15th artists against addiction showcase receives strong support

Roadtown, Tortola - There were memorable performances from more than 20 local artists during the 15th annual Artists Against Addiction Showcase last Sunday afternoon in the Breezeway of the Central Administration Building.

The event, which was sponsored by the Sandy Lane Centre and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, provided an opportunity for local artists to use their voices in solidarity against substance abuse and addiction. The event served as a forum for the community to come together to be inspired and empowered to continue the fight to reduce and hopefully eradicate addiction.

In her opening remarks Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Penn, OBE, QC underscored the wide toll that addiction often takes. “Addiction is destructive to the affected individual, his or her family, and our community,” she said. Honourable Penn also reiterated the Government’s commitment to fighting substance abuse and addiction in the Territory.

Manager of the Sandy Lane Centre Mrs. Maris Hodge Wright told the gathering that the Artists Against Addiction Showcase is not only about entertainment. “It is also a place where you become educated,” she said. Mrs. Hodge Wright encouraged the public to make use of the literature related to addiction which is available from the Sandy Lane Centre.

Sunday’s concert included a presentation to Grade Four student of the Willard Wheatley Primary School Miss Akada Charles who won the Centre’s first annual Inter-Primary School Poetry Competition. Consolation awards were also presented to several other students who entered noteworthy pieces for the competition.

Artists Against Addiction was held as part of Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in January under the theme “It’s 2010 Don’t Pretend; Drugs Can Take You to the End”.

The Sandy Lane Centre was established under the Ministry of Health and Social Development in 1995 to provide treatment and related services to persons who suffer from addictions to alcohol and other substances; to lend support to the families of persons who suffer from addiction; and to provide education and increased awareness on addiction and treatment.