The University of the Virgin Islands welcomed upwards of 600 St. Croix junior high school students for a day of fun, singing, poetry, dancing, and a strong drug-free message Wednesday as part of Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week is observed every October. It began in 1985 as a tribute to Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City. Sponsored by the DEA, participants encourage people to display red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance toward drug use and work to promote drug-free communities. Since then, its focus has broadened to include alcohol, tobacco and violence.
U.S. Attorney Ronald Sharpe, Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Chanelle Wallace and top local law enforcement officials talked to the students about what they’ve seen and where drug use and selling drugs can lead, and heard from a current prison inmate.
But there was as much fun and games as lecturing. At one point, Junior Garcia, the master of ceremonies, led students from Elena Christian, John H. Woodson, and Arthur A. Richards junior high schools in a dance-off.
Wednesday’s event was one of many this week throughout the territory. On St. Thomas Wednesday evening, UVI held a "Step Off/Speak Out Against Drugs competition. Red Ribbon week continues Thursday with a march against drug abuse beginning at 9:30 a.m. on St. Thomas, from Emile Griffith Park to Emancipation Garden.
Thursday, UVI on St. Croix will hold a "Pledge to be Drug Free" pledge-signing and a "Speak Out on Drugs" forum from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.