Alcohol: Does it need to change who we are?

In the Pacific Islands, alcohol has become a growing issue that continues to threaten the health, well-being, and social fabric of many communities. With its rising availability, social acceptance, and use, alcohol’s detrimental effects on the Pacific people are becoming more apparent. The Pacific Islands have long embraced strong traditions of family, community, and cultural values. However, alcohol is increasingly tarnishing these essential aspects of life, leading to physical, psychological, and social consequences that compromise the very foundations of Pacific society.

Alcohol and its impact on the Kiribati Way of Life

Kiribati, a small island nation in the central Pacific, is known for its unique and deeply rooted cultural traditions. The I-Kiribati people have long been celebrated for their warm hospitality, known as Te Katei—a custom where visitors are welcomed with smiles, kindness, and respect. Their gentle, timid demeanor often hides a heart full of love and an open willingness to share their lives with others. In the past, the culture of Te Katei created a strong sense of community, where every individual, whether a stranger or a neighbor, was treated with generosity and care. The practice of smiling, even in difficult circumstances, was a hallmark of their welcoming spirit.

However, the growing issue of alcohol consumption has begun to erode these cherished values. When intoxicated, particularly among young people and men, the transformation is striking. The once warm smiles turn into scowls, and hospitality shifts to hostility. Alcohol alters behavior dramatically, turning kindness into aggression, love into bitterness, and respect into disregard. What was once a peaceful and quiet environment filled with respect for one another can quickly descend into chaos. Intoxication fosters a loss of control, leading to loud outbursts, violence, and a breakdown of the community spirit that has long defined the I-Kiribati way of life. The negative impact of alcohol is a threat to Te Katei, as it undermines the very values of love, kindness, and respect that have traditionally defined the culture.

Alcohol is an Enemy of Progress

Alcohol-induced violence has led to a troubling pattern among young, intoxicated individuals who often express their aggression by smashing and breaking anything they can find. Beautiful signboards, street lights, and other public structures, which represent progress and development, are targeted. These acts of destruction seem to stem from a deep-rooted frustration or disconnection, fueled by alcohol’s ability to strip away inhibitions and temper control. When under the influence, these young men lose sight of the value of the structures around them, which were erected to enhance their community and improve the environment. What once stood as symbols of progress are reduced to rubble, a tragic reflection of how alcohol distorts their perception of what is important.

Alcohol, in reality, runs counter to progress in Kiribati. While the nation strives toward modernization and development, the destructive behavior of intoxicated youth directly contradicts the efforts to build and grow. The damages caused by these outbursts are not just physical—they represent a deeper cultural shift where alcohol impedes the values of respect, preservation, and progress that have been at the heart of I-Kiribati society. Instead of celebrating and protecting the beauty and development of their surroundings, these young men are choosing destruction. In this way, alcohol is not just a personal issue but a societal one, as it undermines the collective pursuit of a brighter, more prosperous future.

A return to cultural values that emphasize respect, responsibility, and community cohesion may offer a way forward. By reinforcing the importance of holistic well-being and encouraging healthier lifestyles, the Kiribati people can combat the growing alcohol crisis and reclaim the values that have sustained their societies for generations. It is only through collective action and a renewed commitment to preserving cultural identity that the Kiribati Islands can overcome the challenges posed by alcohol and protect the future of their people.

Let's ponder on the words of the wisest man ever lived, "Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise." Proverbs 20:1.