Health Ministry looks at legislation to ban smoking in public places

Jul 06, 2008 News

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, says that his ministry has commenced looking at legislation to ban smoking in public places.
At a press conference yesterday, Dr Ramsammy said that the use of tobacco continues to be an area of major focus for the Health Ministry.
In this regard, the Health Minister is urging the public to begin to debate and join the advocacy on encouraging people to stop smoking.
He explained that if Guyanese start to voice their opinions on whether or not the Government should ban smoking in public places, his ministry will move in the direction of having the relevant laws in place to address the issue.
“Eighteen per cent of the population smokes, but what about the others? Should they also be harmed by the habits of a few? And they are… So how do we ensure that, for those citizens who made a wise choice and who have taken an option to be safe, how do we keep them safe?” the minister asked.
Dr Ramsammy said that his ministry is prepared to make a proposal to Cabinet on the issue, as long as the Guyanese people are prepared to discuss the matter.
Currently, smoking has been banned in all health facilities and compounds.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education has a ministerial directive to ban smoking in educational facilities.
“But I believe that we need to address what happens at the universities, workplaces, restaurants, bars, and so on, where there are frequently large numbers of people”, Dr Ramsammy said.
He emphasized that it is a big issue, and the people need to start the discussion.
“I believe that it is such a deadly substance, and affects the health of our people, not only those who smoke, but everyone else. We, as a country, need to become active in this advocacy,” he stressed.
The Health Minister said that the Guyanese people do not recognize how dangerous the habit of smoking is.
He noted that, if persons care about their health, they need to be more forthright in their position.
“I find it quite alarming and quite unacceptable that people come to me and complain about the high cost of living with a cigarette in their hands,” Dr Ramsammy said.
So far, nine countries around the world have entirely banned the use of tobacco in public places, while other countries have resorted to partial banning.
Partial banning on the use of the substance has been instituted in fourteen countries in the Americas, 30 countries in the Afro-region, and 19 countries in the Western Pacific.
“Eventually it’s the Government that must pass laws, but the burden mustn’t be placed on the Government alone. I believe that community groups and civic groups should begin to debate this issue.”
He questioned: “Did these countries made a good choice in absolutely banning tobacco use in public places?”
Dr Ramsammy said that this is what the Guyanese people need to discuss.
When the debate on the issue commences amongst the people, and the people are in favour of banning smoking in public places, then according to Dr Ramsammy, a proposal will be made to Cabinet to have legislation taken to Parliament in order to institute such a ban.

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Health Ministry looks at legislation to ban smoking in public places

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