Underage drinking, drug abuse irk Opposition

Many school children are involved in drinking and drug abuse
Photo: School children engage in drinking , this photo went viral on social media early this year .

 In light of the National Narcotics Bureau being defunct, the Opposition has been annoyed by under-age drinking and drug abuse in the festive season.

Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye said the underage drinking and drug abuse were signs and symptoms of break-down in the parental responsibility or social security.

He, as a responsible parent, has called for the Bureau’s revival in light of underage drinking and drug abuses.

He made the remark on learning primary school students were arrested and charged by police in Morobe’s Lae city on each count of under-age drinking and producing illicit home-brew.

Polye doubted where they would be rehabilitated as there is no juvenile rehabilitation center in the country to cater for.

He said when the Opposition was in government, they would build four regional juvenile rehabilitation centers and strengthen other related amenities.

He said it was not new as the country was stuck in the doldrums of anti-social behavior and unhealthy lifestyles.

“At the backdrop of these issues, our alternative government has strategies to address them aggressively.

“We believe in our children’s discipline and character development, multi-social activities and sports and physical education for a better tomorrow,” said Mr Polye.

He further said the character development was vital for national greatness.

Polye has called on fellow parents to introduce their children to broader spectrum of social activities for their living, hobby and or entertainment.

He said the Prime Minister and his Community Affairs minister should not take these issues lightly.

“When we are in government, we will spearhead this with necessary funds to produce better citizens for a better tomorrow,” he said.

He said when they were in government, they would strive for a modern house for each family as it is the paradigm for character development.