TUNING OFF DRUGS

THE National Narcotics Bureau is keen to meet the challenges of
significantly reducing drug abuse, production and trafficking by educating
young people through music, sport and awareness.

As part of its efforts towards achieving this objective, the bureau in
conjunction with Papua New Guinea's newest recording studio, Rising Star
Quality Studio, yesterday celebrated this year's International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by devoting the day to music, perhaps
the world's most international language.

From Port Moresby to the provinces nationwide, the message of the day was
clear - "Turn On Music, Turn Off Drugs."

In Port Moresby, musicians from the Rising Star Studio performed in front
of a large crowd of youths, students and young children gathered at the Sir
John Guise Stadium to celebrate the day.

Among the guests were Police Minister Mathias Karani, Health Minster Ludger
Mond, Police Commissioner John Wakon, National Narcotics Control Board
chairman Superintendent Sam Bonner, National Narcotics Bureau chief David
Ericho, departmental secretaries, senior police officers and non-government
organisation representatives.

A major drawcard at the celebrations was the live performance of
established PNG musicians Basil Greg and Hitsy Golou who belted out a
number of favourites.

The project themed "Turn On Music, Turn Off Drugs" launched yesterday by
the Prime Minister is a joint community initiative of the National
Narcotics Bureau and Rising Star Quality Studio.

Under the arrangement, Rising Star Studio, owned by Central province
businessman, Wari Vele, has agreed to promote the work of the bureau.

The theme "Turn On Music, Turn Off Drugs" with the logo of the National
Narcotics Bureau will be featured on the cover of every cassette it releases.

Mr Vele said the Rising Star Studio though new, was happy to be associated
with the bureau in addressing an important national issue.

"The issue of the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs is a
global problem which is being addressed by all concerned governments and
organisations worldwide," he said.

"It is also becoming a major problem in PNG and we as a government,
corporate citizens and individuals have to play our role in addressing this
issue."

NNB director general David Ericho commended the involvement of Rising Star
Studio in the program as a major boost in the bureau's drive to address the
drug issue in the country.

"A lot of our young people are experimenting and taking dangerous drugs
whilst not being fully aware of the consequences involved," he said.

"The need for understanding and knowledge of the social, health, mental and
physiological problems associated with taking illicit drugs is obviously
lacking and many of our young people are driven to experiment these drugs.

"Music as the number one language in the world in the sense that it is
easily the most appreciated and most listened to, is perhaps the most
powerful medicine to get the message across to our people.

"The music industry in PNG can play a vital role but sadly though, I
believe the industry has failed to recognise that. I commend the Rising
Star Studio for having the insight and vision in approaching my office to
jointly undertake this project."