Jamaica: Justice Minister Hopeful for Solution to Smoking Ban Unease

Source from:  Jamaica Observer  07/26/2013

JUSTICE Minister Senator Mark Golding has expressed confidence that some middle ground will be found between Government and those who have expressed unease over the recently imposed ban on smoking in specified public spaces.

However, Golding is maintaining that the decision by Minister of Health Dr Fenton Ferguson to hold consultations after the imposition of the ban was not necessarily untidy.

"Actually, I think sometimes it spurs action when you act, and this time the minister acted in a decisive manner, according to the timeframe he committed himself to, and this is a matter which has been dragging on for many years," Golding told journalists.

Asked whether he thought the process would involve some adjustments, the justice minister said "perhaps, but I think he's open to considering all the issues that have been raised and I am confident that at the end of the day we will end up with a regime that the population as a whole feels is reasonable, well-balanced and in the best interest of the nation".

In the meantime, Golding said the issue has been discussed by the Cabinet.

"The minister of health has assured the Cabinet that he is going through a process of public consultation with stakeholders and I think he is keeping a very open mind on the issue, but he is very resolute that it's important that we do eliminate smoking in public spaces and so on because it is a public health issue and has significant impact on the health of the nation," he said.

"He (Ferguson) is prepared to look at all of the concerns and be guided by that process," he added.

Yesterday, Ferguson reiterated that he had no intention to reverse the ban.

"I am open to suggestions as to how we can make the process of implementation easier for businesses and individuals. I want to make it clear, however, that I will not be dissuaded from implementing the ban on smoking in public places for the good health of the people of Jamaica," Dr Ferguson stressed.

The minister has been spearheading a series of stakeholder consultations to facilitate and assist with the implementation of the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations 2013 which became effective on July 15, 2013 under sections 14 and 15 of the Public Health Act.

Yesterday, the minister met with Police Commissioner Owen Ellington and his team at the commissioner's office on Old Hope Road in Kingston. That meeting followed one with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association last Friday in Montego Bay. Other consultations are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.

The regulations prohibit smoking in specified public places, including all enclosed areas accessible to the public, workplaces, places of collective use by the public; public transportation; Government-owned and occupied buildings; health facilities including pharmacies; sports and recreational facilities for use by the public; educational institutions; areas specifically for use by children and places of collective use such as bus stops. Enditem