Cheryl, Award Winner and Health Advocate

My thoughts on the ‘Wellness Revolution” conference…

I was only there for a day, but wish I could have attended the entire thing. The presentations were outstanding as was the participation. The folks there seemed determined to make a dent in the prevalence of CNCDs. I too have found myself all fired up. I was not able to contribute to the declaration that was produced at the end, but I am not going to let that stop me from getting involved. I have already read and internalized the various points, because I believe that anyone who wants to make a difference; who wants people to change their eating habits and to get out and exercise more needs to demonstrate this in his/her own life.

I can’t promise that I will join an organization, or any such thing; time will not permit me to do so. However, I plan to use the means at my disposal to help keep the revolution going – my pen (read computer keyboard).   I am already advocating for a daily instead of weekly health page in the Stabroek News. My boss hasn’t bent as yet… but he is leaning...

(Cheryl Springer is the first Caribbean Journalist to win the InterAmerican Jounalism Contest Award for Tabacco Control)

Better Health - The Skye is the Limit

Skye Hernandez, a freelance media practitioner also hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, had a rewarding experience at the just concluded Healthy Caribbean 2008 conference.

Despite the fact that she didn't fit the profile of what she considered to be the typical delegate, not being a health practitioner and all, her presence was critical as the organizers will be leaning heavily on the media going forward to get their messages across to the Caribbean, even throughout the entire civil society.

In talking with her it was clear that she successfully maximized the all-important networking opportunities and listening to her it was obvious that those who could not, or chose not, to attend missed out big time.

It was very well organized and there was a wealth of information. I'm not in the field but I work with Caribbean Wellness Day to promote to the media to get their support.

I learned a lot and I'd say the logistics were very well worked out. The people involved in getting the information we needed were very good, as was the networking. I met a lot of good, passionate people."

Her pen, in the eyes of the champions of this movement for a healthy Caribbean, is indeed mightier than the sword, and she can be counted on to wield it aid their cause.

"The next time I have to do anything with health I believe I will get a better response because they'll know who they are talking to.


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