The Island can breathe a little easier with the announcement that today is National Quit Smoking Day.

Health Minister Patrice Minors officially designated May 27 as the day to butt out at a Press conference held in the Argus Building yesterday afternoon.

Also in attendance yesterday were members of Bermuda Advocates for Non Smoking ? or BANS ? a group dedicated to working toward totally smoke-free public spaces on the Island.

?We are told by the experts that tobacco is the number one cause of preventable deaths,? BANS member Charles H. Jeffers said. ?It is a truly sad situation when so many of our fellow Bermudians and residents continue to travel down the path of possible self destruction. Even sadder is the fact that, through second-hand smoke, lives of others are put in jeopardy.

?BANS applauds the positive action (of declaring a National Quit Smoking Day) and feels that we are far from being alone in our quest for a healthy environment.?

BANS is lobbying for Government for legislation ending smoking in all public places ? both Mrs. Minors and Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley are ?supportive? of the call.

Today, BANS will be hosting a table in the Washington Mall from noon until 2 p.m. where members will hand out brochures and pamphlets on the dangers of smoking and the benefits of a smoke-free environment.