Hassell: work together!

In order to efficiently and effectively discuss the issue of non-communicable diseases in our island, all sectors across the economy need to work together to deal with the growing epidemic.

These sentiments came during the address of Sir Trevor Hassell, Chairman of the National Commission for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, last week during the annual Week of Excellence programme.

Acknowledging that usually health care providers make statements like this, Hassell reminded persons of the words of the late Prime Minister, the Honourable David Thompson where he stated that unless the issue of chronic diseases is discussed in an effective manner, there will be a halt of the progress that has been made in the Caribbean since Independence. For Hassell, the fact that a person in such a position made such a comment is cause enough for us sit up and take note of how to address the issue.

He enthused that if we are to effectively discuss the matter, then all members making up the different sectors of the economy need to come together to address this growing issue. Hassell also believed that the issue of chronic diseases is not exclusive to the Ministry of Health and said that it is the responsibility of all of us to decide to come together as one and address the issue in all settings, whether it be work, play, school or worship.

The Chairman went on to say that the issue of the lack of wellness has taken centre stage over the past decade due to the epidemic of chronic illness which lead to death and reported that this unhealthy living is slowing down the national development.

Revealing that the national workplace wellness programme was the birth child of Senior Assistant General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, Orlando “Gabby” Scott, Hassell announced that although it is at a very early stage in crafting, it is already being considered to be shared regionally as an example of best practices and one for adoption across CARICOM.

Essentially, he believes that the national workplace wellness policy in many respects seeks to build on the very rich tradition in Barbados in which employer and workplace representatives come together over many years to improve the workplace environment so that workers may become more productive.