Africa-Press – Liberia. The campaign, spearheaded by the Patriots of Drug-Free Communities, marks a watershed moment in bolstering the national fight against drug abuse.
Careysburg, Montserrado County –Residents of Montserrado County District Number One, in collaboration with government officials, security agencies and civil society, over the weekend officially launched the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign as a demonstration of unity and urgent grassroots initiative aimed at tackling the growing threat of illicit drug use and trafficking in Liberia
The campaign, spearheaded by the Patriots of Drug-Free Communities, marks a watershed moment in bolstering the national fight against drug abuse.
It was launched in Careysburg and drew strong support from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Office of Representative Rugie Yatu Barry, representing District Number One, Montserrado County.
“This Is Not About Blame. This Is About Action,” the campaign noted.
Representing Madam Barry, Garrison Kerwillain Sr., her Special Assistant, delivered a stirring message on her behalf, urging every citizen to take responsibility for what he described as a “community-level war” against drugs.
“To our brothers and sisters who, in one way or another, have found themselves caught in the web of drug use or abuse, I want to say this: There is still hope. You are still a part of this community and we have not forgotten you,” Kerwillain said. Representative Barry, on official duty in Nimba County, affirmed through her office that she remains “100% committed” to the anti-drug campaign and plans to personally engage with organizers upon her return.
In a candid moment, Kerwillain also expressed disappointment over the absence of many community leaders despite widespread communication about the launch.
“When drug abuse begins to affect our communities, it doesn’t start in Monrovia, it starts right at home, in our own backyards. Yet, when the crisis escalates, that’s when people call on the LDEA or the Representative. This must change,” he urged.
LDEA Pledges Partnership and Action
The event was graced with the presence of top officials of the LDEA, including its County Commander and Deputy Director for Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Police Patrick Kormaazu.
During the event, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kormazu echoed the Representative’s sentiments and pledged his agency’s full backing of the community’s initiative.
“Drugs are a national crisis. It is a pandemic that affects families, communities, and ultimately, the future of our country. We at the LDEA cannot win this war alone,” Kormazu said, representing LDEA Officer-in-Charge DCP Fitzgerald T. Biago.
Kormazu acknowledged the petition submitted by the organizers and emphasized the need for continued collaboration and intelligence-sharing between the agency and local residents.
“Much of the illicit substances entering Liberia are coming from neighboring countries. Through cooperation and timely information, especially from community members, we can take meaningful action,” he added.
A Movement Born from Pain, Built on Hope
The symbolic launch event was led by Mrs. Pauline Zaza, Acting Chairperson of the Patriots of Drug-Free Communities, who declared the beginning of “a movement, not just a campaign.”
“We are not just raising our voices; we are launching a movement. A movement of recovery, prevention, empowerment, and hope,” Zaza declared.
Clad in black-and-white T-shirts, representing peace and unity, and marked with streaks of red paint symbolizing the shared pain of communities ravaged by drugs, the Patriots presented a vision rooted in rehabilitation, vocational training, and societal reintegration for recovering addicts.
“We see you. We support you. You deserve a second chance,” Zaza told individuals struggling with addiction, some of whom were present at the launch.
She called on Liberia’s government and international partners to expand rehabilitation services and step-up enforcement against drug trafficking.
Vision Bearer Commends Stakeholders and Calls for Continuity
Liberian journalist Willie N. Tokpah, Sr., the vision bearer behind the Patriots of Drug-Free Communities, extended commendations to the many stakeholders who made the campaign launch possible.
“This milestone event would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts and unwavering support of government, security agencies, traditional leaders, and community members,” Mr. Tokpah said.
In a post-launch statement, Tokpah recognized the Office of Hon. Rugie Yatu Barry, the Statutory Superintendent of Careysburg, the LDEA, the LNP, and community leaders for their contributions and commitment.
He also paid tribute to victims and survivors of drug abuse. “Your resilience inspires the very essence of our work,” he added.
A National Crisis Demands a National Response
With drug abuse reaching alarming levels across Liberia, particularly among young people, the launch of this campaign sends a clear message, the fight must begin at the grassroots level.
Community members were urged to report known drug hotspots and work in close collaboration with law enforcement to disrupt networks that prey on vulnerable youth. “You know where the ghettos are. You know the dealers. And yet, when it comes to action, we hesitate. That must end today,” said Kerwillain.
According to organizers, the “Say No to Drugs” campaign is not a one-time event.
Strategic roundtable discussions are planned in the coming weeks to develop actionable solutions and sustain the momentum. “Let this day be the spark that lights a fire of change in every street, in every home, in every heart,” said Zaza in her closing remarks.
“Together, we say no to drugs. Together we say no drugs.’’
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