Drunkenness at funerals now outlawed
IT IS NOW AGAINST the Law for persons to be consuming alcoholic beverages while attending funerals in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
This is in accordance with the Public Order Amendment Bill, which was passed in Parliament on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
The amendment to the legislation was tabled in the House of Assembly by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Ralph Gonsalves who, in presenting the Bill said it was quite straight forward.
It “creates an offense of unlawful possession or consumption of intoxicating liquor, while being part of a funeral procession,” in SVG, Gonsalves said.
The new Law carries a maximum penalty of $200 for an accused on summary conviction.
The prime minister explained that no offense is committed by a person who has the liquor in a sealed bottle, or in a container.
He also warned that under this Law, a person could be arrested without a warrant, if the police finds it necessary to do so for the safety of others.
The prime minister lamented that in funeral processions these days “people are seen with beers and rum, drinking and shouting”.
He said present day funerals are no longer solemn, but “just a matter of drinking rum, and treating the funeral procession as if it is a mas band; like if you having Carnival”.
While admitting that music is part of local funerals, Gonsalves said the consumption of alcohol at such occasions “offends the sensibility of our people”.
Additionally, there have also been complaints from citizens, and leaders of religious organizations in SVG.
The prime minister also spoke out against “persons with carts inside the procession, selling 3 for $10”.
There are also other Laws existing which deal with drunkenness and abuse of religion.
“It was never thought that in our St Vincent and the Grenadines, the joyful celebration would include actually drinking of rum in the procession.” However, the prime minister said unfortunately, “that is a bridge which has already been crossed”.
While contributing to debate on the Bill, Opposition
Leader Dr Godwin Friday, expressed concerns about whether or not this new Law will be enforced, as there is legislation of a similar nature that is not being adhered to.
“If that is how it is going to be addressed and approached, then it does not make sense to do it, ” the Opposition Leader concluded.
Acknowledging that the Opposition Members of Parliament understand the sensitivity of the amendment, Dr Friday, nevertheless, was adamant that “this legislation will not solve the problem”.
He also expressed fears that it could lead to other problems, especially if the police are overzealous when carrying out their duties as it relates to this new Law.
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