BBC News: Dunkley:‘ Youth & Alcohol Don’t Mix’
[Written by Adrienne Smatt, Bermuda Broadcasting Co.]
Premier Michael Dunkley today warned young people that they face grave dangers if they abuse alcohol.
The hazards include unsafe sex, violence, suicide, fatal road accidents and drug overdoses.
“Alcohol use by our young people is extremely dangerous,” the Premier said, “both to themselves and of course, to society as a whole”.
His warning came during a press conference to unveil April as Alcohol Awareness month.
Today’s initiative was backed by the Opposition’s Michael Weeks, who said parents can play a direct role in stemming alcohol abuse among young people.
He cited the National Schools Survey of 2015, which reported that 18 per cent of middle and senior school students have consumed alcohol. About half of young users typically acquire alcohol from friends.
Note: Bernews is temporarily helping Bermuda Broadcasting Company by sharing its stories online. The station’s TV equipment is undergoing repair after being hit by lightning.
Legalise the ganja Dunkley. Alcohol is far worse but the establishment still supports it. Poor guy doing got fined $1000 for having 0.26g of weed on him yet those who drink a beer or two during their lunch break are deemed functional.
Um, Adults and alcohol dont mix.
But with all this Bull S!@# these Dreamers are trying to legislate, we need something to numb de brain !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April is a great month for a program like this especially starting on April Fools Day
Putting all “jokes” aside it was a pleasure seeing that today’s initiative is backed by the Opposition’s Michael Weeks, who said, “parents can play a direct role in stemming alcohol abuse among young people.”
Far too many children are influenced by what they witness and the abuse of drugs / alcohol is just one of the things…I commend the Political Parties for putting politics to the curb and taking “the bull by its horns”
Alcohol and cancer sticks kill more than all hard drugs combined, legalize the safest alternative (0 deaths, ever).
Legalize it!!
Youth and alcohol don’t mix, that is why we allow you to legally start drinking and driving a car simultaneously at 18, a full seven years before, our NDC ads claim the youthful brain finishes forming, knowing full well alcohol causes a large percentage of traffic fatalities, and alcohol is notorious for leading to terrible decision making. When will the legislators and drug dealers/ suppliers take some personal responsibility?
I’m not the only one who noticed this! I remember making the joke that when I turned at 18 I was now legal to drink and drive, implying drinking while driving, obviously it was just a joke and I wouldn’t actually do that and I know doing both at the same time is illegal. As this is no laughing matter, sometimes we poke fun at things that are ridiculous. The ages have to change, we can’t unleash people to be now finally legal for both things and not expect them to want to go all out, I think that’s a huge contributor to the problem right there.
Still no on site random sobriety checkpoints, When will we get serious ? We got those seat belt and telephone laws past though !
The problem with sobriety tests is that you can fail it even if you haven’t drank alcohol recently, some people have a condition where their body produces the effects of alcohol without drinking it. The police simply need to stop letting people off with warnings and stop and prosecute people who break the rules of the road.
I don’t know much – but it is one thing I do know.
This guy – is no leader. I see a demoralised premier – in “damage control” mode.
Action speaks louder than words.
“self-inflict” injury on one hand – and ask for “healing” on the other hand.
Under your watch – that happened.
It is unspoken, but we ALL feel it – now – even our guests to bermuda.
Respectfully – You should resign – and Mr fey – especially.
I read what you have said in this story relating to our youth – however, the trust factor in you is no longer.
At the rate we are going in this country, I would say that it is leadership like Mr. Dunkley / Fahy and richards that drive people to drink, and the more intolerable it becomes to live in these island, the younger the abuser’s of alcohol and other substance abuse, as drugs etc, will be.
So for those who think this is a wise crack or a pot shot at our leaders, please let me say it categorically clear, that I am very serious about this comment, if I was not a God fearing man and a person that goes to church for my sanity, i can promise you i would be drunk out of my mind more then sober.
Most that know my past would say thank God for Jesus, because they know I was a train wreck waiting to happen, I open the bar at 11:00 a.m in the morning at 15 1/2 years old and closed it out many nights at 3:00 am the next morning. So trying to talk to this generation about substance abuse on one hand, and abusing them through your mistreatment of who the are as citizens and hoping they have a piece of the rock, getting educated to try and survive in a country that flushes them down the toilet, by a government that sells their future right from under them, and then shutting down their schools, taking money from education, to support the likes of the rich, do I need to keep going.
No I think you got my point, Bootsie wrote a song that Bermudians love to drink, I think he needs to write a follow up version, that Bermudians have to drink, just thinking about the pressure, I need to find me a church that agrees with drinking, Maybe i will stay intoxicated unto God calls me home.
Yea, we need real leadership, like Paula “I am just a cog” Cox! Or Marc “10 cents a lick” Bean.
Or maybe an up and coming former Jet Blue employee?
Let’s face it. Compared to other countries, Bermuda is quite lax when it comes to underage drinking. Young teens can often get into bars because ID’s are not always checked and, yes, certain stores are known to sell alcohol to minors. Outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations, beach parties, and sporting events do not have sufficient regulations/security in place to help ensure that alcohol is made inaccessible to minors. In addition to asking parents to “play a direct role in stemming alcohol abuse among young people”, the government needs to play a more direct role as well. They need to tighten up regulations and look seriously into how other countries successfully enforce the law (e.g., if you are underage at an outdoor concert in Canada, you not only have to wear a wristband that indicates you’re a minor, but you are also separated from the ‘drinking crowd’ by way of a barrier). The government should also do more to educate young people on the hazards of alcohol and drug use. Unfortunately, this online / news media message will not be enough to deter young people from drinking. Our youth need to hear this “warning” message from people whose lives have been torn apart from the misuse of alcohol. These type of guest speakers need to go into schools to talk about the dangers (drunk driving, binge drinking, etc.) and to inform young people of their legal obligations and responsibilities. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child” and everyone, including our government, needs to play a part.
I’ve never once been ID’ed at Docksiders, I’m 19 but say I look young, a could have been underage and no one would have been the wiser.
B.A.N. Bermudians against Narcotics does not support Alcohol abuse or Drug use or abuse ,and that includes Marijuhania,, Cocaine,or any mind altering substances.This includes Youth and Elders.Do not legalize any of it for any age.Medicinal use by certified Doctors ,Pharmicists,or legalised practicioners should be monitored and licenced appropriately.Legalising anything that has been proven to be injurious to society is a criminal act.Whether this act is approved by Government,Legal Fraternity ,Big Business or Street level.B.A.N does not ,cut corners,or cherry pick ,cronies,family ,or friends,Right is Right ,and Wrong is,No man’s Right.Peace.
Aahhh, shaddduupp !
Banning dangerous substances actually increases abuse and legalizing it decreases abuse….by making it illegal, you’re making it cool to do so more people want to try it just because it’s illegal. And plus addicted people need help not jail sentences.