Couva North MP launches National Health Initiative “Celebrating Wellness: A Healthier T&T”

On Wednesday February 1st, 2023, the Constituency of Couva North celebrated another landmark achievement, when Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram launched a nationwide health initiative entitled, “Celebrating Wellness: A Healthier T&T” under the patronage of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Kamla Persad Bissessar, SC, MP.

MP Ratiram stated that, “The primary aim of this campaign is to provide the citizens of T&T with enjoyable, stimulating physical activities and increasing our health literacy. It is our hope that by empowering and equipping communities to take charge of their health through prevention and self-management of chronic conditions, we can build a healthier population and achieve better health (physical, mental and psychological) for all.”

In attendance were MP Dr. Rai Ragbir who provided free medical consultation, MP Rishad Seecheran, who provided free dental screening, MP Arnold Ram, His Worship Mayor Faaiq Mohammed (Chaguanas) along with Councillors and Aldermen of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation, Chairman Henry Awong, Councillor Dubraj Persad and other Councillors and Aldermen from the Couva Tabaquite Talparo Regional Corporation.

At the launch yesterday, persons from all over the country participated in this momentous initiative; one that Couva North has never before seen. The event, chaired by MC Sonny Bling contained several elements of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival with the sounds of soca and chutney soca music, live performances by popular artistes, a Rhythm Section and Moko Jumbies.

Notwithstanding, the central theme of the event was certainly not lost as health and wellness activities such as medical consultations, dental screening and eye-tests were conducted by several corporate partners. There were also a number of health-related product giveaways and sampling. The most popular of the evening’s activities, however, were the Zumba and Aerobics fitness sessions that attracted many participants, including the Couva North MP himself.

Addressing the hundreds of persons who turned up to support the event, MP Ratiram said that the idea behind a national wellness campaign was based on a discussion with the Leader of the Opposition concerning the focus on wellness beyond seasonal fitness during the Carnival time and thanked Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her wisdom, vision and guidance.

Further, the Couva North MP stated that in T&T, one of the major challenges that we face as a country are lifestyle illnesses and chronic diseases, which are exacerbated because of the neglect of the health sector by the Government. MP Ratiram said that because of challenges to receive proper health care, brought about by an uncaring Government, there is a need to place focus on Preventative Medicine and educating the population, from as early as the primary school level. This will avoid citizens from having to be dependent on public health care.

MP Ravi Ratiram announced that every week until Carnival the activities would continue at the Agostini Settlement Recreation Ground and each month thereafter, the campaign would take place at different locations across the country.

MP Ratiram expressed his deepest appreciation to the following companies for their support and participation in making the event a success: Tropical Tent Rental, Brian’s Tent Rental, Kiss Baking Company, Bermudez, The Coca-Cola Company, AMCO, Bryden PI, Vemco, Waller Distribution Limited, Holiday Snacks, Slim Fast, Sultan Energy Drink, Oh Snacks, CentraMed Pharmacy, Raze Energy Drink, Bodington & Associates Optical Company, Dental Plus Limited, Dr Ravi Basdeo & Dr Vishali Siewnarine of Allergenics Clinic and Dr. Rai Ragbir Medical Clinic.