Latest update February 14th, 2025 8:22 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

A national alcohol policy is urgently needed

Dec 20, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
As of July 2016, according to a report from the Guyana Police Force, there have been 1,035 traffic offences caused by drivers being under the influence of alcohol. The lack of existence of an explicit and articulated national policy on alcohol is an indicator of the disregard and lack of commitment by the leaders of the nation throughout the years to reduce the consumption of alcohol and its harmful effects. The laws that do exist are not enforced. It is imperative that the government implement measures to reduce the accessibility and availability of alcohol.
The Government must value public health and welfare over political investors. Businesses have an ethical and social responsibility to Guyana and they must value the welfare of the country over profits. The Government should implement laws to prohibit alcohol companies from the sponsorship of sports or cultural events. Open bar promotions which allow customers to drink as much as they want to for a fixed price should be banned because these promotions encourage excessive drinking. I propose an increase in the age limit of alcohol consumption to 21, and to increase the age limit for the purchase of alcohol to 21.
The Government should consider reforming the Evidence and Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2008 and reduce the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit to 0.05% and drivers under the age of 21 should have a Zero BAC limit. It is my hope the Minister of Finance strongly enforces the increases in the liquor penalties as stated in the budget.
A National Committee for Alcohol Consumption Control should be formed. This Committee will be responsible for the establishment of an Enforcement Surveillance Centre for alcohol control regulations. This Committee should be funded by the taxes collected from producers and importers of alcohol.
Guyana’s national drug is alcohol. We have a tendency to regard the use of other drugs with animosity and celebrate the use of alcohol. Any altered state impairs your judgment, but alcohol seems to do so with gusto and social acceptability. The culture surrounding drinking is particularly what makes it so dangerous.
Alcohol is a toxic, carcinogenic and addictive substance.
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system which, in turn, impairs motor functions and motor performances. Alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other health problems including high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, liver disease, cancers, learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor academic performance.
Women who binge drink are more likely to have unprotected sex and risky sexual escapades. Additionally, alcohol has a large social impact. It can destroy relationships between friends and family members, lead to interpersonal violence, and increase the risk of road traffic accidents. Alcohol is also associated with child neglect and abuse as well as absenteeism in the workplace. ‘’Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise’’. Proverbs 20:1
Matthew Gaul

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 10th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Fitness Express helps to fuel GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championship on Feb. 16

Fitness Express helps to fuel GAPLF Novices/Juniors Championship on...

Feb 14, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- With a number of new faces expected to grace the platform with their presence in a competitive setting on Sunday at Saint Stanislaus College Auditorium, longtime partner of...
Read More
Brackenridge ready to lead Slingerz FC to Elite League title

Brackenridge ready to lead Slingerz FC to Elite...

Feb 14, 2025

Day 2 abandoned due to rain, as teams pray for sunshine heading into 3rd

Day 2 abandoned due to rain, as teams pray for...

Feb 14, 2025

Shamar Joseph ‘Shocked and Honoured’ by ESPNCricinfo Awards Recognition

Shamar Joseph ‘Shocked and Honoured’...

Feb 14, 2025

One Guyana Mashramani Softball Cup set for Sunday February 16th at Bath Sports Club

One Guyana Mashramani Softball Cup set for Sunday...

Feb 14, 2025

Eagles survive shaky start on Rain-affected opening day

Eagles survive shaky start on Rain-affected...

Feb 13, 2025

Features/Columnists

  • Protest electoral tyranny

    Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- There comes a time in the life of a nation when silence is no longer an option, when the... more

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]