According to the surveys, Belize is losing the war on drug use among teenagers. We've all heard the worrying statistics from last year's National Drug Abuse Control Council survey which revealed that 3 out of every 4 high school students drink alcohol, four out of every ten have tried cigarettes, and one out of every 5 has tried marijuana. So we do have a problem and it's one that Wesley College has been tackling head on for the past seven years with a Red Ribbon Week. We don't know how successful it's been in the past, but given the energy at today's drug awareness march, they are getting the message loud and clear. Keith Swift reports.
Crystal Humes, Wesley Student
"If they notice our energy and our vibe and how we are driven to continue
to prove to them that we pledge to be drug free."
And it is with a powerful wave of that energy that Wesley College students chanted anti-drug slogans through downtown Belize City - marching and parading with a purpose. And while they shouted different chants, there was only one message:
Nicole Betson, Wesley College Student
"We have to send a message that we have to be drug free because right now people smoke a lot and I want to show Belize that I want to be drug free. I just want to send a strong message that we have to be drug free and we have to stand up and say that we want to be drug free. Be all that you can, be drug free. That is the message I want to bring across."
Geovane Mariano, Wesley College Student
"We want to show everyone that Wesley College is showing how easy it is to be drug free."
Kendis Faber, Wesley College Student
"I want everybody to know that they should be drug free. Drug free is the way to go."
But is it? Statistics show that today more high school students than ever before are using drugs. Wesley College Principal Brenda Armstrong accepts that and says that gives them more reasons to march.
Brenda Armstrong, Wesley College Principal
"Those of us who know better can't stand aside and say, 'its too much, its far gone, and let's give up.' We can't do that. In fact it makes it even more important for those of us to set examples to encourage, to motivate, and to say to our students and all of the public that staying drug free ix the best way to be."
Wesley Peer Educator,
"We all have problems, we all have situations that we get into and we might not know how to deal with them. And by standing up and being firm and saying no to drugs, we can all overcome drugs."
Crystal Humes,
"By leading by example we hope that they will follow us and we are really hopeful that this will make a difference. Over the years maybe it hasn't but this year we're coming with more energy and more vibes and we are hoping that they will take heed to it this year."
And that is about all they can hope for - that their chants, their shouts, and their message are heard.
Red Ribbon Week is being held under theme: "be all you can be stay drug free." Activities conclude on Friday.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
