Belize’s Youth Are Leading the Fight for a Tobacco-Free Future
Youth Taking the Lead
Today’s episode of Open Your Eyes highlighted the Belize Cancer Society’s “Youth Leading Change for a Tobacco-Free Belize” initiative, which is bringing young Belizeans into the conversation around tobacco control and healthier communities.
Joining the discussion were Ljay Wade, Project Officer at the Belize Cancer Society, along with youth advocates Darlon Usher, Gian Cano, DyAnne Castillo, and Eridan Lopez.
The initiative is focused on equipping young people with the knowledge and advocacy skills needed to speak about tobacco use, engage their peers, and participate in discussions with policymakers.
Addressing Tobacco Use Among Young People
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey statistics shared during the discussion, 15.5% of young people in Belize are exposed to or using tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, shisha, and nicotine pouches.
Wade explained that the Belize Cancer Society is advocating for the passage of a tobacco control bill that would introduce stronger protections for young people and regulate the use and promotion of tobacco and related products.
The bill has already passed through the House of Representatives and, at the time of the interview, was pending consideration in the Senate.
Giving Young People a Voice
A key part of the initiative is a cohort of 20 young people from organizations across Belize who will receive training in areas including the proposed tobacco control legislation, public speaking, and youth advocacy.
Participating organizations include Rotaract, the Youth Shadow Council, Humana, Rise Belize, Youth Enhancement Services, IVCF, and others.
Following their training, the youth advocates will engage with policymakers and share what they are seeing and experiencing within their communities.
Challenging the Appeal of Vaping and Tobacco
The youth advocates also discussed how tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly being presented in ways that can appeal to younger audiences.
They pointed to flavored products, social media promotion, and the perception that vaping is safer than traditional cigarettes as some of the challenges facing tobacco prevention efforts.
The young advocates shared personal observations of secondhand smoke exposure and the use of smoking and vaping as coping mechanisms, reinforcing their belief that young people need healthier alternatives and greater awareness of the potential risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use.
What the Proposed Bill Could Change
The proposed legislation discussed during the segment would introduce several tobacco-control measures, including restrictions on the sale of tobacco products to minors, restrictions on smoking in public and enclosed spaces, and a ban on the importation of e-cigarettes and vaping devices.
The bill would also address advertising and promotion of tobacco-related products, including their use on social media.
For the Belize Cancer Society and the youth advocates involved, the goal is to create stronger protections for young people while giving them an active role in shaping conversations around public health.
Sparking Change Through Youth Advocacy
With training and community engagement now underway, the “Youth Leading Change for a Tobacco-Free Belize” initiative is positioning young people as advocates for healthier choices and stronger tobacco-control measures.
The message from the young advocates was clear: creating change requires participation, awareness, and a willingness to speak up about issues affecting their communities.
Watch Today’s Episode of Open Your Eyes Here