Religious Groups In Anti-Drugs Crusade

Contact: John Emmanuel

Friday, August 31, 2001 – The Government of Saint Lucia is looking forward to solid support from religious organizations in the continuing battle against illegal drugs, following a one-day meeting here this week.

Convened by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SACCS), the meeting with the religious bodies discussed cooperation and the way forward in the battle against the worrying social problem. SACCS is the government body responsible for coordinating the national anti-drug effort and working with regional and extra-regional countries and organisations. 

In an address to the conference, Minister of Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and Labour, Hon. Velon John, called for greater involvement of religious organizations in the drug battle. He said it was imperative that religious bodies collaborated with other organizations and groups.

“If the religious element is left out of this struggle, and this local, regional and international battle is perceived solely as a secular crusade, then those criminal elements will take comfort from the fact that our intended victory over the drug menace is merely a fantasized reality”,  he pointed out.

John called also for the full cooperation of young people in the programmes and strategies of drug interdiction, saying they  are at grave risk from the trade. Failure to be proactive, creatively aggressive and resolute,  the minister added, “makes us part of a menace that will engulf our people and ourselves”.

He stressed the need for individuals, religious groups and organizations, and the entire St. Lucian community to join hands with the Government, noting this is the only way the crusade against drugs can be successful.            

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