Message from the chairperson of Care, Sarah Zarqani Rene, on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking |26 June 2018

‘Let us put ourselves to action, together we can make a difference’

“The drive to curb the drug scourge can only be successful if there is concerted national and systematic efforts on all fronts and at all levels, with all partners and all

sectors playing the same tune and pulling the same way.”

This comes in a message from Sarah Zarqani Rene, the chairperson of Care (Committee for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse) on the

occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being celebrated today. 

The full text of Mrs Rene’s message reads:

“As we commemorate one more time the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Care shares the concern of many others, especially parents worrying over the future of their children, about the very sad drug situation in our country.

“The drive to curb the drug scourge can only be successful if there is concerted national and systematic efforts on all fronts and at all levels, with all partners and all

sectors playing the  same tune and pulling the same way. 

“To do that Government needs to pave a clear vision which elevates and defines us as a strong, spiritual, successful and accomplished nation. Unfortunately, we do

not feel this to be the case on all fronts for now.  Our programmes must not be stand alone ones, otherwise they may only alleviate the problem but with minimal

long-term success.

“We believe in the vital importance of prevention as the key to the long-term drug control.  This is why there is an urgent need for a comprehensive National

Prevention Strategic Plan for increased support in prevention, with key partners working in synergy to protect our children. It is insufficient to say that we need to

reduce drugs and alcohol consumption among children but allow a whole range of alcohol and drugs on every street corner and within easy access to

our children on shop shelves and public musical shows with music genre that glorifies the drug culture.

“Vigorous law enforcement to deal with trafficking, proper treatment and rehabilitation facilities to treat addiction with adequate counselling, life skills programmes

and strong aftercare for relapse prevention, as well as ensuring that our children are not lured and tempted into the world of drugs and risky lifestyles must all be

given equitable attention.

“While we take care of our fallen citizens, which is so crucial that we do, because we simply cannot allow any life to be lost to addiction, I appeal to all related

agencies to also invest more for our children and adolescents living daily pressure from their studies, peer pressure, personal, social and family difficult circumstances

that may lead to depression, anxiety and other mental challenges that may cause them to turn to substances to cope with their pain.

“Let us help them and listening to them, as this year’s UNODC’s theme, ‘Listen first’ calls for, is always a first a first step in the right direction, but the necessary accompaniment services in psycho-social support are very crucial. I also make a special appeal to parents:  to take time to listen to your children, know their daily struggles and their fears, help to educate and support them in making the positive daily life choices and this has to start as early as possible. Let love take its rightful place in our families through daily teaching and living.

“Last but certainly not least, I address myself to our dear children and youth of Seychelles:  Your country has never before needed you as much as it does now. We need you to get up and impact firstly, yourself, then your brother, your sister, your friend, your peers, anyone you possibly can, to stop drugs from stealing the hope of a promising future. Please do not allow the beautiful spirit and soul of youth to be stolen from anyone of you. This is what you do each time you help a child, an adolescent or a youth from falling under the spell of drugs and the evil people who sell them. We are with you, we believe in you and the time is now.

“Let us put ourselves to action, together we can make a difference.”