The man who gave Guinness to a toddler should be prosecuted

Dear Editor,

Please permit me to respond to a letter published on Friday January 5, 2018 entitled ‘Toddler drank Guinness at bar.’ The title of this letter is simple and self-explanatory. Suffice it to say the letter outlined the disgusting and illegal actions of an alleged parent who purchased two bottles of Guinness, one of which was given to an apparent 18-month-old toddler. This type of parental irresponsibility is frightening and demonstrates serious child endangerment.

I would like to commend the letter writer for highlighting this most disturbing occurrence. However, more needs to be done in addressing this situation. The letter writer must seek to bring this occurrence to the attention of the Child Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection. A thorough investigation must be launched immediately into the actions of this adult, and upon proof of culpability, the discharge of the most severe penalty is the only recourse.

In Guyana, alcoholic beverages are not to be sold to and/or consumed by persons under the age of 18 years. Therefore, for an adult to give an alcoholic beverage to a child exhibits a serious breach of parental trust. That person needs to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We must continue to work harder at being responsible citizens. If this type of irresponsible behaviour is ever witnessed again, please contact the Child Protection Agency at the Ministry of Social Protection on Tel:2251117, 227-4420, 225-1257, or 227-4082.

Yours faithfully, Richard Francois