The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

The Ministry of National Security in collaboration with a multi-sectoral planning committee has organised and implemented a series of activities in commemoration of the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

A worship service will be held Sunday at Bethel Baptist Church, Meeting Street, at 11 am, to raise awareness and encourage Bahamian locals to stay away from drugs and crime.

"On that day, we the planning committee, would meet with the pastor and invite him to deliver an anti drug and an anti crime message to people that attend the service," said a member of the multi-sectoral planning committee.

In past times, the pastor would speak to the audience and sensitize them with his message. He would also speak about some of the social challenges that are faced in society today and tell people how it is so important to do right; to stay away from drugs and crime.

"We want to get the message out there, that drugs really destroys lives and most persons would listen to the pastor. We are loosing too many lives unnecessarily. There is no one like the pastor who can give a message that is so convincing," said the member.

Apart from the worship service this Sunday, The Bahamas and countries around the world will engage in other activities to heighten the awareness of the problems that illicit drugs and crime cause individuals, families and communities, on June 26.

In a message on the United Nation's website, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "Drug trafficking, once viewed largely as a social and criminal problem, has transformed in recent years into a major threat to the health and security of people and regions. He said unless people reduce demand for illicit drugs, they can never fully tackle cultivation, production or trafficking.

"We can succeed if we reinforce our commitment to the basic principles of health and human rights, shared responsibility, a balanced approach to reducing supply and demand, and universal access to prevention, treatment and support. This will foster communities free of drug-related crime and violence, individuals free of drug dependence who can contribute to our common future, and a safer world for all," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.