Nassau, Bahamas - On
November 18, 2011 representatives from the U. S. Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Drug
Enforcement Unit (DEU) observed Red Ribbon Week at the Meridian School
in Nassau with an interactive assembly designed to
encourage students to
resist negative peer pressure and live a healthy, drug-free life. The
more than 200 pre-school through year 6 students were overjoyed with
excitement when a DEA helicopter landed on the field, and each student
was given an opportunity to take a tour inside. Students walked away
with a better understanding of the problems related to drugs facing many
communities today and were encouraged to say “no” to drugs and other
unhealthy habits.
“Red
Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our
efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said U. S. Drug Enforcement
Administration, Country Attaché, James Connolly. “Research shows that
children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and
other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to
substance use and abuse.”
For
more than 25 years, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing
commitment by, parents, teachers, businesses and community leaders and
to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in communities. In 1985, Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki"
Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Camarena's death,
citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California began wearing red
ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The U.S. Congress
established Red Ribbon Week in 1988 in Special Agent Camarena's honor.
Today,
Red Ribbon Week is celebrated throughout the United States and in a
number of countries around the world, helping to preserve Special Agent
Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The
Red Ribbon Campaign has also become a symbol of support for the DEA's
efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention programs in
partnership with community stakeholders. By actively promoting a
drug-free message, Red Ribbon Week activities not only pay homage not
only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made
the ultimate sacrifice in support of their nation's struggle against
drug trafficking and abuse.
