TRINIDAD: April 21, 2016: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: Child health, Zika, Healthy ageing and HIV AIDS are just some of the family health issues that will be addressed at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Health Research Conference this year.
The Conference, which will be held at Beaches Resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), has received the full support of the Turks and Caicos Government. At a media conference held at the Office of the Premier, TCI, on the morning of April 20, Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing expressed his delight at hosting the Conference. He said “TCI will gain tremendous exposure from this Conference. It is an opportunity for local health professionals, to share their experiences and challenges, to be educated and informed and for delegates to enjoy activities in the ‘beautiful by nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr C. James Hospedales, said the Conference is the longest running health conference in the Caribbean and Latin America and attracts leading health professionals from across the globe. Dr Hospedales said one of the features of the Conference will be a policy dialogue on childhood obesity, including the need for a comprehensive approach and use of a suite of measures, trade and fiscal adjustments, coupled with consumer education to improve the healthiness of the food environment, including reducing the importation of food with high levels of salt, fat and sugar.
The Conference offers networking opportunities for sponsors and attendees, and will host a series of events including a Data Analysis Using Epi Info™ 7 Training Workshop to strengthen national research capacity; and a Risk Communications Workshop for senior health professionals from across the Region.
This is the 61st CARPHA Health Research Conference which takes place from June 23 – 25 and attracts regional and international researchers, students and health professionals. Information about the Conference, including sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, and registration can be found at http://conference.carpha.org/
Health Research Conference to focus on family health
Ministry Of Agriculture Launches 20 Point 100 Days Plan
ST. VINCENT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries, launched its 20 Point 100 Days Plan, on Monday 18th April at the Ministry’s Conference Room. The objective of the Plan is to develop the agricultural sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, Hon. Saboto Caesar, said that it is important that the Ministry come up with a creative and strategic plan. “This plan must not only be the voice of the Chief Agricultural Officer and it must not only reflect the intentions of the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture but it must be an all-encompassing approach taking into consideration all the factors that we face here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, the Agricultural Minister added.
He noted that they must draft a creative plan which is current, and one that seeks to advance and promote the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, always remembering that the stakeholders, the farmers, the fisher-folk and the forest users must be considered to ensure that their livelihoods are protected.
Minister Caesar also pointed out that the 20 point 100 Days Plan was written after consultation with all stakeholders, and has taken into consideration current trends locally, regionally and internationally. “We had a lot of input from international and regional organisations and we harnessed that information, and today it is our view as a ministry, that we should pen 20 points in a 100 days, which will clearly articulate the way forward over the next 100 days,” he added.
The Minister further stated that many of the issues in the plan were articulated at the last sitting of the national budget, and documents from the Department of Economic Planning have informed a significant portion of the document. He added that many of the works done by the technicians brought to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM), have factored all the information into the plan,. He also noted that, although the Plan has 20 points, it can be broken down into nine (9) main areas.
Some of the main areas of the plan are a vigorous national consultation with farmers, traffickers, fisher folk and forest users on issues of increasing and improving production; reform on the administrative and technical structures of the ministry; further capital injection by Petro Caribe into the Farmer’s Support Company; preparation for the cultivation of 250 acres of new banana fields in 2016; the Diversification of the Tissue Culture Lab; work with the Zero Hunger Committee to ensure that food production systems make food available and accessible.
The plan will also enhance the decentralisation of veterinary services to serve farmers at all agricultural stations, and the assignment of personnel to co-ordinate with the Diversification Officer for the increased production and exportation of cattle to Grenada and other OECS Member States, and small ruminants to Trinidad and Tobago. The plan, will follow through until Wednesday 27th July, at the end of which, a medium-term strategy will be implemented over 2½ years.
National Emergency Organisation Hosts Ash Impact Workshop In SVG
ST. VINCENT: The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), in conjunction with the STREVA Project – Strengthening Resilience in Volcanic Areas, held a workshop on Thursday 14th April at NEMO’s Headquarters, to examine empirical data on the impact of Ash during and after volcanic eruptions of varying magnitude.
This is all part of a national consultation focusing on volcanic contingencies, and the readiness of this country to face another possible eruption of the La Soufriere volcano. This collaborative effort has been ongoing for the past 2 years and is a culmination of a national study of the annals relating to the 1902 and 1979 eruptions of La Soufriere.
The workshop was attended by stakeholders from all sectors of the economy, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines Electrical Services, Central Water and Sewerage Authority and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
Director of NEMO, Mr. Howie Prince, emphasised the need for preparedness, in light of the fact that volcanic ash can have severe negative impacts on infrastructure. He also gave a first-hand account of his experience with ash fall as a youngster who traveled to Fancy during the 1979 Eruption of La Soufriere.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jenni Barclay of the University of East Anglia and STREVA Project Lead, presented findings on ash dispersal during and after the eruptions of La Soufriere in 1902 and 1979. Dr. Barclay also highlighted various volcanic ash impacts recorded regionally and internationally.
In addition, team member of STREVA, Dr. Victoria Sword-Daniels, gave a detailed overview of the potential destructive effects of volcanic ash on infrastructure across various sectors of the economy. Dr. Sword-Daniels outlined various international examples of damage to infrastructure observed during and after volcanic eruptions in Iceland, New Zealand and the United States.
Source: API
Full Jazz listing announced
ST. LUCIA: In excess of 70 artistes are unveiled as planning for the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival gains momentum.
Jazz a La Chaudiere in the South, a second stage at the Pigeon Island National Landmark and in excess of 70 artistes, are among the major updates unveiled this week as the planning for the staging of the 25th edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival gains momentum.
Jazz a La Chaudiere held at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, is a family day with a diverse line-up of visiting artistes from Trinidad to Haiti.
Headlining is reggae artiste and record producer, Sanchez. One of the all-time favorites and most featured performing groups to have graced the festival over its lifespan is the Haitian Jazz band, Strings. The Jazz a La Chaudiere line-up also features the ethnic/jazz/blues sound of Trinidad and Tobago’s Dean Williams Quartet featuring soul soprano Letesha Sylvester. Completing the line-up is Karmafeaturing Shomari Maxwell, and the band Phases.
The popular Teddyson John will open an amped-up set at the Pigeon Island Mainstage Show on Friday, May 6, which includes Kes and Da’ville. On Saturday May 7, singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor Omarion, the former lead singer of the boy band B2K, will complete the Pigeon Island main stage line up.
As a new addition, what was previously known as the Pigeon Island side stage has been rebranded “Mainstage Stage 2,” in light of the professional positioning of the line-up it boasts. Performers include Saint Lucia’s most notable names in pop and contemporary jazz music like Rob ‘Zii’ Taylor on Friday, May 6; Michael Robinson, Skip Monday and Barbara Cadet on Saturday, May 7; and Jessy Leonce, Derede Williams and ALIBI on Sunday, May 8.
For more information about the 25th Annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival visithttp://www.stluciajazz.org.
In recognition: Dr. Andrew Richardson
ST. LUCIA: Dr. Richardson passed away on April 17. He worked a General Surgeon at the Victoria Hospital from Sep. 5, 1988 until June 30, 2012.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations expresses sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Andrew Richardson who passed away on April 17.
Dr. Richardson commenced duties as a General Surgeon at the Victoria Hospital from Sep. 5, 1988 until June 30, 2012. He provided patient oriented, exemplary service to his clients on the surgical ward during his tour of duty. He was a dedicated and professional doctor. His gentle manner and reassuring demeanor gained him the respect of all his colleaguesand patients. He was an incredible inspiration to all he encountered.
Dr. Richardson was regarded as a team player and his sense of humor and affable nature was well appreciated by his colleagues.
On behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia and the thousands of clients that he has served, the Ministry of Health would like to recognize the sterling contribution of Dr. Andrew Richardson to the healthcare service in Saint Lucia.
Disaster Agency Needs Regional Support
BARBADOS: Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs, Adriel Brathwaite, has called on regional stakeholders and governments to offer more assistance to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
Speaking last night at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee and the launch of CDEMA’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Mr. Brathwaite stressed that lack of support for the Agency at the regional level was severely hindering that organisation’s development.
“We are supposed to be the ones to help them charter the path to assist them in terms of their governance and other issues, and unless we do basic things like attend meetings or respond to round robins and engage the organisation, then we cannot expect them to move from strength to strength,” he said.
The Attorney General, who is also the outgoing Chair of CDEMA’s Council of Ministers, also expressed displeasure with the financial support given to the regional body.
“If there is one area that in all seriousness that we need ministerial intervention and prime ministerial intervention is the whole issue of how do we ensure that CDEMA becomes as self-financing as possible? We cannot depend on our partners and international partners.
“While we are grateful for much of the work our partners have done with us in terms of initiatives and financial contributions, we recognise that their priorities for various reasons have changed and will continue to change. Therefore, as a region we need to be more self-reliant, and CDEMA is but one example of a regional institution that [requires] us to take ownership and ensure that it is able to discharge its mandate.”
The outgoing Chairman added that as CDEMA celebrated its 25th anniversary, it was a time for reflection and introspection as they sought to plan for the future.
“I invite you to look back at the last 25 years see the things that you have done well, and the things that you want to take forward for the next 25 years. Look at the things that you have not done well and, of course, [realise] that with climate change and other issues on the horizon, your service and expertise might be required even more over the next 25 years and that you can satisfy the demand of the region…, ” said Mr. Brathwaite.
theresa.blackman@barbados.gov.bb
Jazz organizers note demand for arts
ST. LUCIA: Local talent to be strengthened via a variety of Master classes.
The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival will host Master classes and workshops for artists and artisans.
Director of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Louis Lewis, said the unique display of talent from all cross sections of the arts will be strengthened by the teaching modules.
“You will see in this year’s arts component [that there is] a capacity building aspect. That is deliberate to ensure that there is some longevity and sustainability in the festival. We can learn from the masters and let those who are up and coming understand the best techniques and take it forward.”
There will be training by internationally recognized personalities in theatre arts, dance, music and fashion. The arts community is being encouraged to make the best of these opportunities.
“I think what we are having this year is a unique display of attractive, professional, high quality, internationally recognized, arts within the festival. And from the feedback that we are getting, the demand is quite strong. People are coming out to see something unique and different.”
The launch of the arts and educational component of the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival took place on Monday at the St. James’s Club Morgan Bay.
Water supply interruption, Marigot Bay
ST. LUCIA: The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCo.) Inc wishes to inform customers at Marigot Bay of a temporary interruption in the water supply due to damaged main lines. As a result, customers at Marigot Bay are without a supply of water. The supply will be restored as soon as repair work is completed. WASCo apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause our valued customers.
St. Vincent And The Grenadines Calls For Greater Integration, Regional Support For Venezuela
ST. VINCENT: Vincentian Senator, Hon Carlos James on Wednesday, 20th April concluded a two-day visit to Caracas, Venezuela, as part of a parliamentary group meeting of member states of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The parliamentary grouping, which focuses on sovereignty and unity within the regional bloc, met at an extra-ordinary meeting in Caracas ahead of the host country’s activities to commemorate its 206th Anniversary of Independence.
Addressing the meeting, which included Venezuela’s Vice President, Aristóbulo Istúriz, Senator James expressed this country’s support to the democratically elected government of Venezuela headed by President Nicolás Maduro. According to Senator James, Venezuela has recently been the focus of a lot of international attention due to mounting political tensions and other challenges which has posed some difficulty to the South American country.
The government Senator, however, noted that while St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have a practice of meddling in the domestic affairs of other countries, it is important for regional groupings such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and CELAC, to condemn strongly any attempts to destabilise democratically elected governments across the region.
“I speak strongly on this issue, as Venezuela has contributed a lot to deepening south-south relations, and has assisted many of the countries within the regional bloc through their social programs. We cannot turn a blind eye to the economic and political challenges they are now facing, which, from all reports, are well orchestrated to destabilise the government through extraordinary means,” Senator James noted.
According to Senator James, the region must deepen the integration process in order to promote the protection and promotion of independence, sovereignty and unity in diversity in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Showing solidarity is not enough, we must now look at greater collaboration in trade, tourism and strengthening existing alliances and programs such as ALBA and Petrocaribe,” he said.
During the session, which was held ahead of President Nicolás Maduro’s address to the nation in Bolivar Square, the parliamentary network agreed in principle that attacks on progressive governments of the region pose a serious threat to the rights of our peoples and to the advancement of ongoing unity processes in our region.
The grouping also urged the Bolivarian Government to further develop policies for the stabilisation of the national economy, and further deepen the model of social protection for the Venezuelan people, created by the Bolivarian Revolution, a draft declaration outlined.
Solidarity with Ecuador, as it recovers from a recent earthquake, was also a topic at the meeting. President Maduro said, during his national address in Bolivar Square, that he authorised an airlift of humanitarian aid to Ecuador, which suffered an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude on 16th April.
There are currently at least 525 dead and thousands more wounded. As part of his visit to Venezuela Senator James also visited and held discussions with our resident Ambassador to the South American country, Ambassador Andreas Wickham.
Source: API
Notice: Health Screenings at Agriculture Open Day
ST. KITTS: Community Nursing Services and the Health Promotion Unit in the Ministry of Health are inviting residents to come out and find out their health status in the Community Empowerment Building during the Agriculture Open Day on Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Screening will be done for blood pressure, blood sugar and rapid HIV testing. Referrals will be done where necessary. There will also be general health education presented by trained personnel.
Persons attending the Agriculture Open Day on Thursday and Friday are therefore encouraged to stop in at the Community Empowerment Building on the grounds of the Agriculture Department from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to find out your health status.
