Caribbean Shores gets drop-in centre

If you happened to be on Freetown Road this afternoon and wondered why there was a slow-down in traffic, don’t worry it wasn’t an accident. Earlier today, Caribbean Shores Area Rep Jose Coye opened a drop-in centre and clinic. The facility will be managed by a steering neighbourhood committee with assistance from NDACC. It is hoped that children from the area will use the centre to do homework, access the internet and visit with their friends. Additionally, residents will be able to visit the medical clinic, which will be staffed by a doctor and nurse. According to Karen Castillo of the National Drug Abuse Control Council, the centre will provide much needed services to the people.

Karen Castillo, NDACC

“The drop-in centres to a great extent address these problems. It also acts as an agent for keeping youths off the street and away from criminal activities. It is also true that idle minds are the devil’s workshop, therefore, while the facility serves to keep youths entertained, it also keeps them occupied. The youths will also have access to equipment that to some would otherwise be in inaccessible.”

This is the second such clinic in Belize City. The other is located at the Yabra Youth Centre. Officials from the Ministry of Health tell News 5 that there are plans to open similar centres in Corozal and Cayo.