International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking |26 June 2015

 ‘Seychelles will never give up the fight against illicit drugs’

“Seychelles will never give up the fight against illicit drugs. We will maintain a zero tolerance approach to the traffickers and we will strengthen our resolve and determination to ensure that our children and youth can live full and productive lives without having their futures threatened by illicit drugs.”

This comes in a message from the chairperson of the Drug and Alcohol Council (Dac) Vincent Meriton on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being celebrated today.

The full text of Minister Meriton’s message reads:
“It is in the spirit of solidarity that Seychelles joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

“This should be a day of deep reflection. In our homes, in our schools and workplaces, we should raise awareness about the challenges of illicit drugs across our society. We should emerge more determined and resolute. Our country is not being spared the devastating impacts of illicit drugs and trafficking. We can no longer be disconnected from or shocked by the terrifying images we see on our television. We feel the pain in our families, in the countless young victims whose lives are being destroyed. We feel the pressure on our social services and law enforcement agencies. And in our quest to maintain social stability and functioning, we know that the price of breaking the hold of drugs and crime on our communities is a heavy one.

“But Seychelles will never give up the fight against illicit drugs. We will maintain a zero tolerance approach to the traffickers. We will strengthen our resolve and determination to ensure that our children and youth can live full and productive lives without having their futures threatened by illicit drugs.

“This is the challenge of our lifetime, of the present generation. It is our responsibility to the future of our dear country.

“I therefore urge all Seychellois to rally behind the efforts to combat illicit drug use and trafficking. Let us renew our commitment for a drug-free Seychelles. The war on drugs is a protracted one. It is a war against greed, selfishness and disregard for human lives. A war against corruption and crime. A war we must never stop fighting.

“I am fully confident that in time we shall get closer to a drug-free Seychelles. Step by step we are making progress. Let us take encouragement in the small battles that is being won every day. It is the way to win this war. Every effort counts.

“Like the 20 years of hard work and dedication by Care, an NGO which has saved so many of our young children from the perils of illicit drug use. Our society recognises this vital role to ensure our youth are more resilient and informed. To the young person who voluntarily agrees to join one of the many established rehabilitation programmes or the family receiving counselling at a faith-based organisation, I commend your decision to choose a better future. To the health, education and social professionals, the NGOs, the Church-based groups and other voluntary bodies, our society is grateful for your dedicated services and compassion. To the NDEA and the police, our population admires your professionalism in this difficult task against drug trafficking.

“These are the small steps we are taking every day on the road to a drug-free Seychelles. We will continue to provide the NDEA with the resources to eliminate drug trafficking. We will establish protocols to ensure we become at par with international standards. We will continue to invest in the education of our children and youth. “Prevention is the key against illicit drug use. Through our various national programmes and campaigns, most notably the Social Renaissance Initiative, we will continue to mobilise support and inspire our population to act against drug use. And we will strengthen our rehabilitation programmes, both on Mahé and on the outer islands, to ensure that a second chance is always available for those who want a better life.
“I wish everyone courage in this fight that we are all engaged in. I count on the support of all Seychellois for a drug-free Seychelles.”