Prime Minister receives No Tobacco Day Award on behalf of Health Ministry
- Ministry of Public Health first in Caribbean to receive award this year
- Passage of the Tobacco Legislation victory for a united Parliament
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, June 30, 2018
The Ministry of Public Health has received the World No Tobacco Day Award and Certificate from the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).
Guyana’s Health Ministry is the only one in the Caribbean region to have been awarded such an honour this year
Accepting the award on behalf of the Ministry was Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who delivered the feature address at the award ceremony at the Marriot Hotel last evening.
Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of President, noted that the passage of the tobacco legislation brought together people of all persuasions in the best interest of Guyana.
“We are very happy to be recognised for our collective effort, it was a team effort and like every team, it was led by politicians and public officials. In this case, Minister Volda Lawrence took up the baton and led from the front and ensured that we were able to pass this legislation. One year ago, we approved the legislation, unanimously in the National Assembly and this was a victory for a united Parliament and I want to congratulate all the parties in the National Assembly for coming forth and recognising that it is time that we conclude this legislation”.
He said is indeed noteworthy that a small country like Guyana despite the challenges it faces took a stand in defence of the wellbeing of its citizens.
The Prime Minister added that the next step will be a concerted Public Relations Campaign that will see television and radio broadcasts and PSAs, as well as print publication being used to disseminate vital information to schools, sports clubs and various other organisations.
Touching on the subject of budget allocations for the Health Sector, the Prime Minister noted that the Health Sector has always been a top priority for this government. He said for 2018, the Health Sector received $33.3B which represents 12.5 percent of the National Budget.
“I believe this is not enough but in terms of deciding how is allocated to each sector, you will see that health is no longer a neglected area. It is receiving the attention of this government.”
The Prime Minister extended heartfelt gratitude to PAHO/WHO for their support and guidance through the process.
Also delivering remarks were PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, Dr. Williams Adu-Krow, Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence, Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director Non- Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, PAHO/WHO, WDC among others
The evening also saw in attendance Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, Ministers of the Government, Ministry of Health officials and members of the Opposition among others.
By: Gabreila Patram
Images: Kwesi Wishart