First Lady Maryann Tulafono appeals to the general public
This year’s Territorial Christmas Program concluded with First Lady Maryann Tulafono appealing to local residents about preventing domestic violence and drunk driving, especially during this holiday season.
Maryann is at the forefront of advocacy against alcohol related crimes.
In her speech, the First Lady cautioned the territory’s drivers to refrain from driving under the influence.
“I strongly advise our people that during this joyous and festive time of the year, if you know you have consumed alcohol, please do not drive,” she urged, adding that spouses, particularly wives, need to step up and talk to their loved ones about driving drunk.
“Don’t let your happiness turn into sadness and suffering because of drunk driving,” Maryann advised, noting that the lives of both the drivers and passengers are at risk when alcohol is involved.
The First Lady’s speech comes during the holidays when the number of local people arrested and jailed for driving under the influence is at its highest compared to the rest of the year. In addition, Christmas and New Year’s is also the time when a high number of public peace disturbances (PPD) occur, resulting in police officers working extra hours trying to monitor all areas across the island.
Speaking out about alcohol related crimes including domestic violence, Maryann said, “I advise all husbands that if you have been drinking, please control and find peaceful resolution to your anger. Alcohol and intoxication are often the cause of many domestic problems including abuse.”
Within the past year, the Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA) has heightened its efforts to develop more programs that address domestic violence and child abuse in the territory, working together with the Coalition against Domestic Violence and with support from groups like the one led by the First Lady, to spearhead an anti-domestic violence movement in the territory.
The movement has different ways of getting their message across, including the use of broadcast media and billboards posted all over the territory displaying messages against violence and alcohol abuse.
Before the Territorial Christmas Program officially concluded, the First Lady was assisted by others in distributing red ribbons which symbolize the movement by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and the Drug Abuse Resistance Program (DARE).
In closing, Maryann cautioned all drivers to observe and obey the seat belt laws of the territory.
The First Lady’s message will be enforced by the Department of Public Safety officers who will be out and about during the holiday season conducting roadblocks to ensure that the safety of the territory’s residents are protected.
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