CIBC Caribbean is making significant strides in its mission to raise nearly $100,000 for cancer awareness and support through its annual two-day Walk for the Cure event in Saint Lucia. The initiative, now in its 12th year, is part of the broader Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities and is held across various countries where CIBC operates. This year’s event faced a slight delay due to logistical challenges, including the late arrival of the signature pink T-shirts worn by participants. The first walk took place on November 9 in Gros Islet, attracting a large number of participants, with the second installment scheduled for November 16 in Vieux Fort. Funds are raised through partnerships, sponsorships, and the sale of T-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting Faces of Cancer and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society. These organizations are dedicated to supporting cancer patients, survivors, and their families, while also raising awareness and advocating for improved care systems. Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Country Head, expressed optimism about surpassing this year’s fundraising target, emphasizing the event’s growing impact. Participants, including survivors and their families, shared heartfelt stories of resilience and solidarity, highlighting the importance of community support in the fight against cancer. Saint Lucia remains unique in the Caribbean for hosting two separate Walk for the Cure events annually, further amplifying its commitment to the cause.
分类： health
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PAHO calls for regional action as the Americas lose measles elimination status
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has declared that the Americas no longer hold the status of being free from endemic measles transmission. This decision was made following a meeting of the PAHO Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission in Mexico City from November 4 to 7, 2025. The Commission concluded that endemic measles transmission has been reestablished in Canada, where the virus has circulated for at least 12 months. This marks a significant setback for the Americas, which had previously achieved measles elimination twice. All other countries in the region maintain their measles-free status. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, emphasized that while this loss is reversible, sustained vaccination efforts and regional cooperation are essential to reclaim the achievement. As of November 7, 2025, 12,593 confirmed measles cases have been reported across ten countries, with 28 deaths recorded. The outbreak has primarily affected under-vaccinated communities, with children under five being the most vulnerable. PAHO is providing technical support to affected countries, focusing on surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and outbreak response. Dr. Barbosa called for renewed efforts to strengthen immunization rates and surveillance systems, highlighting the importance of regional solidarity in combating the virus.
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NCRHA hosts Mental Health Open Day for staff, public and patients
The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) marked Mental Health Awareness Day with a series of events aimed at fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging mental well-being. Celebrated globally on October 10, the NCRHA extended its observance throughout the month with activities designed to engage the public in meaningful ways. Key events included a Mental Health Open Day at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) on October 15 and another at Arima General Hospital on October 24. These events provided a welcoming environment for individuals to relax, reflect, and seek support. Attendees enjoyed fun games, giveaways, practical mental wellness tips, and one-on-one consultations, all aimed at teaching positive stress management techniques and promoting overall well-being. Prof Gerard Hutchinson, head of the Mental Health Unit, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap between awareness and access to care. He noted a significant increase in individuals seeking help for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues, highlighting the growing recognition of the need for early intervention. The NCRHA’s Mental Health Unit continues to offer essential outpatient and stress relief services, with approximately 3,000 individuals accessing care monthly across various clinics. Interim CEO Bhadase Seetahal Maraj reaffirmed the NCRHA’s commitment to addressing mental health through strategic, non-judgmental approaches. Chairman Dr Tim Gopeesingh praised the dedication of staff and the encouraging turnout, underscoring the importance of accessible mental health support. The NCRHA remains steadfast in its mission to provide holistic care and ensure mental wellness services are available to all.
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Diabetes and foot care
As World Diabetes Day 2025 approaches, the theme ‘Diabetes and Well-being’ underscores the importance of holistic health management for individuals living with diabetes. Among the critical yet often neglected aspects of diabetes care is foot health. For diabetics, foot care is not merely a cosmetic concern but a vital component of overall well-being. Poor circulation and nerve damage, common in diabetes, heighten the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and even amputations if left unchecked. Regular foot examinations, daily inspections, and wearing appropriate footwear are essential preventive measures. Moisturising the skin is equally important, as dry skin caused by nerve damage can lead to cracks, creating entry points for infections. Using diabetic-specific moisturisers can help maintain skin hydration and reduce complications. For those seeking to indulge in pedicures, diabetic-friendly spas offer specialised care, ensuring procedures are conducted with utmost safety and precision. Communication with spa staff about medical conditions and specific needs is crucial. Beyond foot care, diabetics must also prioritise sun protection. High blood sugar levels can impair collagen production, making the skin more vulnerable to damage. Applying high-SPF sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can mitigate risks of sunburn and skin cancer. Daily moisturising, staying hydrated, and avoiding harsh chemicals are additional steps to maintain skin health. Regular skin checks for abnormalities are vital for early detection of potential issues. As we commemorate World Diabetes Day 2025, let us remember that proactive care of feet and skin can significantly enhance quality of life and prevent serious complications. Your well-being is in your hands—prioritise your health daily. Delicia Burris, owner of Glorious Touch Health and Wellness Spa, emphasises these practices for a healthier future.
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Workplace wellness and diabetes: Turning awareness into action
As the world observes World Diabetes Day on November 14, this year’s theme, ‘Diabetes and Well-being,’ with a focus on the workplace, resonates deeply in Trinidad and Tobago. With diabetes affecting 12-15% of adults, the workplace has become a critical arena for prevention and health management. Most adults spend the majority of their day at work—sitting, snacking, and stressing—often with limited opportunities for movement or mindful eating. This sedentary lifestyle exacerbates health risks, making workplaces pivotal in shaping healthier habits. Fitness and nutrition coach Abeni Procope emphasizes that employers play a vital role in fostering wellness. Healthier employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and exhibit higher morale. Simple, cost-effective measures can make a significant impact. These include hosting on-site health screenings, encouraging movement through stretch breaks or walking meetings, promoting healthier food options, and creating a supportive environment for employees managing diabetes. Procope advocates for consistent, small changes, such as wellness talks or balanced meal ideas, to build a culture of health. Diabetes prevention is rooted in daily habits like movement, balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress management. By partnering with wellness professionals, workplaces can create a ripple effect, leading to healthier families and a stronger nation. This World Diabetes Day, Procope urges businesses to take actionable steps, from hosting health talks to sharing wellness information. Awareness is crucial, but action is transformative. Abeni Procope, a certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, specializes in holistic wellness and empowers individuals and organizations to lead healthier lives. For more information, visit www.abenipro.com.
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Modern medicine brings new hope but: Diabetes on the rise in Trinidad and Tobago
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that over 40% of adults in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are overweight or obese, a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Currently, diabetes affects 12-15% of the population, with at least 150,000 individuals diagnosed. However, Dr. Chad Bisambar, a renowned diabetes specialist and endocrinologist, warns that the actual number is likely higher due to undiagnosed cases. Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, arises from insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin use. Dr. Bisambar, who trained at the University of Cambridge and practices at multiple medical institutions in TT, highlights that 90% of diabetes cases are Type 2, often asymptomatic, leading to delayed diagnosis. He also notes a worrying surge in cases among children and young adults under 40. Major risk factors include poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, family history, East Indian descent, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women. Dr. Bisambar emphasizes that diabetes is the leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in TT. Addressing misconceptions, he clarifies that elevated blood glucose can cause organ damage even without symptoms and that lifestyle changes can sometimes eliminate the need for medication. Over the past decade, diabetes treatments have evolved significantly. Newer medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists not only lower blood sugar but also protect major organs and reduce body fat. These drugs are now recommended internationally as first- or second-line treatments, particularly for patients with heart or kidney disease. Despite these advancements, access to newer drugs like semaglutide and terzepatide remains limited in TT, posing financial and logistical challenges for patients. Dr. Bisambar stresses the importance of patient education, early detection, and a national screening program to combat the diabetes epidemic. He encourages those affected to seek support from family, healthcare providers, and organizations like the Diabetes Association of TT, emphasizing that with proper guidance, diabetes management can be simplified and remission achieved.
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Bahamas short of 500 nurses
The Bahamas is confronting a critical shortage of approximately 500 registered nurses, according to Dr. Aubynette Rolle, Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA). This alarming deficit, exacerbated by the mass departure of healthcare professionals and plummeting staff morale, is placing immense strain on the nation’s public health system. Dr. Rolle revealed that instances of over ten nurses resigning in a single month have had a ‘significant impact’ on operations.
To address the crisis, the PHA has intensified efforts to recruit nurses from Africa and other countries while striving to retain Bahamian staff. However, Dr. Rolle emphasized that the issue extends beyond financial compensation. Factors such as job satisfaction, professional development opportunities, and leadership support play a pivotal role in retaining nurses. “It’s not only the dollar figure,” she stated. “It’s about feeling valued, having a clear career path, and receiving mentorship from leaders.”
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from Bahamas Nurses Union President Muriel Lightbourn, who reported that more than 50 nurses have left the public healthcare system in the past three to four months. The union is advocating for enhanced benefits and improved working conditions to curb the exodus of skilled professionals.
Recent incidents, such as the suspension of senior nurse Pearl Williams after she highlighted deplorable conditions at Princess Margaret Hospital—including leaking roofs, rodent infestations, and supply shortages—have further underscored the system’s challenges.
Dr. Rolle noted that the most severe shortages are in specialized fields like intensive care, neonatal care, midwifery, and dialysis. The PHA is developing new training modules to ensure continuous professional development through its academy. Despite these efforts, the nursing shortfall appears to be worsening, with Dr. Rolle’s latest assessment contradicting earlier claims by Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville, who had suggested the gap was narrowing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further eroded morale, with many nurses grieving the loss of relatives and colleagues without adequate time to process their emotions due to chronic understaffing. Dr. Rolle acknowledged the need for improved working conditions, access to training, and better staff treatment. She highlighted initiatives such as psychological support spaces, leadership training, and the establishment of a Patient Experience Department to enhance communication and care delivery.
While Dr. Rolle assured that the PHA is actively addressing complaints about staff behavior and patient care, she cautioned that meaningful improvements will require time and sustained effort.
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Over 5,000kg of food condemned since Melissa hit — Tufton
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced that 5,661 kilograms of food have been condemned by public health authorities. The decision was made to safeguard the nation’s food supply chain and prevent potential outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.
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Advocacy group targets workplaces amid diabetes surge
Saint Lucia is grappling with a growing diabetes epidemic, with health officials sounding the alarm on the urgent need for national awareness and preventive measures. Dr. Kedhma Dorh, President of the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA), highlighted the severity of the issue, citing data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) that reveals 11.4% of Saint Lucian adults now live with diabetes—a significant increase from 8.4% in 2011. Dr. Dorh emphasized the rising prevalence of risk factors, particularly childhood obesity, as a major contributor to the surge in cases. The 2020 national STEPS survey further underscored the crisis, showing that 15-16% of adults have elevated blood sugar levels, indicating pre-diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. As World Diabetes Day 2025 approaches, the SLDHA is intensifying its efforts under the global theme ‘Diabetes and Well-Being,’ with a local focus on ‘Diabetes and the Workplace.’ The association is urging employers and employees to prioritize health and wellness, recognizing the critical role workplace habits play in prevention and management. Type 2 diabetes, driven by poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity, remains the most common form. Dr. Dorh stressed the importance of early detection and regular screening, noting that many cases go undiagnosed until complications arise. To address access gaps in rural areas, the SLDHA has launched mobile and workplace screening initiatives. The association is also advocating for stronger nutrition policies, including front-of-package warning labels on processed foods. Key preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and adopting balanced diets. The SLDHA is organizing the Diabetes Awareness 5K Walk-Run on November 16, encouraging corporate participation to promote workplace wellness. Dr. Dorh reiterated that a healthy workforce is essential for national productivity, urging Saint Lucians to take proactive steps toward better health.
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COMMENTARY: Who Helps the Helpers?
In the aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Melissa, therapists, counselors, pastors, psychologists, psychiatrists, wellness coaches, and psychotherapists emerge as the unsung heroes, offering emotional support to countless survivors. However, these caregivers often carry the hidden weight of collective trauma, absorbing the pain of others while neglecting their own well-being. Research highlights that secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue can diminish the empathy and resilience that define their profession. Addressing the mental health needs of these helpers is not merely a luxury but an ethical, emotional, and professional imperative.
The journey to healing begins with intentional self-care. Trauma psychology emphasizes that sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and hydration are not mundane routines but vital biological interventions for emotional recovery. Self-care should be redefined as sacred stewardship rather than selfish indulgence. Professionals are encouraged to incorporate ‘pause points’ into their weekly schedules—moments for prayer, mindfulness, silence, or nature walks—to regulate their overstimulated nervous systems. Group check-ins and reflective supervision sessions can normalize vulnerability and reinforce the idea that healing is a communal process.
Peer-to-peer counseling and group debriefing sessions are equally crucial. These forums allow helpers to address personal challenges, whether related to family, finances, illness, or grief, in a supportive environment. Studies in positive psychology and organizational resilience demonstrate that sharing emotional burdens with trusted colleagues accelerates recovery from crisis work. Structured debriefings, story circles, or virtual ‘listening cafés’ provide safe spaces for open dialogue, fostering empathic witnessing and collective therapy. These shared rituals strengthen psychological resilience and dissolve feelings of isolation.
Creativity also plays a pivotal role in healing. Music, art, journaling, and storytelling can transform vicarious trauma into meaningful experiences. Neuroscience confirms that creative expression activates restorative neural pathways, alleviating anxiety and emotional exhaustion. Faith leaders might compose reflections or poetry on resilience, while clinicians could participate in expressive arts or reflective writing groups. By rediscovering beauty amid brokenness, healers are reminded that hope is a powerful form of resistance.
Ultimately, sustaining others requires helpers to embrace their own humanity. Self-compassion, born of experience, is essential. In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, caregivers must be afforded the grace to weep, rest, and recover. As the Caribbean rebuilds its physical and emotional foundations, its healers must also reconstruct their inner well-being. Tending to oneself ensures that the lamp of service remains lit for others.
About the Author: Dr. Oswald Thomas is a distinguished clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience. He serves with the New Jersey State Department of Health and Addictions and Long Island City Psychotherapy Services. Recognized for his contributions to mental health and suicide prevention, Dr. Thomas integrates faith, science, and human resilience to help individuals and institutions thrive amid adversity.