Ministry of Health Observes Caribbean Wellness Day 2025 with Focus on Healthy Lifestyles
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs today joined the rest of the region in commemorating Caribbean Wellness Day 2025 under the theme “Engage, Empower, Elevate: Working together to improve health and well-being for all.”
The day’s activities began with a brief opening ceremony at the Ministry’s Headquarters, attended by senior technicians, staff, and invited guests. The programme featured presentations from the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, and the Permanent Secretary, Colin O’Keiffe, who highlighted the importance of healthy living and workplace wellness in advancing national health priorities.
In his address, Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, underscored the importance of Caribbean Wellness Day as a unifying moment in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
“Here in Antigua and Barbuda, as in the rest of the region, NCDs remain the leading causes of death and disability. They take a toll on our families, our workplaces, and our economy. The encouraging news is that these diseases are largely preventable. Through healthier diets, increased physical activity, reduced tobacco and alcohol use, and regular health screenings, we can prevent or delay the onset of NCDs,” Minister Joseph said.
The Minister emphasized that wellness must become a daily practice and encouraged staff to lead by example.
“As a Ministry, we have a duty not only to lead in policy but also to lead by example. That is why today we are offering free health screenings for our staff, and why we are delighted to provide fruit and vegetable gift bags. This is a practical and symbolic gesture — one that reinforces the message of the Caribbean Plate and reminds us that healthy eating supports both our personal well-being and our local farmers,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of workplace wellness as an investment in the nation’s future:
“Healthy employees are more productive, more engaged, and more resilient. By investing in the health of our staff, we are strengthening the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In other words, when we care for ourselves, we are better able to care for the nation.”
Caribbean Wellness Day, first established in 2007 as part of the Port of Spain Declaration on NCDs, continues to raise awareness about the health and economic burden of chronic diseases and to inspire action at every level of society.
This year’s observance reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that wellness is not only celebrated annually but integrated into daily life, policies, and communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
