Forward Guyana Movement Region Four Councillor Tinifa Stoll has called for the government to expedite measures against children’s access to vaping products, following reports of devices being found among primary school pupils.
In a statement yesterday issued through her party, Stoll said the matter was discussed that day by the Regional Democratic Council’s Education Committee.
“The presence of these products among primary schoolchildren underscores the urgency of protecting children from accessing them,” she stated.
Stoll urged the government to provide a clear implementation timetable for its announced measures. She also called on the relevant consumer protection authorities to address sales to children by supermarkets and other establishments, with meaningful penalties and effective enforcement.
Her statement did not identify the schools or retailers concerned or specify how many children had been found with vaping products.
Parents and guardians also had a responsibility to prevent access at home, Stoll said. Adults who used the products should store them securely and speak with their children about the risks.
“I call on the government to move swiftly from announced intentions to implementation, supported by enforcement and education for retailers, parents and schoolchildren,” she said.
The call follows the government’s announcement of proposed restrictions on vape imports amid concerns about their availability to children.
President Irfaan Ali announced on October 17 that the government would restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products amid concerns about their use among children. The proposed order, to be signed by Finance Minister Ashni Singh, would allow exceptions for products approved by the Health Minister or designated tobacco control authorities.
Education Minister Sonia Parag has also called for stronger cooperation between parents and schools to address vaping, bullying and violence. A multi-ministry task force is reviewing more than 1,000 recommendations from public consultations to develop procedures for responding to school misconduct, including substance use. The Education Ministry is also engaging the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers on possible legislation.
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