Mandatory counselling and community service are some of the measures being proposed by the government of Guyana to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (amendment) Bill.
The document has already been sent to the Clerk of the National Assembly for placement on the order paper for tomorrow’s sitting of the National Assembly.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the bill amends the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10, to reduce recidivism, prison overcrowdings and the burden on the criminal justice system, save State funds, and ultimately rebuild lives, families and communities affected and disadvantaged by the fining and incarceration of persons, especially youths, for the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis.
See attached, government’s proposal:
