by Lindsay Thompson/BIS
The Ministry of Health and Wellness closed out its IGNITE Youth Forum hosted by the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC) by arming young people with key tools to remain drug free, and other skills for healthy relationships.
The closing ceremony was held at the C.R. Walker Senior High School on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The Youth Forum, IGNITE which stands for Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Talents & Empowerment, is part of the ministry’s Summer Employment Programme held July 21 to August 1, 2025. A total of 36 students participated in the initiative.
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville in his closing address used himself as an example of possibilities, despite humble beginnings.
As one of eight children, he shared that his mother worked hard to provide for them. And, that those circumstances did not deter him from excelling in his studies thus earning scholarships throughout his educational journey.
He also admonished the students to be wary of drugs, to apply themselves to whatever they intend to pursue as a career, and be productive adults.
During an interactive segment, some of the students shared their passion, and educational and career pursuits.
The Drug Council objectives for the two weeks were:
• To develop strong personal and social skills to adapt to and cope with adversities;
• To make good and safe life choices;
• To be confident in their own abilities;
• To act as role models to other young people;
• To trust others and feel comfortable about sharing feelings and thoughts;
• To solve problems without violence; and
• To prevent the uptake and delay the onset of use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
During the daily sessions, presenters also included the interaction and engagement of students by carefully selected scenarios, activities and games.
The topics discussed were: ‘Decision Making’, ‘Ya Drink’n or Ya Think’n’, ‘Communication’, ‘TALK De Truth: Marijuana, Interpersonal relationships’, ‘Up in Smoke’, ‘Emotions’, ‘Bullying’, ‘Teen Dating’, ‘Violence’, ‘Financial Literacy’, ‘Identity’, ‘Digital Wellness’, ‘Equality and non-discrimination’, and ‘My Future’.
“Overall, the students showed their appreciation by attending each day and giving great compliments about each session. The Bahamas National Drug Council seeks to build young people’s knowledge, skills and confidence so that they are better equipped to learn and thrive,” said the council.
Presenters were: Dr. Novia Carter-Lookie, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Director BNDC; and Demand Reduction Officers Indeira Thompson, Kaylesa Neely, Anishka Turnquest, Natasha Johnson, Carla Deveaux, Shantel Larrimore, Cassidy Poitier, Amber Hanna, Trenique Stubbs, Jemina Louis, and Willann Mills.
(BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)
