The Smoking Ban in Jamaica

The Smoking Ban in Jamaica

Smoking is defined by the Bing dictionary as the activity of breathing smoke from cigarettes, pipes, etc. into your mouth and lungs. Passive smoking (also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), involuntary smoking or second hand smoke) occurs when the exhaled and ambient smoke from one person's cigarette is inhaled by other people. This activity in Jamaica can be traced back to the times of its earliest inhabitants, the Tainos (or the Arawak people). Back then, smoking was mainly for recreation and ceremonial purposes. Over the years, the reasons for and modes of smoking have changed and evolved. Regardless of reasons for and means of, smoking has always had supporters and detractors. The fact is, arguments can be made both to support and oppose the smoking ban in Jamaica.
One possible reason to support the ban is the health concerns and the possible negative effects of cigarette smoke on both the smoker and the non-smoker in the vicinity. Studies have shown that every year hundreds of thousands of people around the world die from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes. The rationale for smoking bans posits that smoking is optional, whereas breathing is not. Therefore, proponents say, smoking bans exist to protect breathing people from the effects of second-hand smoke, which include an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, emphysema, and other diseases. Laws implementing bans on indoor smoking have been introduced by many countries in various forms over the years, with some legislators citing scientific evidence that shows tobacco smoking is harmful to the smokers themselves and to those inhaling second-hand smoke. Non-smokers exposed to second hand smoke are at greater risk for many of the health problems associated with direct smoking. Those who wish to smoke in public places may argue that Jamaica is a free country and individuals can excuse themselves from the smoking. However, certain transactions such as birth and death registrations take place only in said public (government) places and government has a right and responsibility to protect all the citizens of the country, even from themselves.
Of course it could be argued that smoking is a great way of relieving stress and it’s the only vice for many of our nationals and visitors alike. Some people say it helps them to “puff their problems away.” Nevertheless, considering that there are many healthy stress relieving alternatives such as exercise or meditation, the cost of smoking to individual and family is by far too costly. The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels. This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated. Think, which would you prefer, to replace smoking with a healthier alternative, or to replace your limbs with none? With these being the two alternatives, there is definitely a greater reason to support the ban.
In addition, such laws may reduce health care costs, improve work productivity, and lower the overall cost of labour in the community thus protected, making that workforce more attractive for employers. In the US state of Indiana, the economic development agency included in its 2006 plan for acceleration of economic growth encouragement for cities and towns to adopt local smoking bans as a means of promoting job growth in communities. In Jamaica’s current economic climate, we should welcome any positive lure for international investments. If there is a possibility that the ban on smoking in public places might improve our business prospects, then lets band together and support the ban.

Sources

http//www.bing.com> bing dictionary http//www.google.com> stop smoking programs http//www.wikipedia.com> smoking ban