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Throne Speech: Gov’t looking to restrict vaping, smoking under age 18

The Government of the Virgin Islands is looking to restrict the use of e-cigarettes and smoking in the Virgin Islands as part of its legislative agenda for the start of the Fifth Session of the current Fourth House of Assembly (HoA). Photo: Internet Source
This was revealed by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, in his deliverance of the 2023 Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Photo: HoA/Youtube
This was revealed by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, in his deliverance of the 2023 Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Photo: HoA/Youtube
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI - The Government of the Virgin Islands is looking to restrict the public use of e-cigarettes and smoking in the Virgin Islands as part of its legislative agenda for the start of the Fifth Session of the current Fourth House of Assembly (HoA).

This was revealed by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, in his deliverance of the 2023 Speech from the Throne at the Fifth Session of the current Fourth House of Assembly (HoA) on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

According to the Governor, “Government will seek to amend the Tobacco Products Control Act, 2006 (No 18 of 2006) to provide for restrictions on the use of electronic smoking devices and the creation of the new offenses of prohibiting smoking in a public place,” he said.

The amendment will also seek to restrict smoking by a person under 18 years of age, and smoking in a motor vehicle while a person under 18 years of age is present.

Way forward with marijuana 

The news comes as the Government has indicated that it has found a way forward regarding the use of medicinal marijuana in the Virgin Islands; however, it remains unclear if the amendment to the act will have implications on the proposed medical marijuana industry.

Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) at a one-on-one press conference on January 23, 2023, said the UK is also committed to helping VI with its medicinal marijuana industry.

“I was also very pleased that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the UK Home Office had very good discussions with my delegation on medicinal cannabis, particularly with respect to licensing of medical practitioners in the Virgin Islands to administer medicinal cannabis to patients,” he said. 

11 Responses to “Throne Speech: Gov’t looking to restrict vaping, smoking under age 18”

  • What? (25/01/2023, 10:46) Like (22) Dislike (12) Reply
    Nobody under 18 should be smoking or vaping now so what restricting are you talking about?
    • stop (25/01/2023, 11:07) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      "Should be", but they are smoking at a much younger age than 18 already. Don't bury your head in the sand
  • ok (25/01/2023, 11:18) Like (32) Dislike (0) Reply
    That is not a bad decision. I have heard about our young people vaping. Not good
  • Really (25/01/2023, 11:39) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wake up people. This vaping thing is very dangerous and thousands and thousands of people have died because of it . This is synthetic with embombing fluid in it, so why would you smoke it. I can't believe that humans will put any and everything in their body just mind blowing. Trust me it will NEVER get banned they only want to make it seem that way because so many people are dying from it and it can't be cover up no more. You all would look into nothing just follow what everyone else is doing which is very dangerous. I think 100% for myself and I lose a lot of family and friends and it's feels great because anyone who loves you respect your choices. I rather be homeless with food but have my soul and free Will so I Will die for both in this Devil Run Earth
  • waste of time (25/01/2023, 12:20) Like (23) Dislike (10) Reply
    Not one of these laws will be enforced. None of the existing ones are. This is pure talk for an election year.
  • Law Abiding citizen (25/01/2023, 12:46) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    I thought there was a law years ago in relation to smoking in public places, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it just states cigarettes.
  • Lucifer morningstar (25/01/2023, 13:53) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Those Syrians aint going to like this smoking rule at all lol.
  • Silent Majority (25/01/2023, 14:32) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Should ban it for everyone.
  • WOW (25/01/2023, 16:09) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is the legislation banning poisonous cancer causing imported food in the Supermarkets? These people pretend to care about our health but pick and choose what is unhealthy to them and what is not. Kids should not have access to Tobacco products or Alcohol, point blank and those laws should be upheld. Just like adults have a choice to partake in alcohol, tobacco etc. then let them take that risk. We are talking about protecting the kids but look at what they are served in the school yards daily for lunch. This is not about caring for anybody, but rather giving the impression that something is being done. They will take this to HOA proudly while open burning of garbage continues to make people sick. Why isn't there any updated legislation pending with respect to waste disposal etc.? Isn't this far more important that some of the other things being pushed right now? Open burning of garbage, sewage in the streets and all is well?
  • Nah (25/01/2023, 17:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    I could recall the law in the bvi is no smoking in public,yet you see these *&%$ everyday.

  • SPH LOVE NOTES (01/02/2023, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Very good discussions on medical cannabis"....why not very good discussions on developing food production in the Territory? Smoking kills people. Our youths need to understand that. Our leaders need to emphasize the NO Smoking policy. They are the ones that should be looking out for the people's health as representatives. They are elected to serve the people's best interest, not conflict of interest.


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