More tha fifty experts from health and drug administrations from the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean participated from 24th to 27th of March in an international seminar in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to improve drug policies and expand community-based interventions.
The meeting is being held within the framework of the Cooperation Program between Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union on Drug Policies COPOLAD III, funded by the European Union (EU), which aims to improve bi-regional cooperation on drug policies. In collaboration with the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Program (NADAPP) of the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Council of Trinidad and Tobago, this initiative focuses on strengthening support systems for vulnerable communities affected by drug use.
Participants from 14 countries, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Suriname, Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago, will exchange experiences, challenges and best practices.
The meeting included technical discussions on community-based approaches to drug policy, as well as a visit to Penal, where experts will evaluate the progress of drug prevention initiatives implemented within the framework of COPOLAD III related to prevention, but also to treatment or labor and social inclusion of people deprived of liberty for minor drug offenses.
Key objectives of the meeting include:
- Promoting Knowledge Exchange: Sharing strategies and challenges in addressing drug-related vulnerabilities.
- Strengthening Drug Policies: Presenting national territorialisation plans and integrating them into broader drug policies.
- Capacity Building: Training professionals and community leaders to ensure sustainable interventions.
- Developing Regional Networks: Establishing long-term collaboration among participating countries.
Over the past two years, Trinidad and Tobago has significantly benefited from the COPOLAD III initiative, particularly through advanced training for NADAPP’s technical team, regional collaboration with seven Caribbean nations and community-based successes in high-risk areas.
The opening event features Mercedes Alonso, Programme Manager of COPOLAD III; Lyra Thompson-Hollingsworth from Trinidad &Tobago Health Ministry; Joey Vermue from the European Union Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago, and a distinguished panel of international and national experts. The Spanish Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Cristina Pérez, also participated in the closing ceremony.
