I really hope the glass bottle ban for the Carnival season proposed by National Security Minister Gary Griffith is implemented. Simple moves like these add up to a safer environment for all, especially during this time.I'm sure we have all heard stories or even witnessed the dangers of highly-inebriated and irrational revellers being armed with glass bottles. This has to be curbed and such a measure is welcomed.
Mr Griffith also touched on the worrying fact of under-age drinking. I think this is where parents and adults in general have to be more vigilant and proactive. Questions have to be asked like where your children are going and the company they're keeping.
This is not a recent development but what has increased is the number of fetes and smaller parties during the Carnival season. Add to that peer pressure and the need to be seen liming and photographed at one of these events makes the allure to minors even greater.Feting/liming can be a very enjoyable and relaxing experience and I can personally attest to that. But as adults you must know what you don't want your child/children exposed to.
It is most understandable that your teens want to have fun and experience part of our culture, but how immersive do you want the experience to be? Are you going to allow them the flexibility of attending these very adult events? Should they be partying and gyrating like soca stars at a tender age?
A balance must be struck between a healthy social life for your minors and avoidance of possible negative influences. Drinking at these events during Carnival time is merely one problem that you have to consider. The ecosystem of a fete is obviously interlinked and specific elements will always exist. As the experienced care giver, you have to ensure your child is mentally prepared for the intoxicating world of Carnival fetes and the blandishments therein.
Outside of concerned parents, fete promoters and Carnival bands also need to have a system in place which either disallows minors or efficiently identifies who is of legal drinking age. I'm well aware many parents accompany their children in all-inclusive mas bands and to all-inclusive fetes, so the particulars of addressing under-age drinking has to be fine-tuned.
In order to determine what course of action can be taken to hold people accountable for allowing minors to drink, Minister Griffith explained that discussions would be held with key people. These include the Acting Police Commissioner, the security ministry's legal team and I am sure other stakeholders will be part of the process.
This would very well prompt organisers, band leaders and promoters, into action that would prevent any under-age drinking to occur during their watch. But importantly, parents and guardians must instill a core of self-respect and self-worth in their offspring.
Zachary Persad
via e-mail