Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 was officially launched by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition with great focus on celebrating and honoring the youth, communities and corporate entities who are working to make a difference in the fight against non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in Saint Lucia. The launch of Caribbean Wellness Day provided a platform to empower the youth to promote and advocate for healthier habits to reduce the risk of NCDs.
Young people also got the opportunity to share their testimonial and experience from participating in a programme called PeerVybz, which focuses on bringing awareness about substance use and prevention and also a physical activity initiative in Vieux-Fort.
CARICOM Youth Ambassador Shelley Desir championed the call to engage, empower and elevate the youth as advocates and leaders for creating healthier communities. “As we observe Caribbean Wellness Day 2026, let us remember that ‘engage, empower, elevate’ is not simply a theme for one day. It is a philosophy for building healthier people and healthier communities. Let us engage our young people, not only when we need them but from the very beginning. Let us empower them with knowledge, opportunities, support and confidence. Let us elevate their voices and their leadership and let us create communities where making the healthy choices is not the difficult choice but the natural one.”
Minister for Health, Wellness and Nutrition Hon. Moses Jn Baptiste says it is important to note that Caribbean Wellness Day serves as a reminder of the burden of NCDs and the important work to be undertaken throughout the year to protect our present and secure our future. “The 2025–2029 theme for Caribbean Wellness Day, “Engage, Empower, Elevate,” reminds us that all-of-society must come together to prevent NCDs. All sectors, including government agencies, the private sector, civil society, communities and individuals, both young and maturing, everybody must come together to fight against diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and etc. As we continue to work together to improve health outcomes, we must strive to create an environment that promotes health, one in which everyone can enjoy the highest possible standard of physical and mental well-being, while reducing death and disability caused by NCDs.”
The Ministry of Health also collaborated and partnered with corporate companies to develop and support health and wellness activities which will promote healthier lifestyles and empower the youth to create a brighter future.
LUCELEC’s Corporate Communications Assistant Bernardia Regis spoke of the commitment of her organization to support initiatives like St. Lucia Moves and to bring wellness directly into the communities. “Through workplace wellness programmes and partnerships like St. Lucia Moves communities, we are helping to create healthier employees, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Saint Lucia. By promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles and community engagement, we are contributing to that better future, one person and one community at a time.”
Caribbean Wellness Day was observed on September 12th, under the theme, “Engage, Empower, Elevate. Our Mind, Our Body, Our Wellness. Empowering Caribbean Youth.” The observance of Caribbean Wellness Day continues with community walks aimed at inspiring healthy lifestyle choices, empowering young people and building stronger and healthier communities.