Youths in Region 8 enlightened of drug smuggling, teenage pregnancy risks

At a recent outreach held by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), students were sensitised on teenage pregnancy and the dangers of smuggling marijuana.
During the one-week outreach, it was revealed that teenage pregnancy and the smoking of marijuana seeds at the dormitories are among the challenges in that region.
In her remarks, DPP’s Communications Officer, Liz Rahaman, urged students to focus on their education and to stay away from early sexual cohabitation as this can have severe setbacks on their lives. During the talks on teenage pregnancies, a teacher disclosed that she faces criticism from some parents for allowing young mothers back into the school system after giving birth.
However, officials from the DPP’s Chambers and the WGEC explained that this was allowed and was focused on giving those young mothers a chance to complete their education.
The team also spoke to students about the dangers of smuggling the marijuana seeds into the dormitories for distribution to fellow students who indulge in smoking it.
Meanwhile, Toshao Barry Joe has undertaken to have a more hands-on approach to working closely with the Police in the community and to report matters of concern.
He emphasised that one hamlet did not have an established Police station at Paramakatoi. However, it was observed that construction works are ongoing to establish a Police station at the location. At present, Police ranks have to travel from Kato by ATVs to investigate reports.
Ranks have also explained that sometimes it is very difficult to traverse the rough terrains, especially during the wet season and by the time they reach a crime scene, the suspect would have already fled the area further into the backlands.
During the week, meetings were held with communities at Bamboo Creek, Bashvale, and Kato. The DPP’s Chambers also held meetings at the Paramakatoi Secondary and the Kato Secondary Schools, where students and teachers were very receptive to the visit. (G1)