crime and violence as a public health issue
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CARICOM Statement | Adoption Of UN Security Council Resolution 2793 on Haiti
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomes the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2793 that will transition the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) with a more robust UN-authorised mandate. This provides new hope for an end to violence and for the restoration of public safety for the people of Haiti, who have suffered gravely at…
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Grenada Leads Regional Charge against Non-Communicable Diseases with PAHO Hearts Initiative
Grenada has officially achieved national scale-up of the PAHO HEARTS initiative, marking a major milestone in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are no longer just a public health concern in Grenada—they are a national priority. In 2019, NCDs accounted for over 80% of all deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases responsible for four of the…
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Caribbean Health Leaders Call for Urgent Action to Build Resilient Health Systems amidst Climate and Economic Threats
“Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just a social priority; it is an economic imperative.”– Hon. Philip Telesford | Minister of Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs | Grenada and Chair of the 50th COHSOD-Health CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana | Saturday, 27…
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COHSOD–Health Chair Urges Stronger Health Systems to Withstand Climate and Financial Shocks
“Our health systems remain vulnerable to hurricanes and floods. These events remind us of the urgent need for resilient health systems and integrated disaster response strategies. The evolving economic landscape has added another layer of complexity. Diseases carry profound financial consequences, resulting in losses due to reduced productivity and rising healthcare costs. Such realities highlight that health is not just…
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Message | Dr Carla Barnett | Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) | Caribbean Wellness Day | 13 September 2025
Even as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) makes progress in advancing sustainable development, we face the continuing and costly challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes remain the leading causes of illness and death across our Region. Lifestyle factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption, erode the health of our people,…
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“This Plan is both Responsive and Forward-Looking”: CARICOM DSG on CARPHA’s Strategy to Tackle Regional Health Crises
“The CARICOM Secretariat sees [the CARPHA Strategic Plan 2025–2030] as an opportunity to strengthen structured collaboration between the Secretariat, CARPHA and other regional entities, and a road map to guide how Member States align their priorities and collaborate on critical regional imperatives. Ladies and gentlemen, this will no doubt require coordinated approaches to resource mobilisation, clear implementation roles across the…
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CARICOM Chair Calls for Regional Unity to Disrupt Criminal Networks
“I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the war on terror.” Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MPChair, CARICOMPrime Minister, Jamaica CARICOM Heads of Government have agreed to tackle the Region’s crime and security challenge with the adoption of the Montego Bay Declaration…
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Keynote Address | Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP | Prime Minister of Jamaica | Chairman of CARICOM | 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government| 6 July 2025
Thank you, colleagues. Let me acknowledge Senator Janice Allen, representing the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, Chief Ministers and Ministers of Government, Members of the Judiciary, The newly installed president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of regional and international organizations, Distinguished delegates, Specially…
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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness assumes chairmanship of CARICOM
Effective today, 1 July 2025, Dr The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As we prepare for the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Holness has shared a message outlining his vision and priorities for the Community. Please…
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“Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim” – CARICOM Secretary-General
“Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim. April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence. The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with…
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