Be responsible

COMING out of a very hectic Christmas season, many Barbadians are understandably still on a holiday high from the merriment, particularly after the climax of the 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

 

While many would have found joy in the food, and drinks – be it alcoholic or otherwise, many got their Christmas high from shopping.

 

With a few extra dollars in our pockets because of an early payday, or for those fortunate enough to get a bonus, the extra dollars gave us an opportunity to grab bargains and take full advantage of the blowout prices, particularly in the final days leading up to Christmas.

 

We could see the faces of persons who busily made their way into the City, many of them grumbling because of the volume of people, yet deep down we know they were happy to be walking out with bags of items to spruce up their homes or with gifts to give to their loved ones.

 

Every year however, there are gentle reminders that January is the longest month of the year, if only by the length of time money has to stretch coming out of the Christmas season.

 

So while warnings of overeating, given the challenges facing the island as it relates to non-communicable diseases, are pertinent, as well the warnings about drinking and driving should not go unheeded, we must make sure that we make wise choices and quite frankly live within our means and not our wants, not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

 

It would be remiss and irresponsible of me not to address the issue of drunk driving.

 

Certainly, there are a number of parties and social events at this time of the year. Drinks are flowing and the spirits are high, pun intended. Let’s agree that peer pressure does not only affect young children. There are older persons, particularly men, who are ridiculed and belittled for not having several drinks during social gatherings, or for only having one drink or “standing on one foot” in Bajan parlance.

 

There are women who also fall into this trap. Many are caught up in the sweet taste of cocktails and delicious liqueurs and before they know it they are face flat on the ground.

 

It is important to know one’s limit. And if that is not known, be sure to designate a driver to take you home. For it is a lapse of judgement on the road that could lead to a deadly crash, not only taking your life, but taking the life of another innocent driver or pedestrian who decided to be responsible while you decided to drink excessively.

 

Additionally, with all of these parties coming up, particularly with New Year’s Eve less than a week away, we should all try to leave home a bit earlier. Certainly some like the idea of making a grand entrance by arriving a few minutes before the countdown, but the reality is, this leads to rushing, road rage and quite possibly a pointless collision on the road. 

 

Similarly, it does not make sense everyone leaving the venue at the same time. Many smart persons, unless there’s an emergency, are seeing the benefits of having a seat and patiently waiting to let some of the traffic clear off the road. 

 

These are just some of the ways that we can keep ourselves safe, maintain our sanity and enter 2017 without any unnecessary drama.