LEGISLATION NEEDED TO ADDRESS TOBACCO USE

-C'BEAN CARDIAC SOCIETY

-BY DEVI SEITARAM

The Caribbean Cardiac Society (CCS) at the 25th Annual Caribbean Cardiology Conference held between July 21-24 issued an appeal for regional Governments to enact comprehensive tobacco control legislation to safeguard the health and development of CARICOM nationals. At the conference the CCS also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health from the harmful effects of smoking.

In 2005, regional commitment was made under the world’s first Public Health Treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It was agreed that legislation would be the step forward in achieving the objectives of the Treaty.

In Guyana, progress of the Caribbean Tobacco Control Project is being hampered because of the lack of legislation. The country is behind in implementing appropriate legislation as tobacco use continues to be a public health challenge.

Project officer of Darshanand Rampersaud in an interview with Guyana Times said that legislation would empower Guyanese. The aim of the project is to alert Guyanese of the dangers of smoking. Rampersaud noted that that Trinidad has already passed legislation on Tobacco control.

Rampersaud said the legislation seeks to limit or eliminate smoking in Public places, ban the sale, advertising, and promotion of smoking in Public places and to children and also places emphasis on effective warning labels. He noted that presently the project is in its awareness stage and cannot move forward because of the lack of legislation.

Rampersaud said effective warning labels were needed so as to inform persons about the consequences of the decision to smoke. He noted the present warning on the packets of cigarettes was inadequate. The project seeks to have a picture based warning system where pictures of diseases caused by smoking are placed on the packs to deter smoking.

At a CARICOM heads of Government meeting in early 2007, health Ministers had expressed concern at the alarming increase in the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and cardio vascular diseases. Cigarette smoking was a common risk factor for these diseases.
The Commerce ministry is responsible for the draft document to be tabled in Parliament the process is taking longer than expected.

Rampersaud said efforts on behalf of his office to meet with Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Manniram Prasad were however fruitless.
Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy at this year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day’ observances had stated that “it is time for Guyana to turn its back on Tobacco, as it is the second leading cause of death in the world.” Ramsammy noted that too that while legislation was one aspect of reducing

Tobacco consumption, citizens also needed to realize they have their part to play by making the right and healthy lifestyle choices. He also said that levying heavy taxes in the product may help to reduce consumption.