Young people are welcoming the move by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to increase the legal age limit for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 and for gambling and using marijuana to age 25.
However, they are questioning what support measures will be taken.
Outside the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine Campus yesterday, student Ruth Thompson, 20, admitted she was surprised by the announcement but believes the move will benefit the younger generation.
“I think it’s something that will help our youths to have like a straight point of view as to where they want to go in life rather than relying on gambling or relying on marijuana to probably ease time or use it as a hobby,” she said.
The Faculty of Food and Agriculture student revealed that some of her peers said they use substances to cope, but she disagrees and thinks they can find other ways to occupy their time.
This was the point student Liberty Maynard made as she asked what Government planned to put in place to help those who are underage but addicted.
“Okay, so they not using these distractions, which is good, but what are they doing instead? What are we doing, what are we putting in place, because a lot of times people may use marijuana, or alcohol, or gambling to distract themselves from whatever mental or emotional stress they are going through,” she said.
Maynard said she read the UNC’s minifesto ahead of the elections, so she knew Persad-Bissessar’s plan, which she endorses, but said there are shortcomings.
“I think it would leave gaps because I think something should be implemented to support the youth emotionally and mentally, that is what we need, that’s why people turn to crime and drugs,” she explained.
However, she said if young people under the age of 21 want to, they would find a way to still drink, smoke and gamble.
UWI Guild president Vedanand Hargobin told Guardian Media there are 13,000 students enrolled at the campus, and a large number of them are under 25 years old.
In endorsing the Prime Minister’s decision, Hargobin said raising the age will allow young people a few more years to mature and develop without the risk of alcohol misuse, which often leads to road fatalities, a decline in academic performance or even alcohol dependency.
“I definitely believe this is about protecting youth. While it may not be a popular decision in some circles, it is definitely one intended for the greater good,” he said.
An employee at You We Supermarket and Liquor Mart and UWI student, Sarah Mohammed, said the business had not officially discussed the way forward, but as cashiers, they are accustomed to asking students for a form of identification, so they will just enforce that measure now.
But lorry man Isaiah Pile said he did not wait 18 years to drink, just to wait three more.
“We finish our schooling and everything, you’re already an adult, we have to wait plus extra just to drink a glass of White Oak or a glass of Puncheon, why?” he asked.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Youth Arm of the United National Congress (UNC), Daniel Rasheed, said the policy is not about restriction but responsibility. He said the policy emphasises protecting brain development, reducing addictive behaviour, and strengthening social well-being. It’s a health-based approach, not a moral judgement, he added.
“It is grounded in science, backed by evidence, and driven by a vision to ensure that our generation is protected, empowered, and fully prepared to make the best decisions for our lives,” Rasheed said.
The Youth Arm said members will host education and outreach programmes to help young people understand why this change matters and how to make informed decisions.