Previous Story
Tinian leaders honor youth’s advocacy vs ‘ice’
|
Posted on Oct 26 2015
Mayor Joey P. San Nicolas and the Tinian leadership have recognized Tinian Elementary School student Byron Dela Cruz Jr., who on Oct. 15 and 18 came out on Facebook advocating for a stance against crystal meth abuse on Tinian.
“Please, to all drug dealers and buyers out there, think about the lives you are destroying. Please let’s fight the war against ICE. People who are selling or buying, you are destroying families, friends & children here on Tinian,” said Byron in his Facebook post.
From left: Tinian Mayor Joey P. San Nicolas, Byron Dela Cruz Jr., Byron’s mother Joleen Lizama, and Byron’s brother Brian Dela Cruz. (Contributed Photo)
On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, the mayor called for a meeting with Tinian Legislative Delegation chair Sen. Francisco M. Borja, Tinian Municipal Council chair Raynaldo Cing, Dela Cruz, his brother and guardians, as well as the Tinian heads of DPS, Customs, Tinian Health Center, and the counselors from the Public School System.
The meeting was prompted by a request from Dela Cruz to meet the mayor so he can voice his concern and get assistance in organizing a rally against the drug “ice.”
“We thank Byron for having the courage to speak out about the drug problem on Tinian. You have inspired me to work with you and everyone here to address the war on ‘ice.’ It takes a lot of courage to do what you did as many sometimes are afraid to stand up and say what you said. I pledge my support and assure you that DPS, Customs, your counselors, and everyone here will support you,” said San Nicolas.
The chairs of the Tinian Legislative Delegation and the Tinian Municipal Council, as well as everyone present at the meeting, echoed the expression of support.
“I will be praying for all of you using drugs and hope you do something better in life,” said Dela Cruz.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and Byron is an example of that. Let us all work together to make Tinian a safer and drug free community. He has inspired me and all of us. Now we will continue the advocacy and fight the war on ICE,” said San Nicolas. (PR)
