Director of Family and Social Services, Feona Charles Richards, expressed deep concern regarding the alarming trend of underaged children being permitted to consume alcohol, cannabis, and other hallucinogenic drugs at various fetes across the country.

Charles Richards criticized the lack of proper policing and enforcement of laws at these events, noting that minors constitute the largest group of attendees, yet their well-being seems to be overlooked in favor of profit generation.

She highlighted the failure to address violations and prioritize the prevention of minors from consuming substances that are harmful to their health.

Charles Richards also criticized the authorities responsible for granting licenses for these social gatherings, emphasizing the need for strict guidelines and enforcement measures.

Furthermore, she questioned the issuance of alcohol and liquor licenses to events where underaged patrons form the majority, stressing the need for rigorous ID checks and strict regulations to ensure the safety of young attendees.

Charles Richards firmly advocated for stringent measures to restrict youth access to drugs and alcohol, particularly emphasizing the pressing public health concerns associated with widespread substance abuse.

In her compelling argument, she articulated the health consequences of excessive drug and alcohol use, linking them to significant financial burdens on the public health system and a range of serious medical conditions, including heart disease and various types of cancer. She also expressed a need to differentiate between the medicinal use of cannabis and its recreational misuse.

Overall, Charles-Richards underscored the urgent need to address the readily available access to alcohol and drugs among young people, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the imperative need for immediate action.