Youth tobacco use alarms acting health minister

smokingActing health minister Colin McIntyre is alarmed over the increased use of tobacco among the youth in Dominica and is calling on all citizens to get involved in putting an end to smoking.

“I therefore call for a collaborative action and urge all citizens of Dominica to protect and preserve our future. Get involved in the call to reduce the harmful use and effects of tobacco smoke,” he said in a speech to mark World No Tobacco Day.

According to Mc Intyre one in ten adults smoke cigarettes in Dominica but a 2009 Global Youth Tobacco Survey showed that there is an increase in the use in smokeless tobacco among young people.

Furthermore he said the a large chunk of the youth population is exposed to second hand smoke from tobacco. “60 percent of secondary school students are exposed to second hand smoke and are putting them at increased risk for early development of chronic non communicable diseases,” he said.

McIntyre said the ultimate goal of No Tobacco Day is “to protect present and future generations not only from the devastating health consequences of this drug but also against the social, environmental and economic effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.”

“World No Tobacco Day also raises the awareness of all persons on the deadly nature of tobacco and its products,” he stated. “Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that kills when used as intended by the manufacturer.  Every year more than 6 million people die because they use tobacco. Another 600,000 non smoker’s die from breathing in second hand smoke this makes smoking tobacco one of the leading preventable factors for preventable death of non communicable diseases.”

He pointed out that the government has put in place a number of initiatives to combat the use of tobacco on the island.

“Initiatives taken by the government of Dominica include signing on to the framework convention for tobacco control in 2004 and ratification in 2006 and increased taxation on tobacco products to 75 percent in 2012,” he pointed out.

World No Tobacco Day was observed last Friday under the theme ‘Band tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship’.

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16 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    June 4, 2013

    And we have a tobacco producing company right in the middle of the city. I wonder you monitoring them and the amount of toxic waste they have people breathing in Roseau. What will it take to finally the day when this poison producer will be at least relocated..

  2. Joe
    June 4, 2013

    Now-a-days most fellas who smoke weed only smoke a little weed in their tobacco. That may be why some are so violent. Back in the days up to the 80’s they smoked weed, and if any tobacco it was just a little, today is mostly tobacco high-leaf clouding brain. Bad habbit, weed should be smoked just by itself to make you feel good.

  3. Justice and Truth
    June 4, 2013

    If they continue smoking they will develop emphysema. If they live long enough and are bedridden and homebound, they will not be able to breathe and will eventually have to use an oxygen tank. If they are able to walk around and go out, they will not be able to go out without a small one. Dominica may not have them and so they will eventually die sooner for lack of this treatment and system.
    There was a neighbor who was a chain-smoker and this was the end result. He enventually died. Young men or older ones pay heed! If women do, likewise you.

  4. anonymous2
    June 4, 2013

    Most of the smoking is weed.

  5. lils
    June 3, 2013

    Nothing he had to say man. Young ppl smoking cigarettes increased. Lol.

    • lovemyisland
      June 4, 2013

      i know right? best he had just keep quiet, stupid politicians

  6. Muslim_Always
    June 3, 2013

    They have been speaking about smoking for the longest time on here, they will do nothing because it goes against the status quo.

    We do not have a revolutionary society, the youth are dead, the leaders are greedy, no one cares for the common good anymore, it’s all greed and selfishness. May Allah wake up our people.

  7. Just saying
    June 3, 2013

    I still don’t understand what the government has done to reduce smoking and it’s harmful effect. Telling me they signed on to a framework document in 2004 in pointless. I’d like more details on what that entails. Thanks.

  8. I TOLD U
    June 3, 2013

    well them days it seem that ganja legalise because when police hustle man on certain blocks they getting transferred so all those who want to smoke,smoke. The psychiatric ward still have space.

  9. hmmm
    June 3, 2013

    I see them all the time

  10. Marx
    June 3, 2013

    I applaued Dr McIntyre for holding the fort remarkably

  11. Faceup
    June 3, 2013

    What is he talking about? Highleaf Tobacco? lol

    • Malgraysa
      June 3, 2013

      Any tobacco and this includes marijuana by the way. Even if it would be legalised you can still get cancer from smoking it, just like ordinary tobacco.

  12. Colorashington
    June 3, 2013

    more :mrgreen: ganja more :mrgreen: ganja more :mrgreen: ganja more :mrgreen: ganja …never kill no one…better than cigs…or alcohol… :lol: :lol: :lol:

  13. June Bug
    June 3, 2013

    Well it’s actually worse being a second-hand smoker than an actual smoker…but I don’t really see young people smoking cigarettes at all.

    • anothaonebitesthedus
      June 3, 2013

      Well you blind

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