Georgetown, Guyana — Religious leaders in Guyana have welcomed President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s decision to restrict the importation of vaping products, describing the measure as an important step towards protecting children and young people from potentially harmful habits.
Hindu community representatives Ramchand Ragbeer and Pandit Hari Shankar have voiced support for the initiative, emphasising that parents, schools and religious organisations must work together to educate young people about the dangers of vaping, smoking and substance use.
The President announced the proposed restrictions on October 17 amid growing concerns about vaping products becoming increasingly accessible to children and teenagers, particularly within the school system.
Hindu Leaders Welcome Government Action
Ramchand Ragbeer, who served as president of the Ogle Mandir for 34 years, expressed strong support for the President’s decision.
He said religious organisations have long encouraged young people to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption and called for stronger efforts to prevent minors from accessing cigarettes and other potentially harmful products.
Ragbeer also stressed the importance of parental responsibility, urging families to guide children towards healthier choices. He encouraged schools and religious institutions to use their influence to raise awareness about vaping and substance use.
Pandit Hari Shankar Highlights Youth Protection
Pandit Hari Shankar, Founder and Chairman of the Sanskaar Bhaarati International Ashram Guyana, described the announcement as a positive intervention for the country’s future.
He warned that harmful habits can affect individuals’ well-being and their ability to contribute positively to their families and communities.
Pandit Shankar emphasised that protecting young people from addiction and other harmful influences is essential to helping them fulfil their potential and participate meaningfully in national development.
He also pledged the ashram’s support, indicating that the organisation would be willing to assist through volunteer activities and other forms of community involvement where needed.
Parents, Schools and Religious Organisations Urged to Work Together
Both religious leaders highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to preventing vaping among young people.
Parents are being encouraged to take an active role in guiding their children, while schools and religious institutions can help through education, awareness programmes and community engagement.
Their support reflects growing concern among different sections of Guyanese society about the availability of vaping products and the potential consequences for children and teenagers.
The leaders made their remarks on Monday evening while attending the final night of Navratri at the Sanskaar Bhaarati International Ashram Guyana in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Import Restrictions Target Recreational Vaping Products
President Ali announced that the government intends to restrict the importation of vaping products under the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.
Under the announced measure, the importation of vaping products would be prohibited unless approval is granted by the Minister of Health or the relevant tobacco control authorities.
The restrictions are intended primarily to address recreational vaping while allowing for approved medicinal, therapeutic or other legitimate applications, subject to the required authorisation.
The government’s announcement followed concerns raised by parents, teachers, religious leaders and community representatives about the growing accessibility of vaping products among young people.
Protecting Guyana’s Next Generation
The support expressed by religious leaders highlights the role that community institutions can play alongside government measures in addressing public health concerns.
Their message is that protecting children requires more than restrictions alone. Continued public education, responsible parenting, effective enforcement and community participation will also be important in discouraging vaping and other harmful habits.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to protect Guyana’s young people and promote healthier environments in schools, homes and communities.