The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Youth and Culture, held a closing ceremony on Wednesday 10th May, 2023 in recognition of another cohort of fifteen youngsters in the 2022-2023 Wellness Programme.
This programme , under the theme A Healthier Me, focuses on promoting proper health habits, particularly among young people.
The last time such a Wellness Programme closing ceremony was held was in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the period 2020-2021, no programme was conducted due to the said pandemic.
Moderating the ceremony was Senior Health Educator, Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs. Prayer was offered by one of the programme participants, Nicalleah Millington, after which the Director of Youth and Culture, Ms. Avon Carty, gave welcome remarks. She acknowledged the high degree of discipline and dedication that the youngsters demonstrated in the Programme.
Nutritionist, Ms. Robertha Campbell, encouraged the young participants to practice holistic health. She referred to the scripture verse 1 John 2:14 which says: “I call you (young people) because you are strong.”
Speaking directly to the participants, she said: “This is not a frequently quoted phrase, but it is what we need today to encourage and challenge you to achieve strength of body, mind and soul in your teenage years so that you will thrive in your adult years. The training and experience which you have gained in the last few months is not only for this stage of your life. Most importantly, it was to prepare you to progress in adulthood, with a strong healthy body, free from diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, [and] obesity.”
“As we close this programme today,” Ms. Campbell said. “Take note that it is by no means the close of your journey towards achieving optimal health. Optimal health is not just the absence of diseases but it is being at your best of health and having balance in all the various areas of your life, i.e., emotionally, socially, mentally, spiritually and intellectually.”
She emphasized the need for the youngsters to follow five important “steps” that will help them towards attaining a healthy, sound body: 1. Drink plenty of water; 2. take at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily; 3. eat more peas, beans and nuts and less meats; 4. practice walking a lot; and 5. Get adequate sleep.
“Practicing these five traits,” Ms. Campbell stated, “can lead to life-long improvements for good health and wellness.”
The Permanent Secretary of Social Development and Education Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, also congratulated the young participants.
“I have the simple task of saying congratulations for reaching this point, the closing ceremony,” she said. “I know it has been a long and difficult journey. Everyone who has been on this trek towards adopting a healthy lifestyle knows that it is a challenge. Even though the five steps mentioned may seem simple and straightforward, they are not so easy to abide with. So, I congratulate you.”
“I want to thank all of the persons that made this possible, all of the partners, the private sector, and all of the volunteers that have contributed,” she said.
Ms. Lavelle Niles presented a synopsis of the 2022 – 2023 Cycle, followed by programme mentor, Ms. Vanisha Proctor, issuing the certificates.
The fifteen participants were X’avarie Hodge; Khesani Desuza; Rielle Lake; Royeeka Ellis; K’thony Jeffers; Keron David; Chelsea George; Nicalleah Millington; Raynesha Gumbs-Richardson; Angelique Palmer; Alex Payne; Jahmoya Lake; Shadena Richardson; Etaje Johannes; and Merlia Smith-Connor.
One of the participants Mr. X’avarie Hodge, gave a stirring testimony of the benefits that he has derived from the Programme.
“Health is wealth,” he declared, “and health is indeed the great wealth of one’s life. In just a few weeks, the Wellness Programme has made me more aware of my health, and I have already begun to make lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, and incorporating more vegetables in my diet. I also play football, and this gives me the energy that I need. The Wellness Programme is indeed the greatest ‘flex’ that one can have.”
X’avarie’s mother, Nadica Rawlins, also paid tribute to the programme and expressed her satisfaction for the positive effects that it has had on her son.
One of the partners of the Wellness Programme is Styler’s Fitness Centre owned by Evan “Styler” and Minelvar Anderson. Their daughter, Chardonnay, reviewed the ambiance at the gym during the participants’ workout sessions.
“On November 21st, 2022, Styler’s Fitness Center partnered with the Ministry of Social Development and Education to facilitate physical training exercises for these participants for three months in the Wellness Programme Initiative,” she said. “Our Fitness Director and Personal Trainer, Evan “Styler” Anderson, along with yours truly, developed a fitness plan geared toward this initiative. We enjoyed working with the students twice a week.”
The participants were quite attentive and participated willingly,” Chardonnay said. “They worked hard in all training activities. I really enjoyed working with them. They were full of energy when it came to doing the exercises. Even I joined in with them and was delighted to participate.”
“We were told by some parents that their children had lost weight, and that was obvious to us. We, at Styler’s Fitness Center would like to encourage all you participants to continue prioritizing your health by making fitness a lifestyle…Please always remember,” she admonished, “the value of health is the most precious asset that a human must not lose. Therefore, consistency is key.”
“The owners and management of Styler’s Fitness Center would like to thank the Ministry of Social Development and Education for affording us the opportunity to partner with you in this Wellness Programme,” she said. “And we wish you much success in your future endeavours.”
