“Make The Right Choice: Prevent Drug Abuse”
PRIDE Bermuda is having its 18th annual Red Ribbon official launch on Wednesday [Oct 21] at City Hall in Hamilton, with the theme for this year’s campaign “Make the Right Choice: Prevent Drug Abuse.”
“Red Ribbon brings a focus that each of us can play a positive part in the life of a child,” PRIDE said. “We believe that by building Youth LifeSkills, we will increase their ability to avoid drug use.”
“All are invited to join the celebration which kicks-off with the Official Lunch on the Steps of City Hall from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. The first 100 persons wearing red will be treated to a ‘Red Bag Lunch’.
“The Governor, Premier, Mayor of Hamilton, Bishop Dill, the and the US Consul General will be in attendance to address the public on the importance of drug prevention and the significant work that is being done by PRIDE in partnership with other organisations in this regard.
A”dditionally, there will be entertainment by our students from West Pembroke and Harrington Sound Primary Schools, Emanuel Humphreys, Northlands Primary’s Idol 2015, now a student at Dellwood Middle School, with special performances by students from Mount St. Agnes Academy, the winner of the school with the most entries- prize sponsored by Red Laser.
“Also performing will be Ayesha Payne and Diamond DeSheild of West End Primary, over all winners of the 2nd Annual PRIDE Red Ribbon Song Competition.
“As an added treat Ashley Stephens [of Ashley’s Lemonade], last year’s winner of the PRIDE Red Ribbon Song Competition will be on hand, selling famous lemonade with all proceeds going to PRIDE.
“On Friday, October 23 we are asking the public to wear their red in support of our young people and drug prevention. Many of our businesses have purchased Red Ribbon Packs for their staff in support; additional supplies are still available at the PRIDE Office if anyone is interested in supporting us in this way.
“The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1988 in honour of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was kidnapped and killed in Mexico in February of 1985.
“Mr. Camarena had uncovered a multi-billion dollar drug scam in which he suspected officers of the Mexican army, police forces and government of being involved. His tragic death led to an outpouring of sympathy around the world and led to a formalized campaign of hope in Mr. Camarena’s honour.
“For our 2015 PRIDE Red Ribbon Campaign, we wish to thank our Principal Partner, The Bank of Bermuda Foundation, our anonymous partner and our PRIDE Red Ribbon Song Competition Sponsors, Red Laser and CellOne.”
“Our goal is to STOP drug abuse before it starts and to continue the message that preventing drug abuse builds a stronger healthier community”, says Judith Burgess, PRIDE Bermuda’s Executive Director.
“We know the devastating effects of Alcohol Abuse, Smoking and Illicit Drug Use and Abuse on our community. The cost of treatment, which is necessary to help those individuals to get back on track to lead productive lives, far outweighs the cost of prevention.
“Like Grandma always said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. Treating the costly effects of drug abuse on our community can be significantly reduced by allocating more resources to proven prevention and intervention programmes.
“We are urging parents and members of the Bermuda community to participate in drug awareness and to educate themselves and their children about the positive effects of drug prevention, while supporting the efforts of PRIDE Bermuda. Collectively, we can make a difference in the lives of Bermuda’s young people,” added Mrs. Burgess.
For more information about the Red Ribbon Campaign, or to get involved, call PRIDE Bermuda on 295-9970 or email info@pride.prevention.bm.
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