Caribbean News
JAMAICA: PAHO Member Countries Urged to Leverage ‘One Health’ Policy
#Jamaica, October 8, 2021 – Member countries of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are being encouraged to leverage PAHO’s new ‘One Health’ Policy to reduce the risk of a new pandemic.
The policy, approved by regional ministers of health at PAHO’s recent Directing Council meeting, outlines a blueprint for countries to bring together experts and officials from varying sectors to address some of the most challenging issues, including zoonotic diseases, food safety, anti-microbial resistance, and climate change.
This coordination aims to improve the prevention and preparedness for future health threats arising from the interconnection between humans, animals, and the environment.
Speaking during PAHO’s weekly COVID-19 digital briefing on Wednesday (October 6), the entity’s Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, said the policy comes against the background of emerging pathogens that have the potential for public health risk. She noted that “almost all of these are either zoonotic, meaning they can transmit from animals to people, or [are] common to humans and animals”.
Dr. Etienne said that as climate change impacts ecosystems and people come into closer contact with animals via urbanisation and deforestation, the potential for a spillover of existing and emerging pathogens “is increasing”.
“We have seen that diseases that spill from animals to people can have severe impacts. The health sector plays a critical role in managing this risk; but it can’t do it alone. That’s why it’s crucial that pandemic plans and policies
reflect the expertise and recommendations of public health, animal health and environmental sectors,” the Director noted. She said that this is especially critical in the Americas, which has tropical zones “with high potential to harbour new diseases”.
In addition, she pointed out that with the economies of many member countries being heavily reliant on agricultural production and exportation, the threat of animal diseases has the potential to impact multiple industries and national development.
Dr. Etienne said the ‘One Health’ approach has long been a priority for PAHO, noting that it expands on a strategy developed by the entity in the late 1990s for strengthening surveillance of emerging infectious diseases, inclusive of human-animal interface.
She noted that the integrated surveillance approach under the policy leverages animal health institutes to monitor animal and human diseases, conduct joint risk assessments, and host workshops and training on issues like yellow fever.
“We need countries to ensure that animal, agricultural and environmental partners are brought to the table to build more robust surveillance systems that can detect risks faster, prioritise investments in research and development for high-risk pathogens, and establish pandemic responses that build on the strengths of these diverse areas of expertise,” the Director added.
With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causing loss of some US$4 trillion in global gross domestic product (GDP), to date, Dr. Etienne is urging countries, as they revisit their health budgets over the ensuring months, to rethink how they deliver healthcare and engage in global efforts to prevent the next pandemic.
“We [PAHO] want to urge everyone to build on this ‘One Health’ approach as the smartest, most cost-effective way to protect ourselves from the next crisis that can lead to a global pandemic.”
Release: JIS
Contact: Douglas McIntosh
MONTEGO BAY, April 22 (JIS):
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, on Friday (April 19), commissioned into service a new 5,000-gallon water truck to benefit farmers in St. Ann.
The $15-million unit was procured by the Jamaica Bauxite Mining (JBM) Limited and will be managed by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Minister Green, in his remarks at the commissioning held at the Lydford Industrial Park, said that the truck will provide much-needed relief to farmers amidst the ongoing drought conditions.
He noted that the unit will serve areas such as St. Ann’s Bay, Claremont, Moneague, Irons Mountain, Beecher Town, Orange Park, Hinds Town, Epworth, Golden Grove, Clapham, and other farming communities in the parish.
With their own dedicated water supply, farmers can be assured of consistent access to water for agricultural purposes, he noted.
“Our farmers are facing drier conditions. The reality is that we have already gone into drought and we are still just in the month of April. We have not gotten into the most difficult months of June, July, and August,” the Minister pointed out.
“As such, the reality is that we need to be able to help our farmers navigate these times. We have to get more assets that we can provide to support the people we serve,” he added.
In addition to water trucks, these assets include tractors and drones to boost agricultural productivity in St. Ann.
The Minister noted that efforts are under way to explore the utilisation of old bauxite wells for irrigation, further enhancing water access for farmers.
“Again, while the trucks are immediate responses, what we’re looking for is a long-term solution to ensure that each year, as the drought gets worse, we’re better able to maneuvre and navigate the drought,” the Minister said.
For his part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter implored the farmers to take care of the unit, “so that it will continue to give you the service that it was intended for”.
Farmer Megan White from Alderton, who plants hot pepper and other crops, expressed gratitude for the water truck.
“Now that there is a truck, I could set up one of those black water tanks and use the water from there for the time being. So, it is indeed a very good initiative,” she said.
JBM Managing Director, Donna Marie Howe, in her remarks, noted that the provision of the water truck is in keeping with the entity’s long-standing support for farmers.
She commended the farmers for their resilience and expressed the hope that “the water that is in that truck helps to flourish, cultivate, harvest, and let your businesses and crops have prosperity”.
JBM is a Government-owned company (a Public Body) with a business enterprise mandate. The entity is custodian of more than 4,000 acres of government properties in St. Ann and monitors the operations of Discovery Bauxite Partners, a bauxite mining operation based in Discovery Bay.
CONTACT: OKOYE HENRY
JIS REGIONAL OFFICE
MONTEGO BAY
May 2, 2024 – Bēchë, the premier swimwear of the Turks and Caicos, known for its innovative designs, commitment to quality, philanthropy and cultural storytelling, is thrilled to announce its official partnership with the prestigious return of Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting fashion and beauty, with the event scheduled to take place in Providenciales on July 26th and 27th 2024.
As the exclusive swimwear partner for this esteemed pageant, bēchë will be outfitting all contestants with its latest collection curated specifically for each lady. This collection is designed to empower women and celebrate their individuality. This partnership aligns with bēchë’s mission to inspire confidence and elegance through exceptional swimwear that caters to all body types, while telling a story about our nation.
Event Highlights and Swimwear Showcase
Bēchë’s “Miss Universe Turks” designs will be featured during the promotional photoshoots leading up to the event, during the bikini
competition and official photoshoots of the reigning queen. Attendees will witness firsthand the fusion of fashion and poise as the contestants grace the stage in bēchë’s standout pieces, each crafted to highlight the beauty and culture of the Turks and Caicos and our women.
Exclusive Offers and Engagement
In celebration of this partnership, bēchë will offer exclusive promotions and giveaways leading up to and during the event. Pageant attendees and fans worldwide will have the opportunity to engage with both brands through interactive social media campaigns and live-streamed segments of the pageant. The curated collection will be available to the general public for pre-order on the night of the pageant.
A Commitment to Community and Fashion
“Partnering with the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Pageant is an honor and a testament to our dedication to high-quality, accessible fashion,” said Cyprianna Jackson, Designer and Founder of bēchë. “This event not only highlights the talent and beauty of its participants but also shines a spotlight on the global appeal of inclusive fashion. We are excited to bring our designs to such a dynamic stage and look forward to an ongoing relationship with the pageant.”
The Miss Universe Turks and Caicos organization shares bēchë’s enthusiasm, with National Director Gabriela Clesca stating, “We are truly honored and thrilled to announce the return of the Miss Universe competition to Turks and Caicos after 10 years, alongside our esteemed swimwear partner, bēchë. Together, we’re positioning ourselves to showcase the extraordinary talent and beauty of this island, offering a global stage to showcase the captivating essence of TCI.”
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