Africa-Press – Mauritius. At the University of Technology Mauritius, this morning, the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made an appeal to young people to make a difference by coming forward and getting involve in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, as well as becoming active crusaders against drug.
The Prime Minister was the chief guest at the launching of a virtual reality immersive experience and an exhibition on ‘Fight against drugs’, organised by the Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology. The event was the culmination of a five-day National Campaign to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Stephan Toussaint; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Christine N.
Umutoni; and other personalities were also present. While highlighting the need to constantly reinforce drug prevention programmes, which remained one of the key interventions to reduce demand for illicit drugs, Mr Jugnauth stated that it would be a laudable endeavour if prevention programmes against drug abuse and trafficking could be led by young people themselves.
He was of the view that the antidrug message should begin at home and in the community as well as be brought to schools and training institutions. According to the Prime Minister, waging war against drugs is a battle that could be won only by being united, and he thus urged the population not to be complacent but to act together and responsibly against drugs.
He recalled the Budget 2022-2023’s measure for the setting up of Community welfare taskforces in several localities in order to enhance drug prevention in the community.
The Prime Minister was adamant that drug trafficking is the business of death, of destruction, of miseries, of suffering, and that the financial and human costs of the drug plague are horrendous.
He talked of dealing with the drug issue in a holistic manner through namely, the national drug control master plan, the reduction of the source of supply, and awareness raising among school children and college students.
The initiatives taken on all fronts to address the drug issues and challenges, as listed by Mr Jugnauth, included, among others: seizure of drugs amounting to Rs 13.7 billion since December 2014; a total of 17,556 drug cases with 15,571 persons arrested from 2017 to date; implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Enquiry on drug trafficking; strengthening of the legislation to control drug trafficking, money laundering financial crimes; reinforcing the operational capabilities of institutions involved in the fight against drugs; and reviewing and scaling-up of treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
As regards to the care and support to people with substance abuse disorders, the Prime Minister reassured that Government is driving its drug policies on evidence-based information, recalling the publication of the findings of the survey conducted by the National Drug Secretariat among drug users in February this year.
He also spoke of the establishment of a Drug Offenders’ Administrative Panel in January 2022, aiming at diverting people from criminal justice system to rehabilitation and treatment.
Mr Jugnauth seized the opportunity to commend the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing therapies to assist drug users. For their part, both Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun and Ms Christine N.
Umutoni called on young people to take a strong stance against drug traffickers and not fall prey to them. They expounded that drugs spoiled and destroyed life, advocating for young people to remain as far as possible from any form of drugs.
The Vice-Prime Minister underscored the various undertakings of Government to build the self-esteem, self-belief and self-confidence of young people so that they become more resilient against drug uses and trafficking.
The Resident Coordinator put forward the collaboration between the UN organisation and the Government in order to leave no one behind in the fight against drugs. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26 June, a series of activities had been organised since 26 June 2022 jointly by several stakeholders.
These comprise sensitisation programme and activities against drug in youth centres, primary and secondary schools; drawing competitions for students; exhibition by institutions and NGOs involved in the fight against drugs; and a training workshop.
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