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Gibraltar Forgets World Drug Day!
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by Panorama reporter
Today is ‘World Drug Day’ or to give it its longer version of the United Nations ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’. What are we going to do about it? Well not a lot by the looks of things, in fact nothing!
Gibraltar it seems is not marking this day; it certainly can’t be because we don’t have drug problems on the Rock! Quite the contrary, in fact as most people know we really do have a serious substance abuse issue affecting various parts of society.
However for years ‘world drug days’ like this one today have come and gone, and because of the general apathy that has always existed in Gibraltar regarding this important issue, our community has never really benefitted in joining in the day!
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year, its there to raise awareness of the major problem that drugs represent to society. The theme of this year's ADAC is 'Life Does Not Rewind. Make The Right Choice'. The day is supported by governments, individuals, communities and various organisations all over the world.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has, over the years, been actively involved in launching campaigns to mobilise support for drug control. The UNODC often teams up with other organisations and encourages people in society to actively take part in these campaigns.
Drug Awareness Critical in This Day and Age! Most countries understand the major challenges that drugs represent to society as a whole, and especially to the young. The goal of the campaign as I said is to mobilise support and inspire people to act against drug use!
It is critical that in this day and age modern societies inculcate anti-drug awareness amongst the public and the community through preventive education so that they understand the physical harms and social costs brought by drugs!
It would have been nice to have seen in Gibraltar drug prevention seminars, lectures and forum’s along with media activities to showcase locally world drug day celebrations, a day that should have been embraced by the whole of society, from the law enforcers to drug abusers, to parents and their friends, teachers, employers, the owners of bars and night clubs… basically all, where at some momentous times in their lives, youngsters or their elders take the horrendous decision to "try one, to see how it feels".
Too many lives have been and are being destroyed or maimed by a scourge (drugs) that respects no class, no intellect and no human condition to justify the latter.
Gibraltar Has Not Escaped This Scourge!
You only have to follow the news to learn about successful drug arrests by the police the soaring ‘Drug Related Crime Rate’ which continues! Accumulatively over the years, millions of pounds and euros on cocaine, ecstasy pills and alcohol (and many others) are daily on offer on the rock - Their supply confirms a demand. So, total success will only be achieved when the demand no longer exists. Regrettably, we are not in sight of that stage, far from it in fact. Young lives and lives not so young continue to be destroyed!
Unfortunately Gibraltar has much to learn about this serious social problem that is eating away at many parts of society, we still cannot see the real dangers, we continue to take this issue lightly or not at all ‘the none-observance of world drug day is another example’
World Drugs Day would have helped us to take stock. It would also have served to remind families and schools that they are as essential to the prosecution on the war on drugs in general as the police!
Parents and teachers are in a position to notice behaviour that indicates something is wrong with children in their home and during school hours. Friends, too, need to be taught that their first loyalty is not to their friend but to the welfare of their friend.
Gibraltar in fact has more of a cause than ever to gets its act together on this important social issue. You just have to observe that some who serve as role models for our youths are also steeped in the drug abuse culture; making the battle against it more difficult.
If World Drugs Day means a lot if taken seriously, it emphasises the fact that society as a whole, the Government and Church, Parents, Teachers, Friends, have to confront this Serious Social problem head on once in for all!
26-06-12
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