THIS is regarding the article “MPs urged to allow tobacco production” (GDN, September 21). Really? Should we grow tobacco in Bahrain, because everyone else in the region is going to get in on it, and we don’t want to miss this great opportunity for some businesses to profit from people’s unhealthy addictions?
Do we need more businesses in Bahrain fighting for the right to profit from smoking, under the guise of fighting for smokers’ rights? Should we ignore the impact that tobacco farming has on the surrounding environment, nearby crops and animals, aquatic life, water supply, land and its special needs with regard to waste management?
Should we forget about its toxicity to workers in every stage of production? Would it really create that many jobs for Bahrainis, or will it require a foreign labour force with limited rights? Is it the best use of Bahrain’s limited land and water resources? And finally, in this age of global warming, does it seem wise to invest in a product that not only creates smoke pollution to “cure” tobacco, but one that is meant to go up in smoke anyhow? Is all that a good image for Bahrain?
Here is just one article that sums up a variety of concerns about tobacco production and use .