Drug Council needs help for jailhouse survey

HMP Northward

(CNS): The National Drug Council (NDC) is looking for volunteers to help with a survey of drug use among inmates in the local prison system, which is scheduled to take place in September. While it is common knowledge that a significant percentage of inmates in HMP Northward have serious drug and alcohol dependency problems, the goal is to measure the extent and patterns of misuse of both illegal drugs and pharmaceutical medication in the local prison population.

The Cayman Islands has a high number of inmates who are in jail because of drug-related crime, due to the country’s archaic drug law which still criminalizes consumption of ganja, and because of criminal acts committed to fund untreated drug and alcohol addiction. A significant amount of drugs are seized by the authorities at the men’s prison, HMP Northward.

Although the Conditional Release Law has not yet been implemented, the legislation was passed last year and when it comes into force, it requires inmates to follow treatment and rehabilitation programmes to address drug dependency.

The NDC said that the results of this survey, the fourth to be undertaken with inmates, will be used to determine the programme needs within the prison population for the delivery of education, treatment and rehabilitation services for those affected by substance abuse.

“Surveys such as these contribute to a better understanding of both current and changing rates of substance use,” said Luisa McLaughlin, Research and Information Officer of the NDC. Appealing for volunteers to help with the important research, she said, “We are grateful to our volunteers … both individuals and corporations. Without their dedication this invaluable data would not be available to inform stakeholders.”

Volunteers will be needed between 8:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:30pm during the week of 7 to 11 September to help administer the survey at the prison facilities. Lunch will be provided but volunteers are not required to attend all four days. However, all volunteers will be required to attend a training session prior to the survey.

“We are grateful to our volunteers over the past four years, both individuals and corporations. Without their dedication this invaluable data would not be available to inform stakeholders,” McLaughlin said.

Anyone who would like to support the initiative or has any questions is asked to contact Luisa McLaughlin at 949-9000 or email lmclaughlin@ndc.ky