Having trouble with that New Year’s resolution to stop smoking?
Well help is on the way and it’s coming from the leaders of our country.
A white paper has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly to ban smoking in all public places in the Cayman Islands.
That means no more smoking in bars, restaurants, at concerts and convention halls, sports stadia and parks.
Those who insist on lighting up will have to go outside and walk at least 10 feet away from the establishment to feed their habit.
And that’s just what smoking is – a nasty habit.
Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of illness and death in the world and people who smoke often die earlier than those who don’t.
Anyone who has watched someone die from smoking-related illnesses like emphysema or lung cancer knows the heartache and agony patients and their families goes through.
People smoke because nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug.
You really have to have some sympathy for smokers. Most of them started at an early age.
Quitting the habit is one of the hardest things in life to do.
So the more we can do as a society to discourage people from smoking the better.
Aside from making it more difficult for smokers to light up, the ban will help protect others from second-hand smoke.
And there is medical evidence that second-hand smoke is a health risk.
Just ask any non-smoker who lives with a smoker. Many of them suffer from more than their fair share of colds, allergies and other breathing problems.
Health Minister Anthony Eden is to be commended for finally getting tobacco legislation before the House.
The public will have 60 days to make comments on the proposed legislation; comments we know will be heatedly debated on Cayman’s radio talk shows.
You have your chance to tell us what you think by going to www.caycompass.com and casting your vote in our online poll.
We don’t know what the final bill and ultimate legislation will look like, but at least Cayman is making a start by tabling tobacco legislation.
Kudos, Mr. Eden. And thank you.
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