Health Minister, Mary Isaac, says her Ministry and the overall government are very cognizant of the need to act to address the increasing number of people being afflicted with chronic non-communicable diseases. In light of action being taken by Trinidad and possibly by Barbados, to ban sugary drinks like soft drinks, in schools, the question remains should St Lucia follow suit? Dr Stephen King told our news desk that he is not in favour of a ban but rather a health tax which would make such goods more expensive. The revenue from the tax, he says, could be used to help fund the health sector. The island’s health Minister, Mary Isaac, says the Ministry is considering its options in devising an effective strategy.