Apr 30 - GSD Highlights Concerns Over Tobacco Activity In Waterport Terraces
The GSD says that Executive Members met with concerned residents of Waterport Terraces yesterday evening to listen to their concerns over the tobacco problem in the area, something which, the party says, is having anti-social consequences within the Estate.
A statement from the party says that residents are “dismayed at having to confront sinister looking individuals stuffing their bodies with tobacco outside their doorsteps.” Equally, the party is concerned by cars loitering in the area and the “general feeling of intimidation and uneasiness” created by this activity which, it says, are proving unbearable for the residents of this Estate. While the GSD says it welcomes the Government’s initiative to “clean up” Laguna and Glacis Estates, it argues that this appears to have unfortunately “moved the problem elsewhere.”
GSD spokesperson, Marlene Nahon said: “We support the Government’s initiative to curb and control tobacco sales and all the unsavoury activities that go with it, but Government need to be consistent and have a sustainable plan to properly deal with this issue in all of our estates whether they be Government, co-ownership or private property.”
The Opposition calls on the Government to apply its policy properly to all residential estates, adding that the tackling of this particular issue at Laguna and Glacis was “a good start”. The party stresses the need to be “proactive and prioritise” the interests of resident in estates by considering further legislation to protect our homes.
The GSD notes from concerned citizens that tobacco outlets appear to be springing up along Devil’s Tower Road. The party considers this to be a concerning development in light of the Government’s commitment to restrict the granting of further licenses. The GSD concludes by saying that the Government “needs to be clear on what its long-term strategy” towards tobacco is.
