Law to ban smoking in public spaces imminent

HEALTH MINISTER Dr Fenton Ferguson has said smoking in public places could be outlawed by the next time World No Tobacco Day comes around.

Ferguson, who was guest speaker at the World No Tobacco Day National Forum held at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew yesterday, pointed out that the Government is moving quickly to pass legislation which would ban smoking in public spaces.

"We are way down the wicket. We are much closer than we were last year, and left to me, this will be the last No Tobacco Day that Jamaicans will have the privilege of smoking legally in public spaces," said Ferguson.

"The statistics are compelling and cannot be ignored any longer, and so just a few more steps are to be taken before this comes into effect," he said.

Added the minister: "My position is not personal. It is a part of the mandate given to me to protect the health and well-being of the people of Jamaica."

He also pointed out that the health ministry would be working closely with the Ministry of Education to encourage young people to give up the habit.

"Our young people continue to be of concern to us, as according to the 2010 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, over 40 per cent of youth aged 13-15 has smoked at least once, and at least 19.4 per cent of those of those who have ever smoked are under the age of 10 years old," he explained.

- J.G. & T.T.