Minister of Health, Dr. Ramsammy, sleeping with the enemy
In the latter part of 2007, Dr. Ramsammy boldly announced that Guyanese were consuming alcohol in epidemic proportions and wowed to take steps to curb the crisis. The Minister asserted that alcohol abuse was to blame for increased spousal abuse, rapes and and HIV infection. The rationale was that under the influence, persons loose their ability to use prudent judgement and this could have serious consequences when involved in sexual activities etc.
Realizing that the Minister’s message to the public could negatively impact their sales, the liquor industry immediately began strategizing ways to counter his approach. Since then, we have seen several such initiatives. The latest is Banks DIH’s partnership with the ministry of health to promote blood donation through sales from the liquor manufactuer’s products. This partnership is seen as a betrayal by the health minister and he is perceived to be now sleeping with the enemy for incentives or treats. This partnership sends a conflicting message to the consuming public. Since Banks DIH’s name cannot be divorced from alcohol manufaturing, Dr. Ramsammy is now associating alcohol with health. However, this is just another double speak that the Guyanese public have come to expect from the PPP administration.
Berkeley Van Bowen
