New HQ to boost fight against drug abuse |28 June 2008
Sarah René, chairperson of the Campaign for Awareness, Resilience and Education against drug and alcohol abuse (Care), said the group will now be more productive and will expand its education programmes.
She was speaking at the official opening of Care House in Victoria on Thursday, when President James Michel unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the new HQ.
The ceremony was also attended by former president France Albert René, Vice-President Joseph Belmont, cabinet ministers, leader of government business in the National Assembly Marie-Louise Potter, Members of the National Assembly, diplomats and Care Club members.
Mrs René said that 15 years after it was set up, Care has remained faithful, dedicated and committed to its initial vision. In the beginning, its few members were unaware of the rough and stony road ahead, which she described, however, as interesting, educational and fulfilling.
She also said all the efforts and achievements in the battle against substance abuse are being covered up because the problem is growing at a much faster pace than they can cope with.
Care is a tiny organisation with a big heart that is working really hard to increase understanding of the dangers of drug and substance abuse, she said.
“However, we do not lose hope as we are not doing this out of any self-interest or hidden agenda, just to leave traces of hope where we have trodden.”
Minister for Health and Social Development Marie-Pierre Lloyd described drug use and trafficking as the number one scourge facing our people and our society.
She said much has been done by the government and various civil society organisations to put in place measures to control the supply of and demand for illicit drugs.
Seychelles, as a small country, cannot afford the social, economic, health and emotional costs of drug-related problems, she added.
“Drug use controls the bodies and minds of individual consumers, and illicit trafficking and associated crimes control our families, our communities and ultimately our society,” she said.
“In his state of the nation address this year, our Head of State, President James Michel, categorically denounced drug trafficking and reaffirmed government’s commitment to fighting the scourge on all fronts.
“As the president stated: ‘We must work together to put an end to drug trafficking, which robs our youth of their innocence, which places pressure on the resources of the state and robs individuals of their right and duty to work. We have a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs and we need greater efforts on the part of all concerned to send this message out once and for all’.
“I am pleased to say, Mr President, that your message has been heard, and the opening of Care House is an example of a renewed commitment to our fight against illicit drug use and trafficking.”
During the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were given to various organisations and individuals who have contributed to the campaign against substance abuse.
The new HQ has cost Care just under R4 million, which came mainly from donations. Building work was carried out by Island Construction.