Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 13, 2026 (PMO) – Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a national call for citizens to embrace healthier lifestyles, emphasizing that sustainable health transformation requires both strong public policy and personal responsibility.
Delivering opening remarks in the National Assembly, February 13th, the Prime Minister highlighted the Federation’s continued progress in healthcare outcomes but cautioned that national success must be reinforced by individual action.
The Prime Minister made it clear that healthier living does not require drastic or overwhelming changes, but rather consistent, manageable steps. “I want to encourage all of us,” he said. “You can start small… small things.”
Dr. Drew stressed that daily habits, particularly around diet and hydration, play a crucial role in long-term health outcomes. He specifically addressed the need to reduce sugar consumption and improve hydration practices across the population.
“I recommend more water instead of juices, and we find sugary drinks,” he stated.
He further encouraged citizens to incorporate moderate physical activity into their daily routines, noting that sustainability is more important than intensity. “Even if you start with ten minutes a day, but you are consistent with those ten minutes, it increases over time. It’s better than starting off with an hour and a half and then you can’t keep it up.”
Dr. Drew underscored that the Government’s Health Transformation Agenda prioritizes prevention, early detection, and lifestyle education as core strategies in reducing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, conditions that place significant strain on families and the national healthcare system.
He emphasized that incremental improvements, when sustained, can lead to measurable national outcomes. “Small changes,” he reiterated. “But these changes, if performed consistently, can help.”
The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming that while Government will continue investing in infrastructure, advanced medical services, and expanded access to care, the long-term health of the nation ultimately depends on the collective commitment of its people.
