NEWSLETTER- FEBRUARY 2017

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2017
VOL.15
Special points of interest:
Talks begin on Styrofoam
ban
The NCD WAR IS ON..
Inside this
issue:
Healthy Caribbean Coalition
meets in Antigua as
they continue the fight
against NCDs
Environment Minister discusses Styrofoam ban with Stakeholders
Stakeholders weigh in
on the process to ban
the use of Styrofoam in
Antigua
The Fifth Annual Schools
Health Fiesta educates
youth on better health
PAHOs Regional Country
Managers spend a week
here discussing pertinent
health matters
Itchy Feet’s Manager
supports a project to help
Sailability
Antigua and Barbuda hosts PAHO’s Regional Country
Managers meeting
EMS continues to
sharpen the skills of
EMTs

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER– FEBRUARY 2017
Page 2
Minister of Health and the Environment meets with Stakeholders on Styrofoam ban
Several months after the successful
implementation of the ban on T-
Shirt plastic bags, the Ministry of
Health and the Environment has
signaled its intention to get rid of
another product that poses danger
to the environment.
In a meeting with a number of
stakeholders earlier this month,
Health and the Environment Minister,
Molwyn Joseph announced that
Government has officially initiated
discussions on its intentions to discontinue
the use of Styrofoam products,
including cups, plates, coolers,
containers, bowls etc. in the twin
island state.
Minister and Stakeholders in discussion
Minister Joseph said that the Gaston
Browne Administration remains committed to protecting the environment for present and future
generations.
While noting that the process is one which requires proper research and planning, so as not to
jeopardize the operation of local businesses, he forcefully stated that the opposition of a chosen
few will not deter him from promoting the country’s interests where matters of the environment
are concerned.
Minister Joseph stressed that it is high time for people to recognize that the onus is on them to
take up the mantle and join the fight for what is right.
“Instead of spending two dollars and fifty cents in doing something that will save the environment,
they would go to the store and make all kinds of noise but I am not going to be genuflecting to
these kind of people every time. It’s time for us to stand up and tell them that they have a responsibility
to their country and to themselves to make the right decision”, Minister Joseph noted.
The Environment Minister also received widespread support from the stakeholders in this venture.
They were highly cognizant of the view that the initiative is timely, but noted that vigilance must
be exercised on how the process is planned and implemented.
In this regard, Minister Joseph assigned responsibilities for the setting up of a technical committee
to lead the initiative in consultation with him.
Cont’d on Pg. 3

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
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3
Discussion on the most favourable
substitutes for replacement
of these Styrofoam products will
be among the top items on the
agenda this committee.
Minister Joseph also assured
the stakeholders that tax on importation
of alternative products
will be waived when the initiative
is officially implemented.
Among the distributors, wholesalers
and business owners in
attendance at the meeting were
Dave Soogrin of Mega-
Distributors, Stanley Yang of
Delightful Restaurant, Lyndon
Smart of Little Canton Supermarket
as well as Michael Friend and Sasha Mercer of Epicurean Fine Foods.
Present as well were Joyce Andrew of Chase Distributors, Victor Michael of First Choice
Supermarket, Bargain Centre’s Raydee Matthew and Marvin Geno Gore from Gore Global
Group Inc.
Gore, who is his company’s CEO, disclosed that they are standing firm with the government
and are ready to aid in the fight against harmful pollutants.
“We think that it is something that is going to have a very positive impact on our society
and environment as a whole and we stand fully committed to facilitate the Government in
their endeavour, in not only the ban on Styrofoam but the other harmful pollutants that
we have now in our environment that have an adverse effect on our population”, Gore
said.
On January 1st 2016, the Government has implemented a ban on the importation of the
commercial t-shirt plastic bags while a total ban on its use was effected six months later,
1 st July in the larger supermarkets.
Total ban on the use of same in the smaller business establishments will be fully implemented.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER– FEBRUARY 2017
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UHSA at Schools Health Fiesta
Positive response to Schools Health Fiesta at Pigotts Primary School
The Pigotts Primary School was buzzing
with wholesome activities this
month as the Fifth Annual Schools`
Health Fiesta took centre stage at the
educational institution.
The exercise attracted 12 schools -
Clare Hall and Pares Secondary, Parham
Primary, Bethesda-Newfield
Combined, Willikies Primary, Gospel
Light, T.O.R, Wesleyan Junior Academy,
Freetown, Divine Academy,
Grace Christian and the host, Pigotts
Primary.
Students took part in blood pressure,
cholesterol and glucose screenings.
Checks for body mass index (BMI)
were also done along with health lectures
and demonstration of making
healthy food choices from all the food groups. Dental screening and fluoride treatments were also done.
One of the individuals involved in organising the event was Health Education and Promotion Officer,
Jason Percival from the Health Information Division within the Ministry of Health and the Environment.
He said that the objective of the annual exercise was to train the youth to engage in healthy habits
from an early age.
“The significance of this event is to encourage children to live a healthier life. The theme for this
year’s event was, “A brighter, healthier future starts now” and what we are encouraging them to do is to
start now as children because what we have noticed is that when you start certain habits now, it is hard
for you to cut them out as you become an adult and so we want all the students, to start healthier habits
from today”, Percival noted.
Andrea Airall, Education Officer in the Ministry of Education was another official at the Fiesta and
the Guidance Counsellor was pleased with the students’ participation as well as the overall turn of
events.
“It went particularly well; the students seemed to have enjoyed the socarobics section; of course
there were one or two who were scared when it came to taking the pricks for the blood glucose and some
of the older ones didn’t want to do their BMI because they didn’t want to know their weight but generally
speaking, the students really participated. I think it’s important that we do things like this because it
brings a sense of awareness and it allows the student the opportunity to be educated”, Airall noted.

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Doctors and Nurses from the School of Nursing and the University of Health Sciences Antigua
facilitated the screenings and there were a number of public health technicians performing duties
as well.
One of those individuals was Julian Salmon, a Dental Assistant at the St John’s Health Centre
who explained the need for individuals to practice good oral care.
“We were doing dental screenings and we saw a hundred and ninety two children for examinations,
we administered fluoride to them and also gave them an oral talk on how to take care of
their teeth, proper oral hygiene and dental care. A lot of the children that we do find are not up
to standard where oral hygiene is concerned so we do the oral talk to boost them on brushing,
foods to avoid, foods to eat, we gave them good brushing instructions”, she said.
Over five hundred students took part in this year’s exercise.
Last year’s event was held at the St Anthony’s Secondary School in the Longfords and Blue Waters
area and according to the organizers, the 2018 event is expected to be rolled out in either
Pares or Glanvilles.
Doctors, Nurses and Students at Schools` Health Fiesta

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
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Minister of Health calls on the Caribbean to win the fight against NCDs
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health and the Environment, the Honourable Molwyn Joseph has called
on the Caribbean to win the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
He made the call at the Official Opening Ceremony of an NCD Advocacy, Accountability and Conflict of
Interest Workshop at the Jolly Beach Hotel this month. The Workshop was hosted by the Healthy Caribbean
Coalition (HCC), a civil society alliance dedicated to combating chronic diseases (NCDs) and their
associated risk factors and conditions.
“NDCs are killers…the number one killer in the Caribbean. They destroy lives, they increase
social and health costs, they undermine our labour force, resulting in loss of productivity.” –
Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health and the Environment.
The Minister revealed that the HCC has been in the vanguard of the efforts to mobilize Caribbean society
and to increase awareness of chronic diseases in recent years. He said the wide cross section of delegates
who were present at the workshop was encouraging, as the war against NCDs continues to be a
challenging one.
“Your attendance is indeed testimony to the significance to which you attribute this workshop; to the
critical nature of and the urgency in confronting, managing and reducing Non-Communicable Diseases in
the Caribbean,” he noted. “The Caribbean cannot afford to lose this war against NCDs. I use the word
war deliberately, I do not exaggerate; NCDs are killers, the
number one killer in the Caribbean. They destroy
lives, they increase social and health
costs, they undermine our labour force, resulting
in loss of productivity,” added Minister Joseph.He
said the issue of NCDs is no longer
just a health or social issue, necessitating the
intervention of only medical practitioners, social
planners and minister of health.
Minister Joseph said it has now become an
economic and national challenge, more so in a
region that is still struggling to recover from
the worldwide 2008 economic recession.
At Podium– Dr. Kanda addressing delegates
He stressed that the government will continue
to play its part in fighting these diseases.The
Health Minister said that in recent times, the
ministry has been utilizing the national media
to get the word out about the risk factors of
NCDs and more crucially to persuade the
population to make a change for the better
by putting away the old and deadly habits of
tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets and
physical inactivity.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—OCTOBER 2016
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He also underscored the importance of utilizing technology to reach the most vulnerable and different
age groups in society.
“It is clearly time to reflect and ponder new ideas of advocacy and capacity building. How can we increase
our effectiveness, increase awareness? How can we make proficient use of the communication
technologies of today, of social media, the internet, of smartphones, of instant messaging? How do we
reach the most vulnerable in society, how do we reach our young people, how best do we empower our
growing partnership, our increasing alliance with the tools to reach out to our people; to inform, to educate
and to persuade. Obviously, in order to implement new advocacy strategies and techniques, it is important
to examine the past years and the past and current methods and to ascertain what has worked
and what has not,” Minister Joseph stated.
According to Joseph, reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that NCDs are by far the
leading cause of death in the world- sixty-three (63%) percent of all annual deaths, killing more than 36
million people each year.
Some 80 percent of all NCD deaths occur in low and middle-income countries. NCDs affect women and
men almost equally around the world. However NCDs, according to the report are largely preventable by
effective intervention that tackles risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and
harmful use of alcohol.
The Minister announced that a Tobacco Control Act has already been drafted and will soon be presented
to parliament and in the coming months, further legislation will be drafted to tax sugary beverages.
He said the ministry has also formed alliances with a number of civil society organisations in the quest to
reduce and manage NCDs.
“We are working with the Rotary Club
of St. John’s in diabetic foot care and
breast cancer screening, the Renal
Society with Kidney Disease, the Diabetes
Association with diabetes prevention
and management and the Rotary
Sundown Club in screening for
Diabetic Retinopathy. These groups
are represented here today at this
workshop and I wish to applaud and
thank you for your civic service,” the
Health Minister commented.
He also said that in short order, the
Ministry will be establishing a Multisectoral
National Wellness Commission
and used the opportunity at the
opening ceremony to introduce Dr
Leslie Walwyn who will head this
Commission.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER– FEBRUARY 2017
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“There can be major changes if the governments exercise the major instruments they have at their control- regulation,
taxation and legislation…Governments have the power and the tools to create a smoke -free Caribbean; governments
have the power and the tools to ensure that our children consume less sugar and thus put a break on the epidemic of
childhood obesity.” – Dr. George Alleyne, Director Emeritus PAHO and HCC Patron.
Also addressing the Opening Ceremony of the HCC workshop were Director Emeritus PAHO and HCC
Patron, Sir George Alleyne, President of the HCC and Chairperson of the Barbados NCD Commission, Sir
Trevor Hassell and Dr. Tomo Kanda, Advisor on chronic Diseases and Mental Health for PAHO/WHO.
Sir George said that Caribbean governments have the power to influence the prevalence of the risk factors of
NCDs with respect to tobacco, alcohol, diet and physical activity.
He said that there can be major changes if the governments exercise the major instruments they have at their
control- regulation, taxation and legislation.
“Governments have the power and the tools to create a smoke -free Caribbean; governments have the
power and the tools to ensure that our children consume less sugar and thus put a break on the epidemic of
childhood obesity, and we must always ask why then is there not uniformity of purpose in action throughout
the Caribbean in the application of these tools, and you heard the Minister pointing out the tools he intends to
apply here in Antigua and Barbuda,” Sir George stated.
Group photo at HCC Workshop at Jolly Beach Resort and Spa

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
President of the HCC, Sir Trevor
Hassell urged the delegates to actively
contribute to the discussions
which was crucial to the outcome of
the workshop.
He expressed gratitude to the many
partners and to Minister Joseph for
their significant support in making
the event possible.
Sir Trevor described Minister Joseph
as an NCD Champion of the region.
The workshop attracted delegates
from the Bahamas in the North to
Guyana in the South; with the representation
of various groups/
organizations including Academia,
L-R– Minister Joseph and Sir George
Chamber of Commerce, Government,
International NGOs, Medical
Associations, NCDs coordinators, Non-Government Organizations, the private sector and Regional Public
Health representatives among others.
Advisor on Chronic Diseases and Mental Health for PAHO/WHO, Dr Tomo Kanda, said that the Healthy
Caribbean Coalition-led Regional Multisectoral meeting addressed very timely issues for all.
She acknowledged that Antigua and Barbuda has been working very hard to achieve its commitment
of managing and reducing NCDs with the launch of its official NCD Policy and Multisectoral Action Plan
and the establishment of a National Wellness Committee.
She further mentioned that under the strong leadership of Minister Joseph, a technical team has been
working on the development of an Alcohol Policy, and other initiatives designed to reduce the intake of
sugary beverages and salt, using a social marketing approach targeting mothers with small children.
She said these are initiatives which require a multi-sectoral approach and high-level political commitment
and she is confident that Minister Joseph is deeply committed on all levels.
Dr. Kanda said that the meeting provided an excellent platform to strengthen capacity of advocacy,
monitoring, transparency and accountability and to deepen understanding of conflict of interest.
The vision of the HCC is, “The reduction of death and disability from chronic diseases among people in
the Caribbean.”

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Page 10
Antigua and Barbuda hosts PAHO’s Regional Country Manager’s meeting
With the health and wellbeing of the region high on
the agenda, the Annual Pan American Health Organization’s
(PAHO) Caribbean Country and Sub-regional
Managers convened their meeting in Antigua this
month.
The exercise, which was held here for the first time,
brought together PAHO’s Regional Country Managers
from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The meeting focused primarily on the impact of Non-
Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean and
the Pan American Region as well as PAHO’s interprogrammatic
work and continued partnership with
regional member states.
Minister of Health and the Environment, the Hon. Molwyn
Joseph addressed the delegates and noted that
PAHO’s mission of combating diseases, promoting equity
in health and improving the lives of the people of the Americas is alive and well in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Here in Antigua and Barbuda, we have solid evidence and can attest to the fact that this mission is alive,
bright and vibrant and forms the foundation of the collaboration between your institution and the Ministry
of Health and the Environment. You continue to be an invaluable and an indispensable asset to us, as we
strive to develop a culture of wellness in our twin island state and to establish a healthcare system which
provides the best possible care for all our citizens and residents,” Joseph said.
Minister Joseph also touched on the country’s recent history-making kidney transplant program, noting
that it was not just a success for his country alone but for the OECS region on a whole.
“This was the first kidney transplant operation in the OECS and even though Antigua and Barbuda was
the trailblazer in this regard, the congratulatory messages and commendations from our OECS brothers
and sisters have been heartening and are indicative that our success is viewed as a regional success,” he
stated.
Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
attended the meeting.
Chief among them was the PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne of Dominica.

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MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
She listed technical matters, strategies going forward as well
as regional health updates as areas that were high on the
agenda at this year’s meeting.
“Over the next few days, we will discuss technical and
managerial matters; we will update ourselves on the health
situation in Antigua and also the health situation of all of the
countries in the sub-region. We will address strategies to
confront the challenges that our countries experience and
we will have the opportunity as well to improve and enhance
the technical corporation that we will deliver to our member
states and strengthen our planning process,” Dr Etienne disclosed.
Minister Joseph noted that Dr Etienne while here, also had
the opportunity to meet with his fellow cabinet colleagues to
hear directly from her on the serious risks that NCDs pose to
individuals and countries across the region.
Dr. Etienne addressing meeting
“The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda will receive you and
will have the rare opportunity to hear directly from you and
other senior PAHO officials on global and regional health issues
including the fight against NCDs. And let me pause here, because if there is one challenge facing all of us,
it is the fight that we must wage against NCDs,” Joseph said.
Apart from hosts Antigua and Barbuda, some of the other countries that were in attendance included Barbados,
Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana, Suriname, the United Sates, Venezuela, Belize and a host of Eastern
Caribbean Countries among others.
Participants at PAHO’s Regional Country Managers meeting

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Page 12
EMS successfully completes training course
The Emergency Medical Services {EMS} within the
Ministry of Health and the Environment has recently
concluded a 12-week Emergency Medical Technicians`
Basic Training Course which was held at the
Transport Board’s Lecture room.
M– Mr. Fiedtkou and course participants
The course attracted twelve (12) trainees which included
prisoner officers, personnel from the Antigua
and Barbuda Defense Force {ABDF}, Public Safety
Communication Network {E911}, as well as five (5)
Civilians who were later employed as EMTs at the
EMS.
The course was presented in two parts - theoretical and practical and also included a ride-along rotational
assessment in which all the trainees were assigned to a crew and ambulance during various
shifts.
The Head of the EMS Shawn Greenidge said that the department is working diligently to have all
courses accredited in the not too distant future.
Greenidge said that the division is currently in discussions with the United States National Registry
and the University of Technology in Jamaica in order to obtain international accreditation for the
courses.
A two-member team from the United States Registry will be on island shortly to conduct checks and
evaluation in order to have the courses structured, verify
qualifications and to assess the training standards of
instructors.
According to Greenidge, five (5) personnel of the EMS
will be travelling to the John F Kennedy Medical Centre
in New Jersey next month where they will be certified as
Instructors by the National Association for Emergency
Medical Services Instructors {NAEMSI}
The entire trip will be sponsored by Corporate Citizen,
Cool and Smooth.
Greenidge had high praises for his staff, participants and
sponsor.
“I wish to express deep appreciation to all the staff of
EMS; you have executed your duties with such professionalism
and commitment. To Cool and Smooth, special
thanks to you for your financial assistance as a good
cooperate citizen”, Greenidge remarked.
Mr. Greenidge and course participants
The Director stated that the EMS is committed to its mission to provide the very best pre-hospital
care and emergency training to Antigua and Barbuda, while fostering a strong relationship to protect
the health, safety and welfare of the community.

.
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MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Itchy Feet’s Manager throws full support behind a project to help Sailability
As one Writer, Ralf Waldo Emerson aptly said, “Cultivate the habit of being
grateful for every good thing that comes to you and give thanks continually.
Our nation should never trivialize those who have made and are making
positive contributions, instead we should applaud them, especially
those who did not have to care, yet care so much.”
Bob and wife Sue Bailey although not from Antigua, could very well fit into
this category as a team that we all should show deep appreciation, for the
love and compassion they have for persons with disabilities over the years.
Paddy Prendergast
For the past three years, they have invested both their time and financial
resources into the Sailability Programme {sailing for the disabled}, at the
National Sailing Academy.
As a team, they have been providing much needed recreational activities
for persons with disabilities and several other organizations throughout the
island with no cost attached.
However, this charitable venture, though heartwarming and noble, needs financial support if it is to continue,
as Instructors and Trainers at the Academy have to be paid.
Twenty five (25) thousand dollars is the amount needed to offset expenses at the Academy.
In an effort to raise the much needed funds, increase awareness of the benefits of Sailability to the Disabled
and to attract prospective donors, a decision was taken to produce a series of promotional videos.
The short, one minute (1) minute videos will be produced by Paddy Prendergast who is the Owner and Manager
of the Band, Itchy Feet.
Bob and Sue are hoping that the videos will further sensitize or appeal to those who have rendered assistance
in the past and encourage others who are assisting to continue.
Prendergast said he is overjoyed at being able to give back to the community and expressed his enthusiasm for
the production.
“When Bob first asked me to do a benefit of some sort for Sailability, I figured the best thing to do in terms of
promotion would be videos explaining what Sailability is all about. It will be far more beneficial as a fund raising
activity, than having a band playing and people sitting down”,
Prendergast explained.
While elaborating on the plight of those living with disabilities
Prendergast said although government is playing its part, he hopes
that they can do more to assist this group of individuals.
“Where I am from in Ireland, they are community workshops and
half way houses where people with disabilities are cared for; they
do jobs that earn monies but I think the government has to decide
if it is serious about looking after persons with disabilities by training
them. It will cost money, it also takes real dedication to train
people who can get the best out of disabled persons so they can
reach their full potential”, Prendergast shared.
He further called on society to exercise better regards for the disabled.
“I think a society is defined by how we treat our weakest if we
L-R– Sylvester from nvcpd and instructor
treat them with dignity”, the Itchy Feet manager said.
Prendergast has been a resident of Antigua and Barbuda for the
past 11 years.
He has assisted many charitable organizations with special projects, the latest of which is a video for the CARE
Project, a unit that caters for special needs children located in the former Holberton Hospital building.
It is a Division of the Ministry of Health and the Environment. The video can be seen on YouTube.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Page 14
PAHO’s Country Managers’ Meeting Ends with a Renewed Commitment to Fight NCDs
As the Pan American Health Organization’s Country
Managers’ meeting concluded, Health and the
Environment Minister, Molwyn Joseph, doubled
down on his commitment to fight Non Communicable
Diseases (NCDs) at home and across the
region.
Speaking at PAHO’s Cocktail Reception at the Antigua
and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute
late this month, Minister Joseph declared that it
is high time for regional governments and other
organizations to declare war on NCDs.
Delegates at PAHO’s Cocktail
He further stated that the battle against NCDs is
tantamount to nuclear warfare.
“I am going to be leaning on you and PAHO to help me take on this war. This is a war and it’s no exaggeration
and this must be fought with nuclear weapons. We cannot continue as we are and everywhere I
go I will be making this statement, we have to ignite a fire in the Caribbean, the leaders must be told
that is a crisis that we are facing, our young people must be told the truth and we must challenge the
culture that glorifies the consumption of the things that are killing us”, Minister Joseph said.
Joseph confirmed that he will be blunt and forceful in attacking the challenges in Antigua and Barbuda,
especially since the island has one of the highest percentages of deaths related to Non - Communicable
Diseases.
“I am resolved, though, that we have to be blunt, we have to be aggressive, because we cannot continue
to lose in Antigua and Barbuda, fifty-two percent of the deaths that represent premature deaths in Antigua
and Barbuda. As a matter of fact, it’s fifty-eight percent; fifty-eight percent of the deaths in my
country as I stand here are premature
deaths. Eighty-five percent of all deaths in
this country are the direct results of Non -
Communicable Diseases, higher than the
Caribbean average and perhaps one of the
highest in the region,” he noted.
Another highlight of the night was a speech
delivered by Dr Godfrey Xuereb, the PAHO
and WHO Representative for Antigua-
Barbuda, Barbados and the other Eastern
Caribbean Countries.
L-R– Minister Joseph and Dr. Etienne

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
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Dr Xuereb showered praises on Antigua and Barbuda, noting that the twin island state, is a model for the
rest of the region.
“I think Antigua and Barbuda is an excellent case example of an all of Government and all of society approach.
We have included the faith-based organizations and the community groups in our Zika work, we
have included and worked with FAO in the Zero hunger project, we have collaborated with IAEA in the
Oncology Centre, so Minister Joseph and his team have really embraced the multi-sectorial action that
we so strive to put in all of our functions,” Dr. Xuereb remarked.
L-R—Dr. Merle Lewis and Dr Sealy-Thomas

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
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Training for Public Health Dental Assistants underway
Dentistry in the Public Health Sector is about to
get a major boost as courses for Public Health
Dental Assistants have started at the Government
Training Division on Church Street.
The classes, which will run for twelve weeks, are
being facilitated by well known Dental Physician,
Dr. Gregson Williams, who operates Williams and
Associates Dental Ltd on Dickerson Bay Street.
Dr. Williams, who is also the Senior Dental Consultant
for the Ministry of Health and the Environment,
said that the ultimate goal of the sessions
is to improve the overall output of Public Health
Dental Services.
“We actually wanted to improve the Public Health
System in dentistry for many years because we
found that we lacked trained dental assistants and
this is extremely important because as dentistry has progressed, the assistants play a central role in delivering
patient care,” Dr Williams said.
He also noted that the new classes are a step in the right direction and are a complete change from what used
to be the old way of training and schooling Dental Assistants.
“We were short staffed and it was difficult to find personnel. What used to happen before in the system is that
people used to be trained on the job and this is not adequate for today’s purposes because we have to be very
careful when it comes to infection control and contamination and the many little things that we handle,” he
explained.
Williams, who has been in the dental profession for well over two decades, described the three-month long
courses as the tip of the iceberg.
“Dental Assistants also have training in many other backgrounds, so what we have done is to organize a program
through the training department where we set about to train dental assistants and this is just the tip of
the iceberg. The real truth is that a dental assistant training program is really one year certificate and two
years diploma and we are trying to do this course in twelve weeks,” Williams noted.

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Michael
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Dr. Williams said that following graduation, some dental
assistants will be asked to fill the current vacancies that
exist in the Government sector, while others will find
employment among private practices.
“There are some vacancies in the Government Department
and of course the trainees will have to do an
exam and then apply officially for these spots; those
that are selected to be employed will be employed in
the health system while the others will probably end up
in private practices”, Dr. Williams explained.
Currently, there are ten students who are attending the
classes which are being held on Wednesdays from 1:30
pm to 4:30 pm.
The initiative is a joint venture between the Ministry of
Health and the Environment, the Training Division and
the Ministry of Labour.
Participants at Dental Assistant Training session

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
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Training for Public Health Dental Assistants underway
The latest phase of Barbuda eye screening programme gets underway
The Ministry of Health and the Environment, in collaboration
with Caribbean Council for the Blind (CCB)
Eye Care Caribbean moves to the next stage of its
Barbuda Eye Screening Programme when they will
travel to Codrington in early March to distribute
glasses to 165 Barbudans.
The exercise, which is a direct result of the successful
eye-screening process which took place in Barbuda in
early October 2016, is indicative of Government’s
commitment to provide the highest quality eye care to
residents on the Sister Isle.
The October eye-screening initiative was the first of its
kind ever to be conducted in Barbuda.
A total of 317 individuals were screened during a fourday
period at the Hanna Thomas Hospital. The objective
was to identify common eye diseases, namely glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataract affecting
Barbudans.
As a consequence of the screening, it was determined that 174 individuals had serious refractive errors
that necessitated the need for glasses. Standing by its policy’s objective that Barbuda must not be left
behind, the Government has decided to fund the cost of the 174 glasses and distribute them to those in
need.
In early January, a team of Ministry of Health officials and a
CCB Eye Care Caribbean Optometrist paid a second visit to
Barbuda. The 174 individuals were contacted and tested for
their glasses.
One hundred and sixty-five (165) glasses will be distributed
next week and an additional nine individuals who had high
blood sugar levels at the time of a prior clinical evaluation will
be re-examined at the end of March and their eye glasses will
be fabricated based on the follow-up assessment.
Other cases for which there was no immediate need for eye
glasses were referred to Mount St. John’s Medical Center and
the individuals were subsequently treated at the Outpatient
Clinic. Some were diagnosed with early cataract and elevated
eye pressure and will have follow-up appointments in March.
Others who were identified for either cataract or pterygium surgery were contacted in November and are
currently being monitored.
The Ministry’s partner in this initiative, CCB Eye Care Caribbean, is a Caribbean vision care organization
whose mission is to make care affordable to all and who offers eye classes at reduced rates. CCB Eye
Care Caribbean currently offers eye-care services at the Clare Hall, Johnson’s Point and Grays Farm Clinics.

Page 19
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
EMS/Fire Brigade scores high mark on yet another rescue mission
In what has been described as nothing short of brilliant, the Antigua and Barbuda
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Fire Brigade performed a daring rescue operation
in the hills between Wallings Dam and Rendezvous Beach.
According to the EMS Public Relations Officer, Morvin Fiedtkou, three adults and
two children under the age of thirteen were making the journey to Rendezvous Beach
via Wallings when one of the adults, a female, lost her footing and broke her left ankle.
Fiedtkou said the Department got the call at around 9.00 am and didn’t complete
the rescue operation until after 11.00 am due to the rugged terrain and the grueling
environment.
Three emergency technicians and four fire fighters responded to the call and
transported the patient down the slope on a spine board.
The EMTs were Iesha Russell, Joel Ellis and April John while the Fire Fighters
identities were not disclosed.
EMS/Fire Brigade Rescue mission

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
Page 20
Timely Information and Health Tips!!!!!!!!
Exercising
Specific Exercise Tips for Older People
Studies continue to show that it is never too late to start exercising. Elderly adults who
exercise twice a week can significantly increased their body strength, flexibility, balance,
and agility. Studies show that even small improvements in physical fitness and
activity can prolong life and independent living.
Still, about half of Americans over 60 describe themselves as sedentary (inactive). According
to a 2004 report by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about
12% of people aged 65 - 75 years, and 10% of people aged 75 years or older, meet
current recommendations for strength training.
The following tips for exercising may be helpful:
Any older person should have a complete physical and medical examination, as well
as professional instruction, before starting an exercise program.
Start low and go slow. For sedentary, older people, one or more of the following programs
may be helpful and safe: Low-impact aerobics, gait (step) training, balance exercises,
tai chi, self-paced walking, and lower legs resistance training, using elastic
tubing or ankle weights. Even in the nursing home, programs aimed at improving
strength, balance, gait, and flexibility have significant benefits.
Information provided by Sean Samuel– Physical Education Officer– Ministry of Education

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER– FEBRUARY 2017
Page 21
Strength training assumes even more importance as one age, because after age 30
everyone undergoes a slow process of muscular erosion. The effect can be reduced
or even reversed by adding resistance training to an exercise program.
As little as 1 day a week of resistance training improves overall strength and agility.
Strength training also improves heart and blood vessel health.
Power training, which aims for the fastest rate at which a muscle or muscle group
can perform work, may be particularly helpful for older women in strengthening muscles
and preventing falls.
Flexibility exercises promote healthy muscle growth and help reduce the stiffness
and loss of balance that accompanies aging.
Chair exercises may be performed by people who are unable to walk.
Older women are at risk for incontinence accidents during exercise. This can be reduced
or prevented by performing Kegel exercises, limiting fluids (without risking dehydration),
going to the bathroom frequently, and using leakage prevention pads or
insertable devices.

Page 22
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
UPCOMING EVENTS AND NOTICES
Ministry of Health and the Environment Weekly Exercise Programme
Start date– 2nd March 2017 and continues every Thursday
Venue– In front of Ministry’s Headquarters
Time– 4.30pm—5-30pm
March 9th 2017, World Kidney Day will be celebrated under the theme
“Kidney Disease and Obesity.” A number of activities are being planned
for that day.
World Health Day will be celebrated on April 7 th under the theme” Depression,
Let’s Talk”. A symposium is being planned and more information
will be forthcoming regarding these plans.

Page 23
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT
NEWSLETTER—FEBRUARY 2017
The Ministry of Health and the Environment Newsletter is a Monthly
production by the staff of the Public Relations Department within the Ministry of
Health and the Environment .
Please remember to submit information on a major event that took place in your respective
departments so that it can be featured in our next issue.
Special Thanks – All Communications staff within the various departments, the
Health Information Division , Mrs. Jonas , Mr. Carrott and MSJMC’S Communications
team.
In our March 2017 ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Wellness Committee/Commission plans and programmes for 2017….
Kidney Transplant - A love story…
Ministry of Health and the Environment’s Exercise Programme off to a great start...
And many more interesting articles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Reading!!!!!