ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the impact of the multifaceted drug problem on the public policy arena. It focuses on criminal justice, a brief reference to the general public policy context is in order. Policy-making and implementation in relation to drugs in the Caribbean are challenging, partly because of resource limitations and the variety of social and economic costs involved in dealing with drag operations and problems. The chapter suggests that Caribbean countries are facing grave narcotics-related problems with a variety of public policy implications. As the West Indian Commission declared in relation to the English-speaking Caribbean: "Nothing poses greater threats to civil society in Caribbean Free Trade Area countries than the drug problem; and nothing exemplifies the powerlessness of regional governments more". Drug problems present serious criminal justice challenges. Although several important initiatives have been introduced in the region, the increasing scope and gravity of the problem suggests that these are certainly not enough.
