Message From The Minister of Heath
The Honourable Dr. Duane Sands MP
It is indeed an honour to bring greetings to such an esteemed group of medical doctors, professionals and students at this, the University of The West Indies’ 11th Annual Research Day, under the theme “Obesity in The Bahamas: Are We theBiggest Losers?” I wish at this time to extend a warm welcome to my fellow medical colleagues from throughout the region who specialize in the field of Public Health, Food and Nutrition for accepting the invitation to present at this much needed forum. I wish to express my gratitude and that of The Bahamas Government for your willingness to impart your knowledge and sharing your experience relative to the theme and topics outlined in the two-day programme. These intervention undoubtedly will allow for the sharing of strategic views on the challenges of obesity in The Bahamas and also would under-score the need for more research.
Message from the Minister of Education
The Honourable Jeffrey L. Lloyd, MP
It is indeed a privilege for me to extend greetings to the organizers of The University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research Bahamas, on this 11th Annual Research Day. This event continues to have a significant impact on our nation as it strives to improve the health of our people through indigenous research. It is also a reservoir of information which policymakers, educators, and non-governmental agencies draw from to make sound health decisions on behalf of our citizens.
I am particularly pleased to note that this year’s theme is, “Obesity in The Bahamas: Are We the Biggest Losers?” To those of us in the Ministry of Education, the issue of obesity is a grave concern as it is a serious problem among our student population. We have initiated many programmes in conjunction with local and international partners to combat this vexing problem. Some of these initiatives include: the Ministry of Health/Ministry Education Healthy School Initiative,
Message from Royal Bank
Nathaniel Beneby, Managing Director,
RBC Royal Bank is pleased to sponsor the 11th Annual Research Day held by the University of the West Indies Clinical Programme, The Bahamas. For over a century RBC and our employees have been an integral part of The Bahamas helping causes, supporting needs, and giving back to the communities we serve.
Supporting research and educational initiatives that will improve the health of Bahamians is a core area of focus for our community involvement programmes. Our goal is to provide sponsorships and donations that will have a lasting social impact.
Message from the Director
Dr. Robin Roberts
Once again our Research Committee sets out in its mission “To facilitate the improvement of health of the people of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas through clinical research that will produce valuable knowledge for the prevention and management of diseases, and formulation of health policies and programmes.”
No health care malady presents a greater burden in our population than obesity. With a national profile of two out of every three persons in the Bahamas being overweight, and one out of every three children of school age, the need for national policies and interventions cannot be overstated. The CDC in its missive on Adult Obesity, Causes and Consequences underscores the magnitude of this public and global health issue: “obesity is a serious concern because it is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, reduced quality of life, and the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.”
Message from the Research Committe
Dr Darron Halliday
Throughout the region, non-communicable diseases have been on the rise at an alarming rate. Owing to this “tidal wave” PAHO reported that Caribbean Leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the region, in a recent meeting in 2015 as 3 of every 4 citizens died of a non-communicable disease.
These NCDs include diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and cancer are significant underlying causes of death in the region. Prof Henry of the University of Technology, Jamaica noted in 2016 that an increase in obesity in the region is linked to the rise in NCDs and that a significant shift in public policy is required to curb this epidemic.