TRINIDAD-Government to implement stronger measures to deal with alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government will present to Parliament on Wednesday several amendments to existing legislation governing the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and gambling.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in a statement posted on her social media platforms, said that her administration will bring a Bill entitled, “An Act to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act, the Registration of Clubs Act, the Tobacco Control Act, the Children Act, the Liquor Licenses Act, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, and the Cannabis Control Act, 2022.

“I am resolute in my duty to protect and safeguard the young people of Trinidad and Tobago, the future custodians of our beloved nation, from the pernicious consequences that result from the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other dangerous drugs,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“It is well documented that the indiscriminate use of these substances, particularly at an early age, can have grave and far-reaching effects not only on the individual, but also on their families and the wider society. There is also a pressing and undeniable need to shield our young people from the perils inherent in gambling, which threatens not only their financial security but also their moral and social well-being.”

Persad-Bissessar said it is incumbent upon her to bring measures that will “safeguard the health, welfare and future of our young people, and to enact provisions that will decisively curtail the scourge of substance abuse and the hazards of gambling among them.

“In pursuit of this solemn responsibility, it is my clear intention to strengthen the framework of protection afforded to our young people,” she added.

She said as a result, the Government will propose to raise the minimum legal age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol and tobacco from 18 years to 21 years as well as to raise the minimum legal age for the sale, purchase, possession or consumption of cannabis from 18 years to 25 years.

Additionally, the minimum permissible age with respect to gambling will be raised from 18 years to 25 years.

“These measures are not arbitrary. They are deliberate and rooted in our unwavering commitment to the health, safety and moral well-being of the young people of our nation,” Persad-Bissessar said, adding that by acting decisively, “my Government seeks to ensure that the next generation is afforded every opportunity to grow, learn and succeed without being harmed by early exposure to dangerous substances or risky behaviors.

“This is the binding oath of a Prime Minister who is steadfast in my love for our young people. We are unwavering in our commitment to enact and enforce measures designed to shield our young people from these self-destructive influences.

“This will help ensure that they may thrive and contribute to national life, free from the harms that these substances and negative behaviors can inflict upon individuals, families and communities,” she added.

The proposed legislation also seeks to increase penalties under the Children Act for offenses involving children and dangerous drugs. Those offenses include exposing a child to a dangerous drug, giving a child a dangerous drug, and using a child to sell, buy or deliver a dangerous drug.

The Bill also proposes that where a child over 10 is found drinking alcohol or in possession of, or using, tobacco products, cannabis, cannabis resin or dangerous drugs, the child could be liable on summary conviction to a TT$50,000 (One TT dollar = US$ 0.19) fine.

The proposed gambling amendments would require licensed gambling premises to display rules stating that gambling by persons under 25 is prohibited. The penalty for failing to post and maintain the required signage would increase from $50,000 to TT$100,000.

It would also become an offense for a person to knowingly invite, cause, or permit someone under 25 to gamble or enter licensed gambling premises, other than a racetrack.