Dear Editor,

Although “a ya so mi live”, does it give me the right to increase your risk for being sick, if you live beside me, work for me, or live with me? Let’s look at the following scenarios:

Suppose that I have a chicken coop that gives off an annoying odour so that you are unable to sleep in your bedroom or enjoy the comfort of your home or garden.

Suppose I burn my rubbish or garbage so that the smoke becomes a nuisance and health hazard to you and to other users in the neighbourhood.

You come to me and discuss the above problem(s) about how you feel and I turn to you and say “a ya so mi live!”

Do you have any rights? Sure, you do, because there are public health laws that deal with these situations.

Now, there is a serious situation being debated as to whether there should be a law to protect any person who works in a home from second-hand tobacco smoke. The addicted smoker objects and says “a ya so mi live”. The non-smoker counters: don’t kill me or give me a disease with your smoke because “a ya so mi live”; “a ya so mi work”.

The same health ministry that has in place other laws to protect the health of all persons is being pressured to “unprotect” the health of persons in the home by allowing smoking. “Is ya so wi live and work.”

Prime Minister Simpson Miller, Minister Ferguson and other parliamentarians, you had it right in July 2013 about smoke-free indoor homes and businesses. According to a prominent person, there is nothing wrong with Jamaica that we cant fix with what is right with Jamaica.

Please give us a law that protects everyone, no matter if rich or poor, work in a home or away.

Aldyth Buckland

Medical Doctor