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FORMER police commissioner Gary Griffith has expressed support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s proposal to raise the legal age for gambling and marijuana use to 25. He also endorsed the proposed increase in the legal drinking age to 21. However, Griffith stressed the first step should be the effective enforcement of existing laws.

Speaking at a UNC public meeting in Penal on July 7, Persad-Bissessar said her government intends to tackle what it believes is a growing problem of gambling, marijuana, and alcohol addiction by increasing the legal age for participation in these activities.

She told supporters related legislation will be brought before Parliament in the new term. Describing the initiative as part of a broader strategy, Persad-Bissessar also referred to upcoming “fireworks legislation” that will regulate the use of fireworks, including specific dates and times during which they may be legally used.