Nyam healthy in schools

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease account for 70 per cent of deaths in Jamaica.

For many students, sugary drinks have become a routine part of the school day. Soft drinks, sweetened juices, and energy drinks are options when buying lunch or a snack. It is common to see students with these beverages before the first bell, during break time, or on the way home. What may feel like a small choice can accumulate over time. Regular consumption of high sugar beverages contributes to obesity, increases diabetes risk, and can lead to long term health complications.

Many young people have expressed concern about the wide availability of sugary drinks in school spaces and are increasingly calling for healthier options to become the norm. The Government’s special consumption tax on sweetened beverages, commonly called the “sin tax,” is a necessary step in addressing Jamaica’s growing public health challenge. Fiscal measures alone will not transform eating habits overnight, but they can raise national awareness and signal that the country is taking the dangers of high sugar intake seriously.

However, the policy must not become primarily a revenue generating tool. Its central objective should remain reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and protecting public health. Government, public health stakeholders, and civil society must ensure the tax forms part of a broader strategy that includes education, healthier alternatives, and stronger school nutrition environments.

Equally important is ensuring healthier options are available where young people spend much of their time. The National School Nutrition Policy represents a long awaited step toward improving the types of foods and beverages available in school settings. If effectively implemented, it can help make healthier choices easier and more accessible for students.

One promising development is the discussion around introducing a locally produced tomato-based juice within schools as part of the government’s nutrition initiatives. Beyond providing a healthier beverage option, this initiative could also support local farmers and help reduce food waste during periods of surplus tomato production.

Ultimately initiatives like these reflect the broader vision captured in the slogan Nyam Healthy in Schools. We call on the Ministry of Education to involve youth advocates in implementing the National School Nutrition Policy. As the Jamaican proverb reminds us, one hand cya clap.

NICKASHA DOCKERY

DARRELL SCOTT

AFRICKA STEPHENS

Fi We Children Foundation

info@fiwechildren.org