Booth operators, bartenders, food vendors and event promoters are being warned not to sell or serve alcohol to children during the upcoming Emancipation Festival.
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is also urging adults not to purchase alcoholic beverages on behalf of students or other school-age children.
Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe said protecting young people requires the support of vendors, parents, guardians and the wider community.
“Festival is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and we want every member of our community to enjoy it safely and responsibly,” Crabbe said.
She added, “We ask every vendor, bartender, parent, guardian and patron to do their part by ensuring that alcohol does not find its way into the hands of our students.”
Vendors and alcohol servers are being asked to verify the age of anyone whose eligibility to purchase alcohol is uncertain and refuse service to persons below the legal drinking age.
They are also being urged not to serve adults suspected of purchasing alcohol for children and to support efforts to maintain a safe, responsible and family-friendly Festival environment.
“The choices we make as adults today can have a lasting impact on the health, safety and future of our young people,” Crabbe stated.
The Ministry will partner with the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee through the “Our Festival. Our Responsibility.” campaign to promote responsible alcohol consumption and prevent underage access within the Festival Village and surrounding areas.
GIS said the Ministry is also launching the “Future Above Fete” youth initiative to encourage young people to celebrate their culture responsibly while making choices that protect their health and future ambitions.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to supervise children in their care, discourage underage drinking and set a positive example through responsible behaviour.
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is also urging adults not to purchase alcoholic beverages on behalf of students or other school-age children.
Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe said protecting young people requires the support of vendors, parents, guardians and the wider community.
“Festival is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and we want every member of our community to enjoy it safely and responsibly,” Crabbe said.
She added, “We ask every vendor, bartender, parent, guardian and patron to do their part by ensuring that alcohol does not find its way into the hands of our students.”
Vendors and alcohol servers are being asked to verify the age of anyone whose eligibility to purchase alcohol is uncertain and refuse service to persons below the legal drinking age.
They are also being urged not to serve adults suspected of purchasing alcohol for children and to support efforts to maintain a safe, responsible and family-friendly Festival environment.
“The choices we make as adults today can have a lasting impact on the health, safety and future of our young people,” Crabbe stated.
The Ministry will partner with the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee through the “Our Festival. Our Responsibility.” campaign to promote responsible alcohol consumption and prevent underage access within the Festival Village and surrounding areas.
GIS said the Ministry is also launching the “Future Above Fete” youth initiative to encourage young people to celebrate their culture responsibly while making choices that protect their health and future ambitions.
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to supervise children in their care, discourage underage drinking and set a positive example through responsible behaviour.
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