Maria Chandler, Anya Greaves, and Kerensa Yarde topped the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), ‘Don’t Meth It Up’ Poster and Writing Contest and have been lauded for their work.
The three were among 10 awardees who received prizes during an award ceremony held last Friday, September 1, 2023, for their essay, poetry, or poster submissions.
The competition was launched in early July following the announcement that Barbados recorded its first case of methamphetamine earlier this year.
Addressing those present, Deputy Manager of the NCSA, Troy Wickham, said some of the submissions from the Poster and Writing Competition will be used creatively to convey the drug education messages and interventions.
“The competition encouraged persons 16 years and older to think about the prevalence and availability of methamphetamine, as well the mental and physical effects that it can have on an individual’s life. I consider this competition a success and commend all concerned for engaging our youth through the arts to highlight substance abuse issues we can be faced with,” Mr. Wickham said.
Chairman of the NCSA, Hadford Howell, said the organisation was grateful to all parents and guardians who encouraged and allowed their wards to participate. “In doing so, you have contributed to them ‘not METHING it up’. I have assumed that participation called, in various measures, for ingenuity, confidence, and ability,” Chairman Howell noted.
Also receiving prizes in the essay category were Gabrielle Leonce and Zoe Searles. Those receiving prizes in the poetry category were Sherquan Isaac and Kya Knight. Meanwhile, Marlon Madden, Zene Connell and Peter Lowe were recognised for their poster submissions.