Dear Editor,

AS AT end 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 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 minimise 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 ethical and social responsibilities to Guyana, and they must value the welfare of the country over profits.

The Government should implement laws to prohibit alcohol companies from sponsoring 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 minimum age limit of alcohol consumers to 21, and an increase in the minimum age limit of purchasers of alcohol to 21. The Government should also 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 also be formed. This Committee should be responsible for establishment of an enforcement surveillance centre for alcohol control regulations, and 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 even as we celebrate the use of alcohol. Any altered state impairs one’s judgement, 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. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other health problems, including high blood pressure; heart diseases; stroke; liver diseases; cancers; learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor academic performance.

Women who binge drink are more likely to have unprotected sex and become engaged in 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 with absenteeism in the workplace.

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise”, Proverbs 20:1.
Yours faithfully,
MATTHEW GAUL