NEWSLETTER- APRIL 2017

www.healthwatchantiguaandbarbuda.com 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT 

NEWSLETTER 

APRIL 2017 

VOL.17 

Special points of 

Interest: 

'Depression - Let’s Talk' 

the focus of World 

Health Day 2017 

‘Stop the illegal dump-ing' 

So says nswma 

Inside this 

issue: 

Minister of Health addresses 

CBH Workers on 

a number of issues 

The mental needs of the population comes into sharp focus on World 

Health Day 2017 

Solid Waste responds to 

illegal dumping 

Two entities 

collaborate in breast 

cancer awareness 

Antigua and Barbuda hosts 

Cartegena Dialogue for the 

first time 

Climate Change Adaptation 

Project approved for 

Antigua’s NW Watershed 

Minister of the Environment meets with CBH Workers 

Vaccination Week opens 

with a call for reflection

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIRONMENT 

NEWSLETTER– APRIL 2017 

Page 2 

NSWMA responds to illegal dumping 

Moon Bay, Creek Side and Runaway Beach. 

It looks repugnant; everywhere in Antigua appears 

to be a dumping site; one doesn’t have to 

walk very far to encounter beer cans, sodas 

bottles, Styrofoam containers, along with endless 

small items such as cigarette butts, plastic 

forks and spoons. 

The outskirts of St. John’s and the countryside 

are particularly more unsightly as many of 

those areas are used for the illegal dumping of 

bulk waste which includes car parts, old mattresses, 

stoves, refrigerators and cooling fans 

among other things. 

This illegal dumping of bulk waste continues to 

be of major concern for those in authority as 

they seek ways and means to control or alleviate 

this problem especially in the environs of 

Jabberwock Beach, the Blue Waters Hotel, Half 

In recent months, the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has come under heavy criticism 

and has been accused by some of not doing enough to control the situation, while others are asking for the 

enforcement of the Litter Act with stiffer penalties. 

“Many of the truck drivers contracted by private firms and individuals to dump bulk waste do not wish to 

drive all the way to the Cooks landfill. We have reason to believe they are dumping the waste elsewhere, 

mainly in the aforementioned affected areas,” 

claimed Mr Ian Bailey Assistant Operations 

Manager at the NSWMA. 

“After surveying the areas being utilised for illegal 

dumping, we realise that most of those 

areas are overgrown with schrubs and vegetation; 

and there is very little visibility. Hence we 

have decided to clear forty feet of roads on 

each side which we are hoping will act as a deterrent. 

We have also started clearing the Royal 

Palm area and will see it through completion,” 

remarked Bailey. 

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NEWSLETTER—APRIL 2017 

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3 

He also commented on the difficulty faced by the Authority in apprehending those involved in the illegal 

dumping of wastes as well as the tremendous cost for the government to remove the waste. 

“Once the clearing of roads are done, we will be in a better position to monitor and do frequent assessments; 

but it will not be an easy task. We are therefore asking the general public to assist us either 

by writing down a company logo or taking the license plate numbers of those vehicles caught in the 

act,” 

Bailey further explained that the NSWMA does not have the necessary equipment to remove waste, 

and most of its waste removals are carried out by private contractors at a huge financial cost to the 

taxpayers of this country, 

“Excavator operators charges 260.00 per hour while trucks are paid 160.00 for each trip and to clear 

many of those affected areas could take two to three months. Companies, as well as homeowners who 

are hiring trucks to dump waste, have a responsibility to ensure that they are not being short-changed 

and that such persons are utilising the authorised landfill at Cooks ” said Bailey. 

Please help to put an end to the illegal dumping of waste. Help to make Antigua and Barbuda beautiful 

again, so that once again we will be able to sing with pride “Where land and Sea Make Beauty.” 

Please call the Solid Waste Hotline number at 562-1347 to report illegal dumping (or) to schedule 

bulk waste removal.



Page 4 

The recurring problem of illegal dumping keeps NSWMA busy 

As the National Solid Waste Management Authority 

(NSWMA) continues to grapple with the illegal 

dumping of bulk waste, the Authority appears to 

be at its wit's end as it fights to stem the practice 

of illegal dumping throughout the island. 

What will it take to bring this problem under control? 

Will a revisit of the Antigua and Barbuda Litter 

Act with stiffer penalties suffice? Whatever is 

necessary to change the mindset of persons in our 

society, it is time for serious action to be taken 

against those who have little or no civic pride. 

More and more money is being spent to clean up 

the same areas again and again. In August of 

2016, a clean-up was done in the areas of Bennett and Bryson’s streets when the Authority engaged the 

services of backhoe and truck operators to remove large quantities of bulk waste. 

Today, those very areas are flooded once again with old refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and 

mattresses. Assistant Operations Manager at the NSWMA, Ian Bailey, was actually at one of the illegal 

dumping sites and expressed his views on the situation. 

“We were here recently and now we are here again. I am appealing to the residents of the Point and Villa 

as well as other communities to keep their surroundings clean, do not litter, do not throw waste in the 

streets or drains; it looks awful.” 

Bailey also highlighted the need for assessments in the various communities and the plans currently in 

place for the removal of bulk waste by the Authority. “We have the trucks available and we have schedules. 

All persons are required to do is to call and let us know where they have the waste, and we will pick 

them up. All waste will be collected, but persons must not continue to dump waste wherever there are 

wastelands.” 

The Authority will continue to carry out assessments 

throughout the communities, remarked Bailey. 

“Assessments are being done in other areas but there 

are some communities which are more serious than 

others, and those will require urgent attention. The 

general public will be notified whenever a particular 

area is to be cleared.” 

The National Solid Waste Management Authority has 

its part to play, and so does every citizen and resident 

of this fair land. We can help to make this country 

beautiful again by storing all waste properly, disposing 

of them legally, and call the Authority’s hotline whenever 

there is a problem. 

To schedule a bulk waste pick-up and to report illegal dumping, please call the NSWMA Hot Line at 562- 

1347. 

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Page 5 



HIGHLIGHTS OF ILLEGAL DUMPING AROUND ANTIGUA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE ENIVIRONMENT 


Page 6 

agreement on climate change. 

Antigua and Barbuda hosts the Cartagena Dialogue for the first time 

Antigua and Barbuda recently hosted the Cartagena 

Dialogue which brought together climate 

change negotiators from all over the 

world to carry out the mandate of the Paris 

Agreement. 

The Paris Agreement is an agreement within 

the United Nations Framework Convention on 

Climate Change (UNFCCC) which deals with 

greenhouse gases emissions mitigation, adaptation 

and finance starting in the year 2020. 

The agreement went into effect on 4 November 

2016. 

Speaking at a brief Opening Ceremony at the 

St. James’ Club earlier this month, Minister of 

Health and the Environment the Hon. Molwyn 

Joseph said that the Cartagena Dialogue is one 

mechanism through which countries look beyond 

their self-identified commitments, toward 

establishing an ambitious new and binding 

He noted that the outstanding achievement of the Paris Agreement is by no means the culmination of 

climate change action. “Although many nations have made significant commitments toward stemming 

the advance of climate change, the work is not over. In fact, there is still much to be done,” Minister Joseph 

told the delegates. 

He urged them to become inspired by nature’s beauty and see what is at stake if countries fail to join 

forces to conserve the world’s natural resources. 

“Imagine a world where white sandy beaches and coral reefs like the ones just off these shores become a 

rarity. Where glaciers and snow covered mountain tops might be limited to postcard memories. Where 

droughts, storms, famines and epidemics can become more intense and more common. Where the worst 

case scenarios of climate change have been realized. And with this grave image of what is at stake for 

humanity in our minds, let us earnestly collaborate to ensure that such horrors never come to pass.” 

Minister Joseph announced that the government is in the process of developing regulations to further 

guide the implementation of the Paris Agreement. 

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Page 7 

However, he noted that this will only be one in a 

series of vital steps needed to put Antigua and 

Barbuda on a progressive path to deal with climate 

change. 

“We are aggressively pursuing accreditation to 

the various mechanisms and hope that our experiences 

both in the accreditation process and implementation 

will serve as examples and best 

practices for other SIDS and developing countries 

to further their own actions against climate 

change.” 

Joseph said that Antigua and Barbuda is the first 

and currently the only country in the Easter Caribbean 

to have achieved accreditation to the Adaptation 

Fund. 

He said that the government will use this achievement to help members of the sub-region to broaden 

their scope for advancement where issues on climate change are concerned. 

“We have decided as a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to use this status not 

only for our own advancement but also toward the advancement of fellow members of the sub-region by 

allowing ourselves to serve as a regional implementing entity, improving their access to the financial 

mechanisms. I would like to encourage 

other countries, which have strong institutions, 

to take up the challenge in not only 

seeing how to combat climate change locally 

and nationally but, where possible, 

taking regional and global approaches,” 

said the Health and Environment Minister. 

This meeting attracted delegates from 

some 30 countries that are working towards 

ambitious, comprehensive and legally 

binding outcomes in the UNFCCC 

(United Nations Convention on Climate 

Change) and who are committed, domestically, 

to becoming or remaining lowcarbon 

economies. 

How much do you know about the dangers of Styrofoam? 

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will soon be placing restrictions 

on the importation and use of Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Food 

Service Products. The Ministry of Health & the Environment seeks your 

feedback. How much do you really know about the environmental and 

health dangers of Styrofoam? 

Please participate in our Online Survey 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7KQBQPP



Page 8 

Breast Friends and MSJMC join forces in breast cancer awareness 

The non-profit organisation, ‘Breast Friends’ and Mount 

St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) have announced a 

new initiative to increase awareness about breast cancer 

and to encourage the women of Antigua and Barbuda 

to have routine breast examinations. 

Mount St. John’s Medical Director, Dr Albert Duncan, 

the President of ‘Breast Friends,’ Eunetta Bird and its 

immediate Past President, Gisel Joshua, recently met 

with Health and Environment Minister Molwyn Joseph 

to discuss the initiative and other health-related issues 

that will be of benefit to the citizens of Antigua and 

Barbuda. 

L-R– Mrs. Bird, Dr. Duncan 

Dr Duncan said that Mount St. John’s Medical Centre is 

uniquely placed to confront the disease of breast cancer. 

He noted that the hospital can offer diagnostic, 

chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “We can take 

care of eighty to ninety percent of breast cancer patients. 

What we lack is the capacity to get people to 

come to us and here is where ‘Breast Friends’ comes 

in. They are well known, having been active in the 

community for years and are ideally suited to conduct 

the campaign to direct our women to come to MSJMC 

for diagnosis and treatment.” 

Duncan and the ‘Breast Friends’ representatives stressed the need for women to have routine breast examinations 

and to start this at an early age. Breast cancer is a serious problem in Antigua and Barbuda 

and of all the cancer diseases it is the greatest threat, at least thirty percent of all cancers in the country, 

according to the raw data. 

Dr Duncan and ‘Breast Friends’ emphasised that early, routine examinations can lead to early cancer detection 

and treatment; and this is more desirable than having the examinations at a later stage in life when 

breast cancer if, detected, will be more advanced and more complicated to treat. 

“The education has to start in the high schools, the colleges, the churches,” Dr Duncan said. ‘Breast 

Friends’ Past President Gisel Joshua revealed that in Antigua, women in their late twenties are being diagnosed 

with breast cancer.” People need to come forward; they need to know that they have options. For 

too many of our women, the fear of losing their breasts keeps them from seeking treatment.”

Page 9 



Ms. Joshua 

The idea of a National Cancer Registry was also 

raised. This would capture all the cancer data in 

Antigua and Barbuda. Apart from the financial 

and human resources needed to make this a 

reality, Dr Duncan pointed out that legislation 

would be required to mandate the private doctors 

and clinics to forward all relevant information 

to the cancer registry. 

While praising the work of the Oncology Unit at 

MSJMC and expressing gratitude for the addition 

of two recent oncologists, ‘Breast Friends’ nevertheless 

is hoping for an improvement in the 

unit, noting that the area is a bit crowded since 

it is in the general outpatient area. More privacy 

is required for persons undergoing chemotherapy 

says ‘Breast Friends.’ 

The need for a mammogram machine in Barbuda 

was discussed. ‘Breast Friends’ President Eunetta 

Bird lamented that Barbudans currently 

have to come to Antigua for mammograms.” 

They have to pay to travel and then they still 

have to pay the $20.00 for the test.” Minister 

Molwyn Joseph said that Cabinet is presently 

reviewing a list of equipment that will be handed 

over to the Hanna Thomas Hospital in Barbuda 

and that a mammogram machine is included. 

However, Dr Duncan said that given Barbuda’s 

small population (just under 2000), a permanent 

machine would be underutilised in Barbuda. 

A mobile mammogram machine would be 

better suited he advised. “You could put it on 

the boat and perhaps send it over to Barbuda 

four or five times a year. “ 

Minister Joseph lauded the new partnership between ‘Breast Friends’ and Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. 

“It is important that we evaluate where we are today. This is an exciting initiative designed to ensure 

maximum care by encouraging our women to have routine breast examinations in order to detect 

early signs of cancer.” 

‘Breast Friends’ is now in its eighteenth year of providing support to pre and newly diagnosed breast cancer 

patients.



Page 10 

Minister of Health and the Environment addresses critical concerns of CBH workers 

It 

was 

a high energy, interactive meeting on Monday, April 

18th as Minister of Health and the Environment Molwyn 

Joseph met with workers at Central Board of 

Health (CBH), to tackle a number of their concerns, 

particularly regarding pay increases and promotions. 

M– Minister Joseph addressing meeting 

He said he was pleased with the positive response 

from the workers at the meeting, noting that government 

would not renege on its promise. 

Minister Joseph, however, sought to clarify a statement 

in a local media outlet which said it was advised 

by the Chief Health Inspector, Lionel Michael, 

to question the Minister of Health and the Environment 

with regards to wage increases which were 

promised to the Vector Control workers. 

He said Michael should be quite familiar with how the 

process works regarding such matters. He said the 

impression being given was that he was withholding the increases to the workers and that was not so. Hence, 

the reason for meeting with the staff was to ensure that they understand the reason why there was a slight 

delay. 

“In the structure of the Ministry, you have the Minister; you have the Permanent Secretary; you have other 

senior civil servants who work under the PS; and they are directly responsible for processing these payments. 

So I do not know what was intended except that maybe I don’t know if Mr. Michael did not remember that it is 

the PS and his staff who are responsible for processing these increases; but the fact that it was said to ask the 

minister suggests that maybe the minister is being blamed for delaying the processing of these increases. I 

don’t know if there was any particular motive behind of this but whether or not there is motive, I am here to 

clarify the situation of the Ministry and the government.” 

Minister Joseph made it clear that the government is not withdrawing from its commitment to pay the increases 

but he questioned the merit of some people being promoted at the expense of others. He said it could very 

well be that those persons identified deserve to be promoted but he wants the reasons to be documented. 

“So the situation now is that the increases would be forwarded to the treasury which is expected to make payment 

of the new wages that were decided by the Cabinet and the issue of promotions would have to be looked 

at separately.”

Page 11 



He further added that there is evidence that 

some of the promotions are questionable and 

the Chief Health Inspector himself has indicated 

that of the seven promotions, he would not 

mind delaying or withdrawing four and allowing 

the other three promotions to be processed. 

But Minister Joseph said he does not 

agree with that approach. 

“If he made the recommendations for the promotions, 

he needs to document the reasons 

why those people are being promoted.” 

Minister Joseph said when Michael returns 

from vacation, he intends to meet with the 

senior management of CBH to create a better 

structure, develop job descriptions and performance 

evaluations so that all the workers can 

understand that at some point in time, if they are committed to work hard, come to work regularly 

and are on time, they could be promoted as well. 

He said this is the best situation financially that the CBH workers have ever been in. “We have increased 

their wages substantially and when I say substantially I don’t think any worker in CBH is getting 

any less than a 10 percent increase; as a matter of fact some are getting 15, 25, 40 percent increase 

depending on the scale of their wages.” 

Minister Joseph said that for several years a number of workers have been working for three hundred 

dollars as labourers, and shortly after the 2014 elections the matter was taken to the Cabinet to upgrade 

the pay for these CBH workers. He said that the government has also taken it several steps further. 

“We even asked the Cabinet to correct an anomaly where labourers were categorised in two categories 

of A and B, A being the men and B the women; and the women were paid less than the men. The Cabinet 

of Antigua and Barbuda immediately corrected that anomaly. In this 21 st Century, you cannot 

have men and women working side by side and you are paying men a higher wage, so that was corrected.” 

He said Cabinet has also taken a position that nobody should be paid any less than the minimum 

wage. 

Subsequent to the implementation of the minimum wage, Minister Joseph said that another decision 

was made to make an adjustment to those who were making minimum wage and this move catapulted 

their wages to $484.00 per week from $337.00 

He said Prime Minister Gaston Browne has deliberated for hours over this situation to establish a reasonable 

wage for labourers, correcting a problem that existed for over 30 years. He dismissed the notion 

being spread by some persons that the government does not intend to honour its commitments.



Page 12 

He described the last proposal that was submitted 

to Cabinet as an almost across the board increase. 

According to Minister Joseph, the Cabinet approved 

the increases but when they were submitted 

by CBH, the Chief Health inspector also submitted 

promotions. 

He said he had also received several letters from 

the workers at CBH who complained that some of 

the promotions were unfair. 

According to Minister Joseph, the workers’ concerns 

were discussed with the Permanent Secretary 

and he was instructed to proceed with the 

increases for all but arranged for the Chief Health 

Inspector to document the reasons why certain 

people were promoted. 

“I thought it was fair given the fact that from the 

letters I received, some workers thought the promotion 

system was unfair.” 

Meanwhile, Minister Joseph said he has also received letters of serious allegations from some CBH workers 

which he had hoped to address in-house. But a worker stood up publicly and alluded to incidents of 

sexual harassment in the workplace. The Minister said that as a member of parliament, he cannot turn a 

blind eye and his Ministry will handle the allegations in a professional way. 

CBH Workers meeting with Minister Joseph

Page 13 



AMR gets keen attention at workshop 

“Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a public health threat that is of 

major concern globally, and Antigua and Barbuda has joined the rest 

of the world in addressing the issue.” This was stated by Dr. Anju 

Smith, Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health with responsibility for 

Epidemiology and Surveillance at a recent workshop held this month 

to develop the Antimicrobial Resistance National Plan of Action. 

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms 

(bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) to stop antimicrobials (such 

as antibiotics, antivirals and antimalarials) from working against 

them. 

As a result, standard treatments become ineffective; infections persist 

and may spread to others, leading to epidemics. 

The Ministry of Health and the Environment hosted the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) consultants 

who met with the Minister of Health and the Environment, Molwyn Joseph, to discuss the impact of AMRs indepth. 

One of the consultants, Dr. Jean Marie Rwangabwoba, was the facilitator at the workshop as local stakeholders 

worked to create a national plan to confront AMRs, otherwise known as superbugs. 

He said the exercise was crucial since Minister Joseph and his fellow Ministers of Health will attend the World 

Health Assembly in May and present their Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plans to the world body. Dr. 

Smith said she was confident that the three-year plan will be ready by May 22, 2017. 

Staff from the Environment, Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, among others attended the 2-day 

workshop. The plan has five objectives- public awareness, surveillance 

and research, antimicrobial agent use, partnerships and 

infection prevention and control. 

The PAHO advisor indicated that there are concerns about the 

importation of antibiotics in the country and how they are utilized. 

Stricter policies and regulations of the same are required 

to ensure that people who bring in these products have a license 

to do so. Dr. Rwangabwoba said non-adherence to treatment as 

prescribed is also a major problem which can lead to the development 

of resistance. 

According to the PAHO Consultant, AMRs are a threat all over 

the world. 

Dr. Rwangabwoba remarked that “Even developed countries are 

facing this problem, and that is why it has been brought to the attention of the World Health Organization at a 

global level. It’s not only a problem for human health, but it also has economic implications for animal health 

and the economy in general, so that is why we need to agree not only for the benefit of human population but 

for the economy as well.” 

Plans are in the works to develop a public health laboratory which will allow the country to better monitor and 

reduce the threat of AMRs. The appointment of a full-time drug inspector to assist in addressing the issue of the 

utilization of antimicrobials in the country is also on the cards.



Page 14 

Climate Change Adaptation Project Approved for Antigua’s Northwest Watershed 

The Ministry of Health and the Environment and the Minister, Hon. Molwyn Joseph, are 

pleased to announce that the Adaptation Fund has approved an EC$27 million project, titled, 

An Integrated Approach to Physical Adaptation and Community Resilience in Antigua 

and Barbuda’s Northwest McKinnon’s Watershed. The project will be community specific, 

focusing on the McKinnon’s, Upper Gambles and York’s communities. 

The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are vulnerable to climate change. Climate models project 

that the country will be between 1 and 4°C warmer by the end of the century; we will 

experience a decrease in average rainfall, but greater rainfall variability with more intense 

downpours and extended drought; and that hurricane intensity is likely to increase. The 

number of extremely hots days will increase and this will impact human health and wellbeing, 

as well as mosquito breeding particularly in areas near waterways. This project is designed 

to make the targeted communities more resilient to these effects of climate change. 

Discussions within the communities of Yorks, McKinnon’s, Upper Gambles and surrounding 

areas were first held in 2013 and 2014 during a vulnerability and adaptation analysis. This 

report identified flooding and reduction in property value as the main impacts to the area. 

The Department of Environment, which was accredited as a national implementing entity to 

the Adaptation Fund in 2015, has since been coordinating the project’s development. The 

Adaptation Fund Board approved the Direct Access project – a first for the Eastern Caribbean 

– on 17 th March 2017. 

The McKinnon’s Pond Watershed Climate Adaptation Project has three main outcomes. 

First, the project will restore the waterway from Woods Pond to McKinnon’s Pond. Activities 

include clearing the waterway, enlarging drains, and constructing check dams to prevent 

flooding. The project will also showcase ecosystem-based adaptation by using natural vegetation 

to filter runoff and improve water quality. 

Second, the project will capitalize the national Sustainable Island Resource Framework 

Fund (SIRF Fund) with EC$8 million for the Revolving Fund Programme for Adaptation. Eligible 

homeowners can access this financing through unsecured concessional loans at 2 – 4 

% interest rates for adaptation in buildings – activities such as rainwater guttering and 

tanks, mosquito screens, air conditioning, solar panels, community septic systems, water 

and energy efficient appliances, among others. Technicians will be helping homeowners to 

identify and design adaptation measures to meet the climate resilient Building Code, which 

is under revision by the Development Control Authority. The SIRF Fund regulations have 

been presented to the Cabinet and will be laid before Parliament in the coming months.

Page 15 



The project’s third outcome is for community resilience, by issuing a Call for Proposals through the 

SIRF Fund. This call is for registered community groups to apply for funding to make shelters and 

communal buildings resilient to climate change and for maintaining waterway restoration. 

This integrated approach will ensure that the community as a whole will be able to withstand projected 

climate change impacts while the ecosystems can accommodate increased rainfall. The Adaptation 

Fund project will serve as a model for national planning and implementation of climate change adaptation, 

in line with Antigua and Barbuda’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. 

The project will be implemented over four years, from 2017 to 2021, by the Department of the Environment 

within the Ministry of Health and the Environment. 

MAP OF THE NORTHWEST COAST PROJECT SITE



Page 16 

Under the theme, ‘Depression, Let’s Talk,’ the Ministry 

of Health and the Environment celebrated World Health 

Day 2017 on Friday, April 7 th with a series of activities at 

its headquarters on Lower High Street and Long Streets. 

The opening ceremony attracted a number of high-level 

dignitaries, community activists and health technicians. 

In addressing the gathering, Health and Environment Minister, 

Molwyn Joseph said that plans are in the pipeline to 

review the country’s capabilities to handle and care for the 

mental needs of the population. 

“We are going to have to look at how we institutionalize 

the response to those who are depressed, and we are going 

to have to review our institutional arrangements to determine 

whether or not we have the capacity in place to 

provide the help for those who step forward and to encourage 

those who are too ashamed or afraid of being stigmatized 

to come forward,” declared Joseph. 

He also urged his ministry technicians to join the fight against depression by making the workplace a 

more comfortable and happier place to perform the country’s duties. 

“One of the highest rates of depression can be found in the workplace, and quite often for some people 

the workplace is a very unhappy place and a place where there is a lot of stress. And it’s for this reason why I 

mention the leaders of the Ministry because I want you to understand that every department, every statutory 

body’s leadership must take on the responsibility of ensuring that the workplace becomes a happy place,” said 

Joseph. 

The Minister also paid particular attention to the nation’s youths and noted that more needs to be done in 

the school system to combat stress and anxiety among the youths. 

“Young people should not be having stress. School children should not be having stress. Those are the 

days when you are supposed to be happy, running around enjoying your youthful life; but we are finding out in 

the schools that young people are stressed out. This is a pandemic, the whole issue of depression is a pandemic 

and we must find solutions,” the Health and Environment Minister disclosed. 

Check out Minister's Joseph entire speech at 

http://www.healthwatchantiguaandbarbuda.com/ 

monthly_address



Page 17 

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr James 

Knight and medical practitioner and PA- 

HO Mental Health Focal Point, Dr Teri- 

Ann Joseph also made brief remarks. 

Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator 

and Wellness Committee Chairperson, 

Nurse Valarie Williams spoke of some of 

the dangers a country can face if it fails 

to act decisively where mental health issues 

are concerned. 

“Failure to act is costly. Low levels of 

recognition and access to care for depression 

and other common mental 

health disorder result in economic loss. 

There are losses incurred by household, 

employers and government. Households 

lose out financially when persons are ill 

and cannot work, employers lose out 

when employees become less productive 

and are unable to work while government 

have to pay higher health expenditures,” noted Nurse Williams. 

Following the ceremony, the audience heard lectures on suicide, depression, food and exercise . 

A number of cultural performances which included dances and theatrical presentations and mind 

games such as warri and draughts culminated the day’s programme. 

Audience at World Health Day Fair



Page 18 

PHOTO HIGHLIGHT OF WORLD HEALTH DAY FAIR 2017



Page 19 

More Photo Highlights of World Health Day Activities 2017



Page 20 

Vaccination Week opens in Antigua and Barbuda 

‘Immunization Week is a time for reflection of the success of the immunization programme in Antigua 

and Barbuda and to plan for the future.’ 

The importance of Vaccination Week in the Americas was aptly highlighted at the official opening ceremony 

at the Ministry of Health and the Environment’s headquarters on Monday (April 24 th ) morning. 

Acting Superintendent of Public Health Nurses, Phillipa Roberts said that the countries and territories of the 

Americas and PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) will celebrate two important public health milestones 

related to immunization- the 40 th Anniversary of the formation of the Expanded Programme on Immunization 

(EPI) and the 15 th anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas. 

The Expanded Programme on Immunization is a World Health Organisation Programme initiated in 1977 with 

a goal to make vaccines available to all children throughout the world, by providing countries with guidance 

and support to improve vaccine delivery. 

Nurse Roberts said that Antigua and Barbuda, like many other countries, has a well structured, successful 

vaccination programme which is dependent on the functions of many persons in the healthcare system. 

Presently, Antigua and Barbuda administers about 14 vaccines which protect against many different types of 

organisms and diseases which can be fatal to both adults and children. Nurse Roberts said the HPV Vaccine 

for the Human Papilloma Virus will soon be added to the schedule . 

For the past two years, Antigua and Barbuda has maintained a high coverage of over 90 – 95 percent vaccination 

rate against diseases such as polio, measles, mumps and rubella. 

Nurse Roberts said that although the overall coverage may be high disparities among the districts regarding 

vaccine coverage has been observed. She gave possible reasons for this. 

“This may be the result of existing challenges where there is limited reporting of the use of vaccines that are 

accessed privately, where clients default on appointments on a regular basis, where there are persons that 

refuse vaccines for various reasons, migration of persons, and vaccines known to be administered during regular 

child health visits.’’ 

‘By the end of the year, Antigua and Barbuda will be added to the list of countries that have introduced 

the HPV vaccine.’ 

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rhonda Sealey-Thomas noted that Immunization Week is a time for reflection of the 

success of the immunization programme in Antigua and Barbuda and to plan for the future. She said that the 

nation’s healthcare system must ensure that the diseases that have been eradicated do not return. 

She said with the advances in the field of Immunization, Antigua and Barbuda must not be left behind, and 

she noted that before the end of the year, intense focus will be placed on the HPV Vaccine.



Page 21 

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus worldwide. It can lead 

to infections which can cause cancers and genital warts. Cervical cancer, the second leading cause of 

cancer deaths among women is caused by the HPV virus. 

The Chief Medical Officer said that by the end of the year, Antigua and Barbuda will be added to the list 

of countries that have introduced the HPV vaccine. “We already have the vaccines on island and we will 

be introducing it shortly” she noted. 

Dr. Sealey-Thomas and other speakers at Monday’s opening ceremony stressed the need for a nationwide 

education campaign before the implementation of the HPV vaccine. 

Principal Nursing Officer, Margaret Smith said that there are a number factors which contribute to the 

nation’s achievements in routine vaccination coverage. 

The Ministry of Health and by extension the Government of Antigua and Barbuda were lauded for their 

sustained commitment over the years to provide funding for the immunization programme as well as for 

vaccines. 

Nurse Smith mentioned other key links in building a successful immunization programme. 

“Credit must also go to our collaboration and cooperation with regional and international partners to include 

member states of the Caribbean Community and the Pan American Health Organization who provide 

both financial and technical support for our immunization programme. And of no small importance is 

the tireless efforts of the frontline health workers and support staff, especially our Public Health nurses 

and other nurses working in the Community Clinics, whose responsibility it is to administer vaccines within 

the public sector, as well as the Community Health Aides and support staff such as the bus drivers who 

play an important role in transporting the vaccines to the various clinics around the country. Often, they 

work under difficult conditions and circumstances.” 

L-R– Dr Sealey- 

Thomas, Nurse 

Roberts



Page 22 

Nurse Smith also called for immunization to be integrated with other health services to reduce any 

missed opportunities to identify defaulters and the unreached. She said this strategy would help bring 

them into the fold by organizing more outreach immunization sessions and providing health education on 

the importance of immunization and other health behaviours. 

She also called for a further strengthening of the immunization delivery system to improve vaccine delivery. 

Medical Officer of Health , Dr. Oritta Zachariah urged healthcare workers not to rest on their laurels but 

to advance in tune with changing global trends. 

“We have boasted of an epidemiological shift from communicable diseases such as polio and rubella that 

once caused death and life-long morbidity to one where life expectancy has increased; albeit we have 

simultaneously been plagued by the scourge of NCDs. We now have to embrace the possibilities that science 

presents through advances in vaccine development as we forge a path to better health.” 

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and the Environment, Walter Christopher, noted that the 

Global Vaccine Action Plan has outlined a set of ambitious goals and strategic objectives to broaden the 

impact and reach of immunization. 

In stressing the importance of immunization, he reiterated the government’s commitment to providing 

the necessary resources for maintaining a high level of coverage and access to vaccines in Antigua and 

Barbuda. 

“There is no doubt that immunization, the process by which a person is made resistant to an infectious 

disease, is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health investment that a nation can undertake. 

Investment in vaccination has saved the lives of millions.” 

Reynold Hewitt, PAHO’S Country Programme Specialist highlighted a number of achievements of the Pan 

American Health Organisation over the last 15 years. He mentioned that the region of the Americas is 

the leader in vaccination of which Antigua and Barbuda is a part. Hewitt said that in 1971 the Americas 

became the first region in the world to eliminate small pox. In 1984, the Americas were declared free of 

polio. In 2015, the Americas put an end to rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, and in 2016 measles 

was eliminated.


Page 23 


Chairperson of the opening ceremony, Public Health Nurse Barbara Antonio called for a greater collaborative 

effort between the Ministries of Health and Education in respect of the immunization programme, particularly 

at the primary school level. 

Vaccination Week in the Americas is designed to promote equity and access to immunization, to serve as a 

platform for integrating other activities, to maintain immunization on the political agenda, and to strengthen 

immunization programmes in the region by reaching the underserved population and high-risk groups. 

Other activities during Vaccination Week included an official ceremony in Barbuda, Media Day and Education 

Day. Wednesday and Friday were open days at the community clinics and residents were urged to take advantage 

of the opportunity and upgrade their vaccination status. 

Vaccination Week 2017 was held under the theme, ”It’s a Birthday Party – Get Vax for a Healthy Tomorrow.” 

Attendees at the Opening of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2017



Page 24 

Nurses get timely information on HPV and the Vaccines 

It was a packed agenda for Community Health Nurses 

during the Annual Nurses’ Conference held as part of 

activities for Vaccination Week in the Americas April 22 nd 

-29 th 2017. 

During the forum, the delegates were sensitized and refreshed 

on new trends in the field of vaccines and vaccine-related 

diseases. 

Among the topics addressed were the HPV Virus and the 

HPV vaccines including Gardasil and Cervarix. 

This generated intense discussion as many nurses fielded 

questions about this immunization initiative which is 

expected to be launched later this year in Antigua and 

Barbuda. 

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Oritta Zachariah addressed 

the topic of cervical cancer and Nurse Epidemiologist 

Sybil Smith submitted a presentation on surveillance. 

Acting Superintendent of Public Health Nurses Phillipa Roberts noted the importance of surveillance. 

“If we don’t maintain our surveillance, we can run into problems, for example, outbreaks; when we maintain 

surveillance and we monitor the response to vaccination, it means that we are trying to keep on top of things 

to find out what is happening, what is new, what are the conditions, how do we deal with them, how do we 

manage them, so that in the future we may not have that problem to deal with. Surveillance in any health 

system is important.” 

She said the focus of surveillance is to monitor and assess the impact of strategies and activities for reducing 

morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases. 

The collection, analysis and interpretation of surveillance data are vital to guide vaccination policies and programmes 

and ensure immunization targets are being reached. 

Nurse Roberts` presentation on ‘Strategies to Maintain Vaccine Coverage,’ received a positive response from 

the participants which comprised public health nurses, midwives and student nurses. 

“The higher the rate of the vaccine coverage, the less potential there is for infections and outbreaks,” said 

Nurse Roberts. 

Other senior personnel present at the conference were PAHO’s Country Programme Specialist Reynold Hewitt 

and Principal Nursing Officer Margaret Smith. 

Nurse Smith said the focus on the HPV vaccines during Vaccination Week was very timely.

Page 25 



“In order for us to be able to get the buy-in from the target population to accept the vaccine or to explain 

to persons what it is all about, we ourselves need to understand what it is and be clear in our minds about 

all of the concerns, so we can explain to persons when they ask about it,” remarked Smith 

She said that as the Chief Nursing Officer responsible for Nursing and Midwifery in the country, it is critical 

for her to be present at forums like these to interact with the nurses who are the ones who actually administer 

the vaccines, learn from them what is happening on the ground and how much more needs to be 

done with respect to the continuation of an effective vaccination programme in the nation. 

Continuing, the PNO said that discussions about the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) among 

the nurses in such forums can be very helpful in the planning process as they go forward. 

“During these sessions, we discuss about what is actually happening, the achievements that we’ve had 

over the years and most importantly, what are the challenges we are experiencing with vaccine administration, 

what are some of the things we are doing well and what are some of the things that are not being 

done in a way that we would like and how we can improve our immunisation programme.” 

She challenged her colleagues to continue to impart accurate information to the public to help them become 

more knowledgeable about the safety and benefits of vaccines. 

Nurse Smith said a massive public awareness campaign is being worked on to ensure the public understands 

the new HPV vaccine, its benefits and how it can help in the prevention of cervical cancer. 

“This is critical because there is a lot of misinformation that has gone out and so we want to really make 

sure that the public understands what the facts 

are about the HPV vaccine before we actually introduce 

it, in order to get the public’s support so 

that when we begin the intervention, we may 

have persons coming in voluntarily having understood 

the value of this vaccine to our population.” 

She said other countries within the region such as 

Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica have already initiated 

their HPV vaccine administration and Antigua 

and Barbuda will seek to learn from their experience. 

Paediatrician Dr Arlene Sorhaindo, who has been 

in practice for the past 17 years, conducted the 

presentation on the HPV Virus and the vaccine. 

She said there is a lot of work to be done to inform 

and educate the public about the HPV virus. 

“As you know, there are probably over two hundred HPV viruses and there are many of them in particular 

that cause cervical cancer. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and 

we have to try and do something to reduce cervical cancer and to sensitize everyone about the vaccine.



Page 26 

“I’m hoping the vaccine is well received 

but as I was telling the nurses, they 

have to educate themselves so that we 

can educate others.” 

Dr. Sorhaindo further suggested that 

the major sensitization groundwork 

should be completed before introducing 

the HPV vaccine to the public. 

‘Well, I think we have to show them that 

cervical cancer is really serious. Just this 

year, I know two personal friends that 

died from cervical cancer. It is very, 

very common and in 2017 we really 

should not have deaths from cervical 

cancer and hopefully, the vaccine will 

help to reduce this. We must also inform 

persons that if they are sexually active, 

they should get a pap smear because 

getting the vaccine alone is not going to 

stop the spread of this virus.” 

Dr Sorhaindo noted that because the virus can be spread without sexual intercourse, it is critical that 

healthcare personnel reach out to those who are not yet engaged in sexual activity, thus the reason for 

the target audience being 9 to 13-year-olds. 

“Take for instance, contact with people who have let’s say, genital warts; so you have two young teenagers, 

they are not actually having intercourse, but they are lying closely together, they can pass it on.” 

Dr Sorhaindo said that with the availability of social media and other information devices, it is expected 

that there would be mixed reactions 

or 

obstacles to the HPV vaccine, but the 

public health authorities must press 

on.

Page 27 



Address by PNO Nurse Margaret Smith at Official Opening of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2017 

‘Vaccines save lives, strengthen societies and shape the future of human health’ 

I am delighted to give these brief remarks to help launch Immunization Week in the Americas April 22 nd 

to 29 th . This week marks the 15 th year of celebrating this remarkable success and achievements in Immunization 

in the Americas. This event is also been celebrated in other regions of the world to include 

Africa, Asia, Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, among others. All of these regions have drawn on 

the experiences of the Americas to develop similar initiatives to promote equity and access to vaccines, 

strengthen their vaccination programmes and identify and reach those who do not or are unable to access 

health services and thus are at the greatest risk for developing vaccine-preventable diseases. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), few interventions have had a greater impact on the 

global public than vaccines and few development programmes today, offer a more cost-effective way to 

save lives, strengthen societies and shape the future of human health. 

Immunization programmes in the Americas have made enormous strides in reducing morbidity and mortality 

caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. It has been estimated that more than half of the reductions 

in childhood mortality in Latin America and Caribbean countries are attributable to immunization. 

But the reality is, that the work is far from finished. This is because across the world, 22.6 million children 

still miss basic vaccines and some 1.5 million die each year from diseases vaccines could have easily 

prevented, according to the United Nations children Fund (UNICEF) 2015. 

UNICEF further reports that although the gains made in the high vaccine coverage levels of most countries 

and based on what we just heard from the acting Superintendent of Public Health Nurses, we can 

say this includes Antigua and Barbuda, gaps still exist. Our overall vaccination coverage based on the latest 

data is above 97%. Compared to WHO’s recommended standard for coverage of > 90%, this is quite 

remarkable. 

But the same cannot be said of all countries of the Americas where coverage for some antigens is considerably 

less than the recommended standard. According to the World Health Organization, inadequate 

immunization coverage rate usually results from limited resources, competing health priorities, poor 

management of health systems and inadequate surveillance. 

Within Antigua and Barbuda’s context, factors which contribute to our achievement in routine vaccination 

coverage include the Ministry of Health and by extension of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s 

sustained commitment over the years to provide funding for our immunization programme as well as for 

vaccines. 

Credit must also go to our collaboration and cooperation with regional and international partners to include 

member states of the Caribbean Community and Pan American Health Organization who provide 

both financial and technical support for our immunization programme.



Page 28 

And of no small importance is the tireless efforts of the frontline health workers and support staff, especially 

our Public Health nurses and other nurses working in the Community Clinics, whose responsibility 

it is to administer vaccines within the public sector which provides by far the largest amount of 

coverage, as well as Community Health Aides and support staff such as the bus drivers who play an 

important role in transporting the vaccines to the various clinics around the country. Often, they work 

under difficult conditions and circumstances. Let us put our hands together and give these individuals a 

round of applause for their contribution to this tremendous achievement. 

So, as we celebrate Vaccination Week 2017 under the theme get vaccinated for a healthy tomorrow, 

we must ask ourselves, what will it take to continue to maintain our high vaccination coverage, while at 

the same time fill the existing gaps by reach the unreached even though the number appears to be relatively 

small. 

First, we must continue to integrate immunization with other health services to reduce any missed opportunities 

to identify defaulters and the unreached and bring them into the fold by organizing more 

outreach immunization sessions and provide health education on the importance of immunization and 

other health behaviours. 

Second, we must seek to further strengthen our immunization delivery system to improve vaccine delivery. 

We must reach every child in every community, in every village, and in all of society with the 

right vaccine, at the right time and in the right condition. 

Thirdly, we must ensure that adequate resources both human and material are allocated to our immunization 

programme. In relation to human resources, we must ensure that we have adequate numbers 

of nurses with the right skill-sets, who are competent, motivated and appropriately deployed within the 

community health services. These include Public Health Nurses and advanced practice nurses to include 

family nurse practitioners. I must especially emphasize this last category, as they are critical not only 

in relation to our expanded programme of immunization, but also for the operationalization of the 

whole concept of universal access and universal coverage, as well as the Sustainable Development Goal 

especially Goal #3 – the health and well-being of all people and its related targets. 

We also must seek to strengthen our vaccine policies in a way that will maintain maximum coverage as 

well as strengthen our surveillance, data management system and quality assurance mechanisms 

which are critical for evidence-based decision making.

Page 29 



The Ministry of Health also must continue to provide a sustained budget to fund our national EPI programme 

and We must continue to build public trust in immunization through outreach at the community 

level in every clinic in every community. It is imperative that we make the reopening of clinics that are 

currently closed – Cobbs Cross, Pears, John Hughes and of course Judges Hill a priority, as their reopening 

will help to enhance equity in access to vaccine services in these communities. 

We also must continue to build parent’s confidence in vaccines and encourage them to play their part by 

bringing their children to vaccine sessions at the clinics, thus adhering to the national schedule. 

Lastly, and by no means the least we must continue to increase awareness and understanding, openly 

sharing information, and opening up public discussion on immunization safety, quality, importance and 

benefits. 

And we must keep up the vaccination campaign during and outside of annual vaccination week, in order 

to reach every child, as only by doing so will we be able to eradicate the over 20 deadly vaccinepreventable 

diseases. 

Let me take this opportunity to wish us all a successful vaccination campaign this vaccination week 2017. 

Thank you 

Far Right – PNO Smith

Page 30 



Open Day at the Community Health Clinics 

One of the highlight events of Vaccination Week in the 

Americas (April 22 nd to 29 th ) were open days (Wednesday 

26th and Friday 28 th ) at the public health clinics throughout 

Antigua and Barbuda. 

The two days were interactive as healthcare workers, seeking 

to foster a better relationship with the public, set aside 

their regular duties to answer questions and conduct sessions 

on a one and one basis. Old, middle aged and young 

persons were encouraged to come into the clinics to ask any 

question pertaining to health conditions they were concerned 

about. 

The main objective of the open days was to raise awareness 

about the immunization programme by highlighting the importance 

and benefits of vaccines as well as educating and 

explaining to parents and prospective parents, the role vaccines 

play in a child’s development since they aid in the prevention of many childhood diseases. 

Most clinics were able to blend the child health clinics with the open days. Babies from 0-3 years were 

assessed and given their vaccines while some older children were interviewed by healthcare professionals. 

Nurses at three of the country’s major clinics were saddened by the poor turnout of adults as only a few 

took advantage of the opportunity to come into the clinics to interact with them and get their vaccination 

status assessed or updated. 

District nurse\ midwife Emelda Peters of the Grays Farm Clinic expressed her views on the Wednesday, 

April 26 th open day event. 

“We had a fairly good turnout of children. Quite a good number of the child health clinics participated 

but we had only two adults. One was covered while the other was able to obtain her last vaccine. It was 

a bit disappointing to see so few adults but some persons in the society have reservations regarding vaccines. 

Although we are concerned about that we cannot let it deter us. We have to continue educating 

them and hope that things will change.” 

At the Browne’s Avenue Clinic, child health was the focus as district nurse Joseann Campbell shed light 

on some aspect of the process. 

“When the children attain the age of five years, they are assessed to ascertain their cognitive development; 

they are also interviewed. We try to find out if they are eating well and the things they like or do 

not like, after which they are sent to the laboratory for blood and stool tests to check for parasites and 

abnormal blood count. We also check for illnesses or any health complications. If none are evident then 

we administer the vaccines.”

Page 31 


NEWSLETTER— APRIL 2017 

When and if there are complications, further blood 

and stool tests will be carried out to ensure the blood 

is free of parasites and that there is no abnormal 

blood count.” 

At the Clare Hall Clinic, the situation was similar with 

a low attendance by adults some of whom heard of 

the open day by way of the media, but public health 

nurse Andrea Shepherd Lewis was optimistic. 

“We have an excellent immunization programme with 

97% coverage. Although today and Friday are open 

days at the clinics, they are open every day, from 

Monday to Friday. We are also encouraging persons 

to come and those with health cards to bring them so 

we can examine them to determine what they lack. 

Once that is done, we will be more than happy to 

give them the vaccines or place them on our vaccination schedule”, Nurse Lewis explained. 

Nurse Lewis further explained the many stages of vaccines as it relates to infants and young children. 

“Our vaccines begin at two months, which is when the first dose or Pentavalent is given. Although it is 

one injection, it is really a combination of five vaccines intended to protect against diseases such as 

Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus Influenza Type B. 

This is followed by a second dose at four months, while the third dose is given at six months. When that 

child reaches a year, he or she will then be covered for measles, rubella and mumps” stated Nurse Lewis. 

The healthcare professional said once persons are immunized against certain diseases, there will no 

need for the overuse of antibiotics. She stressed that vaccines save lives.



Page 32 

Youths lend their voices to the real issues of climate change 

What is the world going to look like in the next 50 years? 

That’s the Question that was put forward by Taiera McFarlane of the Potters Seventh-Day Adventist 

Youth Group which is involved in the construction of a huge water reserve through the Global Environment 

Fund (GEF), Small Grants Project. 

McFarlane told delegates at a Cartagena Dialogue Reception at Shirley’s Heights that the greenhouse effect 

is real, and this phenomenon should pique the interests of all. 

“A hole in the ozone layer is a concern for everything and everyone under the sun. Glaciers melting at 

significant speeds pose a problem to nations both great and small. All hands are needed on deck if we 

are looking to make serious strides towards climate change,” McFarlane remarked. 

She called on the youth in particular to be agents of change regarding matters of climate change as it is 

the future generation that would be more affected. 

McFarlane said that it is important that the youths understand that they play a major role in attacking 

climate change and that the benefits of their participation will be experienced generations and generations 

down the line. 

“One youth taking action today may save a hundred or a thousand lives in the years to come,” stated 

McFarlane. 

She said that as a youth of Antigua and Barbuda, climate change is a big deal to her as we are presently 

experiencing our longest drought, which according to the MET office has been ongoing since the year of 

2009. 

She added, “in fact, the year of 2015 was considered the driest year since at least 1871. It was reported 

that a total of 20.7 inches of rainfall fell in 2015, a significant difference from the average amount of 

rainfall said to occur within Antigua and Barbuda, which is 41.4 inches.” 

Ms. McFarlane

Page 33 



In order to combat this dry spell within her community of Potters Village, McFarlane revealed that the 

Potters Seventh Day Adventist Youth Group was able to secure grant funding for the construction of a 

one hundred thousand gallon cistern, which will be used to assist in mitigating the effects of drought 

within the community. 

“There was much excitement every Sunday as we gather at the Potters Seventh Day Adventist Church to 

lend a helping hand. All hands were on deck as we got down to some serious work.” 

She said that in order to reduce the release of carbon monoxide and other emissions into the environment, 

which contributes to global warming, the Potters Youth Group arranged for the first set of solar 

panels to be installed at the Potter’s SDA Church. 

“We were very thrilled to know that we were the first to bring such an initiative to the Adventist community. 

It is our hope that the entire church and youth centre will, in the near future, depend solely on solar 

energy. Both projects are avenues through which my youth group and I would have attacked the issue 

of Climate Change,” said McFarlane. 

She implored the youth in Antigua and Barbuda to take note of Climate Change because it is a real global 

problem and Antigua and Barbuda is not exempt from its effects and future consequences. 

McFarlane questioned how many species will exist in the next century and how many would become extinct. 

Moreover, she pondered on what will be our status as humans. 

Mr. Beazer



Page 34 

“These are all questions we seek to answer in the face of Climate Change. With severe droughts, extended 

and harsh hurricane seasons, coral bleaching, increased sea levels, flooding and extremely hot 

weather, nations around the globe are uniting hands and working together to address and attack the 

effects of Climate Change,” she concluded. 

Another young climate change activist who spoke at the reception was Khalief Beazer of Precise Development 

Foundation (PDF) Inc.PDF is a non-profit organization based here in Antigua, committed to nation-building 

through the promotion of ethical values-based initiatives. 

Beazer said that for a number of years now, PDF has been designing and executing programmes based 

on climate-smart agricultural practices and focused on sustainability. One such project is the PDF Hydroponics 

Farm located in Paynters Industrial Park, St. George, Antigua. It is set on approximately 

4900 sq. ft. of land and comprises 17 bays and has the capacity to produce approximately 5,712 heads 

of lettuce. 

The Hydroponics Farm was started in 2014 through a grant from the Global Environment Fund (GEF), 

Small Grants Project. Its aim is to use appropriate technology that creates the conditions that facilitates 

a consistent water supply in the face of water challenges posed by climate change. It was also 

designed to provide educational opportunities for farmers and students of Agricultural Science. 

According to Beazer, lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow hydroponically and reaches maturity in 

a shorter time through this process than when it is grown on land. 

“Cultivating lettuce in bays allows for a more efficient use of land as much more can be grown via this 

method as opposed to utilizing soil. This project was also 

pursued as it prevented soil degradation through minimal 

use of fertilizers. These are key factors to a sustainable agricultural 

system in Antigua,” explained Beazer. 

Hydroponics, by definition, is a method of growing plants in 

a water-based, nutrient-rich solution. The basic premise behind 

hydroponics is to allow the plant's roots to come in direct 

contact with the nutrient solution, while also having 

access to oxygen. 

Beazer remarked, “the decision to start the Hydroponics 

Farm was based on the strong awareness that there is need 

to develop ways of sustaining ourselves. This project has 

proven that it can be a cost-effective component of securing 

our food supply. Lettuce is now part of the average Antiguan 

diet, as evidenced by the increase in our supermarket 

sales on weekends.”



Page 35 

He said that the solar panels installed at the facility assist with the reduction in the use of traditional 

electricity. 

It is estimated to reduce Green House Gas emissions by 395 metric tons over the next 25 years. 

The health and safety of those involved in the farming along with those who live and work in the area are 

of greatest priority. 

The use of the natural neem pesticide and fertilizer, according to Beazer, guards against the emission of 

greenhouse gases. 

They also allow for immediate reaping and consumption of lettuce produce. 

The hydroponics project has become a focal point for climate-smart agriculture. 

As a result, several NGOs have come to PDF for advice in establishing hydroponics and renewable energy 

projects. 

Attendees at Cartegena Dialogue reception at Shirley’s Height



Page 36 

Timely Information and Health Tips!!!!!!!! 

Weight loss shortcuts that Work! 

Trying to lose weight but it seems to be an insurmountable task? 

How about taking a shortcut to start on your way to achieving your long term goal? These tips are 

not intended to shed pounds in a hurry but to help you realize that small changes can go a long 

way to reaching your goal. 

1. Eliminate alcohol- Alcohol is loaded with calories and 

can cause bloating and dehydration. If you are a regular 

drinker, which is having a drink more than once per week, 

stop drinking for a month and you will see how quickly the 

weight can go down. After the month when you reintroduce it 

to the diet limit your consumption so you do not lose the 

gains you have made. 

2. Don’t eat after 9 pm- Some persons tend to get the 

munchies at night while trolling the web, working or watching 

TV. Cutting off the snacks at that time can help you eliminate 

those extra calories. Plus you are probably only eating at 

that time due to boredom, stress or habit. 

3. Drink only water- Yes I said it- Only water! Try for a 

month to give up all your sugar laden drinks such as juices, 

sodas, tea and coffee and replace with water or unsweetened 

tea. You will probably see a difference in weight 

sooner than a month but it will be good motivation for you 

to drink more water and less sweetened beverages.


NEWSLETTER— APRIL 2017 

Page 37 

4. Eat protein and Fiber at every meal – These 

are your filler upper foods and once consumed 

can help you consume less starchy delights. 

For breakfast if having oats which is high fiber, 

boil an egg and have it along side it or at 

lunch add stewed beans or a salad with your 

chicken or fish. 

5. Forget the bread – It is well known that 

bread is a staple of our diets that is consumed 

in large quantities. Taking it out of the diet 

may seem drastic but you will feel and see 

the difference without it in less than a month. 

In place of bread in the morning you can use 

beans, boiled plantain or cereal. 

Adopting anyone of these tips alone or together can result in weight loss. However, for best 

results it’s important to remember that baby steps can lead to big losses in the long run. 

How much do you know about the dangers of Styrofoam? 

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will soon be placing 

restrictions on the importation and use of Expanded Polystyrene 

(Styrofoam) Food Service Products. The Ministry of Health & the 

Environment seeks your feedback. How much do you really know 

about the environmental and health dangers of Styrofoam? 


https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7KQBQPP


NEWSLETTER—MARCH 2017 

UPCOMING NOTICES AND EVENTS!!!!!!!! 

Exercise Class…. 

The Ministry of Health and the Environment’s 

Exercise Class takes place every 

Tuesday , 5.00pm in front of the Ministry 

of Health and the Environment’s headquarters 

at Lower High and Long Streets. 

World No Tobacco Day 2017 

Antigua and Barbuda will observe 

World No Tobacco Day on May 31st 

2017. A number of activities will be 

held leading up to the occasion. 

Breast Friends/Scotia Bank Mother’s Day 

Walk 

Saturday 20th May 2017 

Time– 4.45am 

Route– from Scotiabank High Street t– Jabberwock Beach


NEWSLETTER—MARCH 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. Bertrand Joseph , Mr. Adlai 

Carrott and MSJMC’S Communications team. 

In our May 2017 ISSUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

World No Tobacco Day activities bring fresh awareness to related diseases 

And many more interesting articles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Happy Reading!!!!! 

Like us on Facebook 

www.facebook.com/investingforwellness 

www.healthwatchantiguaandbarbuda.com 


https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7KQBQPP 

How much do you know about the dangers of Styrofoam products?

NEWSLETTER- APRIL 2017

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