Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre at the University of the West Indies, Professor Alafia Samuels, says an imminent tax on sugary beverages, should also be expanded to other foods.
This comes as manufacturers of sugary beverages are chiding the Finance Ministry for proposing the tax only on their products.
Last week Finance Minister, Audley Shaw, urged manufacturers of sugary beverages to voluntarily lower the sugar content in their products before the tax is imposed.
Professor Samuels says the Caribbean Heads of Government have already advised countries to impose a tax on all unhealthy foods.
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The Professor says manufacturers should use the imposition of the tax as an opportunity to offer more healthy products that can also guarantee them a profit.
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