Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 2 June 2025: The Department of Behavioural Health Services joined the rest of the world on 31 May 2025 in observance of World No Tobacco Day, under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”. This year’s theme is a fitting one, as we have seen an increase in tobacco use amongst youths and young people globally. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), “an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among young people exceeds that of adults.”
We are not exempt from such an alarming rise in tobacco and vape use here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We have also seen significant increases in vaping and e-cigarettes use trending amongst our youth population. This is of great concern, as the risks associated with tobacco use in young people, especially our teens, is detrimental. It is important for young people and the larger population to recognise that the tobacco company’s main goal is to sell their product and increase profit; there is little to no concern regarding the damage it causes an individual. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) “Tobacco and nicotine industries use insidious strategies to make their harmful products appealing, especially to young people. Manipulative product designs, attractive flavours, and glamourised marketing create a false sense of security and evoke desirability” and this illusion needs to be broken.
Commenting on World No Tobacco Day, the Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Kyle Knowles stated, “The Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains committed in implementing policies and legislation that targets the sales and use of tobacco products to minors and young people. The overall health and well-being of our people is of utmost concern and we are resolute in ensuring that prevention strategies and campaigns are in place which promote awareness surrounding the dangers of tobacco use and its products.”
As we observe World No Tobacco Day, the Department of Behavioural Health Services would like to remind the general public of the following under the Turks and Caicos Tobacco Ordinance:
Smoking in Public Places:
- 23. (1) A person shall not smoke or hold a lighted tobacco product in an enclosed public place, enclosed workplace, or public conveyance, including a place listed in Schedule 3.
- (4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction— (a) to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both; and (b) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years, or to both.
Prohibition of Tobacco Sales to Minors:
- 24. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product to a child.
- (3) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.
Offenses, penalties and liabilities
- 48. (1) A person who obstructs or hinders an authorized officer in the performance of his duties commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to both.
Prohibition on sales of tobacco product in certain places
- 27. (1) A person shall not sell or offer for sale a tobacco product in the following places— (a) facilities where health care services are provided; (b) sports, athletic or recreational facilities; (c) government buildings; (d) educational facilities; and (e) any other place as may be prescribed.
- (2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence.
We all have a role to play in the fight against tobacco, and this is how you can join the campaign and show your support as we build a healthier Turks and Caicos:
Schools:
- Raise awareness of the health risk and dangers associated with smoking, tobacco products, nicotine and other related paraphernalia’s associated with smoking.
Community/Consumers:
- Educate yourself and become aware of the facts surrounding tobacco use and the dangers to your health.
For more information on how you can stop smoking, contact the Department of Behavioural Health Services on 649-338-3616 or 649-338-3613. Also, be sure to visit our website www.gov.tc/dmhsd and follow our social media accounts www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS and @TCIDBHS on Instagram.
