Since the recent exposure of the gang activity in Barbados surfaced, more parents are taking note of the dangers facing their children/wards.

“There are still many parents who think this is a myth, and fail to take note of the warning signs of their children’s involvement in gang related activities, or fail to correct the increasing display of deviance.”

Minister Roger Husbands has been shedding light on some of the darker issues going on in Barbados as it relates to our youth; however on Sunday 16th May 2010, at Mount of Praise Wesleyan Holiness at 5:00pm, Drug Education and Counselling Services will be celebrating 6 years of continuous work with the youth in the fight against substance abuse and deviance in our communities.

DECS will be awarding their dedicated volunteers, Pastors, Partner Organizations and individuals who have generously supported the charity with their time, finances and skills. The Ministers of Education Ronald Jones, as well as Culture & Community Development Steve Blackett & Barbados’ Chief Education Officer confirmed their attendance and committed support to DECS’ efforts.

“We are celebrating the achievements of the youth within the past 6 years of operation. They have all made a decision to consciously make a change in their lives despite the challenges of peer pressure, substance, physical and verbal abuse. They seek DECS as a place of refuge. If adults do not step up to the plate today, I am afraid for the kind of future we are going to see tomorrow!”