Dear Editor,
It is a national disgrace that the University of Guyana has to resort to the proceeds of the misery caused by alcohol to raise funds. While it is a vicious reality that UG and Universities around the world cannot rely on public funds alone, there is a question of whether bad money can be used to do ‘good’.
The press release from the University of Guyana celebrated in total Guyana’s alcohol culture – a culture of addiction which has resulted from the colonial project in which the sale and distribution of rum was connected to the injustices with producing sugar for the British Empire.
While the University of Guyana might not be ready to decolonise itself, there is the problem of the burden of alcohol consumption which is experienced in Guyana. The University of Guyana at the launch of its alcohol selling campaign lauded how its graduates have contributed to the production of rum. The University must be aware that some of their graduates especially in social work, medical and health sciences and law have to deal with the destructive consequences of rum and other alcohol consumption.
The Pan American Health Organisation has sounded warnings about alcohol in the Americas – as it relates to the burden on health , including the experience of violence. Many Guyanese have lived realities of how alcohol wreaks havoc with their lives, even as others claim recreation and pleasure and enjoyment.
The University of Guyana should not be left on its own to find transformative sources of funding which cause no harm. The University of Guyana must be mindful that tying bundle with the alcohol industry will not contribute to a healthy and sustainable society. Regardless of how beautifully the rum is packaged.
Yours sincerely
Danuta Radzik
Melinda Janki
Pandit Deodat Persaud
Vidyaratha Kissoon
