Caribbean News
MORE EMPHASIS BEING PLACED ON CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
MONTEGO BAY, September 11 (JIS): Jamaica’s capacity to identify and support children with autism has been bolstered by a
groundbreaking three-year training initiative that continued into its second phase at the St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital in St. Ann, on Wednesday, September 10.
Dubbed the Autism and Developmental Needs Skills Training for Caregivers and Families, the programme will create a core of 10 master trainers who will in turn train others across the island to build a sustainable network of experts.
The programme is being carried out under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Caregiver Skills Training (CST) framework.
It is being made possible through a partnership among the Sandals Foundation, Autism Speaks, The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, and The Colour of Autism Foundation.
Speaking to journalists, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, said the training is designed to make autism support more accessible across Jamaica by equipping those already working with children and families to provide practical tools and strategies.
“These 10 master trainers are going to be able to go back out into the communities and train other people to kind of spread the effect, getting it into every corner in Jamaica, so that we’re able to help identify [autistic] children and help their parents, teachers and caregivers to be able to understand how to deal with them,” she explained.
The Sandals Foundation and Sandals Resorts International have committed a total of US$162,000 in cash and kind support towards the entire three-year endeavour.
This investment covers online training, technical support, stipends for trainees, printed materials, transportation, and accommodation for the capacity-building sessions.
“Mico University College is directly in contact with all of the various [master trainers] in the respective organisations. They’re the ones who identified the people who are going to be trained,” Mrs. Clarke noted.
“So, it’s everybody from Early Stimulation to the Montego Bay Autism Centre, among other institutions, that are spreading autism awareness and support across the country,” she added.
One of the trainees, Sandrea Long-White, Project Manager at Community Based Rehabilitation Jamaica, noted that the training is particularly valuable for rural communities where her organisation works directly with families in their homes.
In fact, it is important to equip parents living in rural Jamaica with the skills to manage the daily challenges of raising a child with autism, to ease the overwhelming and uncertain pressures, she noted.
“So, one of the key takeaways from the training, thus far, is that whatever the child can do, we focus on that and build on that strength that
the child has. That’s something that we need to teach our parents to recognise, the little achievements that our disabled children can do to build their skill to help them in their development,” Mrs. Long-White underscored.
In the meantime, Head of Special Education at The Mico University College, Michele Meredith, pointed out that the three-year programme will be certified.
Ms. Meredith said it will combine the WHO’s packaged content with components from The Mico’s own special education courses to give graduates a recognisable certification in the field.
Moreover, after the initial three-year cycle, funded by the Sandals Foundation, The Mico University College will take over the programme as a formal extramural offering, she noted.
The second phase of the programme will run from September 8 to 12. In addition to the trainers, six families will also participate in the sessions.
Since 2016, some 35 Caregiver Skills Training (CST) sites have been implemented worldwide, certifying more than 250 master trainers, with language translations under way to include 10 additional languages.
Contact: Okoye Henry
Release: JIS
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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