YESTERDAY’S celebration marking the World Tobacco Day was met by revelation that a third tobacco company is coming into the country soon.

A huge contrast from the fight that the country in recent years has made against tobacco.

The National Tobacco Control focal point Dr Geoffrey Kenilorea made the statement in an interview during celebrations marking World Tobacco Day in Honiara yesterday.

When the local media made a query on the subject, he confirmed that there is something of such going on that he has been aware of.

Dr Geoff Kenilorea said information on the new tobacco company is still yet out of public conversation and only circulating among those up there.

Adding that even the Ministry of Health and Medical Services doesn’t know anything about this tobacco company.

“It was just recently that I was called by a friend from customs, telling me raw materials for the establishment of the new company has already arrived.

“These materials consisted mostly of building materials that will be used to construct a building for the establishment of the company,” he said.

When asked on the name of the new tobacco company, Dr Kenilorea said he doesn’t know the name of the company, even its origin at this stage.

He said later on and as time goes by people will know the company as they’ll be in the country and will operate here.

Dr Kenilorea added that upon information he knew, the company is a foreign one and said to be a well-established Tobacco Company.

He said when the new company will start its business operations is yet to be known at this stage.

However, Dr Kenilorea said on the health aspects of smoking in the country, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services doesn’t encourage such business.

“And if we are to allow this new company into the country, it would be too much for the work of MHMS to deal with the issue of smoking in the country,” he said.

“But the Tobacco Control Act is what limits us, since no room is provided for us to have power to stop anyone wishing to go about the business in the country.

“The act leaves it open and seems to provide opportunity for the business in the country.

“So this is our legal situation with the issue since it never gave us rule to control those who want to engage in the business,” Dr Geoffrey said.

He said the Tobacco Control Act needs to be amended for the best interest of the people in the country.