The national director for Children, Adolescents and Family (DINNAF) urged the cooperation of parents and increased awareness of the large number of juveniles that consume alcohol in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is the seventh country in the consumption of alcohol in Latin America, recording consumption of about 6.9 liters per person during 2016, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO stats indicate that a quarter of young people between the ages of 15 and 19 worldwide, or 27%, consume alcohol in the Dominican Republic. The highest rates of consumption correspond to Europe (44%), followed by Latin American and Western Pacific youth, both with 38%.
Prosecutor Olga Diná Llaverías said the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) describes as alarming stats on children’s consumption of alcohol. “We are handling information from PAHO that between 35 and 40% of the population that drinks alcohol in the Dominican Republic is underage.” She said the effects of alcohol consumption on children are overwhelming.
She spoke when announcing together with the organizers of The Paradise Cap Cana Music and Arts Festival actions to safeguard the integrity of minors that attend the musical event in Punta Cana. The event is scheduled for the 20 and 21 December. The prosecutors, together with festival producer Hector Grullón, and Adrián Jiménz, in charge of security of the event, announced actions would be carried out to prevent the consumption of alcoholic beverages and use of electronic cigarettes by minors. She said actions would also be undertaken to avoid the diffusion of songs that induce to the consumption of drugs.
Diná Llaverías said that the Ministry of Interior and Police, the National Police, the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the National Council for Children and Adolescents (CONANI), the Specialized Body for Tourism Security (CESTUR) and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Program (COBA) are part of the effort.
The prosecutor said that they ensure strict compliance with the law, as well as guaranteeing healthy family entertainment and promoting good customs during the event that is aimed at young audiences.
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Acento
19 December 2019