Rotary Challenged Over Youth Substance Abuse
Rotary Assistant Governor in the BVI, Shan Mohamed, has urged the Rotary Club of Central Tortola to design a structured, sustainable substance-awareness and prevention programme for young people, with a clear blueprint, budget and measurable outcomes. Mohamed warned that youth alcohol and drug use is a national crisis requiring schools, churches, government and community groups to work together rather than rely on one-off events.
Rotary leaders in the British Virgin Islands have been challenged to move beyond occasional awareness activities and develop a sustained programme to prevent drug and alcohol abuse among young people. Rotary Assistant Governor in the BVI, Shan Mohamed, made the appeal to members of the Rotary Club of Central Tortola, saying the initiative must include "a blueprint, a budget, and a measurable outcome" and must not be reduced to "a one-day event" or publicity exercise.
He described youth substance misuse reported at social events and in schools as a "national crisis" that requires a coordinated community response. Mohamed emphasised the need for young people to have a stronger sense of purpose and access to positive role models who demonstrate integrity, hard work and kindness. "They need to be shown that their lives matter and that they have a role to play in shaping our society," he said, urging Rotary to be the driving force behind a programme that can be sustained and expanded across the territory.
The assistant governor called on other sectors — including schools, churches, government agencies and community organisations — to partner with Rotary. "We cannot do it alone. We are not meant to," he said, noting that effective prevention and early intervention often require services and supports beyond what a single civic club can provide.
For BVI residents, the challenge highlights several practical priorities for any local programme: prevention education in schools, consistent messaging to families about parental responsibility and access to substances, community-based mentorship and outreach, and clear referral pathways for young people who need assessment or treatment.
Mohamed said the programme should be designed so results can be measured, which will help determine what works and where resources should be focused. Rotary members were urged to take the first step by creating a model that can be replicated across the territory and by keeping an eye on other social problems affecting young people.
The call to action places civic organisations at the centre of a broader community effort to protect young people from substance-related harm and to help them build constructive, hopeful futures.
Primary source: BVI News