Ferguson stresses importance of smoking ban

Addressing the Medical Association of Jamaica's (MAJ) Symposium at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, the minister reiterated that six million people are dying annually from tobacco smoking and 600,000 from passive smoking, just from being in the same space with someone who smokes.

"My mandate as a minister of health is to ensure and protect the health of the nation. Therefore, I ask for your support because when that decision is taken, it's not going to be easy," he stated.

"Cigarette companies are very powerful but I believe that it still remains the one industry that kills its most loyal and best customers and therefore for us, we must do what we have to do," he stressed.

The Government is seeking to put into place a Tobacco Control Act that will protect citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, by prohibiting its use in public areas and workplaces.

Dr Ferguson noted that when the legislation comes into effect, Jamaica will join countries in the Caribbean such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname that have already passed such a statute.

He stressed that his position on the matter "is not an anti-smoker position; it is a pro-health position. Therefore we must recognize that it is not a personal thing."

Statistics from the 2008 Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey show that by the age of 16 years, 19 per cent of smokers had initiated the habit and 14.5 per cent smoke cigarettes, while 13.5 per cent admit to marijuana use.

Figures provided by the Jamaica Cancer Society reveal that approximately 80,000 young people across the world become addicted to tobacco each day and if trends continue, an estimated 250 million children and young people will die as a result of tobacco smoking-related illnesses.

The anti-smoking legislation is in keeping with Jamaica's obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

STRATEGIES OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY

Why has availability and use of tobacco continued in spite the medical evidence that it is a health risk?
First, people love to smoke tobacco. It is very possible that much of this is due to the stimulant received, the intoxication and the addictive property of nicotine.
Second, smoking was in-style and fashionable at several periods in time. Smoking can be termed and defined as "cool", etc.
Third, in the past many people believed that smoking could protect them from illness. This is in combination with the idea that smoking was at least not harmful. Check out for more details about cigarettes.
Finally, a nation can become 'addicted' to the revenues produced by taxes placed upon tobacco products. As noted by this quote: "As an instrument of financial policy tobacco is unique. It is not clear why this should be, but the tradition is now well established. In fact tobacco has two distinct functions, one as a consumable article and the other as a revenue earner, which at times appears to secure conflicting official treatment" (Akehurst, 1981, p15).
This paper moves beyond the history of tobacco for information and turns to the words and actions of members of the industry from speeches, booklets and handouts, the trade press and the like.
The tobacco companies have fought the opinion, data, and the interpretation of the data relating to health. They have established a set of strategies and arguments to counter the news from the medical community. How have they reacted? How have the y spent their money to continue their industry? This becomes the issue to investigate.
THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY STRATEGIES
1: SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR
The current anti-tobacco era began with medical and scientific research linking tobacco use to a variety of health problems. The first action of the industry was to dispute the research findings. This was done, and continues to be carried out, in a number of ways.
WE ARE CAUTIOUS
The image conveyed is that industry leaders are concerned professionals cautiously studying the issues. They will not let hysteria or public opinion sway or cloud their judgement. "We also believe that until scientific research can establish what actually causes the diseases with which smoking has been statistically associated, it would be unfair to advocate any law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes" (RJ Reynolds, 1987). Until these executives receive proof of the ill effects of their product they will continue as before. It is never stated, but the indications are that they operate from a classic American jurisprudence idea of 'innocent until proven guilty' view.
In spite of this open position we do see the industry avoiding some of the health issues. For example, "Tobacco Abstracts" a trade publication which offers relevant citations and abstracts to world literature on nicotiana dropped the section titled "Health" beginning with the October 1967 issue. The announcement was as follows: "(NOTE: Health section will be omitted from now on.)" No further information was offered.
MORE QUOTES AND EXAMPLES NEEDED
PROOF NEEDED
The caution shown by industry leaders makes the definition of the word "proof" crucially important. 'Proof' is the only valid basis of decision making accepted by these industry leaders. "Scientists have not proven that cigarette smoke or any of the thousands of its constituents as found in cigarette smoke cause human disease" (Tobacco Institute, 1979, p2).
Causal relationships do no more than give credence to one of several possible theories. "A hypothesis concerning the cause of disease remains merely a hypothesis until and unless conclusive laboratory and clinical proof can be found. The burden of proof must rest with those who advance the hypothesis" (Tobacco Industry, 1978, p14).
I wrote the leaders of the industry asking for a definition of proof. I was eventually told to consult a dictionary. If this is the definition that is used by the industry this is critical information since it runs in conflict with the very clear and specific definition created and defined by the authors of the 1964 Report to the Surgeon General -- and still used.
Based upon the apparent definition of cause or proof none of the 40,000 or so research studies on the tobacco and ill health link live up to the stringent requirements of industry leaders.
Statistical results are ignored as being mere numbers. They hold the position that statistics 'prove' nothing. "Smoking is a leading cause of statistics," claim those in the industry (Blair, 1979, p32). However, when it suits the argument the industry will turn to statistics.

E-Cigarettes Embraced By Marlboro Maker Altria As They Announce the MarkTen

E-cigarette companies have been bought by major tobacco companies as more Americans move away from smoking cigarettes. Now, Altria Group Inc., the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, is making a big move into the market.
The tobacco company announced plans for the release of the MarkTen e-cigarettes in August at an investor meeting today, with the company's Nu Mark division introducing the e-cigarettes first in Indiana. People will have the option of disposable or rechargeable e-cigarettes, as well as classic or menthol flavors in a way that "closely resembles the draw of a cigarette," as described by cigarette company executives.

Stars smoking in movies

For several decades the stars of the movie industry have made style statements onscreen with the branded cigarettes held in their hands. The charm, the appeal they exuded was simply fabulous. The heroes even had their own style of holding and smoking and they stylized the act of smoking to a great extent. If you are awe struck by that you might have taken to smoking to exude the same kind of style and heroism..
Whatever your reason for resorting to the puff is, you have considered it to be your trusted friend for many years. During your university examinations you had to stay awake and study for several nights together. When you and your classmates used to sit down for group study session or when you were all by yourself; your favorite brand of cigarette kept you awake and going. Even before your job interviews you had to smoke to gain confidence and soothe your nerves. So, your preferred brands of cigars or cigarettes or tobacco had been by your side in all occasions..
However, now that you are a family person, you have several different responsibilities that you need to perform and several roles to play. There is also a stringent monthly budget that you need to follow to have ends meet. Would not it be nice if you could reduce on your monthly bill of cigarettes?
If you are looking for cheap cigarettes, you should look for a reliable online cigars shop. There are a few very trustworthy online stores offering duty free tax free cigarettes. Generally heavy duty is levied on luxury items like the fine liqueur or cigarettes or cosmetics or perfumes. But items in these stores are exempted from paying any kind of local or state duties; similar to those you find in international airports. As a result, the cost of a packet of cigarette that you buy from these shops is considerably less than that offered in regular shops.
When you shop online from one of these stores, you need not move an inch from your living room on a weekend to buy packets of your favorite brand of cigarette. Simply get on to one of the good online cigarettes stores, browse their site for your favorite brand, or you can even try out new ones, and place an order. You will definitely be pleasantly surprised at the price tags. Compare those with your regular prices and you’ll be able to derive at the savings. And to top that few of the good stores offer free shipping.
If you are interested in shopping other luxury products like fine liqueur, cosmetics and beauty products or perfumes, you’ll also get those in few selected online stores..
Newport, Captain Black, Cohiba or Marlboro; whatever be your preferred choice of cigarettes, you can now buy as many packets of duty free cigarettes as you want..
Tax free duty free cigarettes will make your life simpler and you can enjoy your smoke without much worry about the cost impact on the monthly budget. Act smart and make the shopping of other luxury and lifestyle products from the duty free shops as well and you’’ be at a vantage point.

Virginia's Largest Independent Tobacco Manufacturer Enters Little Cigar Market In A Big Way

As division of the American tobacco agricultural business for more than 100 years, S&M Brands, Inc., one of Virginia's major autonomous tobacco plant growers and manufacturing companies and makers of Bailey's, Tahoe and Riverside cigarettes, expands into the little cigar market with LEX12.

LEX12 launched its first entry into the little cigar market just 12 months ago with its signature brand, LEX12 Classic, a slender 100 mm sweet tipped filtered little cigar.  LEX12 is a handcrafted blend of premium American-grown tobaccos that combine for a deliciously sweet taste that is pleasantly aromatic.  Its richly textured graphite color paper wrap with stylish platinum band and distinctive jet-black filter distinguishes LEX12 in the marketplace (LEX12.com).

New for LEX12 in 2013, S&M Brands adds two new brand additions Sweet Chaos and Menthol Chrome in a hip, new embossed 12-count tin that reflects the size and shape of today's smart phones.