The Bottom, Saba -According to information from the Government Information Service, there will be a campaign this year to prevent under-age drinking during the Carnival. According to the press release sent out, it is important to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event and is at the same time aware of potential hazards.

This year a campaign has therefore been developed focused on the prevention of under-age drinking. The brain of a teenager is still developing and is, therefore, more vulnerable to the damage alcohol can inflict. Two recent incidents involving minors that were treated for alcohol poisoning show the urgency of this matter on Saba.

The campaign is one of the initiatives of the working group Substance Abuse with participants from Saba Healthcare, Public Entity Saba, Public Health Saba, KPCN, Centre for youth and Family, Mental Health Caribbean, Social workers, schools and the hospitality sector.

The multimedia campaign will consist of posters in the carnival village and at all the bars on Saba. Audio clips will be played on the radio and in the Festival village. A town hall meeting took place last week with information about having a safe and fun Carnival. The promoters have had extra instructions not to sell alcoholic beverages to minors, and are encouraged to ask for an ID when in doubt. Security personnel in the carnival village will be alert for minors drinking alcohol.

Several partners are also starting awareness campaigns in various forms on topics such as drinking and driving, unprotected sex, dehydration, heat stroke and hearing damage.