The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands moved forward with legislation aimed at reducing tobacco consumption among youth, approving a bill that raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. The measure, which has sparked considerable debate, is part of a broader effort to address public health concerns and curb the rising rates of youth smoking and vaping across the territory.

Sen. Kenneth Gittens, who introduced the bill, emphasized that the legislation is crucial for protecting the health of young people in the Virgin Islands. "Raising the legal age to 21 aligns with national trends and reflects our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our youth," Gittens stated. "We know that the earlier someone starts smoking, the harder it is to quit and the more severe the health consequences can be. This law is about giving our young people a better chance at a healthier future."

The legislation comes at a time when many jurisdictions across the United States have been raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products following the passage of the federal Tobacco 21 law in 2019. Advocates for the bill argue that increasing the legal age will reduce the number of young adults who become lifelong smokers. According to studies cited during the legislative session, nearly 90 percent of smokers begin using tobacco before the age of 21, making adolescence a critical period for preventing addiction.

During the session, lawmakers discussed the alarming rise in vaping among teenagers, a trend that has been particularly concerning to health officials. "We are seeing more and more young people turn to vaping, thinking it is a safer alternative to smoking. The truth is, nicotine addiction can take hold just as quickly, and the health risks are significant," said Sen. Donna A. Frett-Gregory, who co-sponsored the bill. "By raising the legal age, we are sending a clear message that we want to protect our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction, whether it's from traditional cigarettes or electronic devices."

While the bill received broad support, there were voices of dissent. Some lawmakers and business owners expressed concerns about the economic impact of the new regulations on local retailers, particularly small businesses that rely on tobacco sales. "I understand the need to protect our youth, but we also have to consider the businesses that will be affected by this change," said one senator during the debate. "We need to make sure we are not unintentionally hurting our local economy while trying to do the right thing."

To address these concerns, the bill includes provisions for a public awareness campaign to educate retailers and consumers about the new age limit. The campaign will also aim to inform the public about the health risks associated with smoking and vaping, emphasizing prevention and support for those who want to quit. The Virgin Islands Health Department will collaborate with community organizations and schools to ensure that the message reaches young people across the territory.