Pride Bermuda is celebrating three decades of steering the island’s youth away from drugs and towards a bright future.

The drug prevention charity marked the milestone today at the launch of its 19th annual Red Ribbon fundraiser, which kick-started a series of special events this week.

“For the past 30 years our goal has been to stomp out drug abuse before it starts,” executive director Judith Burgess said.

“In order to do this we have proactively gone into local schools and educated young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse.

“Our overall aim is to prevent them from going down those negative paths and instead focus on their gifts, talents and potentially bright future ahead.”

This year’s theme aims to foster a stronger sense of community spirit and bring Pride closer to its dream of creating a drug-free Bermuda.

Ms Burgess said: “Our theme for this year’s event is ‘Strong As One, Stronger Together’ and that’s because we recognise that we can’t fight this battle alone.

“It takes time, resources and a combined, heartfelt effort from the entire community to make the progress we wish to see.

“That’s why we are calling on residents of Bermuda — people of all ages, races and backgrounds — to support this worthwhile cause by donating to the Red Ribbon Campaign.

“No amount is too little and you can trust that every penny will be put to good use for the future of our children.”

The awareness campaign was proclaimed by the Premier, who also offered words of praise and encouragement.

“For many years, Pride Bermuda has undertaken the most important and critical business of ensuring that our young people are made aware of the perils of drug use,” Michael Dunkley said.

“We have seen the effects and the end results that a lifetime of substance abuse can have on individuals in our community.

“That is why the work of Pride Bermuda is very important year in, year out, for all of our young people.”

Mr Dunkley added that the Government supports the charity’s efforts and stressed the importance of bringing the “entire community on board” to be a part of the solution.

“As parents, as a community, I encourage all of us to make talking about drugs a part of our general health and safety conversations with our children.

“And lets join Pride Bermuda in growing stronger so our children can be drug free, know the facts and the dire consequences.”

Also in attendance to offer encouragement and congratulate the charity were Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, Acting Governor Ginny Ferson and US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig.

The Right Rev Nicholas Dill, Bishop of Bermuda, led the audience in prayer and PLP leader Marc Bean urged young people to avoid the temptation of illegal and legal drugs.

And PLP senator Kim Wilkerson, chairwoman of Pride, thanked all those in attendance for “showing up today and year after year to support the Red Ribbon event”.

Entertainment was provided by this year’s song competition winners, which included first place winner Iannah Caines, a 14-year-old Bermuda High School student.

Second place winners, the Zooming Zebras, consisting of West End Primary School students Oamiah Grant, Diana Matthie, Danasia Ennis and Diamond Jones also vowed the crowd.

And six-year-old Seri Fisher, who won third place, also received a standing ovation from the audience following her performance.

Also in attendance were community partners CADA and other local drug treatment centres, who handed out information about their programmes.

And Ashley Stephens, of Ashley’s Lemonade, set up her stall, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Pride is encouraging the public to wear red in support of its efforts on Friday and businesses can buy red ribbon packs, which are still available from the Pride office, for staff to wear.

And on Sunday, supporters are welcome to join staff at St John’s AME Church from 11am to 1pm for a “special time of prayer over the island’s young people”.

“There are lots of opportunities to get involved and support the efforts of PRIDE Bermuda,” Ms Burgess said.

“We look forward to seeing you participate in this week’s events and hope the community will continue to educate itself on the values of drug prevention in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Red Ribbon campaign began in 1998 in honour of United States Drug Enforcement Administration Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was kidnapped and killed in Mexico in February of 1985.

His death resulted in an outpouring of sympathy around the world and led to a formalised campaign of hope in Mr Camarena’s honour.

• For more information about the Red Ribbon Campaign, or to get involved, call Pride Bermuda on 295-9970 or e-mail info@pride.prevention.bm.