– commends President Ali’s decisive leadership, calls for collective action to safeguard young people

HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has welcomed the Government’s decision to restrict the importation of vaping products into Guyana, describing the move as an important intervention to protect children and teenagers from nicotine addiction and other potential health risks.
Khan’s support comes as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Saturday that the Government would restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products, except those specifically approved by the Minister of Health or the relevant tobacco control authorities.
The measure, which is to be implemented through an order under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01, follows mounting concerns among parents, teachers, religious leaders and community representatives about the growing accessibility and use of vaping products, particularly among school-aged children.

Khan commended President Ali’s leadership in responding to these concerns, noting that protecting the health, well-being and future of young people must take precedence over unrestricted access to potentially harmful products.
He emphasised that children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable to curiosity, peer pressure and the appeal of products marketed as fashionable or harmless, making timely intervention and responsible oversight essential.
“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,” Khan said.
He noted that the Government’s decision reflects an important recognition that public health protection requires proactive measures, particularly when the potential consequences affect children whose physical and mental development is still taking place.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has repeatedly warned about the growing use of electronic cigarettes among young people and the risks associated with nicotine exposure.
In October 2025, the WHO reported that at least 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 worldwide were using e-cigarettes. In countries with available data, young people were nine times more likely than adults to use these products.
The Pan American Health Organisation and WHO have also warned that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are highly addictive and can expose users to toxic substances associated with respiratory and cardiovascular harm. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can interfere with brain development, while exposure during pregnancy can adversely affect foetal development.
Against this background, Khan’s support for the restrictions underscores the importance of preventing potentially harmful products from becoming normalised among schoolchildren and teenagers.
He stressed that the absence of complete scientific knowledge about the long-term consequences of vaping should not be interpreted as proof that the products are safe, particularly for young people.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT YOUNG PEOPLE
Khan also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, coaches, businesses and other citizens to support the Government’s initiative through education, vigilance and responsible conduct.
He maintained that safeguarding children requires cooperation across society, with families and schools playing a critical role in educating young people about nicotine addiction, the potential dangers of vaping and the importance of making healthy choices.
The R3PSInc Head further highlighted the value of encouraging young people to participate in sports and other constructive activities that promote discipline, confidence, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
He noted that opportunities in sports and community programmes can help young people develop positive habits and build meaningful connections while steering them away from potentially harmful practices.
Khan also urged businesses and importers to comply with the restrictions once they take effect, while encouraging citizens to report suspected unlawful importation and sale through the appropriate authorities.
While welcoming the policy direction, the effectiveness of the restrictions will depend on consistent enforcement, clear guidance for importers and retailers, and appropriate monitoring of products entering the country.
Khan noted that his position reflects the view that commercial activity must be balanced with responsibility for consumer health and safety, particularly where children and adolescents are concerned.
He reiterated his support for President Ali and the Government’s efforts to protect citizens, calling for a united national response to the challenges posed by vaping.
“Protecting our young people is a shared responsibility,” he emphasised, urging all stakeholders to support measures designed to safeguard the next generation and promote healthier communities.
For R3PSInc, the issue extends he said is beyond regulation of a commercial product. “It concerns the collective responsibility of families, businesses, schools and public institutions to ensure that Guyana’s development is accompanied by a commitment to the health, safety and future of its young people.”