OAS Conducts Prison Survey Project in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis

Her Majesty Prison

ZIZ News…Feb 28 2012 — The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is among 4 OECS Countries that is currently participating in a Prison Survey Project, sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), and in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Homeland Security.

The survey will, among other things, focus on the relationship between drugs and crime. The methodology will includes the use of a standardized questionnaire in face to face interviews with a representative sample of adult prisoners in Her Majesty prison, in St. Kitts and Nevis. In this connection, a local survey team, headed by a Consultant, Mrs. Elneth A. Toussaint-Harvey has been assembled. The Consultant will manage the team of interviewers and data entry persons.

On February 23, 2012, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission Staff, working in collaboration with Mrs. Toussaint-Harvey, conducted several training sessions for interviewers, data entry persons and team members, at the premises of the University of the West Indies Open Campus.

OAS Representative in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis explained that at the conclusion of the survey, a report on the findings would be produced for widespread consultation with all Stakeholders in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, with a view to addressing the issues that would emanate from the report. Mr. Greene said that the information generated would also be used by CICAD in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the national drug policies of member countries.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) was established in 1986 by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States to forge the Hemisphere’s response to all aspect of the drug problem. Its core mission is to enhance human and institutional capacities and channel the collective energy of the member states to reduce the production, trafficking and use and abuse of drugs in the Americas.