"The discussion between researchers and decision makers enhance evidence-based strategies to tackle drug-related violence, which are likely to be more effective"

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Published on 15/01/18

Dr. Chaswell A. Hanna is a Superintendent of Police in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). He received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement and a Doctor of Education Degree in Organizational Leadership & Conflict Resolution.

Dr. Hanna spent most of the years in the Force as a homicide detective in the Homicide Squad and in 2014, Dr. Hanna was attached to the Ministry of National Security as the Director of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (NADS). As the Director of NADS, Dr. Hanna is responsible for coordinating all national drug demand and supply reduction activities. He leads the drafting of the National Anti-Drug Strategy 2017-2021 for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. He also represents The Bahamas in the drug control arms of regional and international bodies including the Organizations of American States (CICAD), United Nations (UNODC) and the European Union (COPOLAD).

How is The Bahamas’ drug policy articulated between the different agencies involved and which are these agencies?

The agencies involved on drugs policies in The Bahamas are as follows: the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Department of Corrections, The Bahamas Customs, the Department of Education, Ministry of Youth, the Department of Social Services, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, Great Commission Mission Ministries, Teen Challenge Bahamas and Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) The Bahamas’ drug policy is articulated through several means such as its website, social media, correspondences and quarterly meetings.

What are the main preventive measures adopted with this population and to what extent can they contribute to prevent early school leaving?

The preventive measures are increase public service announcements and increase intervention in the school system. These measures can contribute to a great extent to prevent early school leaving.

What is The Bahamas’ position on the legalization of marijuana sales and consumption under some circumstances?

CARICOM has recently conducted an assessment on the legalization of marijuana sales and consumption. Based on the conclusion of this assessment, the Government of The Bahamas will make a decision.

What is your opinion on the exchange of best practices with other CELAC and EU countries boosted in the framework of the COPOLAD especially on Alternative Development measures for decreasing crops diverted to produce illegal substances?

The exchange is extremely valuable and beneficial to The Bahamas.

What is the importance of interlocution between researchers and decision makers to enhance strategies based on evidence to tackle drug-related violence?

This can result in policies that are evidence based, which are likely to be more effective.

With the background of the opioid crisis undergoing a neighbour country like the United States, which may be the consequences on public health of this epidemic in a country like The Bahamas?

The Bahamas feels confidence in its public health system that it can address any epidemic that comes it way. However, The Bahamas stands ready to collaborate with its regional and international partners to address any epidemic to ensure that skill set of its staff are adequate.