Caribbean News
BARBADOS: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) launched their outreach for the prevention of Childhood Obesity
#Barbados, October 5, 2018 – The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) launched their outreach for the prevention of Childhood Obesity at The St Michael School on Monday. The launch seeks to curb the current statistic of one in three children being diagnosed as overweight and/or obese with 
the signing of a petition asking Government to make the curbing of childhood obesity a priority.
Executive Director of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition Maisha Hutton said childhood obesity is a major problem in Barbados and the Caribbean.
“It is a problem because when you are overweight or obese in childhood it increases your chance of diabetes, high blood pressure,” Hutton said, adding that the petition seeks to ensure that Government implements policies that encourage a lifestyle change.
“This petition is a call to action asking our heads of government to make this a priority. We want them to implement policies in the schools [and] the community that make it easier to make healthy choices. When we say healthy choices, we mean eat healthy foods, we mean exercise and cut out the junk. We are not saying have no junk; we are saying to have less junk than you normally do,” she said.
Director of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition Sir Trevor Hassell said the petition also aims to reduce the availability of sweetened beverages within schools.
“We in the HCC are particularly encouraged by the support being given by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to improve the school environment [by reducing] the availability of sugar-sweetened beverages [in] our schools. So this initiative is aimed at advancing that call to action,” Hassell said, adding that Government has made steps in the right direction with the ‘sugar tax’.
“The Government has been contributing significantly through appropriate policies and legislation. You are aware of the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages which is a part of the reduction of obesity both in adults and children,” he said.
Hassell highlighted that private entities needed to play their part. “We also need the private sector to step up to the plate and reformulate their products so they are for the most part, healthier,” he said, adding that the HCC will be working furiously to ensure that the private sector works to revamp the items that they sell to children. This is an area we will be seeking to address as we move forward,” he said.
Minister of Health and Wellness Lieutenant Colonel Jeffery Bostic said the statistics for overweight and childhood obesity provide Government with the information needed to implement policies to curb the current rates of obesity as well as Non-Communicable Diseases.
“The statistics do not lie and [they] provide the opportunity to come up with some policies to deal with these problems. It is for these reasons that the Government of Barbados changed the name of the Ministry from that of Health to Health and Wellness,” Bostic said, adding that wellness is important for Government to move from curative to preventative policies.
Senator Dr Crystal Haynes played an interactive game with students in which they had to identify items on a table which contained more than one 25 gramme serving of sugar.
At the end of the launch students as well as teachers signed the petition calling the Government to action in implementing a policy to curb childhood obesity. (LG)
Released: Barbados Today
Photo Credit: HealthCaribbean.org
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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