In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s estimated $9-billion impact, the Jamaican government’s new tax package has come as no surprise to many citizens. The anticipated tax on sugary beverages, projected to generate around $10 billion in revenue, was also expected by most.
As highlighted in the February 13 edition of this newspaper, the proposal for a tax on sweetened drinks has been discussed for years with the aim of addressing obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. It was reported back in 2018 that the government was considering implementing such a tax.
However, it never materialized.
Political considerations likely influenced this decision, especially with elections looming a few years back. Currently, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), led by Dr. Andrew Holness, is just six months into its third term.
The expectation is that by the time the next general election approaches, the effects of the current tax measures will become less significant. Thus, aside from the necessity imposed by Hurricane Melissa, this may be the opportune moment to address taxation—regardless of the mixed feelings about the sugar beverage levy or similar taxes.
Mr. William Mahfood, Chairman of Wisynco Group, has expressed valid concerns regarding the burden increased taxes will place on the manufacturing sector, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. Nevertheless, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton rightly highlights the serious health implications of sugar overconsumption, stating that it contributes significantly to health issues that result in 18,000 to 20,000 deaths annually in Jamaica.
Additionally, the cost of treating these health problems is considerable, often amounting to billions of dollars each year. Experts argue that added sugars, such as white and brown sugars, molasses, and syrups, provide energy without any nutritional benefits, unlike natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy. This distinction is what led Dr. Tufton to label added sugar as an “empty calorie”, as noted in Wednesday’s edition of the newspaper.
In previous decades, sweeteners seemed less harmful since people were more physically active and could effectively ‘burn off’ excess sugar. For instance, many children walked or ran long distances to school, whether in urban or rural settings.
Today, it is not uncommon to see children—even in rural areas—waiting for public transport to travel just a few hundred meters to school. This decline in physical activity underscores the urgent need for Jamaicans to adopt a more active lifestyle, which Dr. Tufton aimed to promote through his “Jamaica Moves” initiative. Unfortunately, various controversies diminished the effectiveness of that program.
For the sugary drinks tax to yield maximum health benefits, there must be a reinvigorated and creative public education campaign. Additionally, the manufacturing sector must show commitment, with appropriate government support, to offer healthier alternatives to current sugary products.
As we have emphasized in the past, a stronger focus on promoting physical activity across all age groups is essential for safeguarding public health.
Moreover, prioritizing outdoor sports and recreational activities in schools is crucial, especially in a time when many children are excessively engaged with digital devices.
