The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has strongly condemned a suspected case of an adult selling illicit drugs to a primary school student near school premises, calling for immediate action and harsher penalties.
The incident, currently under investigation by the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), has ignited a fierce debate about child safety and drug prevention measures in Barbados.
DLP spokesperson for education Felicia Dujon on Thursday expressed shock at the incident and urged authorities and parents to increase efforts to protect children from such “unscrupulous acts”.
“This despicable act poses a grave threat to the wellbeing, safety, and future of our nation’s youth,” she said. “I demand immediate action to hold those responsible accountable and protect our children from exploitation.”
The investigation centres on the suspected sale of psychoactive substances to a student attending a southern primary school last week.
Troy Wickham, deputy manager of the NCSA, told Barbados TODAY on Wednesday that this was the first suspected case of an adult selling illegal substances near a primary school. Samples have been sent to the forensic laboratory for testing, with results expected shortly.
Dujon highlighted the severe consequences of exposing young children to drugs, including impaired brain development, hindered academic performance, and increased likelihood of future addiction and criminal behaviour.
“The government is failing our children,” Dujon stated.
“The lack of proper enforcement, weak penalties, and insufficient preventive measures have allowed this crisis to escalate.”
The DLP called for stronger legislation, including increased penalties for supplying drugs to minors, mandatory minimum sentences, enhanced surveillance around schools, and expanded drug education initiatives.
When contacted, Gaynelle Marshall, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said no report had been brought to the ministry’s attention and she could not provide a response at this time.
Dujon urged parents, students, and educators to remain vigilant and take immediate action to protect children from drug exposure.
“The safety of our children is a collective responsibility, and we must remain vigilant in safeguarding their future,” she concluded. (SZB)
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