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BVI Moves to Enacting Non-Smoking Regulations
BVI MOVES CLOSER TO ENACTING NON-SMOKING REGULATIONS
Friday, February 17 - Legislation is now being drafted that would regulate the promotion, distribution and use of tobacco products in the Territory.
In doing so, the BVI joins as many as 57 countries in embracing the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The convention essentially gives countries more tools to control tobacco use and save lives.
Minister for Health and Social Development the Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton says that the prevalence of smoking among BVIslanders appears to be very low, but warned that with the introduction of other cultures and lifestyles to our society, there is a real concern that more persons could take up this life-threatening habit.
“We particularly need to protect the non-smoking population from second-hand smoke, which scientific evidence show is detrimental,” he added.
If the legislation is passed, the BVI will join a growing list of countries taking a stand against smoking in favour of public health.
The Bermuda Senate passed a bill in February which will make all workplaces in the British Territory, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free beginning April 1. Similarly, in February, British lawmakers voted by a large margin to clear the air in every indoor public space.
Evidence show that the most effective measures to reduce tobacco use is regulatory in nature. Policy measures such as higher tobacco taxes, elimination of tobacco promotion, and the mandatory implementation of smoke-free environments in public places and workplaces have proven effective in reducing youth smoking and helping smokers quit.
Tobacco is becoming the one of the single largest causes of death worldwide and affects nearly every organ of the body.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, under which this initiative falls, serves as the focal point for leadership, legislation and policy direction in all operations relating to health and social welfare and promoting the physical, mental and social health of all persons in the Territory.
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