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GMSA, PSC back vape restrictions, demand strict enforcement
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have thrown their support behind the government’s announced measures to restrict the importation of vaping products, noting that the move is an important step towards protecting children and young people from the potential health risks associated with vaping.
In separate statements, the two private sector bodies welcomed the announcement by President Irfaan Ali, while calling for clear implementation guidelines, strict enforcement and public education to ensure the measures achieve their intended purpose.
The GMSA said it recognised growing concerns about the accessibility and use of vaping products among school-aged children and adolescents, noting that the risks of nicotine dependence and exposure to harmful substances require appropriate safeguards.
“As the voice of Guyana’s manufacturing and services sectors, the GMSA believes that responsible business must never come at the expense of public health.” It said a healthy and productive population is essential to a strong economy.
It noted that the young people being protected today would become the workforce, entrepreneurs and leaders responsible for Guyana’s development in the decades ahead.
The association also welcomed the provision allowing vaping products to be imported for legitimate medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
To support the implementation of the restrictions, the GMSA called for clear guidelines on the import requirements, approval and exemption processes, and the timeline for implementation. It also urged firm enforcement at all ports of entry to prevent illegal imports and the emergence of an unregulated market.
The association further called for consultation with affected businesses to ensure importers and retailers could comply with the new measures in an orderly manner. It also emphasised the need for public education in schools, homes and places of worship on the dangers of vaping.
The GMSA urged its members and the wider business community to comply fully with the measures, pledging to work with the government, health authorities and other stakeholders to protect children and young people.
Meanwhile, the PSC said nicotine was highly addictive and posed particular risks to developing young people. It warned that the appeal and accessibility of vaping products, including attractive packaging and flavourings, could create the misleading impression that vaping was harmless.
“Public-health protection must take precedence over commercial interests,” the commission stated.
The PSC called on importers, distributors and retailers to comply with the announced requirements and ensure their sales and marketing practices did not encourage vaping among children and adolescents.
It stressed that clear guidance from the authorities and cooperation with the business community would be necessary to ensure the restrictions provided the intended protection.
The commission also called for sustained public education, saying parents, teachers, health professionals and community organisations should be equipped to help young people understand the risks associated with vaping.
It added that people experiencing nicotine dependence should have access to appropriate, non-stigmatising support to quit.
The PSC said protecting young people’s health was a shared responsibility involving the Government, businesses, families and communities. It commended the President’s attention to the issue and called for broad national support to ensure children and young people could grow, learn and pursue their ambitions in good health.
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