For years the Savannah Church of God congregation has joined efforts with other members of the community to keep businesses that sell alcoholic beverages from coming into the area.
That is why this area is traditionally known as a dry area.
We have opposed the granting of liquor licenses in our community and we have let our legislators know how we feel. Our desire is to keep our district safe and wholesome. Residents have a right to the quiet enjoyment of their properties and neighbourhoods.
There is much research that shows what many people already know: an increase in alcohol availability increases consumption and therefore communities tend to experience more alcohol-related crime, accidents, violence, and health issues. Most people can clearly see a connection between alcohol, immoral behaviour, and crime but those who wish to sell liquor seemingly refuse to see this connection and discredit those assertions. It is all about money.
I would like to refer to some remarks made at the Liquor License hearing of 8 March, 2007, by Mr. Dutton and/or his attorney:
‘There is a demand for a responsible liquor store in the area. There is no package liquor store between Grand Harbour and Bodden Town in a community with 3,500 residential dwellings and it is an inconvenience to customers to have to drive to George Town or Bodden Town.’
Those residents who have a concern for the well being of our district have gone to great lengths to keep it that way; that is why there has not been one thus far. We feel the store is simply looking to secure a share of the market. The only exception is Pedro Castle, which license was granted in spite of our objections. One outlet is one too many.
‘The store would be an upscale store selling fine wine.’
Upon questioning from the board it was revealed they would be selling other liquor and beer as well. The argument that intoxicating beverages sold in fancy stores is less evil and therefore more acceptable is unsuccessful. I think a vice is a vice; it matters not how you package it.
‘It should be considered a convenience to people in the area to have it there as a service to the public.’
We consider that the convenience would be to the store because of the money it would make from this advantageous location; simply put: people come to that area to shop.
They say it is a convenience but in my estimation the price paid in long-term consequences, the harm to our society, our young people, and the family unit is too high a price for us to pay.
‘It is just a package license so we would only serve in larger quantities.’
The more liquor that is bought; the more liquor that will be consumed. This is exactly what we are opposing.
In Thursday’s, May 22, 2007 issue of The Caymanian Compass, Mr. Dutton is quoted as saying, ‘The suggestion that we would sell alcohol to children or in any way make it available to them is outrageous, and frankly, deeply offensive.’
I can assure Mr. Dutton that I believe him and do not for one minute think that his store would sell alcohol to children. We did not suggest that he would be selling to children but expressed our concerns about the effect this store would have so close to a primary school. There is the perception factor that if children see alcohol being sold in an area where you buy groceries, go to restaurants and do banking they will feel that purchasing and consuming alcohol is a good thing.
It is our firm belief that the sale of alcohol will not enhance our community.
Alcohol has nothing to offer a community that wants to build up the character of young minds. We will always oppose the licensing of establishments to sell liquor in the Savannah/Newlands area as we wish to keep it a dry area.
In our opinion, the island has more than enough alcohol outlets. It is time for people in other districts to oppose to their existence. It is time for your voices to be heard.
The effects of alcohol were clearly evident during the last community meeting held at Savannah on 17 May, 2007.
About an hour before the meeting I received a phone call advising me that we could expect disturbance as free beer was given to a number of people to disrupt the meeting.
When I arrived I observed a small group standing by a pickup truck with beer cans in their hands, drinking and smoking – right in the schoolyard! By the time the meeting started some appeared to be drunk and as the meeting went on several in the group became very disruptive, belligerent, and disrespectful. One even used foul language in an audience of young children, teenagers, and elderly people.
It was hard to hear the speech of one of the respected senior citizens of our community because of the noise they were making; they were asked nicely several times to please conduct themselves with decorum. They went on so badly that the police had to be called to keep things under control and avert disorder. The group’s behaviour was lamentable and a very strong argument in our favour.
Concerning the license approval by Mr. Welds, Mr. Dutton told the Cayman Net News (Thursday, 10 May, 2007 edition) “We’re delighted and relieved because the area is important to us.’
By now Mr. Dutton should know that it is of utmost importance to us to keep our area liquor free.
The children are important; the sentiments of the residents are important; the principles, and standards are important and we are striving to uphold them.
I would like to say to the Jacques Scott Company that this district does not need any more liquor outlets. This is not about your company; it is about us not wanting liquor sold in our community where we are raising our children
Dale Forbes – Pastor, Savannah Church of God
Editor’s Note: The Cayman Islands Liquor Licensing Board ratified Mr. Weld’s order Friday. A story about that decision was in the Monday edition of the Caymanian Compass.
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