The collaboration of each and everyone, including parents, the youth, Non-Governmental Organisations and the civil society is crucial in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while preserving a drug free, healthy and safe Mauritius, stated the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, this afternoon, in Vacoas.
The Prime Minister made this statement during a workshop organised in the context of the National Campaign Against Drugs entitled “Unis Contre la Drogue” (United against Drugs), at the Dr Maurice Curé State College. The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, was also present. The primary objective of the workshop was to create awareness among students on the nefarious effects of drugs.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that fighting this social evil remains high on Government’s agenda and indicated that he was amazed by the suggestions, questions and observations put forward by the youths during the workshop. These observations, he pointed out, will be taken into consideration by policy makers when devising strategies and ways to address drug-related issues.
The aim of such workshops, he emphasised, is to listen to the youth, and take note of the problems they encounter in their daily life and surroundings.
He expressed conviction that together with the support of each and everyone the country will emerge victorious and become a safer place to live in. He also encouraged the population to report drug suspects and suspected drug-related cases to the authorities.
The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, he said, is an ongoing one and Government is resolute to carry on this combat and sensitise the population on the ill effects of drugs. Such sensitisation campaigns, he stressed will be carried out across the country to include all citizens.
The Prime Minister moreover observed that students are easy targets for drug traffickers as they are young and vulnerable and can be easily influenced. He thus called on the youth to be heedful and not to get carried away by any temptation.
The Prime Minister further pointed out that a drug user is also a victim and should not be stigmatised, adding that the latter needs the required support to get out of this addiction. On this score, he pointed out that the legislation has been amended to examine the cases of drug users to give them the chance to undergo rehabilitation treatment and get rid of their addictions.
In addition, the Prime Minister encouraged the youth to practice a sports discipline and adopt a sports culture to stay fit and healthy.
It is recalled that the National Campaign Against Drugs kicked off on 08 August 2023 at Souillac Youth Hub. It aims at mobilising and creating awareness among the population on the dangers and risks of drug use as well as promoting the prevention of drug abuse.
