DARE GRADUATES SIXTEEN ON THE BRAC

Tuesday, 26 June marked the end of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education
(DARE) programme on Cayman Brac with the graduation of sixteen
students from the Creek and Spot Bay Primary School.

The ceremony was held in the conference room at the Brac Reef Beach
Resort where the students were presented with their certificates and
awards.

In attendance were National Drug Council (NDC) Project Manager, Simon
Miller and from the Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIP) Chief
Superintendent John Jones, Chief Inspector Patrick Beersingh, Sergeant
Fort, PC Cornelius Pompey, PC Andrew Alexander, PC Rob Stewart and
Sergeant Casey Connolly of the Brac, along with proud parents and teachers.

This is the fifth DARE graduation on the Brac. "You cannot put a roof
on until you have built a strong foundation," stated PC Stewart.
"Thanks to the DARE Programme, the parents and the teachers of these
fine students, we have made very sturdy foundations."

The students completed a nine week course, during which they were
taught the dangers of tobacco, marijuana and alcohol consumption. They
were also taught how to handle situations where they may be asked or
tempted to use drugs. "I could not have asked for a better group,"
says PC Stewart. "Each and every one of them is very hard working and
brilliant. I'm so pleased with how well the programme was received and
I'm very proud of the students."

Each of the sixteen students received their certificates and several
special awards were given to four outstanding students, Edmundlee
Keating, Anthony Rivers, Jamaree Douglas and Sarah Dixon.

"I feel good that there are programmes like DARE that teach you not to
take drugs or become alcoholics," said Edmundlee, one of the
outstanding students who was asked to read his written report on drug
abuse at the ceremony. "The programme was a lot of fun and I really
enjoyed the games we played."

Chief Superintendent Jones emphasised that "illegal drugs and the
abuse of alcohol and legal drugs bring about the evils in society. Our
job and the purpose of DARE is to prepare these youngsters to make a
decision." Throughout his speech he stressed the importance of the
programme, the impact it would have on the students and his wishes to
see it expand.

PC Stewart wrapped up with words of advice and encouragement reminding
the students, "When you are in this situation and it comes time for
you to make a decision, your teachers, your parents and I won't be
there. You are ultimately faced with the choice, you have the power.
Just say no."