Need for a sustained fight against alcoholism/drug addiction

Dear Editor,
I wish to congratulate the Guyana Times for its editorial of November 25, 2025, titled “Alcoholism and Society”. While the focus was strictly on alcohol, the theme could be broadened to include all substance abuse and gambling. These anti-social activities are having very serious negative consequences in our society. Many young lives are being destroyed in a variety of ways: destroyed health, depression, suicides, road accidents, etc.
While it is a general problem in the society, it is probably worse in the countryside. Most of our news is highly urban-orientated, and therefore the social issues in the villages are often not known and unreported.
It is good that this is now being exposed by letters and articles, as well as the editorials in the press.
However, the task is how to change these things.
It is possible that one of the reasons for the prevalence of alcoholism, etc, in the countryside is the lack of entertainment and more wholesome activities in the various areas.
It would be unfair to place the whole responsibility on the Government to deal with the problems, because in fact, this situation affects everyone; therefore, our institutions, including non-Governmental organisations, have to make a contribution. Having said that though, it is clear that the Administration can give a push and encourage it to eventually be self-sustainable.
In a previous piece the point was made about the creation of facilities in the villages. Things like gyms and facilities for other types of sports, both indoor and outdoor, other than cricket and football.
The young in particular, but the whole community, can be organised by the promotion of cultural and sports groups with assistance to them on how to manage their affairs. Teach them how to conduct meetings, how to organise competitions and other basic needs.
Recall that at one time Guyana had seven members playing for the West Indies at the same time. This, it is believed, was due to the many competitions that we had in cricket. A quick recount would show we had the White Cup, the North County Cup, the Case Cup, and Inter-County Cricket. That brought out many talented cricketers. This can be reproduced in other sports and cultural activities.
To get the ball rolling, maybe a task force comprising personnel from the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and Social Security could be formed to start the promotion (help to organise clubs).
While this is not an exhaustive list of what can be done, it may make a good start and a valuable contribution to the quality of life and to the integrity of our people. After all, “man shall not live on bread alone.”
Congratulations once more to Guyana Times, and hopefully the other media outlets will weigh in on this task.

Yours sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Former President