BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 5th 2011 (SKNIS) - Minister with responsibility for the sector Hon. Nigel Carty has restated his commitment to promote legislation for Drug Testing in schools.

 
Minister Carty told SKNIS that a series of consultations on the matter would begin shortly given the urgency for the implementation of such legislation in an effort to identify young drug users in the early stages of use.

 
He said “the increase in criminal activity is thought to have some correlation with the use of and addiction to narcotic drugs. The nature of some of the recent crimes … also suggests at least mild psychotic disorder among criminal elements. Research suggests a correlation between the early use of drugs, criminal behavior and psychosis.”

 
Minister Carty said detection was only the first stage and that it would be followed up with the necessary treatment and counseling to reduce drug use among students and young people generally.
 

Additionally, the Minister reiterated the need for preventive programmes to be strengthened in support of these corrective measures. He revealed that his Ministry would heighten its collaboration with several organizational partners on the development of curriculum material and instructional programmes in “drug awareness, drug abuse, bullying, gangs, civics ethics, morality and health and family life.” He expressed the wish that such a programme becomes mandatory in all primary and secondary schools.
 

Minister Carty said the Ministry would focus on interventions that would help raise values in young people, bring greater awareness of self, and the impact of anti-social behavior.
 

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