2007 Press Releases

Belize to Receive Funds for National Drug Abuse Control Council - March 15, 2007

Prime Minister Said Musa and U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter signed a Letter of Agreement for FY 2007.  The Agreement provides additional funds of US$15,000 to further expand ongoing projects to assist the efforts of the Government of Belize to reduce the demand for drugs within Belize primary and secondary schools; and assist the GOB with the establishment of a drug treatment, rehabilitation and social integration centre. 

Drug Council’s Director Karen Bodden noted: “Strong drug prevention programs offer a ray of hope in a world darkened by substance use and abuse. It is important for us, as a society, to ensure that this ray of hope keeps getting brighter. Our children must be protected against the destructive scourge of drugs that is plaguing our society and destroying childhood innocence. It is therefore an honor for the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) to work in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in offering strong alternative programs to Belize's future - our children.”

“The U.S. Embassy is proud to sponsor efforts to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of substance abuse and to encourage the development of strong anti-drug policies and programs," said Ambassador Robert J. Dieter.  "Substance abuse is horribly debilitating on a society and especially so for young people.  The “You Got Game” and “Soccer in the Streets” programs provide an alternative at a critical decision point and encourage healthy choices though a drug-free lifestyle.”

The participating schools for the “You Got Game” skills program in Belize City are the Edward P. Yorke High School, Excelsior Junior High School, Gwen Lizarraga High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, St. Michael’s College and Wesley College. 

The participating schools for the “Soccer in the Streets” skills program for the Corozal District are San Francis Xavier Primary, Corozal Methodist Primary, Corozal Nazarene Primary; the San Antonio Government, San Andres (Maryhill R.C.) schools; and the Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Zion Adventist schools in Libertad Village, as well as the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian schools in Concepcion Village.

Funds are made available through the Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.