On February 26th the community of North Caicos celebrated with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) within the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services as it reopened the doors of the Youth Activity Center (formally known as the Drug Prevention Center).
According to Director of DMHSD, Dr. Alicia Malcolm, “The Youth Activity Center is designed to provide yout...h in our community with positive alternative activities that are drug and alcohol free as this is an essential aspect of youth prevention. It also offers engaging, creative, fun activities that give students a safe place, outside of school, to be with each other”.
At the opening, Hon. Amanda Missick, Acting Premier, brought greetings and performed the cutting of the ribbon. Remarks were also delivered by founding members of the North Caicos Community Drug Awareness Group (NCCDAG) and other persons who contributed to the project including Mr. Paul Palouse, Former Chair of the NCCDAG, Rev. Evan Williams, current president of the NCCDAG, Pastor Fuller Gardiner, former member and Mr. Crawford Sherman, Director of Parrot Cay Resort.
Attendees were also graced with performances by students from the Hubert James Primary School and the Adelaide Oemler Primary School.
The Department wishes to thank all those persons who donated to the project, especially the Parrot Cay Resort who partnered with TCIG to complete the major works to the building. Special thanks also goes out to the District Commissioner of North Caicos and all the community members who lent a hand in helping to ensure the success of the event.
For more information on youth drug prevention initiatives, contact the DMHSD on 338-3613, 338-4737 or 338-6301 or check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD