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National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) Announces the 2024 STRONG Programme

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) is continuing its Succeeding Through Rehabilitative Opportunities Group (STRONG) Programme, an initiative designed to address marijuana use among adolescents. This year, the programme will commence on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

The ongoing prevalence of marijuana use as a primary presenting problem among adolescent clients has been a significant finding in the Council’s BARDIN reports, underscoring the need for targeted interventions like STRONG.

The STRONG Programme provides ten comprehensive group therapy sessions that tackle critical areas such as drug refusal skills, enhancing social support networks, problem-solving, anger awareness and management, and coping with cravings and urges. By addressing these key issues, the programme aims to equip adolescents with the tools they need to overcome substance use challenges.

Recognizing that substance use and abuse impact not just the individual but also their families and communities, the STRONG Programme adopts a holistic approach. This year, a dedicated parent and family support component will be included. These sessions aim to help parents understand drug use among their children, improve their parenting skills, and equip them with strategies to support their children in overcoming substance use.

Ms. Katrina Lewis and Mr. Rico Antoine will facilitate the adolescent sessions, while Ms. Sharon Moaze will lead the parent sessions. The parent sessions will begin the week of July 16, 2024, and will consist of 12 weekly sessions, primarily held online with some face-to-face meetings at the NCSA.

As we continue to refine and expand the STRONG Programme, we remain committed to incorporating additional components to enhance its holistic nature. Supporting our adolescents is of paramount importance, as they are the future leaders, decision-makers, and contributing citizens of our society. Providing positive, healthy alternatives for engagement within communities is essential, especially during the summer months when many adolescents lack adequate supervision.

We urge families, schools, and community organizations to offer well-supervised and organized activities at little to no cost to ensure maximum participation. Such initiatives are crucial in fostering a supportive environment for our youth.

For more information on the STRONG Programme or to get involved, please contact the NCSA at 535-6272 or email ncsa.info@barbados.gov.bb. (PR)

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EBC Officers Conducting Verification Of Addresses Exercise

The public is advised that Registering Officers from the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) are in the field conducting a verification exercise to confirm the address of each registrant. This activity is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act Cap 12, Section 12.

EBC Registering Officers will be wearing the department’s branded T-shirts with the official ID prominently displayed as they visit residents in districts across the island.

Householders are encouraged to cooperate with the Registering Officers and secure their pets or animals during the visit. (PR/GIS)

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Police Service Tips For A Safe Bank Holiday Weekend

As persons prepare to attend various events over this extended weekend, Crime Prevention Officer with The Barbados Police Service, Inspector Roger Babb, is encouraging them to “stay in control” as they enjoy themselves.

Inspector Babb reminds members of the public that drinking alcohol impairs their ability to make good decisions, and drinking and driving may result in accidents that can be fatal.

The Crime Prevention Officer shared these useful tips:

Do not feel pressured to drink alcohol; it is okay to say no.
Do not drink and drive, always have a sober designated driver.
If you drink, do so in moderation and never leave your drink unattended.
Do not let anyone bring a drink for you.
To avoid having your drinks spiked, buy your own drinks, and watch the bartender make or open them.
If you think your drink was tampered with, let someone know and seek medical attention.
Be cautious with strangers and do not accept drinks from them.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Never mix alcohol with other drugs.
PR/GIS

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SANDALS BARBADOS RECEIVES (CARPHA) AWARD

Sandals Barbados is the proud recipient of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Healthier Safer Tourism (HST) award.

The presentation was made recently at the Ministry of Health and Wellness office located in the Frank Walcott Building, St. Michael, Barbados.

Accepting the award for the Luxury Included Resort was General Manager Bruno Couesnon.

In his brief remarks Couesnon thanked every one of the team members who contributed to the resort’s recent accolade.

“It’s always nice to win awards; but it takes a team effort to achieve the results for which we are being recognized, today. The health and safety of our guests and team members are important to us and it is great to be selected and celebrated by CARPHA for doing our part and succeeding,” said Couesnon.

Executive Director of CARPHA Dr. Lisa Indar commended the hotel for achieving this internationally recognized award and praised its commitment to health and safety procedures.

“The 2019 Covid pandemic led to global shut down of tourism but it also demonstrated the resilience of the Caribbean by being able to bounce back. Part of that bouncing back was to be able to create a healthier and safer tourism experience and the reason you are here today is by being part of the tourism health programme and implementing proactive measures,” said Dr. Indar.

Some of the benefits of this award include being regionally and internationally recognized for healthier safer tourism endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO); the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

The award is the only traveler’s health award where compliance is assessed – it is measurable and verifiable, ensuring the safety of the tourist facility, staff and guests. It also gives a comparative, marketing advantage and gives value to the quality of service.(PR)

CAPTION: Sandals Barbados General Manager General Manager Bruno Couesnon (L) accepting the CARPHA award from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George