Forming the most energetic segment of any nation, youth need to be empowered to enable them drive economic development and social progress. As a matter of fact, the recent surge in the number of youth abusing drugs or found trafficking is a cause for concern.
In our today's edition, we ran a story in which the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) laid the foundation stone for the construction of The Gambia’s first-ever correction, rehabilitation and treatment at a ceremony held at its complex in Brusubi Tranquil.
Funded by ECOWAS Commission to the tune of 9 million dalasi, this new centre when completed will serve as a symbol of hope and an amplification of the nation's commitment to prioritizing public health approach in response to the drug problem.
In the wake of the surge in drug abuse among our youths, this project, the first of its kind in the country, couldn't have come at a better time.
It's a fact that cannabis sativa continues to be the most abused drug in The Gambia due mainly to its availability: and relatively low cost. This drug is found almost all over the country with many youth now becoming addicts.
Also in circulation is a new form of drug called 'kush', a synthetic and psychotropic substance which continues to wreak havoc in many communities across West Africa.
Notwithstanding, we must commend the DLEAG Management for always being interested in the idea of correction, rehabilitation and treatment for victims of substance abuse. Indeed, there is a growing need for society to see youths in drugs as victims and not perpetrators. That makes this project a milestone achievement that will be a gamechanger.
As part of ongoing efforts to make amendments in the Drug Control Act (2003), the DLEAG management is making significant efforts to suggest alternative to incarceration (ATI) programmes including community services for first time offenders in selected common drugs, lighter fines for certain quantities of selected drugs, counselling and skill training services for drug victims just to name a few.
Thus, this correction and rehabilitation center will without a doubt serve as a beacon of hope for individuals and families shattered by drug addiction.
Let’s bear in mind that youth are the future of this nation and as such, we owe a great debt to help in good upbringing to be active contributors and not burden. Schooling them to be agents of change would also enable them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development endeavour.
The fact of the matter is drug abuse can wreak untold havoc on the individual, the families and even the society at large.
When one is addicted to illicit drugs, one is in effect trapped in vice and personal deterioration.
From general observation, one’s health declines, first gradually and then at a rapid pace, and you become a big liability to society.
Therefore, let’s not relent on our laurels. We call on authorities, parents and guardians to stand firm and amplify their vices against drug abuse in the country.