September is the month when Belizeans party and celebrate The Tenth and Independence.
Tonight there is the Wet fete, which goes right into the Jouvert morning, and tomorrow afternoon, the Carnival Road March hits the streets of Belize City. With all that celebrating, many will be indulging in alcohol and marijuana - both legal drugs.
And, to remind the public to consume responsibly, the National Drug Abuse Control Council held a week-long campaign against driving under the influence of drugs.
It culminated this afternoon with NDACC personnel joining traffic and police officers at the Manatee Lookout checkpoint. They were there to hand out fliers to motorists.
7News stopped by to speak with the organization's director about the message they're hoping that Belizeans will get:
Esner Vellos - Director, NDACC Ministry of Health
"In the month of September, we have designated it as part of our campaign to talk about driving under the influence of drugs. We started this campaign earlier this week, and we're wrapping it up for today. But, the most important thing is to show the public, especially during the month of September that it is very important for you guys to know the information, and also to make the right choices when it comes to consuming alcohol or any other substances that would inhibit your performance while you're driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
Reporter
"Now, sir, we know that a part of the campaign is the specific mention of marijuana, given that 10 grams is decriminalized, and you're allowed to smoke that, in the privacy of your own home obviously, or where you have permission. And that drug can impair your ability to properly drive."
Esner Vellos
"Exactly, and whether or not marijuana is decriminalized or not, or if it is illegal or not, the fact remains that the consumption of marijuana at any quantities does have a specific effect on someone's body, and it depends on the individual. That effect might vary. So, it is very important for us to be cognizant of that, and especially whenever an individual is consuming marijuana, and at the same time, consuming alcohol, then the consequences of that individual going behind the wheel and driving under the influence, that might probably cause an accident. It's very high, our responsibility at the National Drug Abuse Control Council is to blend forces with the police, and also with traffic department, so that we will be able to provide that information, and at the same time, give them that support that they need also, so that they will be able to enforce the laws that exist, when it comes to procuring safe roads in our country."
The theme of the campaign was "Speak Out On Driving Under the Influence of Drugs".
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