Territory-Wide Walk Scheduled for Caribbean Wellness Day 

Minister of Health and Social Development Hon. Dancia Penn, OBE, QC,

The Honourable Minister is inviting members of the public to participate in the walk as well as the other activities that are planned for the day, which will be observed under the theme ‘Love That Body’.
“We have witnessed a sharp increase in the number of persons in our Territory who are suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer,” she said.

The Minister noted that inadequate physical exercise and poor diet are among the main contributors to the problem, which regional Governments are keen to address. “The objective of Caribbean Wellness Day is to launch a series of ongoing population based physical activities to promote healthy living for the prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases,” the Minister noted.

The Minister told the Department of Information and Public Relations that she is looking forward to the Territory’s participation in Caribbean Wellness Day, which is a regional initiative arising out of the Summit of the CARICOM Heads of Government in September 2007 that issued the Port-of-Spain Declaration “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases in the Caribbean.”

Health Promotion Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms. Ivy George is one of the main coordinators of the local observance of Caribbean Wellness Day. She said community groups from throughout the Territory have been invited to coordinate early morning walks in their respective areas including Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke.   ~~Adz:Right~~

Ms. George said health booths with information on various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer will be displayed on the grounds of the Central Administration Complex, where the walk on Tortola is scheduled to end with several presentations and the launch of a book.

The Health Promotion Officer also confirmed that a range of channels will be used over the next two weeks to keep the public informed about the Territory’s observance of Caribbean Wellness Day. These, she said, include radio ads, appearances on the GIS Radio Report and other talk shows, and the publication of fliers, banners and on-line ads.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aims to provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development. Among other functions, it is responsible for protecting and promoting the health and social development of the people of Territory.