Money going up in smoke

THE EDITOR, Sir:

My fellow Jamaicans, it is the new year, and you have resolved to take better care of yourselves, eating right and exercising regularly, however, for some, they will be facing an uphill challenge - that of smoking.

The temptations are great and they continue to be fed by the loopholes which exist in our lack of effective current tobacco legislation which aids and abets those already operating in the marketplace, and those now entering the market.

We have nothing against competition and entrepreneurship for the development and growth of Jamaica, but we draw the line at this happening at the expense of the well-being of our citizens and the public purse.

For this reason, we view with alarm and regret the latest entrant into the tobacco trade. The president of the United States is now a non-smoker, and we wonder how this latest effort to profit from his name will be viewed. Just how low can one go to make a quick buck?

social cost

We, therefore, remind those in Government of the social cost related to smoke-related illnesses which are putting a strain on the health of the country and indeed the public purse.

We hope that this Government has the resolve and commitment to pass the outstanding tobacco legislation required to make Jamaica healthy. We stand ready to assist our Government in any way possible to make this a reality.

For those of us who are planning to quit smoking, drop in or give the Heart Foundation a call and we will begin to put you on the right path to a healthier you.

Remember, smoking SCARES your health and non-smoking CARES your health.

KNOX HAGLEY

Chairman, Heart Foundation