Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control applauds increase in tobacco taxes

The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC) has welcomed the newly announced increase in the special consumption tax (SCT) on cigarettes. Effective May 1, the SCT charged per cigarette will rise from $17 to $20, a vital measure that directly supports the health and welfare of all Jamaicans.

Calling it a bold step JCTC applauded the finance minister Fayval Williams. The proposed tax which is expected to generate approximately $1.1 billion for the national budget while serving as a powerful tool to reduce tobacco consumption. Increasing cigarette prices is globally recognised as the most effective measure to reduce tobacco use among both young people and adults, a JCTC communiqué said.

“The JCTC is most pleased to see the government taking these necessary steps to protect the public from the harmful and addictive effects of tobacco,” said Dr Terry Baker, chair of the JCTC.

“This increase in the SCT is a strong signal of Jamaica’s continued intention to be compliant with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which our nation ratified in 2005.”

Tobacco use remains one of the world’s greatest public health threats, contributing significantly to the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Jamaica. In 2021 alone, tobacco smoking was attributable to an estimated 1,300 deaths nationally, accounting for over five per cent of all deaths. Furthermore, as of 2024, approximately 248,000 Jamaicans remain current smokers, with alarming rates of exposure among our youths.

The JCTC said it supports the fiscal measure for several key reasons:

• Health protection: Higher prices discourage initiation among youths and encourage current smokers to quit, potentially saving thousands of lives from tobacco-related diseases.

• Economic resilience: Revenue generated from these taxes can help offset the massive fiscal impacts of recent challenges, such as Hurricane Melissa, while reducing the long-term economic burden of treating NCDs.

• FCTC compliance: Article 6 of the WHO FCTC requires parties to implement tax and price policies to contribute to health objectives.

The JCTC called on the government to continue its momentum by advancing the comprehensive Tobacco Control Act currently before a Joint Select Committee. This legislation is essential to address modern threats, including banning of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and measure to reduce youth access to e-cigarettes as vaping among the youth is a cause for concern

Dr Aggrey Irons, board member of the JCTC, said, “This is a courageous decision.”