Need for a sustained fight against alcoholism/drug addiction

Nov 27, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

I wish to congratulate the Guyana Times for its editorial of November 25, 2025, titled “Alcoholism and Society”. While the focus was strictly on alcohol, the theme could be broadened to include all substance abuse and gambling. These anti-social activities are having very serious negative consequences in our society. Many young lives are being destroyed in a variety of ways, destroyed health, depression, suicides, road accidents, etc.

While it is a general problem in the society, it is probably worse in the countryside. Most of our news are highly urban oriented and therefore the social issues in the villages are often not known and unreported.

It is good that this is now being exposed by letters, articles as the editorials in the press.

However, the task is how to change these things.

It is possible that one of the reasons for the prevalence of alcoholism etc., in the countryside is the lack of entertainment and more wholesome activities in the various areas.

While it would be unfair to place the whole responsibility on the government to deal with the problems, because in fact, this situation affects everyone, therefore our institutions, including non-governmental organisations has to make a contribution. Having said that though, it is clear that the administration can give a push and encourage it to eventually be self-sustainable.

In a previous piece, the point was made about the creation of facilities in the villages. Things like gyms and facilities for other types of sports both in and outdoors other than cricket and football.

The young in particular, but the whole community can be organised by the promotion of Cultural and Sports groups with assistance of how to manage their affairs. Teach them how to conduct meetings, how to organise competition and other basic needs.

Recall that at one time, Guyana had seven members playing for the West Indies at the same time. This, it is believed, was due to the many competitions that we had in cricket. A quick recount would show, we had White Cup, North Count Cup, Case Cup, Inter- County cricket. That brought out many talented cricketers. This can be reproduced in other sports and cultural activities.

To get the ball rolling maybe a task force comprising personnel from the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and Social Security could be formed to start the promotion (help to organise clubs).

While this is not an exhaustive list to what can be done, it may make a good start and a valuable contribution to the quality of life and to the integrity of our people. After all, “man shall not live on bread alone.”

Congratulation once more to Guyana Times and hopefully the other media outlets will weigh in on this task.

Former President – Donald Ramotar

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