BAHAMAS: PM: Addressing ‘scourge’ of CNCDs is as essential as addressing threats posed by Climate Change

#Bahamas, May 01, 2018 – Nassau – The Minnis Administration’s agenda for economic development and growth will be facilitated in tandem with a comprehensive social agenda that is expected to address three key areas.  Among them, increased home ownership for Bahamians, boosting health and nutrition while reducing obesity amongst Bahamians, particularly the high rate of childhood obesity, and improving the lives of the poor.

Delivering the Opening Address at the Opening Session of the CEO Network Conference Wednesday night (April 25) at Melia Nassau Beach resort, Cable Beach, Prime Minister Minnis said addressing the scourge of chronic, non-communicable diseases and obesity is a moral, social and economic imperative.  The Conference has as its theme: “Restoring and Strengthening the Pillars of Our Nation Toward Economic Emancipation.”

“It is as essential as addressing the tremendous threats posed by Climate Change,” Prime Minister Minnis said.

Prime Minister Minnis said addressing poverty requires ideas and strategies for social and economic mobility.

“Indeed, our agenda for economic development and growth will be done in tandem with a comprehensive social agenda that will increase home ownership, boost health and nutrition and reduce obesity, and improve the lives of the poor in our Bahamas.”

Prime Minister Minnis said tackling chronic, non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension is part of the Administration’s vision to boost health and nutrition in The Bahamas.  By-products of a healthier nation, is a healthier workforce, which leads to greater productivity amongst that workforce.

“Tackling chronic, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension is not only an urgent social and moral imperative,” Prime Minister Minnis said, “tackling such diseases through healthcare measures, education, tax policy and other measures, is also about productivity and a healthier workforce.”

Prime Minister Minnis said his Administration will lead one of the “most ambitious efforts in our history” in order to reduce obesity and improve nutrition. This includes addressing the high rate of childhood obesity in The Bahamas.

Release: BIS