Caribbean News
World Health Day Message
#TrinidadandTobago, April 8, 2018 – Port of Spain – “Health is a human right and a critical resource for living. There is general recognition that health and access to health services are essential to individual, community and national development. On this occasion of World Health Day 2018 the theme is Universal Health Coverage; which WHO summarises as what do you need to get, be and stay healthy.
In addition to access to quality health services, safe medicines and treatments, people also need a safe and healthy environment to be and stay healthy, safe water and food, and systems to monitor health threats, protect health and prevent disease at community, national and regional level.
CARPHA has acted on that recognition through our provision public health services to Member States. For example, for over 20 years our laboratories and networks constantly monitor and test to support the PAHO/WHO priority disease elimination programs for polio, measles, rubella, and to give members early warning of new threats such as Zika. This service is a regional public good.
Through its regional public goods (RGPs) CARPHA makes its major contribution to the Caribbean Cooperation Health initiative of the CARICOM governments. The Agency provides important support to Member States as these countries, while very diverse, face similar health problems and inefficiencies due to limited economies of scale. All face NCDs and climate change as major threats and also opportunities.
These RPGs include reference laboratory services and the highest level of bio-containment in the English speaking Caribbean, health monitoring, research, training and capacity building; health security initiatives in areas of biosafety and biosecurity, testing and response; and public education.
In 2018, CARPHA will host the 63rd Annual Caribbean Health Research Conference, which allows young and experienced health researchers to share knowledge and information to improve preventive and treatment services. This knowledge sharing platform is a long standing regional public good.
We have joined forces with regional and international partners in the fight against HIV and AIDS as part of the PANCAP. Although the Region has made progress in combatting HIV, it remains the second most affected in the world. CARPHA provides support to national HIV/AIDS programmes and identified activities that focus on reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS on key populations (KP) by identifying and addressing the barriers that KPs living with HIV must overcome to obtain adequate health care.
Across the Region, stigma and discrimination also contribute to reducing access to individuals to their rights or essential public health and preventive services, including when persons delay seeking medical care because of fear. This needs to be addressed at individual, organisational and at societal levels if the goals of public health and universal access are to be met for HIV and other conditions.
The non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and increasing childhood obesity are major threats to Caribbean countries. CARPHA works with Member States and partners to develop common treatment guidelines and to monitor that patients with these conditions are receiving the appropriate diagnostic and treatment services. Child obesity is a special concern and CARPHA has led the development of a 6-Point Policy Package (6-PPP) for healthier food environments, in partnership with other regional institutions and international partners.
Our response to environmental resource management targets the quality of the environment, and the quality of life and livelihoods of communities. The Agency has committed to promoting water security and preserving the Region’s water resources, given climate change and hotter, drier weather. Through our Environmental Health Department in Saint Lucia, we work with Member States to develop water safety plans including water quality monitoring to reduce risks to human health as a result of contaminated water supplies.
The Caribbean’s social, economic and health sectors continue to be impacted by mosquito borne diseases. We have not let up on our support to Member States who depend heavily on us to confirm suspected cases of the diseases. Outbreaks of zika, chikungunya and the continued circulation of dengue have highlighted the need for an integrated approach to the prevention and control of these vector borne diseases. Our partnerships with international agencies such as PAHO/WHO, CDC and the European Union has allowed us to enhance capacity in countries to detect and prevent the outbreak of mosquito-spread illnesses.
Tourism is the economic mainstay of the region and Tourism based illnesses can have major negative health and economic impact in the tourism dependent Caribbean economies. Through its Tourism and Health programme (THP), CARPHA promotes and strengthens integrated health and environmental monitoring to reduce foodborne disease incidence and improve food safety. THP is a partnership approach a partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism industry to strengthen Member States’ capacity in order monitor and respond to health, safety and environmental threats. This investment allows fewer, less costly outbreaks and other negative public health events occurring in tourism and thereby a healthier, safer, more reputable Caribbean for both visitors and locals.
Network initiatives such as the Regional Health Communication Network acts as a changemaker. The network provides information that addresses common health concerns and empowers communities to act. This sharing is a regional public good that makes the best available to all and reduces ‘re-inventing the wheel’. The Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network (CARIPHLN) which aims to strengthen laboratory services in surveillance, research, prevention and control of important public health problemsis a long-standing network.
Access to safe, quality drugs is a human right which CARPHA as the regional public health organisation is committed to facilitating. Through the establishment of the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS), CARPHA is now able to help countries perform functions such as reviewing, approving and monitoring medicines, in a timely manner, allowing patients faster access to quality drugs. The system also helps to reduce cost of medicines to consumers and the health system, thereby improving accessibility and affordability.
Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for our Caribbean people is essential to development. As World Health Day is observed on Saturday, CARPHA urges governments to make appropriate investment in public health programmes to promote health and prevent disease, ensure safe and healthy environments, monitor and respond to threats in a timely manner to create and sustain healthy communities for all. This would help reduce the burden of disease and disability in Caribbean populations and give attention to related health-inducing measures in areas such as nutrition, sanitation and education.”
Caribbean News
Turks and Caicos Retains Championship at 28th Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament
Please note:
Photos by TCI Sports Commission
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – In an historic showing, the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) dominated the 28th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held in Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, from April 25th to 27th, 2024. The victory marks a turning point for TCI golf, and much of the credit goes to the exceptional team of players assembled by Sean Wilson the Head Professional at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course.
56 golfers, playing under the banner of the TCIGA were rewarded for their enthusiastic participation across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
“This back-to-back win is an indication of the growing interest and increased participation in the sport of golf in TCI,” stated TCIGA President Fraser Dods.
“We’ve been competing at this tournament since its inception almost 30 years ago, and finally bringing home the George Noon Cup two years in a row is a truly proud moment for Turks and Caicos golf.”
Clean Sweep for Team TCI
The team’s success was based on strong and determined performances in every flight and category.
The Turks and Caicos men’s team secured the Robert Grell Trophy, while the ladies claimed the Jodi Munn Barrow Trophy.
This clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the growing depth and talent within the TCI Golf Association membership.
The “Classic”organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, brings together golfers from the twelve membercountries of the CGA. The Caribbean Classic is an individual and team event, competed for by teams of unlimited number of players from each participating member country, playing eighteen holes of golf each , over 3 days.
Team Turks and Caicos amassed the most points overall and won the George Noon Cup last year, for the first time in 27 years of competing at this event. To repeat as champs is a proud moment for TCI sports in general and for TCI Golf specifically.
Individual Accolades Abound
Beyond the team triumphs, individual golfers from TCI shone brightly. Female players, namely Wendy Ayer, Christine Dickenson, Tazmaraa Gowans, and Andrea Todd, all secured podium finishes in their respective divisions
The men’s side also saw impressive performances from Justin Simons, Mark Fulford, Arthur Lightbourne, Mervin Cox, and Simon Dobbs. Their individual excellence contributed significantly to the overall team victory.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
TCI Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes is optimistic about the future. “This win exemplifies the immense potential of golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he stated. “We encourage young islanders to take up this fantastic sport.”
Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, Sean Wilson, echoed the sentiment. “This is a monumental achievement for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in all three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA and its players.”
The Caribbean Classic second victory creates a new legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIGA is administrated by a golf-loving volunteer executive comprised of Fraser Dods, Mark Fulford (VP), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Paul Murray (Treasurer), Andrea Todd and Roberto Stipa.Through their collective efforts, and the growing participation of TCI golfers, the future looks bright for this sport in the region.
The Caribbean Classic is one of the highlights of the Caribbean Golf calendar. Organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, it allows participation of amateurs from 12 countries, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and USVI.”
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