Dear Editor: Black Stalin, calypsonian and social commentator, coined the phrase “better days are coming” in one of his many calypsoes. At the time he sought to inspire the nation to hold strong despite the many social ills and to expect better days ahead.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions seeks now to echo the sentiments of Black Stalin, convinced, as we are, that better days are indeed coming.

We at the Trinidad and Tobago National Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions have noted the Honourable Prime Minister’s commendable budgetary inclusion of increased taxes on alcohol and tobacco products in the hope that this will result in a reduction of the consumption and by extension, the abuse of alcohol in our society.

Just about a month prior to the budget speech, we also recognised that the Ministry of Education published some findings regarding the abuse of alcohol and other illicit drugs within the school system. For more than fifteen years, we at the National Council have been working in the school system fighting against the very same issues alluded to in the statement.

 That we have been advocating for the implementation of prevention modules in the schools’ curricula and have been training peer educators to assist in the dissemination of information in the system, vindicate our almost two decades of leading the charge of eradicating substance abuse within our schools.

We are therefore heartened by the measures announced by the Ministry of Education to deal with these issues, knowing now that we will have the support of the Ministry to continue with our Schools Project entitled “Infomania 25” – Schools Information Caravan, now in its fourth year.

The Caravan seeks to enter every school in Trinidad and Tobago, providing each with information and skills to dissuade the involvement of substance abuse by their students.

The task set by the Ministry of Education is a mammoth one, requiring the input of all the stakeholders, but will only succeed if we attack the problem with even more fervour in the wider society.

We are encouraged to believe that the Government is finally waking up from its slumber with respect to substance abuse and that greater measures will be put in place to deal with this menacing issue.

Having lamented his disappointment with the US Government on an international forum, for reducing their resources and initiatives in the fight against illicit drugs in the Caribbean, hopefully this is an indicator of how important this issue is being viewed. We therefore anticipate that there will be greater effort to support local initiatives, especially when the Prime Minister is also calling on his Caribbean counterparts to pull together to protect the region from the trafficking of illicit drugs.

It is no secret that the drug trade with all its components is the single most destructive force challenging mankind. It has occasioned damage to the moral, spiritual and social fabric of our nation, fuelling crime and the decline in the robust mental health of our people.

As a nation we can no longer stand idly by and allow this destruction to continue unabated. The Trinidad and Tobago National Council on  Alcoholism and Other Addictions will continue to work towards the development of the will of our people to reject the lure of both licit and illicit drugs.

A survey conducted in selected communities in 1999, revealed that 7 0% of all the male respondents consumed alcohol on a daily basis. So too did 10% of all persons under the age of 18 and 20% of all school age children.

We therefore plead for the introduction of the Breathalyzer and the supporting legislation, the curbing of alcohol advertisements especially those targeting our young population and a ban on the use of alcohol products in all school and sporting activities.

Our passion is ablaze once more, fuelled by the fact that the morality of our country is once more receiving attention alongside the political and economic dictates. It is only through the re-inculcation of strong moral values, that our nation could once more regain the sobriquet of “paradise on earth”.

 If indeed the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has taken the position enunciated in the Budget presentation, and we believe that it has, and is prepared to buffer the raging waters of objection and economic arguments against its measures, then we can say without a doubt that “better days are coming”.
- Trinidad and Tobago National Council on Alcohol and Other Addictions

DEAR EDITOR: Christ the King Church of Les Efforts, San Fernando has done it again! This community has a rich history of academic success and we are proud to congratulate Tamara Toolsie, who placed eighth in the world in Geography in the GCE A-Level examination of 2006. Tamara was awarded an open scholarship in Languages.

The daughter of Ragin and Claudia Toolsie, Tamara and her sister were baptised in Christ the King Church and completed the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation at this church. 

She attended St Gabriel’s Girls’ RC where she passed for her first choice, St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando. From a tender age, Tamara has been involved in various Church activities.

 Her mother, her sister and herself are all members of the Church choir. It was no surprise to see Tamara coming to church straight from lessons to sing at our Saturday evening Mass. 

Tamara is the most recent academic success coming from our small community. Last year, Danielle Stewart scored the highest mark in the island at the SEA examination. Jevron Beckles was awarded a scholarship for his sterling performance in the Advanced Level Examinations of 2005.

He is also a member of the Church choir and has been accompanying the choir on drums for several years. In the past, this community has had scholarships from Camelie Ram, the daughter of a Eucharistic Minister who is now studying in England and Alicia Whitther who is also in England pursuing her studies.  Alicia was also a member of our Church choir. There is also Patsy Hydal who won a scholarship and is now a medical doctor.

The parishioners of Christ the King Church are proud to salute our young people on their achievements. Congratulations to all our young people who have been successful in their examinations and thank you for making our community proud.

We wish you all success in your future endeavours and may God continue to lead you in your life’s journey.
MM, Proud Parishioner of Christ the King Church