PARAMARIBO–Ambassador Albert Ramdin, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), sees a direct link between the illegal trade of drugs and small firearms, and crimes of violence, sex crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, corruption and other problems. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 49th regular session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) at Royal Torarica Resort in Paramaribo, the high ranking OAS official said that “all of these have had a direct impact on national security agendas in the hemisphere and a direct economic impact on smaller and vulnerable economies like those of the Caribbean and Central America.”

High-level delegates from across the Americas are gathered in Suriname this week to discuss a Hemispheric Plan of Action to deal with the scourge of drugs and drug-related crimes in the Hemisphere. The forty-ninth regular session of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) will consider among other issues the “smokeable cocaine” phenomenon in the Southern Cone, and drug consumption among adolescents in conflict with the law.

An OAS press release said that OAS ASG Ramdin believes that success in the fight against drugs and drug-related crimes calls for a coordinated, multilateral approach to the application of resources, and a willingness to support neighbors who do not have the means to effectively counteract the threat posed by international organized crime and drug trafficking. “Our response to crime and violence needs to be long-term, strategic, and include actions that will address underlying causes. Our priority should be to invest more in education, training, opportunities and job creation. We must intensify our efforts to reduce consumption and demand,” stressed the Assistant Secretary General.

The Suriname-born diplomat concluded by saying that change can only come through “political will.” The OAS General Assembly that begins in El Salvador on June 5 this year has as its theme, “Citizen Security in the Americas.”

PARAMARIBO–At least 21 of the 44 countries that are members of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) have confirmed that they will send delegations to the organization’s 49th meeting that will be held in Suriname this week. Former Justice and Police Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi who chairs the regional organization says the conference will aim to draft a regional drug policy, which will then be taken to member-states’ Governments and Parliaments for ratification.

With its SRD 1.3 million (approximately US$ 200,000) price tag and its more than 90 expected participants, this conference is among the largest justice and drug conferences held in Suriname. Santokhi (51), who prior to becoming Minister served as a Police Commissioner, was elected chairman of CICAD last December. CICAD is an institute of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security of the Organization of American States (OAS).

The conference will be held at Royal Torarica Hotel; it starts on May 4th and ends on May 6th. Santokhi said he hopes that the remaining CICAD member states will also be present at the conference, as quorum is needed to decide on the important matters that will be tabled. Aside from the regional drug policy, participants will also share knowledge on local drug enforcement.

PARAMARIBO/WASHINGTON–The next meeting of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) will be held in Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi has reported to GFC Nieuws.

Santokhi

Santokhi (51), former Minister of Justice and Police, was this week elected chairman of this institute of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security of the Organization of American States (OAS). He told GFC Nieuws that participants at the 48th meeting of the CICAD, which wrapped up on Thursday in Washington, agreed that Suriname would host the next meeting. It is customary that the country the CICAD Chair represents, hosts the next meeting of the organization. No date has been set yet, but it will most likely be early 2011.

Chandrikapersad Santokhi at the CICAD meeting MOnday (pic Cabinet President)

PARAMARIBO/WASHINGTON–Former Justice and Police Minister Chandrikapersad Santokhi has been elected Chairman of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), an institute of the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security of the Organization of American States (OAS). The 48th meeting of CICAD at which Santokhi was elected, is ongoing at the OAS headquarters in Washington.

Santokhi

Santhoki, 51, was a fast rising police commissioner, before he was selected as Justice Minister in 2005 in the Venetiaan Cabinet. During the formation talks following the May 2010 elections, he was a candidate for the Presidency; Desi Bouterse was eventually chosen as President. Bouterse supported Santokhi’s candidature for the CICAD post.

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