Guyana needs a national alcohol policy
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 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 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 an increase in 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%; drivers under the age of 21 should have a zero BAC limit. It is my hope that the increases in the liquor penalties as stated in the budget are strongly enforced.
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. The 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 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 performance. Alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease stroke, liver disease, cancer, learning and memory problems, 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.
Yours faithfully, Matthew Gaul