The Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) in partnership with The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) hosted a two day seminar entitled “Caribbean Private Sector Response to Chronic Diseases” on May 8 and 9, 2008 at the Normandie Hotel, St. Ann’s, Trinidad, responding to the CARICOM Heads of Government Declaration: “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases” made on September 15, 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Caribbean region is presently experiencing an increase in the prevalence of obesity and nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) – heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, gall bladder disease, strokes and some types of cancers. It is estimated that about one third of deaths among the 25-64 age group are from these causes.

The objective of the forum was to encourage the Regional Private Sector to take a more active role in the reduction of Chronic Diseases by implementing measures to reduce the risk of these diseases, which are affecting their employees and members of the wider community.

The seminar, facilitated by Grace Talma and Associates included regional and international participants representing chambers of commerce, manufacturers associations, tourism companies, food and beverage companies, mass media companies, sports and recreational companies, as well as financial services institutions. The meeting was chaired by Dr. James Hospedales, Chief of the NCD Unit, PAHO and Dr. Alafia Samuels, Advisor in Health Promotion, Health Determinants and Social Policies Unit, CDS, SDE/PAHO, and comprised the presentations, workshop discussions, the viewing exhibits related to Chronic Diseases, and the completion of an action plan detailing specific areas and activities in which the Private Sector can become involved in the prevention of chronic diseases in the Caribbean.

Highlighted at the seminar was the need to strengthen existing partnerships, or develop new ones, between the Private Sector, Government and the wider civil society to engage in initiatives and advance policies, that can alter the pattern of chronic diseases epidemiology towards a more healthy Caribbean population.


The forum resulted in the identification of the roles and responsibilities of the Private Sector in non-communicable diseases, the definition of content and options for Work Place Wellness Programmes and the Private Sector’s pledged support to “Caribbean Wellness Day”. It concluded with the preparation of a statement in support of the Declaration of Port of Spain: “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases”, the outcomes of which will be submitted for the consideration of the Heads of Government at their meeting in July, 2008.