The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) yesterday welcomed the Government of Guyana’s decision to restrict the importation of recreational vaping products, particularly in response to their growing accessibility among minors and schoolchildren.
In a release it said that this development is especially significant given the persistent advocacy of APNU Member of Parliament Nima Flue-Bess, who it said has been vocal in raising concerns about the sale and accessibility of vaping products, including at Chinese-operated supermarkets and other retail establishments, and the need for stricter interventions within the school system.
It said that Flue-Bess has consistently championed the protection of children, calling attention to the dangers associated with vaping and the responsibility of the authorities to prevent these products from reaching minors.
“We are witnessing an important policy response to an issue that our Member of Parliament has actively advocated for. This is a meaningful recognition of the role that parliamentary advocacy can play in influencing national policy.
“APNU acknowledges the Government’s decision to pursue restrictions on recreational vape imports while allowing limited exceptions for medicinal, therapeutic and other uses authorised by the relevant health authorities”, the coalition said.
It added that the protection of children must never become a political contest. When an issue raised by the Opposition receives the attention it deserves, it is the people of Guyana who stand to benefit, it said.
On October 17, President Irfaan Ali announced plans to clamp down on the importation of vaping products into Guyana, citing concerns over their growing use among children and teenagers and the potential risks to their health.
An order to be signed by Finance Minister Ashni Singh will restrict the importation of all types of vapes, except those approved by the Minister of Health or designated tobacco control authorities.
The proposed restrictions are intended primarily to curb the importation of vaping products for recreational use, while allowing for legitimate medicinal, therapeutic and alternative applications where these are deemed necessary and appropriate by the relevant health authorities.
“The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety,” Ali said in a video statement on his Facebook page, warning that vaping presents risks to public health.
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