{ {{Notre correspondant trinidadien Deosaran Bisnath, président d'une association de culture indienne à Trinidad, s'inquiète qu'un récent article d'information paru dans le Trinidad Express semble apprécier la montée de la consommation de rhum chez les jeunes, et le fait que le commerce s'en félicite outrageusement.
Il ne faut pas se voiler la face. L'abus d'alcool - que ce soit du rhum, ou des autres boissons en vente libre dont se gavent nos jeunes à fins de loisir-oisiveté - est responsable de nombreux problèmes dans la culture créo-caribéenne : à tous les échelons de la famille il abîme et il tue.
Boire n'est pas le médicament de nos maux. Ne pas en prendre conscience n'est rien moins qu'une des tares dont souffre notre société, dont nous ne pouvons rester complices silencieux.
L'association GOPIO Trinidad montre l'exemple par une belle initiative : un concours d'écriture pour les moins de 25 ans sur le thème "Alcoolisme à Trinidad - causes, effets et solutions", doté de plusieurs prix. J.S.S.}} }
{{GLORIFICATION OF RUM CULTURE}}
In an informative article "Young drinkers turn to Puncheon" by Darryl Heeralal in the EXPRESS on Wednesday August 6th 2008, the brand manager of Forres Park Puncheon rum, Christopher Noel, says he is "very happy with the increase in sales so far." Mr. Heeralal reported that "The Forres Park brand, produced by Fernandes Distillers, rum drinker's choice for the best puncheon, has upped sales six and a half per cent, every year for the past three."
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago is extremely concerned about Mr. Noel's comments: should anyone be happy about the increased sales of alcoholic beverages? Is Mr. Noel or his company, Fernandes Distillers, also happy about the increase in health, social, and lifestyle problems directly attributed to alcoholic consumption?
Alcohol affects each member of the family – from the unborn child to the alcoholic's spouse. Its far-reaching affects result in not only physical problems for the alcoholics, but also may result in physical and psychological problems for other members of the family. Studies of domestic violence frequently document high rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) involvement, and AOD use is known to impair judgment, reduce inhibition, and increase aggression. Alcoholism and child abuse, including incest, seem connected also.
Excessive drinking can cause a variety of health problems. Almost every system in the body can be negatively affected by alcohol and even moderate drinking can affect your health. The body has more than 100 circadian rhythms that are unique and influence various aspects of body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, hormone levels, pain threshold and even the ability to fight disease. Drinking alcohol can have negative consequences on these biological rhythms.
Alcohol-induced liver disease is a major cause of illness and death. Brain damage is a common and potentially severe consequence of long-term, heavy alcohol consumption. Even mild-to-moderate drinking can adversely affect cognitive functioning. Young people who binge drink could be risking serious damage to their brains now and increasing memory loss later in adulthood. Scientists and researchers continue to find a link between even moderate alcohol drinking and an increased risk of certain cancers, especially breast cancer and liver cancer. The more you drink, the greater the risk of developing cancer.
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago condemns the glorification of Rum Culture in our nation. Rum and alcoholic beverages are glorified and celebrated - in song and dance; in social and community events; in sporting events with 'beer' girls and famous sporting personalities; and in media and billboard promotions with scantily-clad women and men in exotic locales with the ubiquitous alcoholic beverages at their sides.
GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago condemns advertisements that target the young and vulnerable segments of the population. Alcohol advertisements overwhelmingly connect consumption of alcohol with attributes particularly important to youth, such as friendship, prestige, sex appeal and fun. Experimental and survey studies suggest a link between recall of alcohol advertisements and increased alcohol use in both underage and adult populations. Longitudinal studies bear out the relationship between television, music video and advertisement exposure and subsequent onset of or increase in drinking.
Every citizen in our nation should assist in dealing with the ALCOHOLISM problem. For its part, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago intends to raise the consciousness, sensitize and increase awareness, especially amongst the youth; and provide solutions that can be implemented throughout Trinidad and Tobago. As a first step, GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago included ALCOHOLISM as one of the major topics at our Indian Arrival Day Seminar on May 10th, 2008; we are following up that with a nationwide essay competition open to anyone under 25 years old. The topic is "ALCOHOLISM in Trinidad & Tobago – Causes, Effects, and Solutions." Amongst the prizes awarded are Desktop and Laptop computers; in addition, four runner-up prizes will be awarded.
Entries should be mailed on, or before, August 31st, 2008, to:
_ GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago
_ PO BOX 2286,
_ Chaguanas.
For More information: 687-7529, 662-7159, GOPIOtt@gmail.com, or the address above.
Regards,
{{Deosaran Bisnath,}}
President, GOPIO Trinidad & Tobago.