Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has ordered sweeping restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products, announcing a major public health intervention aimed at protecting children, teenagers and young people from the growing dangers of vaping.
In a video statement delivered Saturday evening, President Ali announced that Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh will shortly sign an order under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, restricting the importation of vapes of all kinds, except where specifically approved by the minister responsible for health or the National Tobacco Control Council or Tobacco Control Board.
The president said the decisive measure follows mounting concerns over the widespread and largely unregulated importation, sale and use of vaping products in Guyana, particularly among schoolchildren and teenagers.
“We have to protect our children, we have to protect our schools, we have to protect our society,” Ali declared, stressing that the government has a responsibility to confront emerging threats to public health and social well-being.
He said the restrictions were authorised following extensive consultations and feedback from parents, teachers, religious leaders, community representatives and young people who have expressed growing alarm over the accessibility and use of vaping products.
“As a responsible government, as a listening government, we have a duty to protect public health, particularly the health and wellbeing of our children and young people,” the president said.
Ali warned that vaping has become an increasingly serious public health concern internationally, with products often marketed as alternatives to conventional cigarettes despite the potential dangers associated with their use.
He cited warnings from the World Health Organization about the risks posed by vaping products, particularly those containing nicotine and other potentially harmful substances.
The president highlighted concerns about addiction, adverse effects on brain development among children and adolescents, respiratory health complications and potential risks to fetal development during pregnancy.
He also expressed concern about the possible long-term consequences of vaping on the mental health and social development of young people.
“The absence of complete knowledge about those long-term effects must not be mistaken for evidence of safety,” Ali warned.
The head of state said his discussions with teachers, parents and children had revealed widespread concern about vaping within the school system, including the use of products containing additives and other substances.
He stressed that the government could not ignore the potential consequences of exposing children to vaping products at an early age.
“We cannot pretend that we are unaware of the consequences of vaping on our children, on our school system, teenagers, not only here in Guyana, but across the Caribbean and internationally,” he said.
Ali urged parents, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders to intensify efforts to educate children about the dangers of vaping and the potentially harmful consequences of addiction.
He said protecting young people requires both regulatory intervention and greater public awareness.
The president noted that several countries have already introduced restrictions on the importation and distribution of vaping products, reflecting growing international recognition of the need for stronger public health safeguards.
He said Guyana’s decision is consistent with those international efforts and reflects the government’s commitment to responding to the concerns of citizens.
However, Ali clarified that the restrictions would not amount to an absolute prohibition on every potential application of vaping technology.
He explained that legitimate medicinal, therapeutic or alternative applications, including products intended as alternatives to conventional cigarettes, could be considered for approval by the relevant health authorities.
Any such approval, he said, would have to comply with applicable laws, regulations and established medical standards.
The president emphasised that decisions concerning the suitability and authorisation of these products must rest with the designated health authorities rather than importers or distributors.
“This approach ensures that the government can act decisively to protect our children, young people and protect public health while preserving the ability of the competent health authorities to authorise legitimate use and application,” he said.
Ali maintained that the restrictions are intended to strengthen safeguards, promote responsible regulation and protect families and communities from the potential dangers associated with vaping.
He also pointed to growing concern among regional leaders, noting that vaping has become a challenge confronting societies across the Caribbean and internationally.
The president described the impending import restrictions as an important step in the government’s wider responsibility to protect future generations.
“This evening, I believe we’re taking a decisive step in protecting our children. Protecting our schools and safeguarding our families, communities, and society,” Ali said.
He concluded by calling for continued national commitment to social protection, responsible development and the preservation of values that would benefit future generations of Guyanese.