Caribbean News
Shake the Salt Habit
March 21, 2022 – “Too much salt in our diets can harm our health, leading to unnecessary deaths from heart attacks and strokes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” stated Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director at CARPHA, in observance of World Salt Awareness Week.
The Caribbean is well known for its high dietary consumption of fats, salts and sugars predominantly obtained from processed and ultra-processed foods. Sodium consumption in the Region has been determined to average 9-12 grams per day[1]. This is twice the World Health Organization recommended amount of less than 5g/salt or 1 teaspoon (<2g of sodium) per adult per day, from all sources[2].
CARPHA Member States have committed to the World Health Organisation voluntary target to reduce sodium (salt) consumption by 30% by 2025. To support Member States’ initiatives to reduce sodium consumption in their
populations, CARPHA developed a Regional Framework for Sodium Reduction in Populations. Lowering sodium use in children’s diets today can help prevent heart disease later in life, especially for those who are overweight[3]. The Regional framework intended for policymakers, manufacturers, health professionals, and relevant multisectoral stakeholders from public, private and civil society, envisions a healthy and vital Caribbean people whose average sodium intake falls below the current global target of 5g per day for adults.
This year, the Caribbean Public Health Agency joins forces with the regional and international communities to observe World Salt Awareness Week from March 14 to 20 with the slogan: “Shake the Salt Habit”.
“Let us try to shop smart and cook smart. We encourage you to add more flavour, use less or no salt when cooking. Try using fresh herbs and seasonings. Limit the consumption of salty snacks,” says Dr. Tamu Davidson, Head of the Chronic Disease, and Injury Department. She added “Take the time to carefully read the nutrition labels on food products. They can help you with choosing healthy food options and keep a check on foods you are eating that are high in salt.”
Kids Can Cook Too produced by CARPHA provides recipes with little or no salt. A major component of the CARPHA 6-Point Policy Package is the implementation of Front of Package Labelling so consumers can be empowered to make healthful food purchasing choices.
The reduction of salt in processed foods, coupled with mandatory nutrition labelling are part of the dietary considerations that have to be implemented. Governments and food manufacturers are urged to create supportive environments to enable lower salt options to be provided, implement front of package labelling to provide easy-to-read-and-understand information for consumers and reformulate food products to contain less salt.
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Anguilla, March 22, 2025 – The new premier of Anguilla is historically, a woman, Cora Richardson-Hodge, who led her Anguilla United Front (AUF) to a dominating victory of at the polls in the February 26 General Election in the British Overseas territory; gaining four seats and 49% of the vote.
When she addressed the nation from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 as the newly sworn-in Premier, her focus was on commitments made on the campaign trail; to build a more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable Anguilla.
“Our primary goals include: economic diversification. We recognize the need to move beyond traditional industries, and by investing in areas like renewable energy, technology and agriculture we can create a more resilient economy that offers opportunities for all,” said Richardson-Hodge.
Young people are also a priority, said Premier Richardson-Hodge who reminded of the AUF’s ‘People First’ plan.
“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are valuable contributors to our present and the architects of our future. They are innovators, dreamers and change makers. However, for them to flourish, we must prioritize their needs and aspirations that is our People First agenda places their needs at the forefront.”
Mentorship programs are coming, so is investment in business ideas to broaden the commercial landscape of the island nation, she said.
“We will establish initiatives, that support young entrepreneurs in their business endeavours by providing mentorship programs, access to
funding and training in business development. We aim to foster a generation of entrepreneurs who can create jobs and drive economic growth in Anguilla.”
The Premier wants to modernise education and resuscitate healthcare for the 16,000 residents of Anguilla.
“We pledge to improve educational facilities and transform our healthcare services into institutions of which we can be proud.”
Responsible tourism is also prioritised for the new AUF Government administration. Renewable Energy is elevated in the new regime, she said.
In her maiden speech, she informed Anguillans that their involvement and solidarity are essential.
“Governance is not just for the appointed, it is for every Anguillan, and we will establish regular forums for community feedback and consultation, ensuring that your voices guide our decisions.
To achieve these ambitious objectives, unity is essential. We must come together, government officials, business leaders, civil society and most importantly, the people of Anguilla,” said the representative for Sandy Hill, a 15-year MP.
Premier Richardson-Hodge reached across the aisle with her words, inviting the members opposite her physically to be tied to a better Anguilla, bi-partisanly.
“It is time to transcend political divides and collaborate for the greater good. Let us focus on what binds us together, our love for Anguilla and our committee for a brighter future for our families and our children. And as we embark on this journey, I urge each one of you to join us in embracing this People’s first agenda. Each one of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of Anguilla. Let us work side by side as partners in progress as we reclaim our narrative and craft a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”
The AUF won eight of the 11 seats with the outgoing Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) headed by now former premier Dr Ellis Webster, winning the other three seats. Webster was among the victorious candidates for his party.
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Trinidad and Tobago, March 22, 2025 – From the energy minister to the Prime Minister and now a general election set for April 28 already announced; it has been a whirlwind week on the political scene for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Keith Rowley did as was expected when he stepped down as the country’s prime minister, after ten of service in that role. Taking on the job of chief executive in governance is Stuart Young, an attorney by profession and the man who has held several ministerial portfolios including Energy, Communications and Security.
One day after becoming the Prime Minister, Stuart Young made headlines again when he demonstrated a readiness to receive a clear
mandate from the nation’s voters and announced a national poll.
In addition to the election announcement, Young has re-organised the Cabinet. He has named Camille Robinson-Regis, an attorney as the new Attorney General; Adrian Leonce is now the Housing Minister; Marvin Gonzales, is the new Security Minister and shifted from the Ministry of Finance is Colm Imbert, who now takes up the Public Utilities portfolio.
It was just days into the new year when Keith Rowley announced his successor as Stuart Young.
Young had been selected, he said, by the Parliamentary Caucus of the People’s National Movement (PNM) as the party’s next leader.
Young has also served as National Security Minister and Communications Minister and is the eighth prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Nomination Day is April 4, 2025.
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