Some thoughts for a healthy society

Dear Editor,
It was alarming to read that murders due to domestic violence has doubled since 2024. This should alert us to somethings in our society that are in serious crises and need urgent attention.
The cause of this troubling situation would be many and cannot be isolated to just one reason. Here I venture to offer a few ideas as to some of the possible reason for this really unsatisfactory situation and some suggestions which, hopefully, can contribute to minimising this very unsatisfactory situation.
In the first place it appears that we have got a problem with the consumption of excessive alcohol. Many of the reported cases have to do with persons being under the influence of liquor when these murders occur. The victims are overwhelmingly women.
Added to this is the seemingly increase in substance abuse. The effects of that are similar to the abuse of alcohol but much more harmful to health.
The other new phenomenon that has appeared is gambling. In almost every village that one goes to you will find shops which sell liquor are also well equipped with gambling machines. No restrictions are placed on this, even children are allowed to gamble.
The modern-day technologies that are available have made it possible to gamble online. Many people, most of who have modest income, can be seen gambling on their cell phones with the hope of striking it rich.
When gambling becomes an addiction, it is as dangerous as alcoholism and substance abuse. Often too they are combined and reinforce each other.
These lead to serious domestic problems. Particularly in the homes of working people. It leads to neglect of the homes, depriving children of proper food and other essential things necessary for a healthy upbringing. It contributes to deteriorating marital relations.
These cause serious tensions in homes which tend to explode and in the worst case leads to murders.
I am very encouraged by statements made by senior Government officials in relation to gambling. The important thing is that the Government has recognised this terrible danger which its poses and has expressed its intention to deal with it. I hope it is given urgent priority.
As far as alcoholism and substance abuse are concerned one suggestion is to begin a sustained public awareness programme on the dangers to health, relationships, and to society as a whole.
Moreover, particularly in the rural and interior areas a Government led effort to create healthy entertainment in the village may contribute to lessening the disasters which they bring about.
Efforts could be made to create cultural groups to recite poems, have concerts, using the local talents and even helping to create musical bands. These should not be confined to just popular music but begin to teach the classical music.
Such an effort proved very successful in Venezuela. Classical music was introduced to the depressed communities with very positive effects. Many developed countries have since adopted that programmed with great success.
In a similar light, sports can be an effective way of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Assistance should be given to create sports clubs and organise competition on a country-wide scale to develop the talents of our people. Gyms, swimming pools for public should be encouraged. As a youth I remember going to the “Luckhoo” Swimming Pool and to attend swimming competitions there.
This should not be confined to cricket and football, but include weightlifting, body building, table tennis and even lawn tennis, basketball, etc.
These can contribute towards encouraging a more wholesome and rounded lifestyle. It can help us to fight anti-social behaviour while spotting talents in sports and culture.
That may have an impact on lessening the frustration in families and communities which often leads to domestic violence.

Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Former President