Creating a Healthy Drinking Culture Panel Discussion

As part of Healthy Drinking Week, we were thrilled to host an engaging panel discussion on 29th August 2024, exploring the theme “Building a Healthy Drinking Culture in St. Kitts and Nevis.” This thought-provoking event brought together key experts from various sectors to share insights on how we can collectively foster healthier drinking habits in our community.

Meet the Panellists

The panel discussion was expertly moderated by Abi Begho, Programme Director at Lake Health and Wellbeing.

Our panel included:

• Dr Al Pierre, Vice President of the Medical and Dental Association, who provided a medical perspective on the health impacts of current drinking habits.
• Latoya Duncan, Nutrition Surveillance Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, who highlighted the role of nutrition education in promoting healthier choices.
• Michele Baker, Advocacy and Research Officer at Lake Health and Wellbeing, who spoke on the need for evidence-based advocacy to shift cultural norms.
• Newrish Nital, Drug Prevention Officer at the St. Kitts-Nevis National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention, who discussed the intersection of substance misuse and public health.

Key Discussion Points

The panellists delved into the cultural, health, and policy aspects of drinking, offering valuable insights into the following areas:

• Understanding Drinking Culture: The discussion began with an exploration of how societal norms and traditions influence drinking behaviours in St. Kitts and Nevis. The panellists emphasised the importance of education and community engagement in addressing unhealthy patterns.

• Promoting Healthier Habits: Simple changes, such as increasing water consumption and reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and alcohol, were recommended. Practical strategies to encourage these habits were shared, including the use of public campaigns like the Healthy Drinking Week water challenge.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Implementing an SSB tax to discourage excessive consumption of sugary drinks, a proven strategy for improving public health.
  • Advocating for stricter regulations on alcohol advertising and sales to reduce misuse and its associated harms.
  • Strengthening community-based initiatives to raise awareness and provide resources for healthier drinking options.

A Collaborative Effort

This impactful event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners—the Ministry of Health, SKN Moves, and ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation, who ensured the panel reached a wide audience through live coverage.

Looking Ahead

The panel discussion was just one step in our journey towards fostering a healthier and safer drinking culture in St. Kitts and Nevis. We encourage everyone to reflect on their drinking habits, embrace healthier choices, and join us in advocating for policies that prioritise public health.

If you missed the live event, don’t worry! You can watch the recording above.