http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20041113T200000-0500_69510_OBS__CARIBBEAN_DRUGS__A_TIMELY_STUDY.asp
RICKEY SINGH
"FACED with the dangerous link between illicit drug consumption and the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Caribbean Community governments are now challenged to also intensify efforts to deal with overcrowded prisons where significant percentages of inmates are young people and women convicted for using or running marijuana and cocaine.
How to help reduce the tremendous harm that illicit drugs inflict on family life and the social and economic consequences to society, with a shift from traditional punitive penal custody that is an increasing burden to state resources, requires a fresh look at alternative policies and programmes, according to penal reform and human rights specialists and professionals of regional and international institutions and agencies."
