Alcohol use among secondary school students worrying

drinkingA survey conducted a few years ago indicates that alcohol use among secondary school students is over 50 per cent and Education Officer for Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) Renna Jno-Charles said this is very serious.

“In light of the 2006 Secondary school survey, conducted by the Drug Abuse Prevention Unit here in Dominica which found that alcohol was the most widely used substance among the survey population and that 52.3 per cent of the sample had used alcohol within 30 days prior to the survey,” she said.

She noted that such high use of alcohol has grave implications.

“It is clear that alcohol use/abuse is a serious concern among our young people and has grave implications not only for the individual and their family, but for our nation,” she noted.

Jno-Charles was delivering remarks at the close of an eight-week program for primary schools at the Arawak House of Culture, called ‘Ask, Listen and Learn Classroom Champions (ALLCC). The program is designed to raise awareness of underage drinking.

According to her, discussions for the program began back in 2013-2014 with the Ministry of Health and the Drug Abuse Prevention Unit and it is justified, timely, necessary but too short.

“It is my wish that the program could be extended to benefit our children around the country,” she added.

ALLCC was piloted in four primary schools: Sineku, Salybia, Grand Bay and Good Will Primary schools and it was concluded that underage drinking and lifestyle development were critical areas in Dominica which needed intervention and support initiatives.

Five hundred and seventy five students and 27 teachers participated in the program from April 20th –June 12th 2015.

ALLCC utilizes cutting edge technology, research, partners of industry and athlete mentors to educate children about the dangers of underage drinking and it provides valuable information about prudent lifestyle choices.

The pilot program was held under the tagline “Kids and Alcohol don’t Mix.”

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21 Comments

  1. June 20, 2015

    In a democratic nation with a government chosen by the people there is no room to moan and groan about what the government does or does not allow. We put these dudes in power, and we returned them to power. Why? Because we like their faces? People vote for a candidate without even knowing where he stands on the various issues. Then they hum and haw about how nothing ever changes as the tide of immorality sweeps over the land.

    Evils thrive because governments allow them to thrive. When was the last year a political candidate made one of these moral/social issues we fuss so much about an election issue or a plank in his platform, then followed through by making good on his promise?

    The governments continue to license and tax the cigarettes and alcohol, along with lotteries and casinos. Now there are fools encouraging them to create a marijuana industry, and legalize brothels so they can license and tax these things to.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  2. Francisco Telemaque
    June 19, 2015

    When that woman came out last week talking nonsense about sexual, and physical abuse is the cause of the bad behavior of students in our schools, she forgot to mention the consumption of alcohol by some of the unruly students.

    Alcohol has long penetrated the fabric of our society, the students learn the habit from home, they follow in the footsteps of their parent, so what can be expected? The government encourages people to indulge in alcohol. One may remember when that woman Castle was minister in the labor party government.

    She made the statement “the government is working feverishly to ensure that the price of rum remains cheap, so that the people can drink their rum!”

    I suppose that remains the top priority of the Labor government: The woman who made that revelation was Barnis!

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 19, 2015

      Alcoholism is the order of the day in Dominica, it is not unusual to walk by someone office, a professional, involve even in law or medicine, only see them standing out side of their place of business with a glass if rum, some of them their preferred choice is whiskey.

      I have witness that, don’t he talking crap!

      It is like they are showing off their habit in early hours of the morning, so why one should be surprised by the behavior of the youths, when the adults teach them the practice.

  3. Rum drinker
    June 18, 2015

    Is not weed or coke that going to destroy the next generation, is the spirit that is being sold to the innocent little children by the greedy and unconcerned bartenders and shop keeper.

  4. June 18, 2015

    Really now what a surprise. When we are bombarded every second of the day by adverts featuring alcohol. On the one hand we are told buy three for ten dollars and in the next breath ‘drink responsible’ sheer hypocrisy. There is far too much alcohol consumed in this country and the result is plain to see, low productivity, early death,strain on the health service etc. The list can go on and on, something needs to be done urgently. Far too many bars, every week alcohol license is being granted. Before the granting of an alcohol license, the area should be inspected in before determing is it of the people’s best interest in granting another drinking bar.

    • June 20, 2015

      Is it ever in the people’s best interest to open another bar :?:

      Did a town ever become a better place to live because a new bar opened :?:

      Would a mother be happy to know that her husband was stopping at the bar for a few on the way home from work on pay day :?:

      Would you expect children to be glad their father was spending the evening at the bar :?:

      Did spending time at the bar ever make a man a better husband :?: A better father :?: A better employee :?:

      Did a man ever become a better citizen or neighbor because of the bar :?:

      Would parents be happy to know that their daughter was dating a young man the local bartender said was his best customer :?:

      Does this sound to you like a business you should be proud to manage :?: A business that should be advertised and promoted?

      The bar :!:
      Whoever named it named it well.
      A bar to heaven,
      a gate to hell :!:

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  5. Ras
    June 18, 2015

    Most people drink to forget their misery. Just imagine it has spread so wide even the school children trying to forget theirs. Its a shame.

  6. Dominican
    June 18, 2015

    I’m just here to see who thinks its Skerrits fault :mrgreen:

  7. The Hand
    June 18, 2015

    I am amazed at the high esteem and reverence that we young men hold alcohol. I never “pull up on blocks” with guys but recently I was with a group of guys i don’t hang out with because we were doing some business. And this was the conversation.
    ” Boy allu man cannot drink like me boy”?
    “you to stupid! I ready drink spice until i reach hospital wi!!!”
    “boy that is nothing!!! me alone killing a red cap”
    “one sip we give mr and he could drink more…mr is a girl!”

    I was like…ok then(honestly I had to laugh).
    Im saying this to say, when the 12,13 and 14 year olds see this behavior amongs their bigger brothers and cousins and come to identify with it as cool behavior. They will want to engage in it to be just as “cool” as them.
    Honestly I think with this one…we have to work on the role models…because the way people speak about rum…if I didnt know better id think it was the best thing ever. (note: Im not saying a little is bad…but as the saying goes all…

  8. Sams Gutter
    June 17, 2015

    There has to be a reversal of the culture in Dominica that give props the those people who can drink a lot. Alcoholics has never being regarded as a health problem until now. It is a sickness that has to be addressed.

  9. An0n
    June 17, 2015

    Well, what do they expect when marijuana is illegal and kids do not want police to smell it on them?? And by the way, I smoked marijuana in high school (everyone doesn’t have to), went college soon afterwards, graduated, worked at fortune 500 co, opened my own business employing 13 people, most smoke weed and are very productive. Recommend it, would do it all over again. Legalize weed you’ll get better results.

    • Annon
      June 22, 2015

      That’s so true. I couldn’t have said it better.

  10. June 17, 2015

    Sow an act reap a habit.

    Sow a habit reap a character.

    Sow a character reap a destiny.

    Alcohol use can cause liver problems, and contribute to cancer. It can also kill brain cells. The pleasure of feeling “high” leads to full blown addiction (alcoholism).

    Students are at the most vulnerable time of their lives because of peer pressure. Nobody wants to be the only kid in the pack who says “No thank you.” The pressure is at its worse at social events or parties when “Everybody is doing it.”

    It helps if the student has a happy home life. Seeing an example in Mum and Dad can lead them to form personal convictions based on what they have seen works best in life.

    Learning in school about the health risks of both tobacco and alcohol use lets them know it is wise to avoid these things.

    Being part of a church youth group can give them the strength to do what is right when others are making choices they will regret in the years to come.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald…

  11. who vex vex
    June 17, 2015

    On my way to Roseau i saw a”keep dominica clean sign” and it was sponsored by R*d C*p Rum and that particular sign was next to the ITSS bus stop.
    Alot of conversations can be sparked just by the sight of that sign, it can be linked to them trying it. That sign makes R*d C*p look good in the kids eye

  12. Rum Famalay
    June 17, 2015

    An eye-opening news item on alcohol use by teenagers in Dominica. However, it is interesting to note that this news item is immediately followed by a paid advertisement entitled: Business Byte – Win $10,000 in White Oak Dominoes Pairs Competition. This just illustrates the level of alcohol promotion and consumption on the island. Consideration should be given to banning alcohol advertisements as a first step of addressing alcoholism among young people.

  13. time to
    June 17, 2015

    fight the womyel culture

  14. Surprise
    June 17, 2015

    I cannot understand why the results of this survey was a surprise , Dominica advertise alcohol to its people every second, alcohol companies sponsor all Fun events , they encourage feel good events with alcohol. Children learn what you teach them. So don’t blame kids, blame the society , that cannot separate kids fun ,from adult fun activities. Everything has to be rum,rum ,rum , and while we at it . K………li Chabey sayw.
    I guess they learn how to hold theirs.

    • DA Veteran
      June 17, 2015

      To add to your comment, I’m all the way in the US and when I listen to the radio on a Saturday, all I hearing is the advertisement: “White Rum we drinking, Rum.”

  15. Shaka zulu
    June 17, 2015

    I will start by saying good job implementing program in a few elementary schools. However, the survey was done in 2006 in secondary schools, we are in 2015 now hearing results and pilot program initiated in a few primary schools in 2013/14. This is not how you handle a problem if it is that serious. I will give you benifit of doubt and assume you guy have been working on this but just did not mention in speech. This was nine years ago. Is that the definition of urgency?

  16. IluvmyPm
    June 17, 2015

    There is no hope for young people in Dominica, skerrit
    only focused on selling passports , no opportunities for employment, if u want a
    scholarship u have to spread if a lawyer touch your private
    part no one takes the case your only hope is to migrate.

    • June 17, 2015

      @IluvmyPm June 17, 2015

      When you say there is no hope, you have told the world that you have given up–as a complete failure–with that empty idea, once again, that the Prime Minister of our country is to blame. Well I will show you who the people like yourself are –both young and old–read it below: Proverb 6

      6 Go to the ant, you sluggard!
      Consider her ways and be wise,
      7 Which, having no captain,
      Overseer or ruler,
      8 Provides her supplies in the summer,
      And gathers her food in the harvest.
      9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
      When will you rise from your sleep?
      10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
      A little folding of the hands to sleep—
      11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
      And your need like an armed man

      In other words, stop being lazy and blaming everyone else for your failure. Try to build up some kind of self-esteem for your person, show the world that you want to be somebody in Life. Only you can achieve that goal for yourself.

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