The Georgetown Diabetics and Hypertensive group successfully concluded a comprehensive week of health-focused activities with a vibrant march and rally in the North Central Windward community earlier this month. The initiative, built around the empowering theme “Better Health Begins With Me,” aimed to combat two prevalent non-communicable diseases in the district.
The week’s events commenced with a spiritual foundation through a church service at the Wesleyan Holiness Church on Mt Bentick’s Bay Road. This was followed by a series of practical health interventions, including widespread blood sugar and blood pressure screenings to facilitate early detection and management. A community soup sale and extensive outreach efforts were organized to raise awareness and foster a collective sense of responsibility toward personal health.
The culmination occurred on Thursday with a mini health fair, a spirited march, and a motivational rally that drew participation from various groups across the district. The event was notably led by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band, which preceded the procession from the Caratal bridge to the Chili Playing Field at 9:45 a.m. The playing field was transformed into a hub of wellness with multiple health booths providing essential services and information.
A key highlight of the day was a communal exercise session, emphasizing the critical role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic conditions. The feature address was delivered by the Minister of Health, Honorable Daniel Cummings, who underscored the government’s commitment to public health. Public health nurse Sister Glendareen Browne provided brief remarks, stating that diabetes (commonly called ‘sugar’) and hypertension (high blood pressure) are among the most common non-communicable diseases affecting the local population. The event was expertly chaired by Rosemary Muckette-Burke, the Nutritionist and Community Health Development Officer for the district.