Published 28 October 2019
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Pink Walk 2019: St. Kitts-Nevis society congratulated by Prime Minister Harris
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, October 28, 2019 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — The massive participation in the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation’s 2019 Pink Walk on Saturday October 26 was, according to Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, a clear indication that the message about taking personal ownership for one’s health is catching on.
Prime Minister Harris was among the over 1,700 individuals, young and old alike, who participated in this year’s Pink Walk held under the theme ‘Walk for the cause – Race for Life’, which started at the Caribbean Cinemas at 6:00 am and ended at the Frigate Bay lawns.
“Let me start by commending the organisers of today’s walk,” stated Dr Harris at the end of the walk. “The turnout was excellent, and I am very pleased both as a citizen and as the Prime Minister and Lead Head for CARICOM on matters to do with health, to see this tremendous turnout of a broad cross-section of the St. Kitts-Nevis society participating.”
Also taking part in the walk were members of the highly successful and popular Explorers Youth Clubs movement.
The Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, which was formed in 2009, is celebrating its tenth anniversary, and Prime Minister Harris commended not only those who had left their homes early in the morning while it was still dark to take part in the walk, but also the efforts of the Health Promotion, in the Ministry of Health.
“This means that the concerns which we have been raising with respect to non-communicable diseases, the prevalence of cancer and other diseases that are within the control of ourselves that that message about taking personal ownership for one’s health is catching on,” noted Prime Minister Harris. “The physical activity that is being encouraged, and the participation today, is a reflection of that.”
Prime Minister Harris, who has since April 2007 been promoting healthy lifestyles by holding the now renamed Prime Minister’s Health Walks, noted that with all the non-communicable diseases and with all the lifestyle diseases, the power to keep them at bay lies within the individual who ought to do something.
He advised on the importance of people paying attention to what they eat, what they drink, and keeping healthy minds. He pointed out that if all those factors are taken into consideration and dutifully observed, everyone can consciously make a positive effort to advance their health.
“This morning we saw an excellent demonstration of a country committed to take its health in its own hands,” said Prime Minister Harris. “For that, again, I bring strongest commendations from the government to all the participants, and will encourage even more participation – not on an occasional basis, but on an even more regular basis with respect to health-related activities.”
Also taking part in the Pink Walk on Saturday included Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Senator the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett, and Ambassador His Excellency Jonel Powell. At the Frigate lawns Prime Minister Harris and the other walk participants were welcomed by hundreds who also included the Minister of Health the Hon Eugene Hamilton, and the Chief Medical Officer Dr Hazel Laws.
