MP Christopher Emmanuel wants to know how would the change be implemented, says KPSM understaffed.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the Lions Club presented the project they launch late last year to curb under-age drinking on St. Maarten. The members of the Lions Club called on Members of Parliament to amend the legislation to increase drinking age from 16 to 18. Lion Melinda Hoever said that there is a discrepancy in the law that has to be corrected. She said that just recently the Netherlands amended their law making the legal age of drinking alcohol 18 years or older.
Member of Parliament Christopher Emmanuel made clear that he felt that Parliament will be used a rubber stamp to change the laws. MP Emmanuel said he is fully in favor of amending the legislation and make the necessary changes because he personally knows the effects of underage drinking. However, MP Emmanuel said that when these laws are being amended how does the LIONS Club or others implement the law. "Right now the legal age is 16 but when I walk into businesses I never see a sign posted in these establishments to say that alcohol will not be sold to persons' underage. Further he said the roadside bars sell beers and other alcoholic beverages to youngsters."
Emmanuel also explained that he personally witnessed where parents would sit in their vehicles and they would send their underage children in the supermarkets to buy cigarettes and it is sold to them with no question asked. Emmanuel said that he wants to know if government have to set up another entity that will enforce the law when it is amended. He said one of the things he will have to hear from the Minister of Justice how they will handle this matter because he knows that KPSM is currently understaffed.
MP Sarah Wescot Williams also agreed with the initiative taken by the LIONS Club to curb underage drinking. Wescot Williams asked the LIONS Club how they plan to measure the results of their campaign. She asked if they have any plans in place to gather information on how effective was the LIONS campaign against underage drinking.
MP George Pantophlet touched on the role of parents because some families feeding their young children alcohol. MP Pantophelt said that the fines can be increased but he is also concerned as to the enforcement of the laws when it is in place. He do believe that alcohol abuse is everybody's business.
MP Tamara Leonard also congratulated the LIONS Club for the initiative they have taken on, however, she said that while her colleagues wants to know who will implement the changes she want to make clear that the police have established the CPOs in every district on St. Maarten and these CPOs are given a hard time. She said in her view a lot has to start at home. MP Leonard said on the French side when persons' even adults go out to have a good time they have to constantly think about the consequences when driving under the influence because the Gendarmes are always on the road conducting controls with breathalyzers. MP Leona Marlin- Romeo also shared the same sentiments saying that this is not about the police alone or any one person problem but it is everybody's problem that has to be tackled by the entire community.
MP Silveria Jacobs also agreed with the amendments that must take place, however, she felt that this must be done across the board meaning that something has to be added in the legislation with regards to families and what they do inside their homes with alcohol and underage children.
MP De Weever wanted to know what the LIONS have planned for the upcoming Carnival season. The members of the LIONS club said that they met with government and now parliament to get their assistance in conducting more controls during the carnival season. Controls should be conducted with booth holders and revelers have to show their identification cards.
At the closing of the meeting on Tuesday morning chairlady of the Education committee informed the LIONS Club that all MPs that attended the meeting on Tuesday are in favor of amending the legislation to increase the age of alcohol drinking.
