Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is calling for an increase in public health education.
In an end of year Government Information Service interview, he said a national plan to address chronic non communicable diseases (CNCDS) must place greater emphasis on getting the message out continuously to all nationals.
“While we have the plan and we have resources attached to the plan, both human and financial, I would like it to be more in the faces of our people: at school, at home, on the buses, on television. I do not get the sense it is at that level. Having a workshop is one thing but the continuous education is critical,” he emphasized.
Skerrit has long been speaking about addressing CNCDS, as reports indicate of increases in cases of diabetes, cancer and obesity on the island.
“This is creating havoc not only in Dominica but in the region and in the wider world. I get the sense that we are not taking care of ourselves as we should,” he said.
The Prime Minister has warned against regular consumption of fast food and meals and beverages with high sugar content. Lack of exercise is also a problem, he noted.
“There are more vehicles in the streets of Dominica and people no longer walk short distances,” he pointed out.
Skerrit hopes “that we as individual citizens can take greater heed of the need to take care of our health.”
This topic is a bunch of crap…. really thats a pressing issue in Dominica right now???
Gosh man
Mr. PM I quite agree with you. However, just a few notes on how to start getting some results. It is also true that Dominicans simply don’t walk. Although this is not going to fix all the problems but let’s first start by having better sidewalks in our cities so that at least people will have a place to walk instead of driving. The city of Roseau is simply not accessible by foot. It is the most dreadful to walk on the face of this earth. Health education is a lot of work but let’s start by making our sidewalks one that pedestrians can truly use. We have banks and other business place, private homes taking up the sidewalks, this should not be. For mothers with strollers and others in wheelchairs they simply cannot navigate the streets of roseau. I guess only cars can use the streets that’s why there’s so many of them on the streets. But really, let’s start here first. And by the way if you want people to visit your city/country they should be at least be able to walk. Your city is not condusive to walking. It is just not a pleasant walk in town, so let’s start here and the rest will follow.
I THOUGHT THAT WAS TIMOTHY’S JOB
Mr Skerrit and his government need to lead by example.Exemplary leadership will do much more than all the talk!!
That’s commendable, Mr. Prime Minister. Improving the quality of life of the average Dominican also includes teaching them how to live healthier lifestyles. A nation’s health is its wealth.
‘Globalization’ has had and will continue to have the wrongful effect on Dominica. In addition, you as head of government has allowed the intervention of fast food investments in the country. I am very sure that every Dominican knows how to fry chicken, stew or even steam…potatoes were long eaten in a broth or fish water before fried by KFC. While KFC employs a tiny percentage of the population on either ends of the country. Why not create avenues for greater investments that employs a larger percentage of the population? May I suggest Hotels and Resorts? The country needs more rooms for accommodating a higher influx of tourist that can appreciate and further market eco-tourism.
Again, while transportation is a factor affecting ‘GLOBALIZATION’,you’re right – too many vehicles are on the streets. People refuse to walk 5-10-15 minute downtown, across to their neighbour or even along the way. You are very right lack of exercise contributes to obesity. But let’s not forget the consumption of alcohol by both men and women. I am aware that the lifestyle in Dominica promotes such activity, but seriously, NOT in such high intake. Natives show no regard to the detriments alcohol consumption, more so to the lives of others, especially bus drivers! Another lapse for every government who has been there before your body and any governing affiliation to follow. The Ministry of Transportation has yet to effect laws that govern the use of traffic routes around the country.
Why have schools on the country if the Education System is failing? Dominicans need to be educated in all aspects of life – mainly self-identity with a purpose as oppose to being followers. While not everyone can be leaders, but ‘WE’ need greater leaders that motivate and empower the natives with facts and honest methods and means – NOT by coercion and lack of basic needs.
Well Skerritt talking all of a sudden papa !!!!!!!
I would love to blinking know….. and ppl so dumb falling for his crap, talkin bout KFC stupes thank god for KFC for giving us the lil work they do… as small as the number of ppl is working there they are ppl that wouldnt be employed otherwise. Mr. G is such a jack and hope you seem to be a bit slow to… kudos Skerrit on a nice distraction from your bs, uummm ppl cant walk through town cuz uuuhhh they are no side walks no space……uuuuhhh ppl cant walk through their villages cuz the roads are crap…. if hes so concerned about the average dominicans well being get us jobs, fix the streets of dominca, build a blasted decent airport so ppl can OVER NIGHT on our island. Stop wasting ppls time and trying to momoguide them with nonsense like this just a bunch of horse crap and oh poor gullible dominican’s feeding into it. God help my country. BS
I share your concerns too Mr. PM. Our eating habits are very bad and we no longer walk and drink water …
the answer is that simple, the Gov and youth groups need to implement sport facility through out the Island, after school program, counselling for the young people.rehab programs.health talk programs and so on, Dominica is a green and Natural country so we need to eat what we grow.am sure we will see a change in the life of the people.