NCDA Backs Smoking Ban

The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) has put its full support behind the Government’s ban on smoking in public places, which will take effect on Monday, July 15.

Executive Director of the NCDA, Michael Tucker, said that the organisation “commends the Minister of Health for his decision and leadership in safeguarding the public’s health.”

He said that the ban is necessary and should be embraced by all Jamaicans, as cigarette smoking is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and also leads to several health complications.

In support of the ban, the NCDA is partnering with the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC), and the Jamaica Cancer Society, to organise three road marches on Monday in Morant Bay, St. Thomas; Half-Way-Tree, St. Andrew; and Montego Bay, St. James.

The marches, which will be held concurrently, will get underway at 7:00 am, and will include marching bands, entertainment as well as brief presentations.

Director of Client Services at the NCDA, Sisilyn Malcolm, informed that the marches will be used to further sensitise the public about the ban, and highlight the various services offered by the agencies to assist persons to quit smoking.

Dr. Ferguson announced the ban in his Sectoral presentation on June 25.

The NCDA has been in operation since 1983, and has been charged with the mandate to implement programmes that would lead to a drug-free Jamaica.

CONTACT: TONI-ANN RANKINE,
JIS PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER