Dear Editor,

In the latter part of 2007, Dr. Ramsammy boldly announced that Guyanese were consuming alcohol in epidemic proportions and vowed to take steps to curb the crisis. The Minister asserted that alcohol abuse was to blame for increased spousal abuse, rapes and HIV infection. The rationale was that under the influence, persons lose their ability to use prudent judgement and this could have serious consequences in the case of sexual activities.

Banks DIH recently entered into a partnership with the ministry of health to donate vitamalt supplements to blood donors. Previously, they were sold. This partnership sends a conflicting message to the consuming public. Since Banks DIH’s name cannot be divorced from alcohol manufacturing, Dr Ramsammy `may’ be seen to be associating alcohol with health.

Yours faithfully,

Berkeley Van Bowen