Substance Abuse Advisory Council honours its first president
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Contact: Shannon Lebourne
Monday, June 29, 2009 – The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat has paid tribute to the organisation's first president Mr Benignus Henry, for his contribution and commitment to the work of the Secretariat.
Mr Henry, who served as President of the Secretariat for eight years, was presented with a plaque of honour at the launch of a National Anti-Drug Exhibition last week. Although he was elated to be honoured for his hard work, Mr Henry says, others like Criselda Brandford, who worked alongside the Secretariat during his tenure, are equally deserving of recognition.
“I must say today is not just about me, I think the contributions of people who worked with me went a long way in making the Secretariat what it is today. I think if it had not been for them and their contributions today would not have been a reality but I feel very happy and proud to have been recognised at this time,” Mr Henry added.
Mr Henry says the Council has come a long way in raising national awareness on the issue of substance abuse and its effect on society.
He says the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat is fulfilling its mandate with distinction in collaboration with several agencies, including the Drug Squad and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.
“From what I have seen here at the National Anti-Drug Exhibition, I think that they are going places, and what I am happy about is there is more visibility. Because when I started, social partners like the drug squad came to meetings, but now they are coming to public forums with graphic evidence and resources, and I think this will go a long way; I wish them all the success.”
Mr Henry served as the president of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat from 1990 until 1998. The Secretariat has announced plans to document his work for use by future generations. |
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