Gov’t senator highlights sexual and reproductive health benefits of sugary drink tax

Government Senator and medical doctor Elon Thompson is publicly endorsing the proposal to tax sugary beverages, noting the potential benefits for sexual and reproductive wellness.

While public debate has focused largely on consumer costs and economic impact, Dr Thompson, a consultant urologist and former president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association, stressed that the issue must also be considered from a medical perspective.

“Sexual health is closely tied to vascular, hormonal, and neurological function. When blood vessels are damaged by high blood sugar or long-standing hypertension, normal sexual response can be impaired in both males and females,” Thompson said.

He noted that Jamaica continues to face high rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension—conditions that contribute not only to heart disease and stroke but are also closely linked to sexual dysfunction.

Excessive sugar intake, Thompson said, increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which in turn can damage blood vessels and nerves essential for sexual arousal, performance, and satisfaction.

“Medications can address symptoms of sexual dysfunction, but healthy lifestyle choices address root causes. Reducing sugar intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and blood glucose are foundational to overall wellness—including sexual health,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the proposed tax on sugary drinks should not be viewed merely as a revenue-generating initiative, but as a preventive public health strategy. By discouraging excessive consumption, he argued that Government aims to reduce long-term rates of obesity and diabetes, which can improve both cardiovascular and sexual health outcomes.

Thompson pointed to international examples where sugar taxes have succeeded in reducing purchases, citing Mexico, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Barbados. “Reducing sugar consumption today can prevent chronic disease tomorrow and protect the health and wellbeing of all Jamaicans,” he said.

He also praised Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton for “recognising the importance of tackling non-communicable diseases through comprehensive public health initiatives”.

Thompson said the sugary drink tax complements existing programmes such as the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign and Jamaica Moves, aimed at encouraging physical activity and healthier lifestyle choices.

As part funding the 2026–27 Budget, the government has proposed a series of taxes, with a Special Consumption Tax of $0.02 per millilitre on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages. The levy, which captures drinks containing added sugar or artificial/non-nutritive sweeteners, is projected to raise $10.1 billion in its first year.

Industry leaders, including William Mahfood, chairman of Wisynco, have warned that the tax disproportionately affects lower-income consumers, arguing that low-sugar drinks are taxed the same as high-sugar options. He said if Government wants to reduce sugar consumption, “then tax sugar – in all its forms”.

Public health advocates, however, have celebrated the move. Deborah Chen, executive director of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, called it a “long-overdue win” and pointed to evidence from overseas showing that higher taxes reduce sugary beverage consumption.

The Opposition People's National Party has also argued that while the health issue is critical, the tax, without more will not be impactful.

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