Smoking in Barbados
In Barbados, smoking is legal but regulated. Under these regulations, cigarettes can be sold, and smoking is permitted. Cigarettes may be purchased online, but they cannot be bought from vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license permit. Health warnings are required on cigarette packaging, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Advertising of cigarettes is regulated and is not completely banned. Cigarettes are taxed as a tobacco product at a rate of 28%, and the total taxation rate is 43%. Despite these regulations, data show that in 2024, there were approximately 30,000 current smokers in the country. In 2022, adult current smoking prevalence was 6.5%, with higher prevalence among males (11.7%) than females (1.7%). This indicates a slight decrease from the overall current prevalence of 6.8% in 2020. In 2021, smoking led to an estimated 119 deaths in Barbados, including 100 deaths among males and 19 among females. Overall, smoking resulted in 3.6% of all deaths in the country, accounting for 6.06% of male deaths and 1.16% of female deaths. These figures show that smoking continues to affect population health in Barbados.
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August 29, 2025 by barbadostoday.bb
Barbados can shape the future of tobacco control
Barbados has made strides in reducing smoking rates but can do more, especially in addressing gender disparities. Ahead of COP11, the country can advocate for smarter tobacco policies based on harm reduction, such as vaping and nicotine pouches. Evidence shows harm reduction effectively lowers smoking rates, but global institutions often overlook it. Barbados should assert its leadership by pushing for a dedicated tobacco harm reduction working group at COP11. By prioritizing people's health over politics, Barbados can lead the way towards a smoke-free nation and set an example for other smaller countries. The time is now for Barbados to act decisively in supporting harm reduction and advocating for transparent, evidence-based tobacco control measures.
August 12, 2025 by nationnews.com
Barbados Has a Unique Opportunity to Champion Harm Reduction at COP11
This year, the world’s eyes will turn to Geneva as leaders gather for COP11, the World Health Organization’s critical conference on tobacco control. As decisions are made that will impact global health for years to come, Barbados finds itself at a crossroads. Will the country simply follow the crowd, or will it seize the chance to be a bold voice for pragmatic, science-driven solutions like harm reduction?