During the latter part of 2009, advocates of programs for alcohol and drug free youth from the hamlets of Ordomel and Ngchesechang, Airai State, initiated a campaign to curve the prevalence of youth alcohol consumption and drug use within the hamlets and subsequently, Airai State.
On the onset of 2010, the advocates, with the support of the Office of the Governor of Airai State, Airai State Legislature, and Airai Women’s Group, submitted a proposal for community solutions funding to the State Incentive Grant Office. The proposal was accepted and funding was granted.
With the funding, the group, represented by Mrs. Remiang D. Skebong, has set out to fulfill its major goal – to stamp out underage drinking – through statewide educational awareness programs; community based workshops and trainings; development, promotion, and implementation of alternative youth activities; and drives to legislate a ban on the sale of locally brewed alcoholic drinks within Airai State and a ban on any advertisement that promotes the use alcohol and tobacco within the state.
According to Skebong, the group has been diligently working in collaboration with Airai State Government, established businesses in Airai State, various national government agencies, Airai State youth groups, and members of the communities throughout Airai to promulgate the its intent and the urgent need to put a stoppage to underage alcohol consumption.
Accordingly, more than 200 residents of Ordomel and Ngchesechang and members of adjacent communities within Airai State have signed unto a petition that urges members of Ngerchumelbai –Airai State Legislature – to pass legislations that put restrictions on advertisements that promotes use of alcohol and tobacco products and a ban on the sale of locally produced intoxicating drinks within the jurisdiction of Airai State.
Mrs. Skebong, along with her colleagues, presented the petition to the Ngerchumelbai during one its session on July 27, 2010.
Proponents of the petition have indicated that they have been assured that members of Ngerchumelbai will consider the petition with earnest sincerity.
“We are confident that members of our government have worked genuinely for the interests of the people of our state,” one petitioner said. “The members of Ngerchumelbai will definitely come up with something that would be appropriate and beneficial for our state and the future of our youth.”
