KINGSTON, Jamaica -Describing it as the most far-reaching piece of public health policy undertaken in recent times, Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has announced that as of July 15, no smoking will be permitted in public spaces across Jamaica.
In making the announcement in the House of Representatives yesterday, Ferguson said smoking would be banned in all enclosed places, public transportation, workplaces, government buildings, health facilities, sports, athletics and recreational facilities, educational facilities, areas specifically for use by children, and places of collective use such as bus stops.
Ferguson told Parliament that the Government had developed a new regulatory framework – the Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations 2013 – and that he used his power as minister to impose the ban.