Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has expressed concern about the availability of certain substances in schools across the island.
Dr. Tufton says health facilities have been dealing with children requiring treatment after ingesting a variety of substances which they obtained at school.
He is therefore calling for greater levels of support for the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ campaign around substance abuse.
“We have had to treat children based on exposure in schools. Some are uptown schools, some are middle town schools, some are downtown schools. And even where costs are high, we have had cases of children being able to afford it and are exposing themselves and each other. So the sweets, the gummies, the drinks, the vapes, the pills and other products sometimes from unknown sources. So we are asking schools, churches, youth organisations, community groups, event promoters, transport operators, vendors, neighbours to play their part,” he urged.
Dr. Tufton was speaking Thursday at a ceremony to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in St. James.