Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 16, 2019 (SKNIS): Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, in his address to the nation to observe World Food Day 2019 on October 16, said that this occasion presents his Ministry with the opportunity to draw attention to the hungry; those in danger of going hungry, and those who are far removed from going hungry but are not eating healthily.
The Honourable Minister noted that as a result of unhealthy eating habits, there has been an increased incidence in non-communicable diseases, leading to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and diseases of the heart.
“For that reason, I call your attention to this health crisis—and by doing so, encourage the consumption of sufficient nutritious foods … along with proper exercise,” said Minister Hamilton.
Ministry of Agriculture is promoting healthy eating habits for this year’s World Food Day celebrations, in accordance with the theme chosen by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The theme is “OUR ACTIONS ARE OUR FUTURE: Healthy diets for a #zero hunger World.”
The Honourable Minister also stated that a local organising committee is celebrating a week of activities from Saturday, October 12 to 21. Activities held so far included a free aerobics session in the Independence Square; a church service at Basseterre Co-Cathedral of Immaculate Conception; radio interviews and talks in secondary schools, as well as food demonstrations at high schools that highlighted healthy food options.
As part of today’s World Food Day events, free meals are being provided at the St. Christopher Outreach Center (Old Academy School Bay Road St. Kitts); local produce being sold at the Agrostrip (the area above the Newtown playing field) on the Frigate Bay Road from 9:00am to 9:00pm; a Food Fair and Health Clinic is being held at the Independence Square and is taking place from 10:30am to 2:00pm, and a Sandy Point Agriculture Cooperative Society (SPACS) Fair at the Sandy Point Public Market.
