(1) There is hereby established the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. The provisions contained in Schedule 1 have effect in relation to it.
(2) It is the duty of the Advisory Council to keep under review the situation in Saint Lucia with respect to drugs which are being or appear to them likely to be misused and of which the misuse is having or appears to them capable of having harmful effects sufficient to constitute a social problem, and to give to the Minister, where either the Advisory Council consider it expedient to do so or they are consulted by the Minister, advice on measures (whether or not involving alteration of the law) which in the opinion of the Advisory Council ought to be taken for preventing the misuse of such drugs or dealing with social problems connected with their misuse, and in particular on measures which in the opinion of the Advisory Council, ought to be taken—
(a) for restricting the availability of such drugs or supervising the arrangements for their supply;
(b) for enabling persons affected by the misuse of such drugs to obtain proper advice, and for securing the provision of proper facilities and services for the treatment, rehabilitation and after-care of such persons;
(c) for promoting co-operation between the various professional and community services which in the opinion of the Advisory Council have a part to play in dealing with social problems connected with the misuse of such drugs;
(d) for educating the public (and in particular the young) in the dangers of misusing such drugs, and for giving publicity to these dangers; and
(e) for promoting research into, or otherwise obtaining information about, any matter which in the opinion of the Advisory Council, is of relevance for the purpose of preventing the misuse of such drugs or dealing with any social problem connected with their misuse.
(3) It shall also be the duty of the Advisory Council to consider any matter relating to drug dependence to the misuse of drugs which may be referred to them by the Minister and to advise the Minister on it.