Provision of treatment services in the absence of a National Drug Policy or coordinated Drug Reduction Strategy undermines the prevention and educational efforts of the Sandy Lane Centre (SLC), according to its 2012 annual report. Photo: VINO/File

In the report, a lack of building maintenance was blamed for broken air conditioners, moulded tiles, leaking ceilings and poor operating toilets among other things which contributed to an uncomfortable working environment at times. Photo: VINO/File

While the report did not elaborate on how the absence of the two underminded drug prevention efforts, it acknowledged that there is no strong national stance on the issue of substance abuse in the Virgin Islands.

Staffing issues, as with many other government agencies, also plagued the organisation. The report further states that inadequate staffing ethically and possibly legally compromises the agency, the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Government of the Virgin Islands for providing housing without appropriate staff supervision on weekends on holidays.

The report was laid in the House of Assembly on May 14, 2013 by Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton.

In the report, a lack of building maintenance was blamed for broken air conditioners, moulded tiles, leaking ceilings and poor operating toilets among other things which contributed to an uncomfortable working environment at times.

A lack of sufficient private confidential areas to meet with clients was also cited as a challenge in the SLC report. According to the report, at any given time there are at least three staff members available to meet with clients, but only one room for such purposes. As a result of this, the Manager, when not engaged in her own counselling sessions, is forced to vacate her office in order to accommodate counselling sessions.

It was noted that many Court appointed clients opted not to continue treatment beyond what the Court ordered. Twenty-nine persons, including 3 females and 26 males, were ordered for drug counselling and testing from the Magistrate’s Court during the reporting period. Overall, the SLC met with over 130 persons in 2012. The majority of clients were between the ages of 26-35 years old.

The most frequently used substance reported at admission to treatment during the period was cannabis, followed by alcohol and crack/cocaine. Although there were no reports of heroin or metamphetamine usage, the SLC report noted that this did not indcate an absence of this type of drug usage within the Territory. At least 50 persons were treated for marijuana abuse while 10 less persons were seen for alcohol abuse.

The SLC is a unit operating under the Ministry of Health and Social Development (MH&SD). It was established as an out-patient drug rehabilitation programme in 1995 and incorporated a transitional housing programme in 2004.