The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS) recently convened a crucial discussion with representatives from partner agencies to review the findings of a three-month study on youth substance use in Saint Lucia.
The study, which focused on young people aged 13 to 17, examined behaviors and risks linked to substance use.
Natasha Lloyd-Felix emphasised the study’s importance in helping stakeholders design targeted prevention programs. “This was of importance to us simply because we know youth in that age group tend to have a very low risk perception. They are adventurous, they will try new things, and they also have very strong pair influence and pair relationships. And we wanted to hear precisely what was happening with them, what concerns them, what they thought were solutions or mitigating factors that could help reduce their risk.” she said.
Customs Inspector Darin Solomon highlighted the study’s relevance to his department, describing it as a wake-up call.
“For me it was a rude awakening because it basically highlighted the easy accessibility of both illicit and illicit substances on island. So it’s a very, very interesting study and I think it’s one that will be used in the future to create certain interventions in terms of dealing with this issue. For us, we need to probably perhaps focus on imports,”Solomon stated.
The session drew participation from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Transformation, Probation Services, the Boys’ Training Centre, and organisations working with in-school and vulnerable youth.
Stakeholders expressed a collective commitment to leveraging the study’s findings to address the evolving issue of substance use among Saint Lucian youth.
