We were delighted to welcome a diverse group of participants from across the region to our recent webinar, Innovative Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity in Young People in the Caribbean, a partnership with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, CARPHA and PAHO. The session brought together a diversity of sectors to explore practical and forward-thinking approaches to increasing physical activity among young people.
Speakers and panellists for this session included:
- Offniel Lamont, Physical Therapist, Healthy Caribbean Youth, Jamaica
- Dr Heather Armstrong, Head of the Chronic Disease and Injuries Department, Caribbean Public Health Agency
- Dr Gloria Giraldo, Advisor for NCDs and Mental Health, Caribbean Subregional Program Coordination, Pan American Health Organization
- Dr James Hospedales, Founder, Earth Medic and Earth Nurse
- Dr Audrey Morris, Decentralized Regional Advisor – Food and Nutrition, Pan American Health Organization
- Abi Begho, Programme Director, Lake Health and Wellbeing
- Dexter Fassale, Registered Architect and Director, AWE Architects Incorporated
- Dr Jane Noel, Chair, Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Commission, Grenada
- Danielle Walwyn, Advocacy Officer, Healthy Caribbean Coalition
Some Key Takeaways from the Discussion
Throughout the session, several key themes emerged:
- Physical activity is a systems issue: It is shaped by policy, infrastructure, culture, and access, not just individual choice.
- Young people face real barriers: These include limited spaces for physical activity, competing priorities, climate change, the growing pull of screen time and the comparatively low appeal of engaging in physical activity
- Collaboration is essential: Progress requires coordinated efforts across sectors, including health, education, urban planning, and civil society.
- Equity matters: Ensuring that all young people, especially girls, young people with disabilities and those from low-income families, have opportunities to be active must be a priority.
Expanding the Conversation: The Role of the Built Environment
We were especially pleased to bring a new perspective into the conversation with the inclusion of Dexter Fassale from AWE Architects, who explored the important role of the built environment in supporting and promoting physical activity. This added a valuable and innovative dimension to the discussion. His contribution emphasised how the design of our communities can either enable or discourage physical activity. This added an important and innovative dimension to the discussion, reinforcing that creating active societies requires more than behaviour change; it requires intentional design.
Keeping the Momentum Going
We are incredibly grateful to all our speakers and participants for contributing to such an engaging and insightful conversation. The level of participation and the diversity of perspectives shared reflect a strong regional commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our young people.
As we move forward, the challenge, as well as the opportunity, is to translate these ideas into action. By continuing to collaborate, innovate, and advocate, we can create environments that support and encourage physical activity, helping to build healthier, more active communities across the Caribbean.
Thank you once again to everyone who joined us. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Useful Resources
You may find the following physical activity resources useful.
- ACTIVE: A technical package for increasing physical activity: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241514804
- Global Status Report on Physical Activity
- Global levels of physical inactivity for adults – off track for 2030
- Are We Subjecting Our Children To Poor Health Outcomes?
These organisations provide valuable information on issues related to public health in the Caribbean, including issues related to physical activity:
- Healthy Caribbean Coalition
https://www.healthycaribbean.org - Caribbean Public Health Agency
https://carpha.org - Pan American Health Organization
https://www.paho.org
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