THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has announced its unequivocal support for President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement of restrictions on the importation of vapes and vaping products into Guyana. Similarly, the Guyana Pandits Council also commended the President for taking decisive action to restrict the importation of vapes and electronic nicotine devices.
According to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, this is a necessary and timely intervention to protect public health, especially the health and future of our children and young people. The institution said it commends the President for recognising the urgency of this threat and taking decisive action, adding that our children’s well-being must always take precedence over commercial interests.
“We are deeply concerned about the easy accessibility, low cost, and inadequately regulated circulation of these products. When potentially addictive products are inexpensive, readily available and presented as fashionable or harmless, our children are placed at unacceptable risk. Vaping must never be normalised as an innocent pastime.
The World Health Organization warns that nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development in children and adolescents, while vaping aerosols can contain toxic substances. These are serious concerns that demand action from all of us,” the religious organisation said in a press release.
The opportunity was used to emphasise that while young adults and adults may choose to vape, the freedom to do so must be weighed against the responsibility to prevent harm, particularly to our children. According to the release, the organisation firmly believes that the public health benefits of these restrictions far outweigh the limitations on personal enjoyment, and that protecting people from addiction and avoidable harm must take precedence.
As a Hindu organisation, it sees the protection of children as a sacred responsibility and called on everyone to act with responsibility, compassion, and regard for the welfare of others.
“Ahimsa, the principle of non-harm, requires us to recognise and prevent harm, including harm arising from addiction and the exploitation of youthful curiosity. Our spiritual teachings encourage care for the body, clarity of mind and self-discipline. We must give these teachings practical meaning by creating environments in which young people can grow safely and realise their potential.
“The Sabha urges parents, guardians, educators, pandits and community leaders to speak openly with children about vaping and to take their questions and concerns seriously. Our homes, mandirs and youth groups must be spaces for honest conversation, guidance, and healthy activities. Young people already using these products need compassionate support to stop, without shame or rejection. Businesses, too, must recognise their responsibility: no sale and no profit can justify putting a child’s health at risk.
“We call for the swift implementation of the announced import restrictions, supported by effective enforcement, sustained public education and measures to prevent access by children. Protecting young people requires collective vigilance and consistent action across our communities,” the release added.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said it stands firmly behind this intervention and calls on all Guyanese to support its purpose. Our children deserve every opportunity to grow with good health, confidence, and freedom from addiction. Safeguarding that future is a duty we all share.
Meanwhile, the Pandits Council said that it strongly supports safeguarding our youths from these dangerous substances. It affirms that protecting our children from toxic chemical exposure and addiction is a vital moral duty.
It a statement the council said, “We vehemently call on all educators across Guyana to support this government initiative which will help to guide our youths toward a healthy and clean lifestyle.”
