Our lovely town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is known for being a party hub, but while some of us drink for socializing others sadly have developed an alcohol addiction. Here on the island those who seek help for their addiction have the support of the Alcoholic Anonymous and the San Pedro Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI).
SPADAI works hand in hand with Alcoholic Anonymous, the National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC) and most recently the San Pedro Police Department. On Tuesday, September 10, 2013, ASP Luis Castellanos, along with Tourism Police and Councilor Gaby Nuñez, personally delivered food to ten underprivileged persons (alcoholics).
“The Police Department ordered food for the officers that would be working during the 10th festivities,” stated Castellanos. “Not all officers were needed to work and we had left over food and did not want to just dispose of it and thought it would be nice to give back to the community. We distributed the ten plates of food to these persons as an act of kindness and as our first step to our plan of helping them along with SPADAI for them to receive treatment for their addiction.”
In October 2012 the San Pedro Alcohol & Drug Institute (SPADI) teamed up with the San Pedro Police Department to conducted the first ever round-up of loiterers off public places. A total of 13 persons were arrested and charged with a misdemeanor charge, taken to court and some were even sent to Kolbe Foundation for rehabilitation. Of the 13, one person is fully recovered and receives help from SPADAI.
The Police Department and SPADAI have plans to once more conduct this round up in order to help these underprivileged persons and get them off the streets for a safer and cleaner island and for the persons own health benefit.
“This time around when we do the round ups, the persons being picked up will be accessed immediately by a medical personnel, charged and then enrolled into the rehabilitation center for 180 days,” stated Freddie Gonzalez, Director of SPADAI.
SPADAI is currently in partnership with Jacob’s Farm in the Corozal District, where they are currently hosting eight individuals who are in the recovery process. Since SPADAI currently does not have a home of its own, the individuals are sent to Corozal and SPADAI is assisting the home in whatever way they can.
SPADAI receivng donation from Richie’s Supermarket
On Wednesday, September 18, 2013, ASP Luis Castellanos, Councilor Gaby Nuñez (portfolio includes Community Protection, Safety and Drug Awareness) along with Freddie Gonzalez and members of SPADAI, visited businesses in the Boca Del Rio Area where they asked for food and supplies to assist Jacob’s Farm.
Items collected included flour, rice, sugar, beans, canned food, cereal, coffee, pasta, toilet paper, laundry detergent, among other supplies that will be sent to the rehabilitation center. The group is asking for food and supplies (only) as they prefer that over monetary donations for the rehab center. The group will be heading to other areas of the island and businesses and individuals are being asked to open their hearts and donate to this worthy cause.
For more information on how you can assist contact Freddie Gonzalez Jr. at 604-0949 or email at freddieg2008@yahoo.com or email SPADAI.BZ@gmail.com.
