Dear Editor,
Happy New Year to all at your esteemed newspaper.
A recent article from an international news agency has identified a strategy of a significant increase in government taxes as a means of reducing tobacco consumption particularly in poor third world countries like this one. This suggestion has been made after an independent study showed that higher prices would have a strong deterrent effect on smokers. Some years ago I believe that Minister Ramsammy (then Minister of Health) had announced a war on smoking, particularly deciding to institute a ban on smoking in public buildings. Editor can you advise if such a ban was implemented? [Ed note: There is no ban in place. Some public facilities have been declared smoke free zones]
Likewise, I wish to suggest that the government and all members of parliament legislate a significant increase in duties or other taxes on alcohol which I am sure will have the desired effect of making it more expensive for those imbibing, and will assist in reducing consumption. This strategy was employed by a UK government some years ago. Recently I saw a programme where a sitting member of parliament who is head of a religious organization was correctly imploring religious leaders to lobby against alcohol consumption at weddings. I would like to ask this religious leader to use her privileged position as a parliamentarian to bring a bill to parliament to legislate among other things, higher taxes, shorter opening hours for clubs /bars, and higher fines and better enforcement for persons /enterprises selling alcohol to minors, to name a few.
Editor, I can assure you that if this course of action is taken it will bring dividends quickly in terms of reduced alcohol consumption, reduced instances of domestic abuse and fewer accidents on the road.
I therefore ask for all concerned, particularly our legislators and religious leaders, to declare war on these items and help save lives and families.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
