The National Drug Council (NDC) is once again pleased to announce that the Purple Ribbon Bus service will run this New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2013 from 10pm to 3am. The Purple Ribbon Bus service has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of Greenlight RE, Jacques Scott Group Ltd. and Cayman National Bank.
This year marks thirteen (13) years since the inception of the programme, a partnership between the NDC and local organizations to provide the Designated Driver Programme and the New Year’s Eve Purple Ribbon Bus service during the festive Holiday Season. Over the years, thousands of revelers have utilized the free bus service on New Year’s Eve, which was established with the aim of reducing the number of drink driving incidents on our roads.
Although many of our residents drive responsibly, there are still those who believe they can drink and then drive safely, despite evidence to the contrary. Drink driving wrecks lives, can lead to arrest and imprisonment, loss of one’s driver’s license, and can ultimately be responsible for taking someone’s life.
Thanks to the support of the sponsors, Greenlight RE, Jacques Scott Group Ltd. and Cayman National Bank, who have already agreed to support the “Purple Ribbon Bus” service. The NDC is still seeking additional support to ensure the free buses will be able to operate beginning at 10pm on New Year’s Eve so that the public can utilize this service on Grand Cayman. The goal is to have approximately eight buses from Reid’s Premier Tours running a regular route from West Bay to Bodden Town on New Year’s Eve between the hours of 10:00 pm and 3:00 am. Persons who are interested in using this service should look for the buses from Reid’s Premier Tours with the Purple Ribbons on the front. The buses will run at regular intervals and will pick up passengers at all major restaurants, bars and nightclubs, or at regular bus stops on the route. The Purple Ribbon Buses will run to East End and North Side occasionally.
[blockquote][blockquote-footer]Director Joan West-Dacres states, [/blockquote-footer] “We are happy for the support of our sponsors and their pledge of financial support to ensure that the “Purple Ribbon Buses” are made available again this holiday season. We encourage others to sponsor this initiative and help the NDC and your communities have a safe and happy holiday season. Each of us looks forward to celebrating the holidays with our family and friends but our celebrations shouldn’t include drinking and driving!! Plan ahead and ensure you have a safe ride home. Remember that preventing drinking and driving is everyone’s business and we all need to play our role. Don’t drink and drive!” [/blockquote]
Designated Driver Programme 2013
Several local restaurants, bars and clubs will participate in the Designated Driver Programme this year. Persons who identify themselves as a Designated Driver to their server can receive free non-alcoholic beverages all evening, and a free purple wristband bracelet. The NDC is grateful for the participating establishments for doing their part in cutting down drink driving during this holiday season.
Any other establishments wishing to participate in the Designated Driver Programme should contact the NDC on 949-9000 to confirm their participation and request the free purple wristbands.
The message is clear and simple: Don’t Drink & Drive – Either designate a driver or use the “Purple Ribbon Buses”