The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The WHO FCTC is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. Jamaica signed the FCTC in 2003 and ratified it in 2005.
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year (i.e., up to half of its users). More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
On December 1, 2020, the Minister of Health and Wellness tabled the “Tobacco Control Act, 2020” in Parliament. The proposed legislation is currently being considered by a Joint Select Committee, chaired by the Minister of Health & Wellness.
Following its initial meeting on February 24, 2021, the Joint Select Committee sought to adopt a consultative approach to examining the Bill. Invitations were therefore extended to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the public and interested entities including the Tobacco Industry to make submissions. To date, several entities including Carreras Limited, the Ministry of Health & Wellness and PAHO have made submissions.
The passage of the Bill will allow Jamaica to be fully compliant with its treaty obligations under the WHO FCTC. The proposed legislation will protect Jamaicans, including children and the vulnerable from the harmful and addictive effects of tobacco use.
The Tobacco Control Act, 2020 aims to protect the population from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke.
The existing Tobacco Control Regulations, 2013 cover only a few articles of the treaty, namely Article 8 - Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke; Article 10: Regulation of Tobacco product disclosures; and Article 11: Packaging and labelling of tobacco products.
In addition to the abovementioned provisions in the Regulations (which will be superseded by the comprehensive Tobacco Control Act), the existing Bill includes the following provisions:
Please note:
For more information on the legislation, visit the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Tobacco Control policies website.
For more information on PAHO's activities in your region, visit the PAHO/WHO Jamaica homepage.
