Dear Editor
WE are concerned at the numerous promotions of alcohol products by businesses for this Father’s Day.  We know that alcohol consumption creates problems for men and their families.

The Ministry of Public Health report was clear that men in Guyana are almost four times as vulnerable to COVID-19 as women. In fact, there is wisdom in still opting to close bars during these times of the epidemic, considering all that is known about alcohol usage and the clouding of judgment.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked countries to take steps to reduce alcohol consumption at this time. BBC’s Megha Mohan in June, 2020, reported that the UN has described the worldwide increase in domestic abuse as a “shadow pandemic” alongside COVID-19 and that there has been a 20% increase in cases during the lockdown, since victims are trapped at home with their abusers.

Previous studies by WHO have pointed out the strong links between alcohol use and the occurrence of domestic violence in many countries, with  evidence suggesting that alcohol use increases the occurrence and severity of these cases.  Alcohol consumption as a direct cause of intimate-partner violence has often been contested either on the basis of factors such as low socio-economic status, or impulsive personality; and those studies have concluded that frequent, heavy drinking can create an unhappy, stressful partnership that increases the risk of conflict and violence (WHO, 2006).

We appeal to all consumers to resist at this time all efforts to promote alcohol consumption by men. We appeal to all consumers to resist efforts to destroy the health and well-being of men and fathers, in Guyana.  Guyana’s alcohol culture does not need any more encouragement. Father’s Day is meant to express one’s love and appreciation towards his/ her father. Many place emphasis on the worth and value this important figure places in their lives. As such, it is difficult to conceive how a ‘bottle of rum’ can suffice as an ideal gift option for the man who has tremendously impact one’s life.

We urge all private-sector companies to provide Father’s Day options which will promote health for men and their families, and which shows that it is possible to be a man without consuming alcohol. We urge all fathers and sons to take care during this time, to focus on their mental health and well-being and to find alternatives to alcohol consumption.
Happy Father’s Day.

Yours sincerely.
GOLDEN OM DHARMIC YOUTH ORGANISATION