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Heartline Magazine January - March 2005
Tobacco control in Barbados
By Adrian Randall
Tobacco use is not perceived to be a big problem in relation
to other health priorities. Indeed, the fact that Barbados has a relatively low
level of tobacco consumption may send the message that the battle has been won.
Although there is currently no legislation prohibiting smoking in public places
or workplaces, most non-hospitality sector workplaces are smoke-free and
non-smoking is an accepted norm in Barbadian society.
Barbados signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
(FCTC) in June of 2004, indicating support for tobacco control. In addition, tax
increases are implemented from time to time. However, there is very little
regulation of tobacco products. There are few restrictions on advertising and
promotion. Tobacco promotion at point of sale is common, with Benson and Hedges
being one of the most popular brands promoted. There are no requirements for
health warnings on tobacco packages, although tobacco companies often place very
weak ones on a voluntary basis, partly to protect themselves from litigation.
Ironically, the factors that give rise to the perception
that tobacco use is not a big problem in Barbados – low prevalence of smoking,
many public places that are voluntarily smoke-free, and the absence of local
tobacco growing and manufacturing – are the very factors that create an
excellent environment in which to implement strong tobacco control
policies.
Effective policies such as a ban on tobacco advertising and
a ban on smoking in public places and workplaces are imminently feasible. As
more and more countries ratify the FCTC and strengthen the regulatory framework
around tobacco use and promotion, tobacco companies will operate more
aggressively in those countries where regulations are weaker.
The Government of Barbados, led by the Ministry of Health,
should continue the process toward FCTC ratification and identify a target date
for ratification to ensure a timely decision. This should include identifying
existing legislation and anticipating the legislative and programmatic actions
that will be needed to bring Barbados into compliance with the FCTC. The two
commitments with specific timelines in the FCTC are the requirement for health
warnings covering 30% of the surface of tobacco packaging within three years of
ratification, and a prohibition on tobacco advertising, including indirect
advertising and sponsorships, within five years.
NGOs including us in the Heart Foundation should form a
unified group to support ratification and implementation of the FCTC. Such a
group would be able to help raise awareness among the public of the value of the
FCTC and support the government’s efforts to ratify the treaty.
Based on research carried out by Heather Selin, advisor on
tobacco
control for the Pan American Health Organization/World
Health Organization (PAHO/WHO)
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