Yo ho ho and a bottle of _ wait! Guyanan minister wants singers to quit glorifying rum

Guyana minister: Rum may be fun, but don’t glorify

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana’s top health official is urging popular singers to stop soaking their lyrics in rum.

Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy says recent radio hits such as “Bring De Rum” and “Rum Till I Die” are undermining efforts to reduce alcohol abuse in Guyana.

The health ministry is conducting surveys to evaluate alcohol’s influence on popular culture, including chutney, a style of dance music laced with Caribbean and East Indian rhythms.

Ramsammy said Saturday that he was not suggesting a ban on rum-drinking songs but called for artists to focus more on positive messages.