Tashieka Mair, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
AFTER PARTICIPATING in a six-month drug rehabilitation programme, five recovering drug addicts had their criminal records expunged, while another four received graduation certificates in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's court yesterday.
The men were a part of the joint project coordinated by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice, which facilitates the rehabilitation of persons who have committed drug-related offences.
"It gives me great pleasure to say 'no order made'," Resident Magistrate Winsome Henry told the men before enquiring about their state of health and integration into the community.
Noting that rehabilitation is difficult for addicts, RM Henry was quite pleased with the programme's success since its inception four years ago.
"I think this is an excellent programme, because I have seen at least a 90 per cent success rate," the judge remarked. "We use a holistic approach to rehabilitate these men because we not only deal with their addiction, but we also help to transform their family lives."
One of the four men who had their slates cleaned, 23-year-old Androe Stewart, also spoke highly of the programme.
"At first, I did not want to go on the programme, but then I realise that it is a good thing," he admitted. "For me to stop smoking weed was a good thing, because it makes me feel a lot healthier. I even feel stronger to play football.This programme really helps young people to understand and really think about what they want out of life instead of just sitting on the corner smoking weed."
During the six-month programme, likely candidates are referred by the court which orders psychiatric evaluations before admittance. If chosen, the candidates are expected to attend weekly counselling sessions as well as court appearances. They are also subject to random drug tests.
If persons relapse, their cases are sent back to the court for the judge to make a decision. There are currently 20 persons, between ages 18 and 24, in the St. James drug rehabilitation programme.
