Africa-Press – Mauritius. Government will continue to intensify its fight against the drug scourge but it is of paramount importance to have the support of the youth, Non-Governmental Organisations, and the civil society at large so as to be more effective.
The Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement, today at the Polytechnics Mauritius Pamplemousses Campus in Pamplemousses, during a workshop organised in the context of the ‘Unis Contre La Drogue’ Campaign.
He also had an interaction session with the young participants who were divided into groups. The Acting Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck; the Minister of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training, Mr Soodesh Satkam Callichurn; and other eminent personalities were also present on this occasion.
In his address, Prime Minister Jugnauth highlighted the importance of interacting with and listening to the youth in order to enable Government to enhance its strategy to continue the fight against drugs.
He reassured that the proposals made by the youth will be taken into account while elaborating strategies to combat the drug scourge. The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of sensitisation and educational campaigns for the public to be able to better understand the various dangers associated to drugs.
He reminded that parents, teachers and our elders themselves play a fundamental role in communicating with the youth so as to keep the latter away from the drug scourge. He thus appealed to the youth to listen to their elders who can support and counsel them on various matters.
Speaking about Government’s unwavering resolve to act against drug trafficking and abuse in the country, the Prime Minister informed that strict measures are being taken against drug traffickers, while stating that up to now, several drug seizures have been carried out by the relevant authorities.
As far as victims of drug abuse are concerned, he added that the Government is adopting a more compassionate approach and is providing the necessary treatment for their addiction and support for their rehabilitation in adequate centres.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Jugnauth dwelt on the need for youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a sports culture, while focusing on both academic and lifelong learning and engaging in extracurricular activities for their wholesome development.
During the workshop, the youth were able to share with the Prime Minister their thoughts, comments, and insights on four topics, namely: the reasons for drug use among young people; the ways parents and teachers could guide and protect them against drug use and other related harm; how to empower young people to get out of drugs; and the capacity of the country to fight against drugs more effectively.
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