Oct. 21, 2002 – This is national Red Ribbon Week, and here is a rundown of activities throughout the territory, in large part coordinated by the Education Department or sponsored by the University of the Virgin Islands, in observance of the annual focus on making and keeping communities drug free.
Red Ribbon Week was first observed across the nation in 1985, in memory of Enrique Camarena, a federal Drug Enforcement Agency officer who was killed while investigating a drug pipeline in Mexico. The Virgin Islands joined in the annual observance soon thereafter.
Locally, "Hearts and Minds Together for Peaceful, Drug-Free Lives" is this week's theme, emphasizing the need for communities to focus on eliminating the availability and use of illegal drugs within their own environments.
The V.I. Red Ribbon Week observances began with worship services over the weekend. Here is a rundown of remaining activities by island. All events are open to the public.
St. Croix
Monday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Pledge Day at all post offices, with volunteers collecting signatures on their drug-free pledge sheets.
Monday — UVI St. Croix campus distribution of red ribbons, competition for decorated doors at the residence hall and Melvin Evans Center.
Tuesday — Decoration Day, with guest speakers in schools.
Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — UVI blood drive at the student center; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., bake sale at the student center.
Wednesday — Recognition Day, with guest speakers in schools.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. — Charles Emmanuel Elementary School students will march around the Aureo Diaz Heights community.
Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. — UVI program at the cafetorium featuring skits by the Peer Health Educators and a demonstration by Police Sgt. Carlos Rosario and his K-9 partner.
Thursday, 9 a.m. — Eulalie Rivera Elementary School students will march around the Grove Place community.
Thursday, 10 a.m. — Lew Muckle Elementary School students will march at the Sion Farm complex.
Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — UVI Pledge Day, with volunteers collecting signatures in the student center; noon to 3 p.m., Nursing Association will serve up "mocktails" (non-alcoholic cocktails) in the student center.
Thursday, 6 p.m. — Take Back the Night silent march and rally sponsored by the Women's Coalition of St. Croix, in Frederiksted from market at the end of Strand Street to the park by the fort; candles will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring flashlights, especially for children to carry.
Friday, 9 a.m. — Evelyn Williams Elementary School students will march from the school along Centerline Road.
Friday – The public in general and students in particular are asked to wear red to signify their pledge to fight drugs; schools will feature guest speakers on drug-related topics.
Friday — UVI judging of which department's personnel are wearing the most red, judging of door decorations and presentation of awards.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — St. Croix Unity Coalition-sponsored Drug-Free Bazaar featuring children's games, sports, music, speakers and refreshments, at Sunshine Mall; the V.I. National Guard will be on hand with some of those goggles that show wearers how the world appears to someone high on drugs. (Note: This event was initially planned for the Agricultural Department fairgrounds in Estate Lower Love but a change of venue was announced on Friday.)
St. Thomas
Monday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Pledge Day at all post offices and Kmart in Tutu Park Mall, with volunteers collecting signatures on their drug-free pledge sheets.
Tuesday — Decoration Day, with businesses and institutions invited to compete for recognition in decorating their workspace to reflect Red Ribbon Week; guest speakers in schools.
Wednesday — Recognition Day, with guest speakers in schools.
Wednesday, noon to 2 p.m. — Pledge Day on the UVI campus, with volunteers collecting signatures and handing out red ribbons on the cafeteria terrace.
Thursday, 8:30 – 11 a.m. — march from Emile Griffith Ballpark to Emancipation Garden, where a rally will take place; a health fair will follow in Emancipation Garden.
Thursday — Wear Red Day; noon to 12:30 p.m., judging on the cafeteria terrace of Best Red Ribbon Hairstyle and Most Creative Red Ribbon Outfit; 12:30 to 1 p.m., presentation and judging of a "Users Are Losers" skit competition, cafeteria terrace.
Thursday, 8 p.m. — special Karaoke Night event for students at Iggie's Beach Bar and Grill at Bolongo Bay Beach Club, with a king and queen of karaoke to be chosen. (Doors open at 7; karaoke begins at 8.)
Friday – The public in general and students in particular are asked to wear red to signify their pledge to fight drugs; schools will feature guest speakers on drug-related topics.
Saturday, noon-6 p.m. — Weed and Seed program Sports Day activities at the Bovoni Housing Community recreation center and ballpark, including basketball using goggles that make you appear drugged, musical chairs, balloon games, a three-legged race, kickball, and an egg-and-spoon game.
Sunday, 10 a.m. until — Family day at Magens Bay shed No. 2 with games, food and music, open to the public and free, except for regular admission to Magens Bay beach.
Oct. 29, 10 a.m. — judging of the residence halls door decorating competition.
Oct. 31, 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Public forum, "Crisis in Paradise: Drugs, Crime and V.I. Youth," Chase Auditorium, Business Bldg. Room 110.
St. John
Monday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Pledge Day at all post offices, with volunteers collecting signatures on their drug-free pledge sheets.
Tuesday — Decoration Day, with guest speakers in schools.
Wednesday — Recognition Day, with guest speakers in schools.
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. — Students from St. John's public and private schools will march from the V.I. National Park Visitor Center to the Cruz Bay ballfield.
Friday – The public in general and students in particular are asked to wear red to signify their pledge to fight drugs; schools will feature guest speakers on drug-related topics.
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