18 January 2024 – Dominica, Roseau – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held its first post-harvest technology and collaborative training session of the year with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy for extension officials, processors, and farmers on January 15 at the Fisheries Complex in Roseau, Dominica. During the week-long training led by FAO, the group of 25 participants gained thorough understanding of harvest and post-harvest technology and best practices, with an emphasis on lowering product losses, boosting value chain efficiency, and improving crop quality and safety.  Dr Mohammed Majeed, Post-Harvest Specialist, drilled down on critical topics such as post-harvest loss quantification, pre-harvest factors affecting shelf life, quality measurement procedures, packaging, cooling, temperature management and transportation.  This approach was successful in providing participants with comprehensive insights on methods to increase the yields of high-value vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet peppers, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers. Ahead of the customized training, the Ministry of Agriculture sought FAO’s technical assistance to evaluate the feasibility of growing a variety of vegetables, including imported temperate crops, across Dominica’s diverse agroclimatic zones back in 2023. This scoping study considered key factors such as elevation, year-round water availability for irrigation, and the quality and varieties of seeds available.  Findings from the study identified specific agroclimatic zones suitable for cultivating specialty vegetable crops which have the potential to reduce imports, increase farmers’ incomes, and create opportunities for export to neighboring countries.  In speaking about the success of the training which considered the island's high susceptibility to climate change and scarcity of arable land, among other agricultural issues,  Mrs Anne Desrochers, FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Specialist stated, “improved harvest and post-harvest practices are important to improve quality, minimize food waste and achieve food safety. This training will increase local capacities and knowledge within the Ministry of Agriculture as part of the objectives agreed in the current project of the Technical Cooperation Programme to boost high value vegetable crop production”. Grand Fond farmer Mr Marcus Cuffy who attended the training benefited significantly from the information he learnt, especially about cold storage.  He expressed, “the session was very informative. I intend to share the knowledge with other farmers and put what I learnt into practice”. Mr Keian Stephenson, Technical Extension Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO National Correspondent stated that, "the farmers demonstrated a great deal of interest in ways they can reduce harvest loss during the training,". They learnt simple, but practical methods that will increase the amount of produce that reaches the market and put more money in their pockets. On the other hand, exporters and handlers gained knowledge on how to enhance their packaging and minimize losses in their pack houses”. By applying the skills and insights gained from this training, stakeholders in Dominica’s agricultural sector are now better equipped to strengthen local food production, enhance food security, build a sustainable and resilient future. Contact for more information:Ann DesrochersPlant Production and Protection SpecialistAnne.Desrochers@fao.org, filtered_html

The intervention aims to build a Caribbean that is not only prepared for the challenges of today but ready to face the uncertainties of tomorrow. These challenges and uncertainties include earthquakes, flooding, drought and hurricanes. Recent devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl in July this year was a stark reminder of the risks the region faces. EU-CA-RES, which was launched in Saint Kitts and Nevis on 2 December, brings together a broad range of partners for maximum reach and influence. The European Union is joined by UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The initiative will pave the way for a region more able to recover from adversity - such as the ravages of climate change, whether slow and creeping or sudden and catastrophic - with even greater strength and resilience. European Union Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Malgorzata Wasilewska declared that while all partners are clearly working towards the same goal, it is imperative that they all work together. “The region has to work closely together, international partners are here to assist,” said Wasilewska. “Every life we help to save, every house we rebuild should always be our motivation to work on these issues.” Enhancing social protection, which provides a safety net for those in need, is critical and EU-CA-RES works to strengthen systems that can provide immediate financial support to families affected by disasters - especially the most vulnerable like women, children, and people with disabilities - who often bear the brunt of these extreme events. Quick access to resources can make a huge difference in helping communities recover. he programme is committed to ‘building back better’ which develops what has gone before. By implementing improved building standards, investing in disaster-proof infrastructure, early warning systems and strengthening institutional policy, planning, financial arrangements, and data gathering and dissemination, the initiative helps to ensure that when the next emergency strikes, the damage will be less severe, with faster recovery processes reducing loss and suffering. Simon Springett, UN Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean thanked the EU for generously supporting “one United Nation delivering for a collective good.” “We are working collectively every day to reduce that level of fragility and it’s really imperative that we don’t look away, that we really tackle these issues.”, filtered_html

 Bridgetown, November 29, 2024: The Governments of Barbados and Montserrat are better equipped to collect and analyze data, to foster gender equality and advance inclusive health and social development policies, thanks to a recently concluded Joint SDG Fund Programme for Integrated Population Data and Policy Solutions. This marks a significant step forward in sustainable development for both countries.The two-year programme was implemented under the leadership of UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund), in collaboration with UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), and in partnership with government stakeholders and civil society. With focus on improving access to real-time, disaggregated demographic data, it sought to enable policymakers to create evidence-based policies and programmes in support of the most vulnerable populations. The initiative addressed key priorities under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 5 (Gender Equality).Addressing a hybrid Strategic Dialogue and Close-Out Meeting, held at UN House in Barbados, Jenny Karlsen, Deputy Director, UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean, pledged continued support to the Governments of Barbados and Montserrat to build on the Project’s achievements. She commended national partners for their champion role in its execution: “This programme stands as a testament to your vision and commitment to your national priorities, and what can be achieved when we work together with a shared purpose” , she said.  Based on the programme’s execution in Montserrat, significant strides have been made in advancing sexual and reproductive health, population policy and data systems. A draft Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy, supported by UNFPA, is awaiting Cabinet submission, alongside a Population Situation Analysis and National Population Policy, currently under public review. A National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) System Study and Action Plan is also poised for Cabinet review. Technical guidance and training on the measurement of SDG 5 indicators were provided to the Montserrat Statistics Department. Data collection on this indicator was successfully implemented through their national census, which concluded in November 2023.An analysis of the 2023 Census data on unpaid domestic and care work was also conducted, and steps taken to strengthen national data systems through enhanced disaggregation by sex, age, and disability, integration of GIS and geospatial tools, and targeted training to monitor SDG indicators pertaining to Goals 3 and 5. Meanwhile, in Barbados, UNFPA supported completion of a Baseline Study on Priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicators for Barbados, with capacity building provided in the National Transfer Accounts Model to help assess the economic impacts of demographic shifts. For the first time Barbados has a national measurement of the time spent by women and men on unpaid domestic and care work. UN Women supported the Barbados Statistical Service with the capture and analysis of the data on the SDG Indicator related to unpaid domestic and care work, providing computer tablets, and facilitating the engagement of six enumerators/field officers and preparation of the final report.Isiuwa Iyahen, Deputy Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) - Caribbean, highlighted the vital intersection of population dynamics and the care economy during her remarks. She noted the concern with declining fertility rates but emphasised that policy solutions to encourage family formation do not infringe on the sexual and reproductive rights of women: “Let’s look at the mix of policy solutions that will encourage you to participate in the paid care economy but meet your obligations to your families.”In addressing the forum, Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean reflected on the programme’s completion as a steppingstone for future progress and building more resilient, prosperous and equitable societies. He maintained: “We must sustain this momentum and continue to prioritize data-driven solutions, gender-sensitive policies, and inclusive approaches to development.” The Project also came in for high praise from national partners attending the Close-out in person at UN House. Patrick McCaskie, Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs and Investment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment in Barbados underlined the importance of celebrating the programme’s successes, while assessing challenges and lessons learned. He also reaffirmed his government’s dedication to inclusive development: “The Government of Barbados is fully committed to the continued pursuance of programmes and policies that are fully inclusive, people-centered, and resilient—economically, socially, and environmentally—in a way that leaves no one behind.”Meanwhile, Teresena Fergus, Director of Social Services in Montserrat, underscored the programme’s role in advancing rights-based population policies and enhancing national capacities for data-driven decision-making. “Let us celebrate our progress, examine the challenges, and set a robust course for sustaining the strides we have made together,” she encouraged.The Joint Programme is expected to have continued impact through the frameworks and tools developed, which promise to drive inclusive growth and equitable development on the road to 2030. Supported by UNFPA and UN Women’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plans, and the continued partnership of the UN Development System, the results achieved under this initiative will serve as a model for sustainable development strategies across the region. , filtered_html

 During the 38th Caribbean Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Managers meeting held in St Kitts and Nevis, from October 28-30, PAHO Assistant Director, Dr Rhonda Sealy, commended the Caribbean Immunization managers for beginning to turn around vaccination coverage across CARICOM Member States, after a decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed the need to strengthen the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program.Noting that there were still significant challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and disruptions in school and health facility access, she called for a revitalization of this essential program, particularly within the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, and as many countries are transitioning to a one-dose schedule as recommended.To ensure our continued success, I’d like to highlight several recommendations. Firstly, we need unwavering political commitment and financial resources to maintain our targets for eliminating polio, measles, and rubella, as well as controlling other vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s imperative to strengthen our vaccination operations to achieve and sustain a 95% coverage rate for all antigens. Additionally, we must develop targeted strategies to reach children under five years old, enhancing our surveillance capabilities for vaccine-preventable diseases. Training healthcare workers in effective risk communication and community engagement is vital for improving HPV vaccine coverage. Finally, we must invest in robust data systems and infrastructure to support adult immunization without jeopardizing childhood vaccination programs.” Dr Sealy noted in a video message.  Dr. Daniel Salas, Executive Manager, Special Program on Comprehensive Immunization, PAHO, emphatically reiterated PAHO’s support for HPV vaccination programs in the Caribbean stating that “the Caribbean is known to be a leader in vaccination and disease elimination, I urge you to be the first subregion to eliminate cervical cancer reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this preventable disease”. During the meeting, Jamaica won the coveted Harry Smith Award for most improved immunization coverage in 2023 while the inaugural Beryl Irons Award went to Grenada for achieving their surveillance targets in 2024 and improved immunization coverage in 2023.  Three countries also took away surveillance awards.  In first place was Barbados, second place went to St Kitts and Nevis and third place went to Belize. The dedicated healthcare professionals of the EPI program and PAHO were praised by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in St Kitts and Nevis, Curtis Martin.  He emphasized that national health stewardship requires partnership.  “PAHO is a blessing.  Its technical support of the EPI ranks as a global best practice.  Transfer of knowledge and skills have yielded measurable results including the regard for research rigor and the imperative of data and evidence-guided planning and performance assessment and improvement. Through PAHO and other public health protection, prevention and health promotion are in our DNA.  PAHO cannot become weary in Caribbean well-being because in our jurisdictions, health is too big to fail,” he asserted.Advisor, Family and Life Course for Primary Health Care, Dr Solange Kobi-Jackson, who delivered remarks on behalf of PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Amalia Del Riego, described the implementation of solid vaccination programs as one of the noblest commitments to the population, especially protecting the health of children.“The positive result for 2023, reflects the efforts of professionals and the health system, as well as the government’s clear political commitment to invest in health, along with an engaged population that recognizes the importance of vaccination. Nonetheless, it is necessary to continue making progress to bring the Region of the Americas back to the top of the global ranking in immunization coverage, maintain our achievements, and advance in the strategy to eliminate communicable diseases,” Dr Kobi Jackson stressed.While aware of polio, pertussis and measles cases worldwide, Chair of the Meeting and the Caribbean Immunization Technical Working Group (CITaG), Prof Peter Figueroa, praised the EPI Program for contributing considerably to the decrease in deaths and an improvement in the health of children globally and within the Caribbean. “An estimated 154 million deaths averted – that is remarkable and represents the true value of vaccines… However, we cannot be complacent.  We have to be alert.”  He stressed,  while calling on Caribbean countries to maintain vaccination rates of 95% or higher and increase surveillance.The meeting also included an ‘Effective Communication for Vaccine Uptake for Caribbean EPI Managers workshop’ which included presentations on risk communication and community engagement, increasing vaccination coverage using the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination, crisis communication and vaccination messaging. The group also participated in a panel discussion that highlighted the risk communication strategies used in the measles case management employed by Turks & Caicos, plans to create a risk communication plan for new vaccine rollouts by Grenada and the role of communications during an ESAVI by Suriname.Caribbean EPI meetings are held annually, and this year’s theme was Stronger Together: Advancing Immunization, Eliminating Disease., filtered_html