On Thursday April 16th, representatives from the Lions Club Sin Maarten met with representatives of the police department at the Police Head quarters in Philipsburg. This first meeting that was held between both entities was to open a line of communication, exchange information and form a good working partnership. One of the main topics of discussion was the campaign the Lions Club has embarked on, which is to change the present laws and increase the legal age for using alcoholic beverages from 16 years old to 18 years old. The use and abuse of alcohol by under youngster and teenagers is increasingly becoming a problem within our society. The use and/or abuse of alcohol are linked to many criminal acts that are committed by our youth and are definitely issues that should be dealt with immediately. The carnival season has just started and the use and abuse of alcohol by our youth will again be a major issue. Parents should have a serious talk with their children regarding this topic before they leave home to attend any event.
During the Carnival season the Police Department will be looking into these issues and is definitely in full support of the Lions Club with their campaign and will be doing all possible to assist in making it a successful one.