Fiji - protecting future generations from the evils of tobacco..

Fiji - Coat_of_Arms..
September 27, 2010 - Republic of the Fiji Islands, the third developing nation to sign and ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003, has decided to amend the 1998 Tobacco Control Act to discourage kids from taking up smoking.

It is reported that as per the amendments, more stringent rules would be introduced on the selling of cigarettes to children below 18 years. Also, the Solicitor General is all set to draft a Tobacco Control Decree, which would be introduced in the month of December. Health spokesperson Peni Namotu says when the new Tobacco Control Act Decree is in place they will have spies to monitor it's enforcement. Namotu - the decree will penalize parents or adults that send children under the age of 18 to buy (cigarettes. Further - any child under the age of 18 caught smoking will be fined $50 (1.00 FijiDollar = 0.53 USD).

The implementation of the Tobacco Control Decree would ensure that the sale of cigarettes from private homes in Fiji would come to an end.


Head of Save the Children in Fiji, Chandra Shekhar In the wake of the developments, one organization that has widely appreciated and welcomed the efforts is Save the Children in Fiji. Delighted with the announcements, the organization claims that children should not come face-to-face with the choice of adapting to smoke. “To keep the children safe and let them to concentrate and to facilitate their education, I think it’s very important. And it’s not only the responsibility of the government, but I think of the society, the parents and everybody that we should ensure that our children don’t get into this bad habit.” Chandra Shekhar said parents need to stop sending children to buy cigarettes for them and could consider giving up smoking themselves.

Mr. Rajeshwar Singh, Manager of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco in Fiji also applauded the strict regulations, and he claimed that the Decree would ensure that all the cigarette packets would also carry the graphic health warnings.

"Fiji proud of tobacco control", Fiji Times Online, 9/18/2007.

References: Tightening of Tobacco Laws Welcomed By Save Children in Fiji, submitted by Ketan Mukherjee on Mon, 09/27/2010, Topnews.net.nz; Fiji to use spies in cigarette war, reported by : Apisalome Coka, RadioFiji.com.fj, 9/27/2010; Save The Children Fiji backs tobacco curbs, Radio New Zealand International, 9/26/2010.