Dear Editor,
I refer to the article ‘Two-beer attracts objections from some road users’ published in the July 29 issue of Kaieteur News. The article subjectively sought to publish the views of some Guyanese on the recently approved ‘two-beer limit for drivers’ bill.
In the article, it was reported that many residents in Georgetown expressed the view that “drinking is a part of Guyanese culture.” As humorous as this statement seems, the sad reality is that it is true. However, regardless of what has inveterately become accepted as ‘Guyanese culture,’ it needs to be addressed and eradicated if it is detrimental to the development of our beloved Republic of Guyana. The minibus system is another tragic ‘Guyanese culture,’ but should the government leave it as is, simply because many operators and school children perceive it as ‘fun’? Member of the PNCR Deborah Backer was spot on when she said “for the legislation to be effective, it would require a change in culture for Guyanese,” as reported in the said article.
One road user was reported as saying, “People still gun drink and drive, no matter what you do.” My response to that statement is: Criminals will always be around regardless of how many are apprehended, but should the police force refrain from pursuing them and relinquish any endeavour to develop law and order?
The next paragraph of the article indicated that many are of the view that, “Instead of telling people don’t drink and drive, dem should take all a dem stray animal from de road.” This statement is stereotypical of the responses of many Guyanese to laws that they deem as hindrances to their ‘fun.’ I agree that stray animals on the streets are hazardous and the issue needs to be addressed. However, when constructive actions are being taken by the government we should focus on that and be supportive rather than be excursive and focus on other issues. Positive change has to be realised systematically and over time. In the final paragraph of the said article, the reporter stated, “The almost singular voice of the Guyanese people has been calling for stricter measures to protect them from the abuse of this new legislation… and for the preservation of their alcohol induced culture.” Such a statement is nothing more than the proverbial infantile media sensationalism in Guyana. According to The 2008 World Factbook (http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/guyana/guyana_people.html ), Guyana has a population of approximately 769,095. My question is, how many of the approximately 769,095 persons did the reporter interview before audaciously penning the claim “the almost singular voice of the Guyanese people…”?
Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Gupta
