However, many problems, such as those related to organized crime, drug trafficking and arms trafficking, resist crime prevention initiatives. In particular, with regard to the Caribbean region, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system should be improved by monitoring the way in which information is shared, monitoring the performance of the judiciary, monitoring reform and enhancing accountability to the public. In 1977, the Jamaican government established a joint select committee to “examine the crime, legislation, use and abuse, and possible medicinal properties of ganja and make appropriate recommendations.” Although the committee rejected the idea of legalizing marijuana, it argued that it would contradict Jamaica`s obligations under the 1961 United Nations. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores. Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs that have no currently accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone and peyote. Jamaica`s commitment to international drug conventions has led to the development of the following domestic marijuana laws: In addition, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding noted that “decriminalization can have international consequences that would pose serious challenges to us,” including “significant implications for our trade agreements with the United States.” Countries that do not adhere to U.S. prohibitionist tactics regarding the war on drugs risk being “decertified.” Revocation of certification occurs when the United States determines that countries involved in drug trafficking (whether as producers, traffickers, or both) are not cooperating effectively with U.S. drug control programs. The consequences of decertification include withdrawal of U.S. aid, denial of visas, U.S.
opposition to multilateral loans, and possible trade sanctions. To combat illicit drug use, Jamaica has implemented a number of demand reduction programmes. The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) was established in 1982 to reduce the use and abuse of legal and illegal drugs. NCDA field staff also support the primary care system by assessing substance abusers in the mental health system. Poor Central American countries tend to have poorly equipped criminal justice systems, which is why they often have a low police-to-citizen ratio. The result is low conviction rates and minimal deterrent effect of laws. Stronger judicial systems would help eradicate corruption and restore public confidence in the rule of law. This, in turn, would create a fertile environment for economic growth and attract foreign investment, thus promoting development. List V drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Annex IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotic drugs. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, cough suppressants and analgesics.
Examples of Schedule V medications include: cough preparations containing less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 millilitres (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) places all substances that have been regulated in any way under applicable federal legislation on one of five lists. This classification is based on the medical use of the substance, the potential for abuse, and the responsibility for safety or dependence. For more information, see Title 21 United States Code (USC) Controlled Substances Act. The president of the Jamaica Medical Association said the association does not advocate legalization, but recognizes that “possession of small amounts for personal use, within the confines of the home and not in public places, as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others to be at peace with oneself could be decriminalized.” The developments of Law 15 of 1913 and the Opium Conference of 1924 were formalized as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1948. The Dangerous Drugs Act prohibits the following: The INL works to prevent the trafficking of cocaine and other illicit goods across the Eastern Caribbean by strengthening the RSS`s capacity to detect, disrupt, investigate and dismantle drug trafficking networks and interdict illicit drugs. INL supports RSS training, including through a digital learning management system, to create a more sustainable learning environment and expand access to training. INL assisted the RSS Air Wing in modernizing its maritime patrol aircraft. RSS uses these aircraft to detect illegal maritime trafficking through the EC and has found a significant increase in cocaine seizures. INL is working with partner governments to develop model legislation on civil asset recovery, which has been adopted to date by five Eastern Caribbean countries.
These laws help criminal justice institutions in partner countries dismantle transnational criminal organizations by confiscating the proceeds of crime and reinvesting the funds in sustainable law enforcement efforts. These efforts provide training to financial investigators, lawyers and judges on the new laws, as well as mentorship for civil reorganization cases. In this context, it is important to note that the relevant conventions recognise the primacy of Member States` constitutions – the obligation to control, limit and impose sanctions with regard to prohibited drug-related activities is explicitly declared subject to the constitutional principles of the Member States. List IV drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with low abuse potential and low risk of dependence. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include: Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, Tramadol The policy changes and scientific developments that took place over the following decades resulted in a series of amendments to the Ganja Act, the most significant of which was implemented in the 1970s. An amendment was adopted removing the list of criminal activities related to the ganja law as well as their mandatory prison sentences. In 2001, the government-appointed Ganja National Commission concluded that it was in Jamaica`s national interest to reform its marijuana laws. The commission said cannabis was “culturally entrenched” in Jamaican society and recommended legalizing private use and possession of small amounts by adults. She argued that punishing individuals who possess or cultivate small amounts was “unfair” and therefore discredited the Jamaican legal system.
