Empowering Change: The St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance Workshop

On Saturday, October 7th, 2023, we had the privilege of hosting a workshop that brought together non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme ‘From Vision to Impact: Joining Forces to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)’. This event was a significant milestone for our newly formed St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance, and it exemplified our collective commitment to tackling the pressing issue of NCDs in our federation.

Why Collaboration Matters

The theme of our workshop, ‘From Vision to Impact,’ highlighted the essential nature of collaboration among NGOs when it comes to addressing NCDs. These non-communicable diseases present a formidable public health challenge, one that transcends the capacity of individual organisations. By working together, we can pool resources, expertise, and advocacy efforts to bring our collective vision for a healthier, NCD-resilient nation to life.

Our Distinguished Speakers

Our event was graced by distinguished speakers who shared invaluable insights and expertise:

1. Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office: Ms. Hazelle’s presence and words of wisdom provided inspiration for the day. Her commitment to engaging with NGOs to strengthen the sector and the Alliance reflects the potential of collaboration between civil society and government.
2. Mr. Anthony Mills, Public Relations Officer, St Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities: Mr. Mills delivered a compelling presentation, shedding light on SKNAPD’s advocacy work for a more inclusive society and how NGOs can play a vital role in supporting these efforts. His insights were informative, insightful, and truly inspiring.
3. Zahra Jacobs, President, Mental Health Association: Ms. Jacobs emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing while working toward our common goals. Her presentation stressed the significance of self-care and self-compassion in our collective journey.
4. Michele Baker, Advocacy Officer, Lake Health and Wellbeing: Ms. Baker’s comprehensive presentation on cultivating cultural humility and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion left a lasting impact. Her insights illuminated how we can enhance the effectiveness of our work through these essential values.
5. Genesia Pemberton and Fiona Zhang, Youth Health Advocates, Lake Health and Wellbeing: These talented young advocates provided valuable perspectives on how to involve the youth effectively in our shared mission.
6. Danielle Walwyn, Advocacy Officer, Healthy Caribbean Coalition (via Zoom): Ms. Walwyn’s contributions underscored the significance of regional collaboration in advocating for evidence-based health policies. Her insights provided a broader perspective on the shared challenges and opportunities across the Caribbean.

Concluding Thoughts

The St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance Workshop was a great success. It demonstrated that when NGOs unite under a common purpose, remarkable changes can happen. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, speakers, and those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event possible. Together, we’ve taken a substantial step toward combating NCDs in our federation. We look forward to continuing this collaborative journey, building on the knowledge and inspiration gained from our workshop. Thank you for your commitment, your questions, your comments, and your active engagement. We’re excited about the positive impact we can achieve together.