The University of the Virgin Islands’ annual Red Ribbon Week commemoration begins Monday with the university’s annual march and rally against drugs, alcohol and violence at its St. Croix campus and continues all week, with costume contests, blood drives, HIV testing and more awareness-raising activities on both campuses.
Red Ribbon Week is observed every October. It began in 1985 as a tribute to Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City. Sponsored by the DEA, participants encourage people to display red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance toward drug use and work to promote drug-free communities. Since then, its focus has broadened to include alcohol, tobacco and violence.
UVI’s Health Services Office on the St. Croix campus will open the week’s activities with the aforementioned march and rally, starting at 5 p.m. Monday on Palm Drive, the tree-lined entrance to the campus. Marchers will be led by the St. Croix Central High School Marching Band and joined b the St. Croix Central High School Majorettes and the UVI Dance Squad. The first 100 participants will receive a free gift. The V.I. Police Department’s K9 Unit will give a demonstration, and there will be a visit by McGruff the Crime Dog.
On the St. Thomas campus, the theme will be “My Future Is Bright, I’m Drug Free.” Activities are scheduled for each day, with a walk, rally and speak-out against substance abuse and crime at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will march behind the AY Drum Corps from Lindberg Bay Police Station to the UVI Campus recreational center . A forum and open mic will follow. The first 100 participants will receive a free T-shirt.
The UVI Student Peer Educators and law enforcement officers will also give a presentation from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the dining pavilion.
For details on St. Croix activities contact Irene Hatchett-Sealey at (340) 692-4208 in the Health Services Office. On St. Thomas, contact Leon Lafond at (340) 693-1120 in the Student Affairs Office.
St. Croix Campus Red Ribbon Week Activities:
- Monday: March and rally at 5 p.m;
- Tuesday: A blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Student Activity Center; A Health Services open house is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; HIV testing is scheduled at the Health Services Center in the Great House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
- Wednesday: Red Ribbon Week Jeopardy will be hosted by David Capriola in the Cafetorium from 12:15 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. A blood drive will be conducted outside the Student Activity Center from 3 to 6 p.m.;
- Friday: A door decorating contest is scheduled.
St. Thomas Campus Red Ribbon Week Activities:
- Monday: Wear Red and Pledge Against Drugs Day. Make a pledge to be drug free and collect a red ribbon token at the dining pavilion or classroom administration building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
- Tuesday: Drug-Free Decoration Day Contest (Best Decorated Area): UVI Offices and organizations are encouraged to decorate their areas based on the week’s theme. Judging is at 10 a.m. To sign up please call or visit the Student Affairs Office at (340) 693-1120 or the Student Activities Center at (340) 693-1111;
- Wednesday: Walk/Rally and Speak Out Against Substance Abuse and for Crime Prevention. The walk begins at 4:45 p.m. at the Lindberg Bay Police Station. The walk will conclude at the UVI Recreational Center at the back of the golf course where the speak-out will be held. To sign up for the Open Mic contest contact the Student Affairs Office at (340) 693-1120/1121 or the Student Activities Center;
- Thursday, Oct. 28 – Student peer educators and public safety presentation, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the dining pavilion. Presenters will include V.I. Education Department School Safety Officer LaVelle Campbell, a motivational speaker for at-risk individuals in crisis, and V.I. Police Lt. Alva Chesterfield;
- Friday: Weird costume contest and karaoke from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the dining pavilion. The individual with the best drug-free, red outfit will win $50.
