Dear Editor,

The Paediatric Association of Jamaica (PAJ) welcomes the Government’s introduction of a special consumption tax (SCT) on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This important public health measure encourages healthier drink choices, such as water, and supports efforts to reduce childhood obesity and diet-related illness.

SSBs — including sodas, fruit flavoured drinks, and energy drinks — are a major source of excess sugar and empty calories in children’s diets. Many Jamaican children consume these drinks daily from an early age. The tax is not intended to punish consumers, but to reshape the food environment so that healthier options are easier and more affordable for families. Regular consumption of these beverages increases children’s risk of overweight and obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life.

Jamaica faces a growing burden of childhood overweight and obesity. Data show that among children aged 10–19 years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity more than doubled from about 5 per cent in 2000 to over 11 per cent by 2016. Studies among primary school-aged children (6–10 years) in the north east health region report a combined overweight and obesity prevalence of approximately 18 per cent, while school health assessments conducted between 2010 and 2017 found that nearly one in three school-aged children assessed was overweight or obese.

These childhood trends reflect a broader national challeng. The Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey (2016–2017) reported that more than half of Jamaicans aged 15 years and older were overweight or obese. Excess weight in childhood often continues into adulthood and is linked to preventable non-communicable diseases and rising health-care costs.

International evidence shows that taxes on SSBs reduce purchases and consumption, lower sugar intake, and encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar content. Experience from countries such as Mexico, Chile, the United Kingdom, and Barbados demonstrate that these policies are most effective when paired with strong food environment measures.

The PAJ therefore stresses that the impact of Jamaica’s beverage tax will be strengthened by full and rapid implementation of the School Nutrition Policy, including consistent promotion of healthy beverages, access to safe drinking water, and restrictions on unhealthy drinks in schools.

The PAJ recognises concerns about the cost of living and strongly supports directing tax revenues toward programmes that benefit children and families. Priority uses include improving the nutritional quality of school meals, ensuring free and safe drinking water in schools, and supporting community-based health and nutrition initiatives. Visible benefits for children help build public trust and support.

The PAJ encourages parents, schools, health workers, community leaders, and the private sector to support this measure. Parents can offer water and healthier drinks at home and limit SSBs. Schools should ensure ready access to water and prohibit the sale of sugary drinks on school grounds. Communities can promote healthy activities for children.

The PAJ urges the Government to continue investing beverage tax revenues in child-focused programmes and to work with families, schools, and communities to ensure that healthy choices are accessible, affordable, and easy for every Jamaican family.

Dr Ludrick Morris

Consultant paediatrician

Early nutrition specialist

President, Paediatric Association of Jamaica

thepickney@gmail.com