By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the United Nation General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
Therefore, in March 2009 a multi-sectoral committee consisting of governmental and non-governmental agencies from the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, judicial and law enforcement was appointed to carry out the activities to commemorate Friday 26th June, 2009 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The committee aim was also to raise public awareness to the suffering and devastation associated with the production, trafficking, use and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The first event was an official ceremony that launched the series of anti-drug activities leading up to International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 26th June, 2009. The launch was held on Wednesday 22 April 2009 on the Michael Eldon Complex Ground, College of The Bahamas, Thompson Boulevard. The Honorable Minister of National Security, Tommy O.A. Turnquest gave the keynote address and afterward unveiled a billboard erected at Thompson Boulevard and Poinciana Drive Roundabout with the United Nation’s slogan “Your Life, Your Community, No Place for Drugs.”
During the weeks leading up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking there were many activities that brought awareness to drug use and abuse. Professional and various experts appeared on broadcasting media and Committee members visited schools with the anti-drug message and presented the students with flyers, ribbons, buttons and other items with the slogan printed on them.
The 5th Annual Five on Five Basketball Tournament objective was to introduce solidarity and camaraderie through sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play. It enables individuals to know that they are not alone in their battles with addiction and through a collective effort they would be triumphant and victorious. The 2009 Tournament was particularly interesting in that it celebrates the life of Mr. Andrew “Rasta” Pratt who recently passed on, but was not forgotten. Mr. Pratt was the Most Valuable Player in the 3rd and 4th Annual Tournament Championship games. To Mr. Andrew Pratt honour the tournament was held in his name to commemorate his life. The games were held at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium Saturday 13th June (Playoff), and Sunday 14th June, 2009 (Championship).
On Friday 26th June, 2009 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking a Drug exhibition was displayed in the foyer of the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym put on by The Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The National Drug Council, and The Ministry of Education. At 7:00 p.m. that evening Minister Tommy Turnquest officially opened the Youth Extravaganza music was provided by the Prison Pop Band. Following the Grand Finale the Minister commented on the success of the campaign and announced that such anti-drug activities will continue year round under the auspices of the National Anti-Drug Secretariat.
For photos of the first “United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking” click here.
