Monday, January 25 – The Sandy Lane Centre and the Ministry of Health and Social Development held an Awards Recognition Luncheon yesterday for six clients of the centre who have maintained their sobriety for at least one year.
The honourees are Messrs. Jamal Bedford, Noel Chinnery, Derrick Dawson, and Mitchell Brewley who have each been sober for two years; Mr. Wayne Marshal who has been sober for one year and Mr. Clifford Stoddard, sober for six years.
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Petrona N. Davies gave remarks on behalf of Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC who was unable to attend the event as she is overseas on official duty. Mrs. Davies commended the honourees and encouraged them to remain sober. “Each of you represents a unique value to the British Virgin Islands community, as you possess individual talents and abilities that are yet to be tapped,” she said.
Mrs. Davies also acknowledged the commitment of staff members at the Sandy Lane Centre who remain at the helm of the Territory’s efforts against substance abuse and addiction. The permanent secretary underscored the centre’s role in the recovery of 35 persons since 1995; two of whom are now employees of the Sandy Lane Centre.
Chairman of the National Drug Advisory Council Canon Julian Clarke delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted the combined effort which is needed to curb addiction in the Territory. “When successes come they come because family, friends, community and individuals get together and say we are going to be here for you (the addict),” he said.
According to Canon Clarke, addictions exist in many forms and everyone is likely to be addicted to something. “I want us to acknowledge that each of us may well struggle with our own kind of addiction and we need to draw a lesson from these young men,” he said.
A special humanitarian award was presented to local businessman Mr. Ashley Ritter, for his contributions and support over several years to the work of the Sandy Lane Centre. Held at Maria’s By The Sea Restaurant as part of Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, the Awards Recognition Luncheon was attended by ministry officials, family, and friends of the honourees.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.
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British Virgin Islands News