National Drug Council, the Ministry of Education, and nongovernmental organizations, and has provided scholarships to at- risk youth to participate in summer and after-school educational programs.

D. Conclusion

The United States and The Bahamas enjoy a long-standing cooperative relationship against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative

framework will continue to bolster Bahamian drug-control institutions and enhance U.S. and Bahamian law enforcement relationships. This is particularly important as trafficking through the region rises.

Challenges continue to include delays in extradition requests and the lack of Creole speakers in key Bahamian law enforcement units. The United States will continue to assist Bahamian efforts to expand the participation of women and residents of the outer islands in drug prevention and treatment programs.

INCSR 2014 Volume 1

Country Reports

Belize

A. Introduction

Belize is a transshipment point for cocaine and precursor chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs. Belize is susceptible to the transshipment of illegal drugs due to its position along the Central American isthmus between the United States and drug producing countries in South America. Large stretches of unpopulated jungles on its borders with Guatemala and a relatively unpatrolled coastline that includes hundreds of small islands and atolls makes it difficult to conduct interdictions. Remote jungles provide a hospitable environment for the cultivation of cannabis. Belize is bordered by countries where the drug trade is controlled by well-organized and extremely violent drug cartels.

Belize society generally tolerates cannabis use, though the police enforce the laws criminalizing it. The National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) reported an increase in the use of marijuana in 2013, while “crack” cocaine remained the second most abused drug. Synthetic drugs are not widely used or manufactured in Belize, but are trafficked through the country, along with chemical precursors to manufacture synthetic drugs.

Despite enhanced efforts by the Belize Coast Guard (BCG) and the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU) to monitor coastal waters, both organizations continued to be hampered by limited funds, shortfalls in equipment, and lack of personnel. Belize’s counternarcotics efforts are hampered by

corruption, deficiencies in intelligence gathering and analysis, an antiquated judicial sector, and a lack of political will.

B. Drug Control Accomplishment, Policies and Trends