A Call for Comprehensive Public Health Protection
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September 28, 2026（https://hsfbarbados.org/2026/09/28/）
In a recent discussion in the House of Assembly on the Barbados Medical Products Bill, Minister of People Empowerment, the Hon. Adrian Forde, raised concerns about a surge in mixed-drug use among young people, particularly the combination of over-the-counter medications and illicit substances.
“Mollies are being imported under the guise of vitamins,” he said. “That is where vigilance at the port must come into play. If you are saying that it is yohimbe or ginseng in capsule form, then it is tested randomly. The lab report must come to show that it is indeed yohimbe, ginseng, or any other vitamin and not methamphetamine, as is sometimes the case.”
Protecting public health is critical. I totally get that. I also recognise that these drugs and supplements are being imported with illegal intent, which makes that situation different, however, the underlying principle of protecting citizens from harm should remain consistent. This principle should not apply only to drugs and supplements. If we are serious about protecting the health of our citizens, the same level of scrutiny should apply to imported foods, beverages and snacks.
Barbados continues to grapple with rising rates of childhood obesity, we’re now at 42 per cent, an increase from 33 per cent and non-communicable diseases. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Davidson Ishmael notes that 83 per cent of adult deaths in Barbados are due to NCDs and that the country spends between $375 and $825 million annually treating them. That should alarm us all.
Yet many highly processed products remain widely available and are often marketed as “healthy choices” through claims such as “100% fruit juice” or “no added sugar,” etc., which do not always reflect their true nutritional value.