THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE GLEANER front page report of November 20, 2003, outlined the new tobacco policy to be pursued internationally. Although the World Trade Organisation (WTO) estimates that four million people die annually from tobacco use and 250 million children are at risk, no evidence was adduced to show that the proposed draconian taxation and measures against sales and distribution will have any reduced effect on consumption of tobacco products.
If the proposed draconian measures force legitimate investors (producers) out of the tobacco business, it is not only possible but probable, that illicit producers will step into the breach and supply the continuing demand for tobacco products.
It would appear that if the WTO is really serious about reducing and eliminating the demand for tobacco products, then the focus ought to take the strategy of persuading smokers to give up the habit and discourage would-be smokers
If the demand for tobacco products can be reduced by this technique, then the production, sales and distribution of tobacco products will fall in sympathy therewith.
I am, etc.,
FITZ CASSERLY
Kingston 8
