Local recording artist and photographer, Ras Mykkal, feels strongly about the large amounts of alcohol consumed by people in Bermuda. He believes the Bermuda government should flex a serious stand to curtail consumption.

"Alcohol is a legal poison and it is said that mammoth amounts are being consumed here. The other day I heard someone in the police force say that Bermuda's population is about 66,000 and they approximate the amount of alcohol consumed to be the equivalent of 40 gallons for each person living here. Now, tourism accounts for some of it but that is a vast amount of consumption for a county this small,'' said Mr. Mykkal.

Alcoholism is defined as a chronic illness marked by uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities.

It is taking its toll on millions of people throughout the world and Bermuda is no exception.

"This past year Bermuda had 18 road fatalities and about 14 were alcohol related. I had a friend who lost his father last year as a result of a road collision with a drunk driver,'' shared Mr. Mykkal.

Alcoholism destroys people and devastates families. Many times physical abuse, domestic violence and drunk driving are by products of alcohol consumption.

It is a type of drug dependence. There is both physical and psychological dependence with this addiction. Physical dependence reveals itself in withdrawal symptoms when intake is interrupted.

The body's central nervous system becomes affected resulting in a decrease of activity, anxiety, tension and inhibitions. Even low levels of alcohol slow body reactions. Concentrations and judgment become impaired. Excessive amounts result in intoxication, or poisoning results.

"I would challenge those in authority to ban alcohol and sports. It has no place in sports. Find another sponsor besides one associated with alcohol. Is the money more important than human life? Hardly any politician in Bermuda will take a stand against alcohol,'' advises Mr. Mykkal.

Mr. Mykkal has written a new rap song this year called "Mr. Speaker'' and the following is an excerpt: "Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask you one question in closing, and I hope your answer would be a priority.

What is alcohol's value to our society? "Mr. Speaker, Joe Public is anticipating while politicians are debating.

"Mr. Speaker, while the drunk driving is raging, another funeral is staging.'' Many parents abstain from alcohol because they choose to be role models to their children.

"I don't see a need for substance use or abuse. Smoking, drinking, night clubbing I do not do. I want to set a good example for my four children and be there for them. Look at the money wasted going to nightclubs, about $125 a night and a hangover the next day. That's $6,500 per year if you go once a week. It does not make good sense financially or health wise,'' concluded Mr.

Mykkal.

Recording Artist: Ras Mykkal considers alcohol a dangerous poison which kills and recently composed a rap poem, "Mr. Speaker''.

DRUGS DGS