Caption: Daniel Rasheed
By Sue-Ann Wayow
SUPPORT continues to flow for the proposed legal age increase for alcohol consumption, use of marijuana and gambling.
In a statement on Thursday, Guild President of the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus Vedanand Hargobin said the Guild was in full support of the proposed amendments by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Hargobin said, “These measures reflect a forward-thinking and health-centred approach to safeguarding the well being of young people across Trinidad and Tobago.”
On Monday night, Persad-Bissessar announced the proposal to increase the age limit for the consumption of alcohol from 18 to 21 years, gambling and marijuana use from 21 to 25 years.
“This Guild views this policy as one centred on protection, not punishment,” Hargobin said.
The Guild acknowledged that the proposed decision may not be popular in some circles but it was one intended for the greater good.
The release stated, “Increasing the legal age for alcohol consumption offers young people an extended period to mature before being exposed to substances that are often linked to road fatalities, decreased academic performance and substance dependency.
“Similarly, raising the legal thresholds for gambling and marijuana use recognises the growing body of evidence regarding the effects of these activities on cognitive development, decision making and mental health.”
Hargobin said currently the St Augustine campus enrolled 13,000 students, the majority of whom were under the age of 25 and the proposed reforms would cause changes to social engagements.
He also added that such activities were limited in the UWI student life culture and campus policies have imposed limitations on alcohol consumption.
Hargobin said the Guild stands ready to support future dialogue with policy makers.
“This policy isn’t about control. It’s about care.”
Chairman of the United National Congress (UNC) UNC National Youth Arm Daniel Rasheed said it was not an easy decision to be made but it was for the greater good.
“This policy isn’t about control. It’s about care. And it’s about ensuring that our generation has the best possible shot at a healthy, successful future,” he said in a media release on Thursday.
He also thanked Persad-Bissessar for “putting young people first.”
Rasheed said, “Why age 25? Because science tells us that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control, continues to develop up until around age 25.”
He said while some might question the allowance to vote or work but not engage in certain activities, it was a fair question but freedom was not just about being allowed to do something,
“It’s also about being protected while you grow into who you’re meant to be,” Rasheed said.
He added, “This isn’t a top-down decision. It’s a product of years of dialogue, research, and commitment. And it’s just one piece of a wider vision to build a stronger, safer, and healthier generation. The UNC Youth Arm is fully behind this move. Because leadership isn’t always about doing what’s easy. It’s about doing what’s right.”
