BY CMC
Originally published: September 16, 2009 11:19:00 AM
Last updated: September 16, 2009 11:28:00 AM
ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC - Chancellor of the University of the
West- Indies (UWI), Professor George Alleyne, says he is
concerned over the incidents of chronic non communicable
diseases in Dominica and is recommending an increase on
tobacco taxes to curb the problem.
Speaking at a public education lecture here on Tuesday night,
Professor Alleyne said that blood pressure levels associated with
hypertension, diabetes and obesity were increasing among the
population.
“Approximately 12 per cent of females are diabetic and
surprising the figure in male is said to be twice as high,” said
Professor Alleyne, as he acknowledged the reactivation of the
Dominica Diabetes Association (DBA).
He said the main causes of death in Dominica were hypertensive heart disease, diabetes, coronary heart
disease and strokes.
Professor Alleyne also revealed that “about 30 per cent of males are over weight or obese and females
show twice that figure. About two out of every three Dominican ladies are over weight or obese”.
According to the UWI Chancellor there is also a problem with physical activity among the population
and blamed tobacco use, over weight, high levels of cholesterol and inadequate intake of fruits and
vegetables for contributing to the ill-health of citizens.
“When we put all the data together, 20 per cent of Dominican males and 40 per cent of Dominican
ladies had three or more of the risk factors for chronic disease. This has to be a major cause of concern,”
Professor George Alleyne said.
In his lecture, the UWI Chancellor said that the Roosevelt Skerrit government could assist in
dismantling the enabling environment which makes chronic non communicable diseases more
prevalent in the country.
“The government has the authority to so change the environment that it becomes easier for the
individual to avoid the risk factors that contribute to chronic disease. It is the government that can
facilitate the population having access to facilities that enable people to have more physical activity.”
He said increased taxes on tobacco, “is one of the most powerful and cost effective means of reducing
tobacco consumption of smokers and preventing the young from beginning to smoke”.
“Government can implement all of the commitments made when it signed and ratified the global frame
work convention on tobacco control. The government can through its capacity legislate, regulate, or
tax ...alter the enabling environment appropriately,” he added.
Dominica is one of several Caribbean countries that will participate in a regional Wellness Day
programme being organised by the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and
the Pan American Health organisation (PAHO) this weekend.