A group of young individuals from Antigua and Barbuda is currently attending the 2nd Caribbean Youth Forum on Drug Use Prevention in The Bahamas.

Their main objective is to develop a strategic proposal that can help combat substance abuse in schools. The delegation is made up of two CARICOM Youth Ambassadors, Esquire Henry and Pia Nichols, as well as Aaron Gittens, a member of the National Youth Volunteer Corps.

The forum is being hosted by the Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (ES-CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS) at Breezes Resort Bahamas in Nassau from July 29 to August 4, 2023.

The event started with a pre-forum training for youth leaders on July 29-30.

The OAS stated that the Youth Forum is an excellent platform for young individuals to develop effective and innovative youth-led drug prevention action plans that can be implemented in their communities.

The forum aims to prepare young people to become active participants in various stages of prevention programming, where they can play a crucial and leadership role.

Additionally, the agenda includes a “Best Project Competition” that will provide participants with the opportunity to showcase their leadership qualities by designing youth-led projects in drug use prevention.

Henry expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend the forum and explained that they received vital information on drug use and prevention mechanisms.

They also examined the relationship between the increase in marijuana use and crime. After discussions with the Department of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders, they hope to implement their proposal successfully.

Nichols and Gittens also praised the forum, stating that it was an enlightening and engaging experience. They gained new knowledge and skills that they can use to empower young people in Antigua and Barbuda in the fight against drugs.