Brackers take on underage drinking

(CNS): The mission to raise awareness about alcohol misuse in Cayman Bcac got off to a running start last month when the Brac Against Alcohol Misuse (BAAM) charity hosted a walk/run and evening of entertainment that raised more than KYD800 for its public education programmes. In the months before its launch, BAAM worked with the National Drug Council (NDC) to develop a community-wide programme to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse, and in particular underage drinking. Chairperson Annie Rose Scott said BAAM was born out of a deep concern about the increase in the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths over the past few years in Cayman Brac.

“Our strategy is to educate, encourage and enforce, paying special attention to our young people,” she said.

Some 300 people came out to support the group, including 92 walkers and runners who followed the course from the Scotts Dock to the old airport. On the evening of the run musicians and other performers entertained the guests and included testimonies from young people who had recovered from alcohol misuse.

To help combat what the group describes as the growing problem of minors misusing alcohol on the island, BAAM is taking a three pronged approach, by: providing young people with school-based life skills, working with families to develop effective communications skills and creating an environment of community wide surveillance.
The event was sponsored by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It also received support from various private sector and community organisations and individuals