Dr. Peter Landless
Dr. Alexis Llaguno
Dr. Oswaldo Lara
Mrs. Julia Silva de Lara
Ministers
Principal Secretaries
Invited guests
Ladies and gentlemen
 
 
A good afternoon to you all

It gives me a great pleasure to be amongst you this afternoon to witness and to participate in the launching of a new organisation dedicated to the fight against drug and alcohol abuse in all its forms. To me, I feel that the message of the President for 2009, i.e., Koste Seselwa, or Come Together, Seychellois, is bearing fruit.

It is time to act. It is time for greater unity and concerted action.  The goal is clear.  We need to rid our country of this scourge.

Ladies and gentlemen

Earlier this year, the leaders of various churches in Seychelles have joined together – again in the spirit of Koste Seselwa – to help other organisations – government, NGO’s – to fight against substance abuse. They have formed an Interfaith Committee.

 

They have presented a Joint Declaration to the President and the government on 8th July. Moreover, on 26th June this year, the Committee again showed its commitment by participating in the march against drug abuse.

While the traffickers think of new plans to enrich themselves, other conscientious, serious-minded, committed Seychellois and others are doing their very best to help our children and youth – and adults – make choices that promote healthy living, choices that save lives. I commend these efforts.

This afternoon, we have come together to witness what the power of unity can achieve. Individual churches are now developing a variety of responses to help parents, children and communities to address the issue of alcoholism and drug addiction. The Roman Catholic Church is setting up a rehab centre – the Centre D’ Accueil La Rosière. The Seventh Day Adventist Church is launching the ICPA – Seychelles Chapter.

This initiative is welcome and brings more resources, both human and material, to providing appropriate services to the nation as a whole.

The ICPA – Seychelles Chapter will be a plus, a driving force in the domain of prevention. Young people will be mentored and helped to build their resilience to stay the course, not to falter, not to fall into the grips and the living hell that alcoholism and drug addiction can bring to their life.

The Government of Seychelles, and I personally, wish to give our full support to these initiatives which promise to bring other ideas, other programmes, other services for our children and youth.  Government cannot do everything alone. It needs people, dedicated and committed people, to help conceptualise and implement various programmes. This initiative represents a partnership between all sectors in society – government, non-government, private, faith-based, community-based.

Ladies and gentlemen, Koste Seselwa indeed – in thought, in action and in spirit.

It remains for me now to congratulate everyone who has participated in this process to make it a reality – the members of the Steering Committee, the members of the new board, the various organisations who have assisted technically – CARE, DAC, the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Ministry of Community Development, Youth, Culture and Sports, and LUNGOS.

I wish to especially thank the young people who have worked on this project. You are true patriots and your efforts in nation-building are laudable and your contributions are appreciated.

It now gives me immense pleasure to officially launch the National Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency.

Congratulations and bon courage for your future endeavours.

Thank you