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Hong Kong's first exhibition centre on drug education - the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (DIC) - starts trial visits today (March 4) in the lead-up to its formal opening.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee, when officiating at today's soft opening, said the DIC would concentrate Hong Kong's education efforts by establishing a community-based facility.
"Over the years, Hong Kong has spared no effort in its mission to build a healthy and drug-free community and the Government under the guidance of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) adopts a multi-pronged approach to combat the drug abuse problem," Mr Lee said.
"Preventive education targeting the community has always been a key component of Hong Kong's anti-drug strategy.
"No campaign against drug abuse can succeed without the backing of the people," Mr Lee added.
On behalf of the Government, the Secretary expressed his gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation of $50.58 million, which not only gave a tremendous boost to Hong Kong's war against drugs but also turned the project into a reality.
He also thanked those who had contributed their expertise and advice in developing the exhibits and facilities at the DIC.
In addition to the Chairmen and members of the ACAN and its sub-committees, the DIC Steering Committee, and members of the Fight Crime Committee, more than 50 consuls-general and their representatives also attended today's soft opening.
The Secretary said, "Your presence today demonstrates the close partnership your countries and Hong Kong have built up over the years and I believe this partnership will grow from strength to strength in the years to come."
Mr Lee said, "Drug abuse is a global problem and we should look beyond our boundaries when tackling the problem.
"Effective combat against drugs relies on the cooperation and sharing of information among nations," he added.
The 900-square-metre DIC, which is located on the Roof Floor of Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, disseminates anti-drug messages through multimedia exhibits, interactive games and role-play.
Specially designed to appeal to young people, the DIC comprises three exhibition areas, an interactive theatre, a classroom, an info-cafe and a library.
The Secretary said he hoped that teachers, parents and youth workers would be involved in the war against drugs and the DIC would be a focal point for such activities.
The DIC is scheduled for full operation in June, and until then it will cater for pre-arranged group visits from schools, youth groups, district-based community leaders, anti-drug workers and related non-government organisations.
Guests also present at today's soft opening were: the Executive Director of the Charities and Corporate Secretariat of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr William Yiu; ACAN Chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan; DIC Steering Committee Chairman Professor Lee Shiu-hung; Permanent Secretary for Security Mr Stanley Ying; Director of Architectural Services Mr Yue Chi-hang; and the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Rosanna Ure.
Ends/Thursday, March 4, 2004
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