Rymer calls for Alcoholics Anonymous for BVI
Deputy Premier Kye Rymer has called for a treatment programme in the BVI to address the issue of alcoholic dependency that is similar to the US version of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship programme for people who come together to solve their drinking problem by mutual assistance.
While debating the Liquor License Act in the House of Assembly (HOA) yesterday, Rymer said: “I’m hoping that we can establish some sort of a programme within our community to address those persons that are affected by the over usage of the consumption of alcohol.”
He added: “I know in other jurisdictions there are some called AA, Alcohol Anonymous or something of that effect. But maybe we could create… I’m not sure if there’s any programme here; if there’s any government programme.”
According to Rymer, it would be good to refer persons to such a programme whether it is a government-funded agency or a private entity that can be funded towards that end. “We need to make sure that with the usage of alcohol, we use alcohol in a right manner and not overuse it,” Rymer said.
Rymer’s sentiments were supported by the Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Shereen Flax Charles, who argued that the tourism industry benefits a lot from the sale of alcohol but stated that persons should consume alcohol in moderation.
“So, I too agree that we would have to put some sort of a plan in place … I know that on Virgin Gorda there is alcoholics anonymous and I’m sure that it is something that we we need to look at because some [persons are] not as strong as others and we just need to ensure that there’s balance as we move ahead,” Flax Charles said.
Logbook an effective deterrent?
Meanwhile, Rymer pointed to a requirement in the revised legislation for a logbook to be implemented at establishments for disorderly conduct.
The minister questioned whether it will now be a new responsibility for persons going into establishments to register their name and number for it to be recorded by the staff of the establishment.
“I know some persons go to these [drinking] establishments incognito so, if something happens and your name [has] to be published, I’m not sure how that would work,” Rymer said.
“It would be good to see how that will work out; if that would deter persons from going to these establishments or not,” he added.
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You may think it’s bad, but, I call alcohol my stress reliever and a friend when I am hiding from Jesus.
Of course, I do drink in moderation at all times
Amen somebody
Hold up…is rymmer and sowande on the same team? Looks like one promoting alcohol since Jesus turn water into wine. The other one promoting alcoholics anonymous for addicts. Well…I guess it best to have both options.
he should call for a Cheaters Annonymous, a ban on all the brothels and strip clubs while he at it…. but we know he wouldnt ….but thats none of my business.
@No sah, Sounds like something an alcoholic would say.
Honourable Rymer the first clients of AA should be some of your own colleagues in the HOA. Some of them it is alleged drink like fish.
I know one in particular his eyes and entire demeanor seems like he is on something.
Deliverance is the children’s bread. Seek it and you shall find it.
I have a few good reasons for drinking
Good idea, AA. But not your portfolio.
Just please fix the roads.
I see another consultancy, another Board, another study in the BVI future!
Tha one from WEE GGG HE OUT OF CONTROL
There is AA here. Not supported by the BVI government of course.
WE NEED AA IN THE BVI FOR SURE. LOOK AT HOW LIQUOR IS DESTROYING THE MEN IN THE TERRITORY. I LOST 3 MEN IN MY FAMILY TO ALCOHOL. THE WAY THEY SUFFERED, I WOULD NOT WISH THAT ON MY WORST ENEMY. THE MEN HERE THAT DRINK THEIR STOMACHS IS SWOLEN LIKE THEY ARE PREGNANT OR THEY LOOK SUCK OUT AND THEIR SKIN LOOKS DRY AND ASHY NO MATTER HOW MUCH LOTION THEY RUB ON THEIR SKIN.
Stay in your lane Brother! Lets fix the roads!
The UK shares none of the blame for creating this human market place and demonic Zoo in paradise.
The BVI and the Carribbean as a whole needs to learn to properly look at addiction and help people deal with it without stigma. Alcoholics Anonymous is a very good support system for alcoholics but I believe it just can’t work here, someone will spot someone somewhere and add 2 + 2 and now suddenly the whole country is gossiping about whose trying to fix their own issues, robbing those people of the privacy they deserve while trying to deal with their own problems.
Government always have the cart in front of the horse. Control what is easier. Prevention is better than cure. Stop giving so much F…ing liquor licenses for liquor shops to open on every corner.
And it meets regularly IN HIS DISTRICT.
AA needed desperately.
Thank you for glorifying alcohol consumption. The problem grew exponential after we began using images (male and female) of our own to promote the sale of alcohol. And GoVI you approved the operation of a bar on every street corner. What did you expect to happen?
Check before you open your mouth. There is already an. A.A. here.
FIX the ROADS.
Well stated. Those are th truths..
when he out drinking the same alcohol with will smith wife he didn’t have that idea
Maybe if the Territory was properly managed, people wouldn’t be so compelled to drink.
HOA – House of alcoholics
THERE IS A AA HERE!
The bulk of the BVI tourism product is based on alcohol. Now it’s a problem?
AA has been a part of the BVI for over 28 yrs. I got sober in Tortola in 1994 when I lived and worked there and have had continued sobriety since!