Not alone in the arena

Barely three weeks ago, I wrote a short article in The Times on the alarming increase of alcohol among minors. I urged the authorities to change the law and regulate more stringently the sale of alcohol to minors.

I also advocated raising the minimum drinking age from 16 to 18. I must be honest: when I wrote, I expected some follow-up, but not much. However, the reaction has been so heartening. I now know I am not alone in the arena.

Many out there are also genuinely concerned. Immediately after my letter, Richard England wrote in The Times and furthered the cause with praiseworthy tenacity; then others followed and The Times editorial of June 2 strengthened the concern.

With the unstinting lead of Richard Butler, an old friend of mine and of Malta and an ardent sympathiser with the cause, a parents' group named GHG (Ghaqda Genituri) has now been formed.

Prof. England and Godfrey Leone Ganado are co-founding members. At a press conference held by GHG on May 29, Parliamentary Secretary Dolores Cristina promised support on some of the important issues involved.

Furthermore, Sedqa is actively and publicly supporting GHG. Those indefatigable personalities from Sedqa, Sina Bugeja and Stephen Vella, really deserve the nation's praise and acknowledgement.

Then more joined: the Ghaqda Genituri Nharsu 'l Uliedna Ahjar have wholeheartedly offered their support and now Zghazagh Haddiema Nsara (Adulti) have formally expressed their generous support. And more are expected to join this cause! (Those interested should write to ghg@di-ve.com.)

Many have encouraged us to keep up the tempo; those voices come from all the political creeds in Malta.

Questions are now echoing in parliament. Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi asked the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs to consider the raising of the minimum drinking age from 16 to 18 (parliamentary question 37; May 24).

The minister answered that several proposals were being considered on how to control better the consumption of alcohol; when a decision is taken the necessary amendments would be made. I ask: When? What amendments?

In parliamentary question 231 (June 3), Labour Party MP, Leo Brincat asked the Minister of Social Policy whether it was intended to strengthen the law on abuse of alcohol. The minister answered that the government was addressing the problem of alcohol abuse in different ways, including legislative methods. I ask: When? What laws?

I cry out for an answer. I am a concerned citizen. And all the members of parliament should be concerned citizens too. I am a concerned parent who looks around and recognises a mammoth problem that cries out to be tackled if we really want to save our younger generation from the serious problems of alcoholism.

The problem exists and is disconcertingly grave. The causes are various and are all serious.

The facility with which alcohol is available to minors is indeed appalling and we must all join hands to fight it but we must also ask ourselves the damning questions: Is it because of me? Am I doing my damnedest to help the young appreciate a sane alternative?

What values am I imparting? Let us not find fault with every one around us without looking at ourselves in the mirror.

Are we really helping to create the right atmosphere for our children in our homes? Is our example at home valid?

Are minor children resorting to drinking because of family problems? How are we reacting? So many questions need to be answered but they have to be answered honestly if a solution is to be found.

Meanwhile, my friends and I shall continue pressing. More are joining the arena.