EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a speech given by Health Minister, Julius Timothy, to mark Drug Awareness Month being observed this month in Dominica.
Fellow Dominicans, Drug Awareness Month has been observed for over a decade now. The National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit continues to mark the observance in January of every year at the national level.
Due to growing concerns over the increased cases of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, the spate of violence especially against our women, wanton idleness and the resultant ills in our society like negative groups such as gangs that threaten productivity and tranquility in the nature isle, most of which are closely linked to drug and alcohol use, we are continuing to use last year’s theme; My community, My Choice; NO DRUGS!!!
A community is acceptably defined as being made up groups of families. It means therefore that the community’s dynamics is a replica of the family dynamics of that society. The pronoun “my” denotes possession and carries the idea that community life ought to be a shared responsibility. We are all encouraged to take possession of our communities. That ownership must be demonstrated through every member of society making a collective effort at engendering a loving and peaceful community.
Regrettably, there seems to be a growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse that gnaws away at the very fabric of our society, one that leaves many individual lives and family units devastated. The indiscriminate use and sale of alcohol and other drugs to minors must become a thing of the past as this undermines the rule of law of this land and places our children in harm’s way. We must never forget that it is also an offence to sell alcohol to a man or woman who appears to be already intoxicated.
We have inserted in our national anthem these words, “all for each and each for all” that we are a people who bear each other’s burdens. It seems to suggest that when one member of our society is affected other members feel that pain. If we are the close knit society that we claim to be, here’s a call to hold each other accountable in doing the right and being firm and without fear in our resolve to so do. One of the sure ways to ensure posterity in this land in preserving generations is to build a healthy nation, one community at a time. It is well established drug abuse is counterproductive and poses a serious diversion to the resources and energy required for nation building.
Our dear parents, you are constantly made aware of the need to perform this God given duty with the highest level of dedication and commitment. I beckon you to pay a supportive role in the life of all the children in your care and those of the community with whom you have influence. Be mindful that this task demands that you set good examples as you are heroes to many. Let it be that the example you set today will be an example that you would be proud that the nation’s youth replicate. Avoid performing actions and taking decisions that impact negatively on your children’s capacity to make wise choices, the product of a sound mind.
As Minister with responsibility for the health of the nation, I declare substance abuse a PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN, one that must be treated by all and sundry within the Dominican society. We are also constantly reminded of the threat to national security that the drug abusing lifestyle is, it also has a debilitating effect on our tourism.
I call upon our schools, churches, private and public sector organizations, non-Governmental organizations, and Community Based organizations to join ranks with the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit to help in efforts at drug demand reduction.
A recent Prison Study conducted by the OAS/CICAD “Exploring the relationship between Drugs and Crime concludes that inmates reported marijuana use as early as age fourteen, that alcohol played a significant role in physical assault and cocaine and crack were associated more with stealing and robbery”. Drug abuse affects one’s ability to think rationally and to function effectively as it diminishes the capacity for sound judgment.
As I declare the month long observation open, I embrace this opportunity to invite all of us to fully engage with and participate in the activities that the Ministry of Health has set aside to commemorate Drug Awareness Month 2013.
Please look forward to the department’s signature events like;
• Church Service in Paix Bouche
• Market to Market walk-A-Thon (Roseau to Mahaut)
• 5th annual Candle Light Vigil in Coulibistrie
• Drug exhibitions
• District school rallies in Calibishie, Pte. Michel, Laplaine and Salisbury
Let’s all make it part of our personal and collective agenda to say NO to drugs at home, school and in the wider society. I wish us all a Happy New Year and a successful month of activities and a Drug free 2013!
we need role models in Dominica.
Julie Coco. you were my neighbour in my early days prior to ur departure to St.Lucia etc I know you well and every Kanwant too back in the early 70’s.
About two yrs ago you were being interviwed on radio and ended up talking about what people say ,saying and will say about the use of ur flat in Mero.Noone asked you any question you took it on ur own to go off at a tangent.
I guess guilty feet has got no rythm like the conscience .U did an auto- sell out on ur activities so to venture into talk about morals and ethics etc is not ur field nor forte. Like was mention by someone stay in finance not health etc.
You urself stated painted ur picture in that interview it was a self incriminating situaton no one expected.
Can you imagine a person who is not a suspect in a theft just stops a police officer and says I did not break and open by say Breezy – Mart. lol!
I like that one, Julie coco! lol
Good points made.I remember that radio interview. I could not help but lol I wondered why he went there? No one aked him any question on the slaughter house as he called it on the radio hahahahhah.I said mr mad man!
Its always good to be aware of the ills in society caused by drugs,But some of circumstances and situations which leads to it, especially when it relates to the wider society should also be examined.Wealth Distribution in Dominica is one such area.
tim, tim, bwa shess
there was once a man who went around giving women mental illness,
yet he cares so much for our well being in dominica, our HEALTH in particular.
maysiey quick QUACK
I’m no expert here but It’s one thing recognizing that there is a drug problem, and it’s another thing actually dealing with the drug issues at hand.
This can be achieved by having fully trained drug practitioners/counsellors who are experienced in dealing with those who are addicted or affected by drugs. Ongoing support is also needed because once someone has become drug free, they go back to the same community where they may have got the drugs from and the whole cycle can begin again.
If someone is arrested, charged and/or imprisoned for a drug offense, they still need to have a good drug support system in the prisons with additional help when they come out.
Everyone can see the damage drugs can do to whole families and communities in the UK and America, so Dominica needs to stop talking and take immediate action before it’s too late.
While it’s practically impossible to prevent anyone and everyone from using drugs, there are things we can all do to avoid drug and/or alcohol abuse. By sharing this knowledge with those closest to you, you yourself may be able to prevent them from doing drugs, too. Here are the top five ways to help prevent drug abuse:
1. Effectively deal with peer pressure. The biggest reason teens start using drugs is because their friends utilize peer pressure. No one likes to be left out, and teens (and yes, some adults, too) find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do, just to fit in. In these cases, you need to either find a better group of friends that won’t pressure you into doing harmful things, or you need to find a good way to say no. Teens should prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time, to keep from giving into tempting situations.
2. Deal with life pressure. People today are overworked and overwhelmed, and often feel like a good break or a reward is deserved. But in the end, drugs only make life more stressful — and many of us all too often fail to recognize this in the moment. To prevent using drugs as a reward, find other ways to handle stress and unwind. Take up exercising, read a good book, volunteer with the needy, create something. Anything positive and relaxing helps take the mind off using drugs to relieve stress.
3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance abuse.
4. Examine the risk factors. If you’re aware of the biological, environmental and physical risk factors you possess, you’re more likely to overcome them. A history of substance abuse in the family, living in a social setting that glorifies drug abuse and/or family life that models drug abuse can be risk factors.
5. Keep a well-balanced life. People take up drugs when something in their life is not working, or when they’re unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life’s big picture, and have priorities in order.
Furthermore, MR Minister, you and your government could make sure that alcohol and so forth is not sold to minors….. Its appalling to see, bar owners and so forth just breaking the law and selling alcohol to minors.. enforce the law. Just keep an eye on carnival and other fetes in Dominica, its really out of hand. I can positively recall, seeing school kids in carnival bands drunk like fish and in those t shirt bands.. Alcohol abuse will always lead to more social ills.
You guys can get donors to sponsor, wellness programs in schools and so forth.. Have gyms and other facilities available to those folks who would otherwise be unable so to do.. Healthy lifestyle programs should be a priority starting with those in Leadership positions… Allow the physical education and physiotherapist in Dominica to have fitness programs around the country…
Have a few keep programs in roseau and else where, for example carnival is coming, get Digicel or b mobile to sponsor an a series of burn out programs at the gardens free of charge for those who wanna keep fit for life. So many things can be done including, people seeing government ministers and so forth jogging around the gardens and being serious about good health and fitness.. Get those guys in the police force who are specially trained, to assist with the fitness programs…
De government and those concerned could begin to place gyms at work places for employees so as to further promote good and healthy living…..
Hope these ideas make sense to you guys> Happy and blessed New Year to All……
Oh my God! I’m glad that persons of interest know that the spate of violence especially against women, such as sexual assault, is unacceptable. Hooray for that! When one knows what is right, and abuses his or her position to do wrong, then speaks on both sides of his or her mouth, is a disgrace….. I tend to rebuke such.
Yes, drugs and alcohol abuse are a growing problem for our nation, but let’s not forget that those at the top have not done enough to help the youth to say “NO” to Drugs. All I’ll say for now is action speaks louder than voice.
Timothy you and your guys are a joke,stop all the corruption,the present administration is a complete waste shame on dominica.
Ministers smoke and drink, the police are worse and too bad,some doctors, some nurses, some teachers,bus drivers,paros,priests,and you name it.
The call is a good one, an honourable one, but we are a society of hypocrites.I have seen police officers in bars drinking and they are t b shay ing,cursing etc. Same thing for the others i named above… This country is destined to fail because of a paucity or lack role models and leaders. Many times i laugh when i see government ministers trying to educate people about the right thing, when they themselves are the most dishonest set of imps on island, painted,tainted clothed in dishonesty.
It is becoming really terrible when even the youths stuppessssssssssssssssssssssss at certain people when they pontificate on certain matters, because they are tainted as ‘no good’, because while the call is good/perfect/excellent/, it falls on death ears.
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo true….dat satan cannot correct sin….
What type of support groups are in place at this time i.e. AA, NA, Alanon, Alateen?
giggle giggle giggle Julius Timothy concerned about the well being of Dominicans. That brought about a good laugh.
They should let those in the trenches fighting the good fight be the spokespersons as Timothy, as most of the politicians do, just makes a mockery of their hard work.
A disappointing speech.
Ok, we have established that substance abuse is a national concern. We need leadership to help us correct this; leadership in homes, villages, churches, etc. I therefor support the minister’s call for a unified front.
However, apart from this moral stance that he has taken, the Honourable Minister does not tell us precisely how his ministry will address what he, himself, sees as a significant problem facing our society. How do we move from where we have been for the past decades to truly managing this “public health concern”, apart from moral support?
I am therefore disappointed in another speech that turns out to be nothing more than wasted time and editorial resources. Frankly, the Minister should not even have read it!
Good comment.
?????? which comment are you refering to?
Julie stick to accounting and Finance stop the sq -pegging in round hole-ing.
You’ve like a fish out of water. This is not ur habitat
What is of greatest concern to me is the fact that people in high offices exploit the vulnerable and there is no redress.A specific case in point is the young lady who brought her application to a top ranking govt official and was reportedly exploited in the process. This is power abuse, not substance abuse, sir. The poor and vulnerable are suffering from this- when will you address these issues?
The PM haste to join the CCJ is a clear indication that he has won the appealed brought against him by the UWP. This is a very sick society
“The PM haste to join the CCJ is a clear indication that he has won the appealed brought against him by the UWP. This is a very sick society.”
then there will be social unrest period
by whom? a handful of loud noise makers?
Are the preachers of situation the cause not the effect of the aforementioneds.
There is this famous joke of the maid who upon beginin employment with a certain family, stated at the begining she was a vegetarian. When the meats began to dissapear she was the last person of interest.Candom or Domcan you are so correct.To say DA is malade is joke hypocuit se plus meyer saqway hypoquit. When a fredomiye jr cheif becomed DLP chief to laugh is not funny it’s like having a weak memeber and thats not funny either
When a man as P.S blocks other younger people from even acting P.S and goes on to do the job of two P.S’s and is rewarded 20 yrs later with the Presidency in an illegal way,DomCan how do you call dat?DomCan only a malade society allows that. Nous bien malade ici.
Noone wants to hear you.
That’s correct he blowing hot steam . Like they say in Grenada” who studying he?”
This jumpship minister! Where next Tim Tim? DFP? Back to UWP or the new party in the works? Should I ask Thompson?