THE TEN PER CENT excise tax on sweet drinks which takes effect on August 1, must have been music to the ears of health officials in Barbados who have been promoting healthy eating and living. As part of their message to get Barbadians on a healthier path, they have been encouraging people to stay away from the consumption of too many sweet drinks.
Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler made the announcement of the new tax on beverages with added high-calorie sweeteners, as part of this year’s Financial Statement And Budgetary Proposals on Monday night. He said Cabinet had made a decision to help to promote a healthier lifestyle among Barbadians and encourage healthier eating patterns.
Hence, carbonated soft drinks, juice drinks and sports drinks will be subject to this tax, which is expected to generate in excess of $10 million in revenue this fiscal year.
We applaud this move on the part of Government, not because of the much-needed money it will put into the Treasury, but more importantly, because it will help to promote a society that is free from diseases that can be prevented by better eating.
For too long, diabetes has been listed as one of the nagging chronic non-communicable diseases affecting Barbadians. On World Diabetes Day last year, chief executive officer of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Dexter James, lamented that diabetes and its complications continued to be a major problem for health officials. At that time, the hospital was admitting 25 new patients to the Dialysis Unit in a two-week period.
So this move is not only long in coming, but critical, because the overall objective is to help to save lives.
We endorse the words of the minister as he explained the reason behind this measure: “It is now an indisputable reality that Barbados is on the verge of a national crisis with regards to persistent health problems associated with the escalating level of non-communicable diseases.”
Barbadians need to get serious and change their consumption habits. The way we eat has taken a turn for the worse, with a number of people being hooked on the wrong types of food. In a society where the majority of people are already predisposed to diabetes, this has been a recipe for disaster.
Foods that are high in saturated fats, salt, sugars and calories need to be avoided, while more fruits and vegetables must of necessity be incorporated in daily diets.
We also have to start introducing this new healthy lifestyle to our young people, some of whom are obese and have already developed diabetes. To secure the future of our nation, we need to start paying more attention to our health.
Barbadians must take the necessary steps towards a healthier lifestyle and prevent non-communicable diseases which can ultimately lead to death.