9th March 2016

With "World No Tobacco Day" now less than three months away, the Antigua and Barbuda Tobacco Free Initiative (ABTFI) is getting ready to roll out a number of programs leading up to the universally recognized day, which is slated for May 31st.

Chairman of ABTFI, Colin O'Keiffe, said that the ABTFI is taking very seriously its responsibility with regards to highlighting the harmful effects of Tobacco use on the environment and human health.

Among the initiatives soon to be unveiled are silent videos portraying the dangers of smoking to humans, anti-tobacco commercials, poetry competitions in primary schools, a cake sale, an educational and sensitization trip to the sister island of Barbuda, advocacy programs and a social media campaign.

There will also be a "Who is Next" initiative which will target the business community, a

Stakeholders' Assistance Program, a health walk slated for May 30th and a Grand Anti-Tobacco March on World No-Tobacco Day, May 31st.

Apart from O'Keiffe, the other members of ABTFI include: Media and Communications Officers- Jermaine Kentish and Teste Thomas, Health Education and Promotion officers- Amelia Farrell and Jason Percival, Medical Doctor- Dr Helen Mekende and Technological Support Officer- Nikita Lake.

The team also includes, Counseling Officer- Oswald Hannays, Substance Abuse Officer- Feona Scotland, NGO Partner and President of Breast Friends- Eunetta Bird, Administrative Officers- Regina Ambrose and Anthony Pryce as well as Physical Educator and representative of the Education Department- Sean Samuel.

O'Keiffe also asserted that the ABTFI is working in earnest towards the enactment of Tobacco Control legislation effective World No-Tobacco Day 2016.