The 26th of June marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as well as the day the Foundation was founded. From that time onwards OASI became a tool where those who are going through an addiction and their families could find shelter and help.

The OASI Foundation marked its anniversary with a celebratory evening during which the Chief executive of OASI, Noel Xerri started by reminding that on this day they celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the organisation as well as the 25th year since the beginning of the Foundation’s residential service .

In his speech he wanted to share a little about the ups and downs that the Foundation has experienced recently. Among them the legalisation of the recreational use of cannabis, he said that ”individuals of 18 use cocaine on the weekend and parents do not know what they are going to do because of their children’s drug use, the use of vapes and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) which are being abused by students aged around 14, as well as the fact that drugs are being sold in supermarkets and even online.”

He mentioned the dangers associated with drugs such as HHC, ketamine is labelled as MDMA and amphetamine is labelled as Speed. These are drugs that are being sold here in Malta and Gozo in shops and online.

He went on to say that these are the realities and it is important that we nurture and teach our children to be resilient and get satisfaction from being altruistic and honest. He closed his speech by emphasising “not everyone is in the same boat but that everyone is in the same sea – that is, one needs the other.”

The Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Joseph Borg emphasised that today’s times are drastically different from those of the last century, that much progress has been made, but not everything is leading to a better quality of life.

He continued with the example that there is an attitude of ‘nothing is nothing’, that drugs are today disguised as a friend. The drug is on the supermarket shelf, or it will arrive at your home in a short time.

He stressed that we should think about what kind of country we would like to leave for generations to come after us. He closed his speech by thanking everyone who has been helpful in all the years of OASI including: Minister of Social Policy, the Minister for Gozo, Mons. Anton Teuma and President Myriam Spiteri Debono, who visited the OASI twice recently.

At the end of the short ceremony, the management of the OASI Foundation recognised the help of Cini’s Bakery, as these bakers have supplied bread to the residents and the 30 years of work with the Foundation of Dr. Patrick Sciberras was recognised.

Photo: OASI Foundation

Permalink: OASI Foundation marks 33 years of combating drug addiction