Dear Editor,
The letter `Guyana’s acknowledgement of its alcohol problem seems far away’ by Vidyaratha Kissoon (SN 2016-04-13,) highlights the seemingly contradictory situation society is placed in when it comes to managing legal drugs such as alcohol. On the one hand alcohol production is perceived to be an economic instrument and on the other hand as a medium to transmit many social ills and even death. In the case of Guyana, this contradiction is further amplified since alcohol, suicides and drunk-related deaths are at the forefront of the public consciousness. The challenge facing politicians, social workers and individual citizens is how best to effectively reconcile this contradiction.
The solution may not be to marginalize and/or criminalize the alcohol industry. There is no doubt that alcohol related products and services are significant contributors directly (taxes) and indirectly (tourism marketing) to the national treasury. Further, the link between alcohol and social ills may not be an entirely causal one and the root causes may actually be economic poverty and access to healthcare. These arguments are certainly not unique to alcohol as is evident in other areas such as gun violence and addiction to prescription medications.
But within this seemingly contradictory situation between alcohol consumption and social ills there are golden opportunities. First, it makes sense for the alcohol industry to now adapt their business model to include a more significant social entrepreneurship component to address societal issues related to alcohol consumption. Second, this adapted business model can provide the sustained impetus for government, business, academics, social workers, and other interested parties to work together towards poverty reduction and its associated social ills. Third, businesses can now become a valuable player at the table when issues of national importance are debated such as the National Suicide Prevention Plan.
Yours faithfully,
Shivanand Balram
