Below are the opening remarks delivered by the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, at Thursday’s substance abuse training seminar held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). 

The event was hosted by the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) and featured a keynote presentation by Carlton Hall of the US-based Carlton Hall Consulting, a recognised leader in substance abuse prevention and training.

Attendees included representatives from across the Island—community-based organisations and Government agencies alike—who came together to strengthen awareness and strategies around substance misuse prevention under the theme: "Expert Strategies for Substance Misuse Prevention."

OPENING REMARKS
by
The Hon. Mr. Michael Weeks, JP, MP
Minister of National Security

Good morning.

Welcome to the Department for National Drug Control’s Prevention Unit. “From Awareness to Action” initiative.

This event is focused on giving community leaders and interested groups the necessary tools to foster effective coalitions and to engage hard-to-reach stakeholders in substance misuse prevention efforts.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore strategies for building trust, enhancing transparency and ensuring that decision-making processes reflect the uniqueness of Bermuda.

As concerns regarding substance abuse increase in our community, it is important to recognize the need for prevention. Substance abuse prevention is a proactive process that empowers individuals and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions.

As a community, it is imperative that we create and reinforce conditions that promote the healthiest of lifestyles and foster a climate where the goal is for:

• Responsible alcohol use to be acceptable only for those of legal age and only when the risk of adverse consequences is minimal, and
• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are used only for the purposes for which they were intended.

The training session today will emphasize collaboration, cultural relevance and the shared goal of safeguarding Bermuda’s communities from the negative impacts of substance misuse/abuse.

Our youth deserve to grow up in an environment that is supportive and provides positive opportunities, skills and recognition. These environmental areas help to reduce the likelihood that they will use drugs and alcohol. Current programmes at the school level are beneficial to our students but definitely require expansion to reach all students. The greater community must also get involved and remain involved at the grassroots level in order to ensure the safeguarding of our community and its youth.

The prevention unit of the DNDC welcomes the opportunity to work with any organization interested in or involved in drug prevention efforts and are available to discuss proposals and initiatives with you.

Drug prevention efforts impact the whole community and present the opportunity for partnerships and collaboration at the grassroots level, as well as with public and private agencies.

At this time, I would like to welcome you to today’s training and drug prevention educational opportunity for Bermuda.