Hundreds of young people from Cayman Academy, John Gray – Boyz to Men, and Hope Academy, in association with the National Drug Council, marched through the streets of George Town on Friday, March 6, 2026, speaking out against drug use and challenging the growing myth surrounding vaping. Vibrant, stern, and compelling chants echoed through the streets as the students marched with banners, placards, and the steady rhythm of drums, boldly declaring their stand against drugs.
Cayman Academy’s Youth to Youth (Y2Y) Chapter, working through the National Drug Council, hosts its annual Drug March as part of National Drug and Alcohol Facts Month, observed each March. Throughout the month, the agency organizes activities that engage students across the island, helping to inform them and clarify common myths about substance abuse. This year, special emphasis was placed on vaping, which has become one of the most popular substances among young people in the Cayman Islands.
Each year, the Y2Y Chapter continues to expand its reach and awareness efforts. This year, members were featured on the Daybreak morning show on Cayman Compass TV, Radio Cayman, and Praise 87.9 – Cayman Islands Conference Radio. During these interviews, President D’Niel Facey, along with Vice Presidents Logan James and Garnicia Edgar, shared that the goal of the campaign is to encourage critical thinking so that teens can make informed decisions about drug use. They also highlighted the importance of empowering young people, promoting community involvement, sending a strong message, creating a positive impact, and supporting national efforts to address substance abuse. Ultimately, they hope the initiative will serve as a blueprint for other schools to follow or join in the years to come.
After marching along Walkers Road, Goring Avenue, Seafare Way, and Memorial Avenue, chanting “Stop Use Drugs,” the students returned to the Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church for the culmination program. The program featured presentations from students, including children as young as six years old who passionately pleaded, “Du nuh tek the drugs,” “Stop abusing all drugs because drugs aren’t good for you, no way, stop!” and “A bright future in my way, no more drugs.”
The highlight of the program was the guest speaker, James Pinea, a former alcoholic who has now been sober for 29 years. With honesty and emotion, he shared how alcohol abuse had taken a heavy toll on his life. He spoke about losing his mother, father, and other relatives to alcohol and how his own addiction made him anti-social, irritable, and constantly seeking control. He ended his message by encouraging the students to make wise decisions, stay informed, speak with trusted individuals when facing challenges, and develop a relationship with God, reminding them that “in him you can find your insufficiencies.”
Overall, the Y2Y members, Boyz to Men, and Hope Academy stood in strong solidarity against the use of drugs in all forms. Their mission was accomplished, and the sense of satisfaction among the participants was evident. Several organizers and participants shared their reflections:
“It was very important because drugs should never be used, and we were able to remind people to say no to drugs. It was also important for it to start with the youth as they are the leaders of tomorrow, and if you get the youth to say no to drugs, then maybe it can end forever.”- Liam, a student of Hope Academy
“It was impactful. The crowd was engaged, and you could see on their faces that they were proud to see us out there. It was truly meaningful. If I were an addict, I would have rethought my decision. Additionally, the march is growing each year as the children are stepping up, speaking out, and leading others to make a difference. I can see that next year will also be bigger, better and stronger.” – Nickela Davy, Cayman Academy’s High School Head Girl
“The country needs to hear that it’s not good to do drugs. A reminder is always refreshing, and it was good to see the children sending that reminder, as they usually make a lasting impact on others when a message comes from them.” – Mrs. Giscombe, Parent
“It was seamless, and any day without an incident is a good day.”- Lazari, Police Officer
The Y2Y Chapter, along with the National Drug Council, will continue this important venture as they work to foster open discussion about the misuse of drugs, alcohol, and e-cigarettes among youth.
Cayman Islands | Written by: Petellee Jones, Editor: Devarro Whittaker | Photo Credit: Devarro Whittaker | Video Credit: Cayman Compass
