New $3m headquarters for alcoholism council

The National Commission for Self Help has given $350,000 donation towards the construction of the $3 million new headquarters of the Trinidad and Tobago National Council on Alcoholism and other Addictions at O’Connor Street, Woodbrook. At the sod-turning ceremony last Wednesday, Surujdeo Mangaroo, chairman, said the sum was “a small donation but it came from an entity with an overflowing heart. Any project or programme or any opportunity comes our way to help the downtrodden, the helpless, the needy and any person or persons and group or groups which need assistance, please be assured that we are here to make a positive contribution.”

Mangaroo said that the problem of alcoholism and other forms of addiction continue to haunt society. “Parents, teachers, civic leaders, religious leaders, service alliances must intervene to stop the morass which alcohol consumption continues to cause havoc to all sections of the national citizenry. I want to make a national appeal to corporate Trinidad and Tobago to assist in the completion of the building. The problem of alcoholism is not a bedroom issue. It has graduated to becoming a national issue with the view of sorting it out to the benefit of all. Time is not on our side,” Mangaroo noted. Mangaroo said that alcoholism and substance abuse have now occupied the discussion tables in international forums. Alcoholism like terrorism, the environment and wellness are now serious international issues which world leaders are giving focus and attention.

“Your Council stands out as an indispensable organisation aimed to improve the quality of life and to improve the human condition. It is, therefore, a national institution and its mission statement could be scripted as a national mantra.” Ramnarice Dwarika, vice-president of the Council, said that the Council was forging ahead with its well-knitted information programme aimed at making a dent on the issue. Dwarika said that the problem of alcoholism is both a family issue and society one as well, and warned the populace of denial as an alcoholic. Hamid O’Brien, represented the Minister of Health Dr Fuad Khan at the ceremony.