Connect with us

Caribbean News

JAMAICA: Government Strengthens Response to Substance Use Among Youth

Published

on

#Jamaica, December 2, 2022 – Jamaica is putting robust measures in place to address the use of harmful substances among young people.

State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn,  said that the objective is to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the negative impact of substance use.

She pointed out that the introduction and popularity of new substances and ease of access among youngsters “are cause for major concern”, and it is imperative that robust strategies be implemented to address the problem.

In detailing the measures during a National Forum on Youth Drug Use on Wednesday (November 30), the State Minister said that a clause-by-clause analysis of the Tobacco Control Bill, 2020 is ongoing, and decisions concerning a National Harmful Alcohol Policy are in motion.

Additionally, she informed that plans are in the works for a National Drug Prevalence Survey.

“This is part of efforts to assess the use of new and emergent psychoactive substances, including molly, across the population. We are also looking towards the updating of the National School Policy on Substance Use,” the State Minister said at the forum held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

She noted that the efforts involve the Ministry of Education and Youth.

The State Minister said that the scale-up of the drug prevention and treatment programme of the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) will form a critical part of the response.

“Substance abuse is also to be woven into Jamaica’s Mental Health Strategic Plan. Protecting the health and well-being of all Jamaicans remains the principal mandate of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and it will continue to support the work of the NCDA as it plays its role in fulfilling this mission,” she said.

The forum consisted of representatives from several State agencies and

civil society partners, who engaged in discussions surrounding substance use among the youth, explored areas for further partnership and capacity-building, and shared best practice interventions for the target group.

November was observed as Drug Abuse Month, and the NCDA convened a series of town hall meetings and a school tour to engage with the young people, parents, caregivers and other stakeholders to intensify a national conversation around safeguarding Jamaicans from harmful use of substances.

“I applaud the outstanding team at the NCDA for their efforts in highlighting the troubles related with substance use, accompanying interventions and work towards policy shift. The public health system remains grateful for the agency’s work,” Mrs. Cuthbert-Flynn said.

 

Contact: Garfield L. Angus

Release: JIS

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

CAAP Works on Major Boycott Movement to Help Palestine

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Israel#Palestine#CAAP – The Caribbean Against  Apartheid in Palestine  (CAAP) is working on a Boycott Divestment Sanctions or BDS movement in Barbados for Israeli companies, to help suffocate financial backing  to the Israeli army that’s attacking Palestine. Member of CAAP Dr Saudah Muhammad, speaking at a CAAP Press Conference on Friday March 17, goes into detail, mentioning an Israeli company called Sabra Hummus as the first target to boycott, using the buying power of consumers to decrease their financial gains. She points out that Sabra Hummus was chosen because of its connection to the Israeli army.

“Sabra Hummus is co-owned by PepsiCo and Strauss group, which is an Israeli food company and they provide financial support to the Israeli army, so using our purchasing power to cut their funding, then directly supports a cut in funding to the genocide and to arms,” she said.

 

Continue Reading

Caribbean News

Haiti Chaos Update

Published

on

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

 

#Haiti, March 18th. 2024 – The situation in Haiti is worsening at an alarmingly fast rate, the suffering of Haitians especially women and children, now increased. On Saturday, March 16,  reports say a UNICEF container, one of 17, with maternal, neonatal and child survival essentials was robbed in the capital Port au Prince,  depriving vulnerable women and children of vital health supplies. Hospitals across Haiti are forced to close, leaving only 4 out of 10 hospitals functional and two surgical operating facilities. Also, the main Airport in Port-au-Prince, reports say, remains closed after a recent gang attack. Now, despite the recent developments by CARICOM officials towards political stability, there is push back from gangs as leader Jimmy Cherizier is reported saying they will not recognize decisions made by CARICOM.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

RBDF Operation Strengthens Maritime Security Amidst Regional Turmoil

Published

on

Defence Headquarters, 17 MAR. ’24: A joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) led to the apprehension of 50 Haitian migrants approximately 5 nautical miles west of Bell Island on Saturday, March 16th.

The operation was initiated following the initial sighting of a sailing vessel, believed to be of Haitian origin, 8 miles southwest of Staniel Cay in the Exumas. RBDF swiftly deployed air and surface assets stationed at Matthew Town Inagua, supported by Police officials in Staniel Cay who verified the sighting. The migrants were intercepted by RBDF personnel stationed at the Land and Sea Park, Wardrick Wells Exuma, and subsequently handed over to the safe boat crew. They are currently under apprehension pending further investigation, with the imminent arrival of HMBS Rolly Gray.

In response to the ongoing instability in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has announced the implementation of a strategic blockade in the southern Bahamas. This initiative includes the deployment of six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will be concentrated in critical areas such as the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, with the aim of deterring unauthorized entry attempts and preserving maritime security in the region.

The effectiveness of these decisive measures is evident, with recent apprehensions totaling 247 individuals by the RBDF. Commodore Raymond E. King emphasizes the commitment to bolstering maritime security through collaborative efforts with regional partners and local law enforcement agencies.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s borders and territorial integrity, working collaboratively with regional partners.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)

-rbdf-

#GuardOurHeritage

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING