Solomon Islands: Chamber Questions Tobacco Taskforce

Source from:  Solomon Star  01/10/2014

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce has condemned the gazetting of the Tobacco Control Regulation without any consideration to the stakeholders concerns.

The Chamber CEO, Jerry Maiki Tengemoana said that the Tobacco Control Taskforce has been very secretive and not transparent in the formulation of the regulations.

Mr Tengemoana said that following the public consultation in June 2013, the industry and all stakeholders are yet to see the latest draft of the regulations.

"To date there has not been any response to our submissions," he said.

He went on to question if the Taskforce is committed to formulate a workable Tobacco Control Regulations for Solomon Islands.

Mr Tengemoana added that the Taskforce acted irresponsibly by gazetting the regulations that will not work for the country.

He said a number of concerns were raised on the previous draft and constructive recommendations were made in regards to tobacco licensing and curbing the trade of illicit and untaxed tobacco.

He said it is important that any tobacco Regulation introduced in the country covered all tobacco products and not just legal trade.

Mr. Tengemoana said that other Pacific Island countries like Fiji and Samoa who started working on their tobacco Regulations after Solomon Islands have now enacted their regulations because they have taken an inclusive and transparent approach in formulating their regulations.

Mr Tengemoana called on the Taskforce Chairman and Minister to advise the public on the true status of the regulations. Enditem