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The Caribbean’s Blood Pressure Rates Rank Highest in the Americas

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#TurksandCaicos, May 24, 2021 – Hypertension or raised blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide.  It is therefore not surprising that the non-Latin Caribbean has the highest mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease, accounting for 418 per 100,000 population.

Once more, this year, the Caribbean and the rest of the world will commemorate World Hypertension Day under the theme: Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.  CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. Joy St. John says, “The Caribbean region has the highest prevalence of raised blood pressure in the Americas ranging from a high of 27.1% to a low of 20.9%”.   She adds, “It is a cause for concern and action when in all Caribbean countries, hypertension is above the regional average for the Americas”. 

CARPHA is therefore calling on governments, civil society, private sector, academia, community-based organisations, and faith-based organisations to take a whole of society approach and work together to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025 and premature mortality by a third by 2030.  The implementation of the following measures can help the Region to achieve these goals:

  • developing public education campaigns to improve public knowledge, attitude and practice towards hypertension prevention and control
  • establishing community screening programmes for the early detection of high blood pressure
  • ensuring capacity building of the health care workforce to accurately measure blood pressure, prevent and treat hypertension
  • promoting and supporting policies to assist with stress management, increase physical activity, reduce unhealthy food environment, tobacco use, alcohol use and air pollution

Through combined and coordinated efforts, CARPHA is also committed to continuing its work to increase awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure and to address the risk factors associated with the disease.  

With the support of the French Development Agency (L’Agence Française de Développement), CARPHA is leading the updating of a clinical guideline for the management of hypertension in primary care in the Caribbean. 

Other CARPHA-driven policies and guidelines include implementation of the six-point policy package to create a healthy food environment, such as, the implementation of the octagon-shaped front-of-package warning label “High-IN” model, where research has shown within and outside of the Caribbean to be the best performing system to help consumers correctly, quickly and easily identify products that contain excessive amounts of critical nutrients.

Additionally, CARPHA has developed a Framework for Reduction of Sodium in Caribbean populations, a major risk factor for hypertension.  The Agency is urging individuals to make this your year to commit to healthy living, a healthy lifestyle, and getting a regular check-up.  For those that have hypertension, CARPHA encourages you to take your treatment as instructed by your health care provider. 

We are stronger together.

Bahamas News

BAHAMIANS ADVISED: AVOID TRAVEL TO IRAN, ISRAEL, LEBANON | EXERCISE CAUTION IN U.S. CITIES AND HIGH-RISK REGIONS

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, Public Security Advisory – Global Travel & Security Risks, June 22, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian citizens to exercise extreme caution in light of escalating hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, and the wider deterioration of security across the Middle East. Bahamians are further urged to remain vigilant when visiting major U.S. cities due to emerging threats linked to the conflict.

TRAVEL WARNING – MIDDLE EAST

Avoid ALL travel to the following countries:

Iran

Israel

Occupied Palestinian Territories

Lebanon

Syria

Iraq

Yemen

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to or through:

Bahrain

Egypt

Jordan

Kuwait

Oman

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Turkey

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

CURRENT RISKS IN THE REGION
High risk of drone and missile attacks

Terrorist activity remains elevated

Possibility of sudden airspace closures or border restrictions

Public venues, transportation hubs, government buildings, and tourist sites are potential targets

Increased risk of wrongful detention and kidnapping, especially near border areas

If you are currently in any of these areas:

Continuously monitor trusted news sources

Follow local authority guidance

Identify safe areas for shelter during air-raid alerts

Have travel and identification documents ready

Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings

U.S. SECURITY SITUATION – HEIGHTENED CAUTION ADVISED

Bahamians travelling to or residing in the United States, especially major urban centres, should remain alert due to an increased terrorism threat. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued notices regarding possible retaliatory actions by Iranian-aligned entities.

Cities of special concern include:

Washington, D.C.

New York City

Los Angeles

Miami

Chicago

Atlanta

Other large U.S. metro areas

High-risk locations:

Government offices

Public transport systems

Airports and airlines

Places of worship

Tourist hotspots

Large events and festivals

Restaurants, shopping centres, bars, and nightlife venues

Bahamians should also remain aware that, as a predominantly Black nation, travellers may encounter varied experiences in some U.S. locations. Be prepared for additional screening or delays, and remain vigilant at all times.

ONGOING GLOBAL RISKS
Given heightened tensions, Bahamians should exercise caution in any travel to Western countries, especially Europe and North America, as Iranian-linked groups may seek retaliation.

CONSULAR ASSISTANCE & REGISTRATION
All Bahamians abroad are strongly encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance and advisories.

For emergency consular assistance:
consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs

The Ministry continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and will issue further advisories as needed. The safety and security of Bahamian nationals remain our highest priority.

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Bahamas News

Scotiabank Bahamas Hosts Exclusive Mortgage Seminar & Cocktail Event, Honours Top Referral Partners  

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Nassau, Bahamas – Scotiabank Bahamas recently brought together a distinguished network of real estate professionals, attorneys and industry partners for an exclusive Mortgage Seminar & Cocktail Event designed to share insights, deepen collaboration and celebrate the achievements of top performers in the Bank’s Mortgage Referral Programme.

The Mortgage event featured expert-led discussions that explored key elements of the homeownership journey, including Scotiabank’s industry-leading mortgage offerings, innovative financing solutions, and its commitment to service excellence. Note worthy were the contributions real estate professionals, attorneys and industry partners make to the bank’s referral program.

The program has not only helped thousands realize their homeownership goals, with up to 95% financing available, but has also proven to be a valuable tool for industry partners to earn. Some realtors and brokers have referred up to $50 million in mortgage loans through the program, a testament to its success and the strong relationships the Bank maintains with its professional network.

During the evening, awards were presented to top-performing agents and brokers who consistently referred clients to Scotiabank and demonstrated unwavering support of the Bank’s mission to deliver quality financial solutions.

“We are proud to recognize and celebrate the professionals who play such a vital role in helping people achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Na-amah Barker, Director of Retail Banking and Small Business, Scotiabank Bahamas. “Their trust in Scotiabank, paired with their commitment to their clients, is what makes our Mortgage Referral Programme so impactful.”

Scotiabank continues to be the preferred bank for mortgages in The Bahamas, thanks to its competitive rates, flexible financing options, and a deeply knowledgeable team of mortgage specialists who provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Working in tandem with a trusted community of real estate agents, brokers, and legal advisors, the Bank ensures that clients experience a smooth and informed mortgage journey from pre-approval to closing.

“Our network of referral partners is more than just a channel, it’s a community,” added Barker. “By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more supportive real estate ecosystem that’s centered on helping Bahamians build generational wealth through property ownership.”

Monica Knowles, Broker at Realty One Group Bahamas, praised the initiative and emphasized its significance for the wider market. Scotiabank continues to be the institution of choice for funding when acquiring a home.

Scotiabank Bahamas Hosts Exclusive Mortgage Seminar

Scotiabank extended its heartfelt appreciation to all who attended the seminar, shared insights and contributed to a memorable evening of collaboration and connection. The Bank remains committed to supporting its partners and clients alike, as it continues to lead in the mortgage space with integrity, innovation and impact.

Captioned Photos

Header: Demetri Mackey – Scotiabank Carmichael Rd branch manager & Jarissa Russell, Scotiabank East st & Soldier rd branch manager and guest presenter Wence Martin Attorney were panelist at the evening’s event.

1st insert: ERA Dupuch Real Estate team were happy to be in attendance a the Scotibank Mortgage Seminar.

2nd insert: James Galantis – agent at The Agency Bahamas Real Estate in conversation with industry colleague.

3rd insert: Lindsey Cancino – Bahamas Reality awarded Top Referral Partner with Na-amah Barker – Director of Retail Banking and Small Businesses

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Bahamas News

SOILCARE PHASE II ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS HELD AS BAHAMAS JOINS A COALITION OF COUNTRIES COMMITTED TO RESTORING LANDSCAPES AND SECURING A RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL FUTURE

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ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3rd and 4th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

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