Dear Editor,
I write in response to an article in the Stabroek News on Monday, April 12, with the caption: ‘Ministry of Health to collect data on alcohol abuse,’ and I ask, “Where does the Minister of Health really live?” It would have been a relief if the caption had read instead: ‘Ministry of Health to clamp down on alcohol abuse.’ The only possible reason for the ministry to conduct a survey on alcohol abuse in Guyana, is if the data is required to qualify for a grant from the World Health Organization or some other source. Apart from that, what is really needed is action, not another bureaucratic excuse for doing nothing. Most Guyanese would agree that a serious drinking problem exists nationwide, and those who do not agree with this statement, are simply living in denial. One only has to visit a few of the many rum shops and beer gardens in different areas to realize the seriousness of this problem. It is common to see tables filled with beer bottles, both full and empty, as if one table is competing with another for the amount of beers consumed. I’m sure the minister is aware of the many broken homes, abused wives, road fatalities and serious injuries caused by drunkenness. In addition, too many deaths are caused from cirrhosis of the liver, due to excessive drinking. I believe the government could greatly reduce alcohol abuse, by implementing the following:
* Pass laws to prohibit drinking in public for anyone under 21 years old. This should be strictly enforced by ID checks at clubs, bars and restaurants where alcoholic beverages are sold. Any business found guilty of violating this law, should suffer a significant fine, and the suspension of their liquor licence for repeat offenders.
* Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious offence, and should be treated as such. I suggest that first-time offenders be fined and have their drivers’ licences suspended. If found guilty of a DWI after three prior DWI convictions, the law should authorize the seizure of the vehicle.
* Encourage groups to have a designated driver when going out to parties, and follow up with an advertising campaign with the theme: ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.’
These ideas are not new; they have been tested and implemented with great success in New York, to the detriment of Guyanese/New Yorkers who can’t seem to break this habit. Finally, there must be confidential educational programmes to counsel those with moderate to severe alcohol addiction who want to eliminate the negative consequences of their drinking.
There are tremendous social and economic benefits to be gained if this can be accomplished, but don’t let’s waste time conducting a survey to tell us what we already know.
Yours faithfully,
Harry Gill
