THE Department of Education’s Region Three Welfare Department in collaboration with the Patentia Secondary School held a comprehensive campaign against drug use and gang violence as part of its efforts to effectively tackle those social ills.

According to a press release from the Education Ministry, the forum was titled “Know Yuh Worth: Drugs Can Hurt. Take Yuh Stand and Come Out De Gang”, and was divided into two sessions.
Students of the school also participated in a poster competition depicting messages against gang violence, and the use and abuse of drugs.

During the morning segment, the Chief Inspector attached to the Wales Police Station, Christopher Humphrey made a presentation to the students on the dangers of being members of gangs, and being involved in gang-related activities.

During his presentation, Inspector Humphrey also touched on domestic violence within the home, telling the students about the various forms of abuse and how to identify them, and also urged them to seek help as soon as possible, if ever they are victims of abuse, or if it occurs within their homes.

Humphrey also shared stories of his experiences over the years in the Force, as a means of emphasising that being involved in illegal activities is not worthwhile.

The afternoon session was spearheaded by the Ministry’s Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Unit represented by Ms. Dionne Browne, who is the Health, Wellness and Environmental Management Coordinator in the HFLE Unit.

During her presentation, Ms. Browne spoke to the students about ‘gateway drugs’ such as cigarettes and alcohol.

Browne was also accompanied by officers attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) who spoke to the children about illegal drugs, and how the use and trafficking of these drugs are treated under the law.

Students were shown samples of how these drugs are now being packaged and sold, so that they could easily identify them to avoid using or being in the same space where such items are present.

Thursday’s event was well received by the students as it was very interactive with many sharing their knowledge and asking questions, and seeking clarity on what they might have heard about the various types of gateway and illegal drugs.