KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation is again being encouraged to support the Government’s campaign aimed at attaining a tobacco-free environment for Jamaica, and acknowledge the progress made, thus far, to this end.

In his message marking the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day, Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson said he is “legally and morally bound” to continue enacting legislation, targeting reduced tobacco consumption, consistent with the provisions of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

These provisions, he reminded, include: implementing taxation policies to discourage demand; prohibiting tobacco advertising targeting children; and improving access to cessation services.

“So far we have achieved much, in the face of colossal odds, and Jamaica humbly accepts the glowing tributes accorded to us for taking the lead in the way we have promulgated the Public Health Tobacco Control Regulations” he added.

Dr Ferguson said Jamaica remains committed to an “all of government approach” to reduce children’s access to tobacco, and curtailing trade in illicit tobacco products.

These goals, he argued, will only be achieved through collaboration among all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and other stakeholders.

Additionally, Dr Ferguson said this approach will also go a far way in helping to reduce the incidence of premature deaths attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are compounded by tobacco use, by the year 2025.