The red ribbon months will be observed from Oct. 23, 2009 to January 30, 2010.
The Red Ribbon months is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States.
In President Proclamation No. 09-11, the red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camerana, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers.
The proclamation enjoins the community to take part in the observance and activities designed to advance the cause of prevention and control of drugs and alcohol use and abuse.
Police officers in Palau and government officials also pin red ribbons to join in the ongoing campaign against drug use and alcohol.
“Illicit drugs and alcohol use and abuse affects the brain and can lead to many problems; everyone in the community need to be involved in the campaign against the dangers of drugs and alcohol use and abuse,” the proclamation said.
He said the Bureau of Public Safety will also ensure that it will be a safe holiday season, where people consume alcohol.
The BPS will also be increasing surveillance and checkpoints during these months in observance of the red ribbon months.
Palau has a high number of DUI incidents and alcohol –related car crashes.
