As we wrap up 2017 anticipating the celebrations with family and friends, The National Drug Council (NDC) wishes all a happy and safe season. We are delighted with the increased level of support garnered this year and the tremendous partnerships with our generous sponsors, in order to be able to offer the Designated Driver programme which runs from 1st December to 31st December and the Purple Ribbon Bus service for New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2017.
This year marks seventeen (17) years since the inception of the campaign and the partnerships 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. This year we are pleased to announce that we have met our aim of increasing the number of participating bars, restaurants and clubs, providing the public with maps outlining the bus routes as well as mirroring this programme and service in Cayman Brac.
Historically, thousands of revellers have utilized the designated driver campaign and 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. Despite the legislation, the increased patrols by the police and public education and awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a serious issue in the Cayman Islands. Before getting behind the wheel after having a few, we urge the public to consider the many reasons why you should not.
[blockquote]“The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. advise that alcohol is a depressant because it slows down the functions of the central nervous system. This means that normal brain function is delayed, and a person is unable to perform normally. Alcohol affects a person’s information-processing skills, also known as cognitive skills, and hand-eye coordination also referred to as psychomotor skills.”[/blockquote]
Don’t ruin your holiday or that of someone else’s by driving drunk.
Ride FREE this New Year’s Eve using the Purple Ribbon Bus
NDC is once again pleased to announce that the Purple Ribbon Bus service will run this New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2017. There are currently ten (10) buses between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac which will ensure shorter wait times and more efficient service. The buses will run regular routes on both Islands with the hours of operation on Grand Cayman from 9 pm to 4 am and on Cayman Brac from 9 pm to 1 am.
[blockquote][blockquote-footer]NDC’s Programme Manager, Brenda Watson expressed, [/blockquote-footer] “It is our hope to change the culture of our people to one where drinking and driving is no longer the norm, but rather a culture where we plan ahead and designate a driver, and on festive occasions such as NYE that the public utilises the FREE bus service.”[/blockquote]
[blockquote][blockquote-footer]Director Joan West-Dacres states, [/blockquote-footer] “We are grateful for the continued support of some of our annual sponsors as well as the new sponsors and their pledge of financial support to ensure that the “Purple Ribbon Buses” are made available. This year we were pleased to announce the launch of this programme in Cayman Brac. Everyone looks forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends but our celebrations shouldn’t include drinking and driving! Remember that preventing drinking and driving is everyone’s business and we all need to play our role. Be safe, don’t drink and drive!”[/blockquote]
The Designated Driver and Purple Ribbon Bus campaign is made possible through the generous sponsorship of: Dart, Jacques Scott Group Ltd, Cayman National Bank, Maples FS, Cayman First Insurance, Greenlight RE, EcayOnline, Mourant Ozannes, Optimal Build Construction, Foster’s Food Fair – IGA, Radio Cayman, B.A.A.M., Pat’s Restaurant and Bar, Brac Power and Light, Star Island Restaurant, Hon. Mr. Moses Kirkconnell, Billy’s Supermarket and in partnership with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS).
Designated Driver Programme 2017
This has been a momentous year for the campaign as we report 2017 as having had the largest number of restaurants, bars and clubs signing on in participation of the Designated Driver Programme as well as the extension of the programme in Cayman Brac. The programme itself is simple; persons who identify themselves as a Designated Driver to their server will be given a purple or turquoise wristband which will allow them to receive free non-alcoholic beverages all evening.
[blockquote][blockquote-footer]Cayman Islands Managing Partner of Mourant Ozannes, Peter Hayden, stated: [/blockquote-footer] “Designated drivers play a key role in making sure the roads are safe for everyone. We are proud to support this great initiative once again and do our part to make sure everyone gets home safely this holiday season.” [/blockquote]
The NDC is indebted to the number of participating establishments for their contribution to the safety and welfare of our communities and for doing their part to reduce drunk driving during this holiday season.