MINISTER of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee has reported that the National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2013 to 2017 is at a stage where the final document is being drafted. 

He made this disclosure at a press conference on Friday at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) training Centre at Eve leary.
He stated that the Inception Report was approved by Cabinet. From a methodological standpoint, Questionnaires were sent to the various stakeholders and public consultations and interviews were conducted with civil society bodies to garner information to guide the plan. With the completion of the final document, Guyana will be able to enhance our Local, Regional and International Strategies to combat drugs.
Rohee pointed out that Annual Drug Reports are usually published by the Ministry of Home Affairs which gives a perspective of the efforts of the Ministry to combat the scourge of illegal drugs, with local, regional and international support.
He said that the 2012 Report has been completed and will be circulated during the first Quarter of this year.

National Computer Incidents Response Team (NCIRT)
The minister explained that the Ministry recognises the importance of the internet and computer security to the welfare of citizens, national security and economic well-being of the country, since many of our citizens, businesses and government agencies are now connected to the internet and are using information technology to provide goods and services, pursue educational opportunities, conduct business and maintain social contacts around the world.
He stated that in it is in this regard that the Ministry sought and received Cabinet’s approval for the establishment of a National Computer Incidents Response Team (NCIRT).
Rohee said that on August 2 last year the NCIRT Unit commenced its operations and is tasked with ‘improving the cyber security preparedness and response of the government of Guyana through proactive security measures and information sharing mechanisms.’
He pointed out that so far this Unit has been provided with local and overseas training in the development of capabilities in cyber security incident handling. During this year the NCIRT will expand its activities by providing a wider range of services for Government Agencies, the business community and citizens at large.

(By Michel Outridge)