For four years, the Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) has led people out of the criminal justice system and into long-term recovery. Since its establishment on October 21, 2019, several persons have completed their treatment.
The Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated its fourth anniversary with a graduation ceremony and a phase promotion for two participants on October 24, 2023.
During the event, those enrolled in the rehabilitation programmes shared their stories and testimonies of how the court has changed their lives for the better.
The programme commenced with the Serenity Prayer followed by the National Pledge and welcoming remarks by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, who also chaired the graduation ceremony.
Guyana’s only Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated its fourth-anniversary last month
Remarks were made by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC; Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and Magistrate Rhondel Weever, Magistrate.
The ADTC Case Manager, Dione Chase, introduced the participants and the ADTC Administrative Officer gave the vote of thanks.
One of the goals of the Drug Treatment Court is to give offenders an alternative to custodial sentences, or simply put, incarceration.
The court provides access to resources and professionals to lead persons who misuse substances to the road of recovery. It is a beacon of hope for persons with substance misuse disorder who have experienced rock bottom and are willing and determined to take the steps necessary to turn things around for themselves.
A prospective participant may choose to be a part of the court or may be referred by law enforcement, defence lawyers, probation officers, parents, or guardians. Participation in the drug treatment court’s programmes is voluntary.
The four phases of the treatment plan have a minimum duration of 10 months and a maximum duration of one year. The Adult Drug Treatment Court is located at Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, in the lower flat of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Last year May, the Supreme Court launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (JDTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to reduce crime and substance use by adolescents, through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision.
The Supreme Court is working to establish other Adult Drug Treatment Courts for the benefit of offenders within the other Magisterial Districts.
