KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dr Saphire Longmore-Dropinski is encouraging Jamaicans to be responsible this Easter holiday weekend as they partake in festivities and Jamaica’s Carnival activities.

“I am appealing to everyone to adhere to the rules, regulations and guidelines of the security forces during this period,” she urged in a release from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The senator noted that during the festive period, the overindulgence in alcohol is too common, resulting in poor judgement and reckless behaviour by some.

She said, “The legal drinking age is 18 years and older and serving alcohol to a minor is punishable by law. If you see someone including your friends getting significantly intoxicated, don’t get them another drink – encourage a bottle of water…or two…or three. Know your own limits when consuming alcohol.”

She made a special plea for party promoters to not allow entry to patrons who may be underage. She also suggested that if there is doubt about who will be consuming drinks served, they should be required to show identification.

Senator Longmore-Dropinski stressed that road safety is equally important and urged all drivers to be responsible. “Reports from the Road Safety Unit in March show that out of the 66 persons who have been in fatal motor vehicle accidents for the year so far, 60 (87 per cent) of them have been young men.  I therefore say to drivers, especially our young male drivers, be road responsible, drive within the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, don’t tailgate, no excessive overtaking and most importantly, do not drive intoxicated.”