In a serious effort to address the ongoing drug problem that torments the community, the Bahamas National Drug Council has collaborated with the Nassau Village Urban Renewal Project and the Southeastern Police to present the “Rally on the Park,” an inspiring day full of dancers, artists and foods, aimed at reaching out to the area’s younger residents who may be exposed to drug abuse and drug trafficking.
“The community of Nassau Village has one of the largest youth populations in the country,” Larriet Josey, the Dean of the Urban Renewal Commission’s Secretariat said yesterday at a press conference to announce the event.
Plagued
“As a result of this, Nassau Village is already plagued by many social ills affecting young people. The most prominent problem is that of drug abuse.”
Jackswell Percentie, coordinator of the Bahamas National Drug Council, said that drugs are a problem, but the right treatment will work. “We will eventually break the back of drug abuse.”
Assistant Superintendent Wayne Miller, of the Southeastern Police Division, said young drug abusers should get the chance to receive counselling and treatment, as opposed to incarceration.
“We want as much as possible to assist as many of our young people to escape the vicious cycle of drug abuse and the allure of drug trafficking,” ASP Miller emphasised. “Too many young people end up with a criminal record, which can be a hindrance to them in the future.”
William Weeks, the co-chairman of the Bahamas National Drug Council, noted that the courts have already started to use alternative sentencing, mandated to rehab centres for treatment and counseling.
“The disease of addiction is a relapsing disease, but, fortunately, there is hope after any situation.”
The new law enforcement would transfer drug abusers from prison to rehabilitation centres. Abusers are monitored at the centres, returned to court, and, if cooperative and fully rehabilitated, released back into society.
“Young people in the Bahamas are our most important resource.
“Consequently, whatever it takes to keep them healthy and strong, we plan to do,” Mr Weeks said.
Officer from the Southeastern Police Division, Cindy Charlton, is very sympathetic to the cause, particularly because she sees herself not so far removed from the younger generation.
“I want to let the younger persons know that whatever they may be going through that they are not alone,” says Ms Charlton, 28.
Hope
“We have a serious drug problem in the Bahamas, but if we take it in hand at this particular time, then there’s hope. If we reach out to the younger generation, as they grow up, we wouldn’t have this problem.”
The ﾑRally on the Park,’ under the theme “Hope After Dope,” will be held at the Nassau Village Park on Saturday from noon to 6pm.
Matthew Cromwell, The Tribune
