“On Wednesday, the UNC Government will bring a Bill entitled, “An Act to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act, Chap. 11:25, the Registration of Clubs Act, Chap. 21:01, the Tobacco Control Act, Chap. 30:04, the Children Act, Chap. 46:01, the Liquor Licences Act, Chap. 84:10, the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Act, 2021 (Act No. 8 of 2021) and the Cannabis Control Act, 2022 (Act No. 10 of 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.
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.
It is incumbent upon me, as your Prime Minister, 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.
To this end, the UNC 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.
Further, we will propose 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.
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 behaviours.
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 behaviours can inflict upon individuals, families and communities.”