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Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy has declared that neither the Tobacco Company nor anyone involved in the tobacco business is invited to the consultation on the draft Tobacco Legislation this Friday.He stressed that the Ministry and partners would not engage any entity directly involved in the tobacco industry. It was revealed that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has been notified that their representative should not be a member of the Tobacco Company.Dr. Ramsammy emphasized that the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) limits the engagement with manufacturers and distributors of tobacco products. Guyana along with over 170 countries has signed on to this convention.“The PSC is made up of manufactures,Jay Novacek Cowboys Jersey, wholesalers, retailers and some of them engage in the Tobacco business. The Ministry of Health cannot and would not dictate to the PSC who its members should be, that is their right, but the Commission needs to understand Guyana’s obligation to the treaty,” he stated.Oftentimes,Troy Aikman Cowboys Jersey, companies involved in the tobacco business seek to advertise their products by looking for leeway through the backdoor, the minister asserted. He explained that they sometimes sponsor projects which carry their mark.Dr. Ramsammy noted that, “it is not within our jurisdiction to make tobacco illegal but it is within our mandate to ensure that people can achieve a safe environment.”Dr. Adriana Blanco,Joe Theismann Redskins Jersey, Advisor,Johnny Unitas Colts Jersey, Tobacco Control of PAHO, stated that with the passage of this legislation,Tom Waddle Bears Jersey, “Guyana would be a leading canvass in the world. It is a very good draft law and it follows the FCTC”.According to Dr. Marcia Paltoo, Director of Adolescent Health, there were several meetings conducted on the legislation before. She noted that PAHO,Steve Atwater Broncos Jersey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Lance Alworth Chargers Jersey, and Bloomberg,Sonny Jurgensen Redskins Jersey, through Tobacco Free Kids,Lyle Alzado Raiders Jersey, have helped in the creation of the draft Tobacco Legislation. |
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