Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur on Friday last signed a certificate declaring the GRA’s environs smoke-free zones as part of the agency’s Occupational Safety and Health programme.
According to a release from the Government Information Agency, GINA, Sattaur, at a press briefing on Friday at the agency’s Lamaha Street offices where he signed the certificate, said that it is an opportune time for the agency to get on board and be part of the initiative to have a smoke-free environment and he urged staff members and visitors to the agency’s offices to support the initiative. The policy ensures that persons do not smoke on the agency’s premises or in vehicles, owned and contracted by the organization.
Lucy Anderson of the Ministry of Health said the smoke-free policy is one measure the ministry is taking to assist in stopping tobacco smoking.
According to GINA, all health facilities in Guyana are smoke-free zones while 70 corporate entities have pledged to observe the no-smoking policy. The Ministry of Education has also declared all schools smoke-free zones with a campaign launched in September 2007 which ensures students, teachers as well as parents are aware of the dangers associated with smoking. GINA stated that Guyana became a signatory to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005 following that convention’s formation in 2003.
Members of the convention are obligated to fulfil certain conditions.
Tobacco smoking is the second leading cause of death globally resulting in nearly five million deaths each year. Its use is responsible for the majority of lung cancer cases and has been linked to other types of cancer including cervical and kidney cancer. Heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases are among health risks associated with the disease, the release stated.