Pioneering Past and Bright of Impactful Research and Scholarly Achievements

“EXCELLENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE” P A G E 52 Scientific Symposium on “Fiscal Measures to Prevent Obesity/NCDs in Jamaica: Focus on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages” The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) through its College of Health Sciences, on Thursday, January 11, 2018, hosted a Scientific Symposiumon “Fiscal Measures to Prevent Obesity/ NCDs in Jamaica: Focus on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages” at the Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston. TheScientificSymposiumpresentedtheresearchandevidence-basedrationale forafiscal approach to healthy eating in Jamaica and identified the challenges and opportunities for introducing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health addressed measures being implemented by theMinistry of Health to stem the increase of obesity and NCDs among Jamaicans. Hon. Audley Shaw, CD, MP, Minister of Finance and the Public Service addressed the use of fiscal measures as a strategy to address diet-related diseases to encourage the consumption of healthier food options among the Jamaican population. The Symposiumcomprised four sessions with presentations by local and international researchers, health practitioners, and economists who examined issues such as obesity and non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico – the rationale and the impact on prices, household purchases and employment. The discussions also focussed on consumption trends of sugary drinks in Jamaica, proposals for the implementation of a fiscal policy on sugar-sweetened beverages to enhance public health, and the potential impact of a sugar tax on the local beverage manufacturing industry, imports, and the potential impact of a sugar tax on the poor and on consumption and revenues in Jamaica. Symposium presenters included: Prof. Fitzroy Henry, Symposium Chair and Professor of Public Health Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, UTech, Jamaica; Prof. Barry Popkin, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Nutrition and Economics, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, USA; Dr. Arantxa Colchero, Associate Professor of Health Economics, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico; Prof. Rainford Wilks, CalHR, University of The West Indies, Mona campus; Dr. Michelle Harris, NCD Advisor, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO); Prof. Alafia Samuels, Director, George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, CALHR, UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados Corporate Communications Unit Advancement Division University of Technology, Jamaica Editor’s Note: As noted in the introduction to this booklet, one of the pathways that research has impact is through public policy. The potential impact of this research on public policy is obvious. Not surprisingly, the symposium generated a lot of commentary from various interest groups, including sugar-sweetened beverage manufacturers, journalists, and educators. The Gleaner newspaper carried an Editorial on the symposium.