The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas National Drug Council has partnered with the Grand Bahama Power Company to launch an anti-drug initiative to encourage young people to lead drug-free lives.

Junior high students between the ages of 11 and 14 are being invited to participate in a creative arts competition based on the 2014 BNDC theme: “Make Health your New High in Life, Not Drugs”.

There will be four categories of entries: song, rap, essay and poetry. Entrants will have three months to prepare, from June through the end of August. The deadline for submissions is September 1.

“The BNDC is pleased to partner with the Grand Bahama Power Company in this exciting initiative to help with the fight against drugs and substance abuse, and to help eradicate drugs from the school system,” said BNDC executive Dr Bridget Rolle.

The month of March is Drug Council Month, and the council continues to sensitise young people of the dangers of drugs through school visits, talks, and various anti-drug initiatives and programmes, with the help of corporate partners.

Mr Joseph Darville said the competition is restricted to Grand Bahama schools.

He said there will be a $500 cash prize and plaque award for the winners in each category. The funds would go towards school tuition and the purchase of school books and supplies, he added.

Prizes have not yet been determined for second and third place winners. Certificate of participation will be presented to all participants.

Each entry should not exceed four minutes to present. Songs and raps should be submitted on disk or flash drives with accompanying music (if there is any). Essays and poetry should be typed, double spaced and at 14 point.

Entries should be submitted to the office of the Grand Bahama Power Company, located on the corner of Pioneers Way and the Mall Drive, no later than 5pm on September 1.

All entries should be submitted with a cover sheet with the name, age, category, and school.

Mr Darville said the objective of the Bahamas National Drug Council is to protect and safeguard the youth of the nation by launching and implementing ongoing anti-drug initiatives and programmes throughout the Bahamas.

He stressed that the fight against drug abuse continues to be a challenge, and expressed concerns about the cultivation of marijuana fields in Grand Bahama.

With the legalization of marijuana use in some countries to the north and south, Mr Darville said it is anticipated that the Bahamas will be a production and supply area.

“We are happy again to launch a project that would benefit our young people and steer them away from the temptation of drugs and other nefarious activities,” he said.

He commended the Principals and Vice Principals Association for endorsing the project, and the Grand Bahama Power Company for partnering with them.

Philcher Grant Farquharson, corporate affairs officer at GBPC, said community service is very important to the GBPC.

“It is the philosophy of the GBPC that we give back to the community where we live and do business.

“We are pleased to be able to partner BNDC in this initiative because it aligns with our in-house corporate goals to promote health and wellness within our organisation.

“We believe that collaborative effort is needed among all sectors if we are serious about making this community a better place for us to live.”

Dr Rolle said the initiative also will be launched in New Providence and in some of the Family Islands.