Guyanese are living longer and fewer mothers and children are dying, President Irfaan Ali announced Saturday night at a flag-raising ceremony held in Linden to usher in Guyana’s 58th Independence anniversary. He said that from 2020 to now, the country’s life expectancy has increased by two years overall to 70 in males, and 74 for ...

The saying that age is just a number could easily be applied to 100-year-old Veronique Minnie McCollin.

Unlike many others in her age group, the island’s latest centenarian is independent. She takes her own baths, cooks her own meals and on top of that can boast of good health as she has no illnesses.

At birthday celebrations at her house in Jackson Land, Silver Hill, Christ Church on Friday, Minnie, as she is affectionately called, told journalists that she was overjoyed to reach this milestone, even though she did not think she would. She said she loves cooking, especially making soup and makes sure to “put in everything”. She also likes to eat rice with vegetables and green bananas with salt fish.

Regarding her daily routine, she likes to be outdoors soaking up the fresh air. She said after taking her bath and drinking tea she would go outside and pray. Afterwards, she would watch people pass along the roadside. 

Minnie added that she came to Barbados after landing a job opportunity to take care of someone’s child. Her children said she left Dominica at age 18. 

She became known from then onward as a domestic worker of excellence and was showered with tributes during the celebrations.

Matriarch of the Jordan family, Marsha, said Minnie took care of her children and household needs for 35 years.

She described the birthday girl as a wonderful woman, who had a kind, calm and pleasant personality. She said she was also grateful for the nurture she gave her children and values she instilled in them. 

Minnie, who at one point lived in The Pine, St Michael, did small domestic chores after her time at the Jordans. Her children said her last official year of work was 2007.

President Dame Sandra Mason also paid Minnie a special visit and had a lively chat with the centenarian. 

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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This was the warning from Senior Environmental Officer responsible for vector control Dale Holligan as she joined her colleagues and partners of the Ministry of Health for a National Mosquito Fair. The event highlighted the integrated measures that the government uses to control mosquitoes, and encouraged the public to become more involved in mosquito prevention.

“Mosquitoes are more than just a bother; they are among the deadliest creatures out there,”  she warned, pointing to the recent dengue outbreak in Barbados earlier this year, as evidence of the threat they pose.

“We wanted to bring more public awareness to the mosquito population, their breeding habits, life cycle, habitats, and the surveillance and resistance testing conducted by the Ministry of Health,” Holligan told Barbados TODAY.

The event saw participation from Rentokil, Armstrong Agencies, and Massy, demonstrating a collaborative approach to mosquito control.

“It was not hard to get them on board,” Holligan said. “These organisations already work with vector control. It was best to have them here to show the public that it’s not only the government involved; there are other entities and products available for mosquito control.

She detailed practical steps residents can take to reduce mosquito breeding sites, especially with the rainy season approaching. “The first thing people need to do is check around their homes for containers that can collect water. If you need them, put them in areas where mosquitoes can’t reach them. If you don’t need them, discard them,” she advised. “Mosquitoes lay eggs in containers waiting for water. When it rains, these eggs develop into larvae. So, protecting or discarding containers is crucial.”

Holligan also urged residents to inspect their roof gutters, animal water containers, and any natural or man-made depressions where water might collect. “We need to be vigilant about our surroundings and ensure there are no areas where water can settle and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”

Addressing the broader public health implications, Holligan noted that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, also carries other diseases like chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. “We don’t see yellow fever or malaria here because those diseases are carried by different mosquitoes. However, the threat remains significant.”

Despite ongoing efforts, the senior environmental officer acknowledged the challenges in getting the public to take preventive measures seriously. “People tend to be more responsive after experiencing one of these diseases. Until then, mosquitoes are often just seen as nuisances,” she said.

The event is part of a larger outreach programme aimed at increasing public participation in vector control. “You can expect to see more events like this, possibly in combination with rodent control initiatives,” Holligan confirmed.

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This positive trend comes as the organisation prepares for its second annual Cemix Prostate Cancer Run/Walk, set for Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Garrison Savannah. The event aims to raise further awareness and support for early detection of prostate cancer.

During a site visit at the Garrison Savannah, where the event will kick off, Michelle Straughn, walk manager for the Barbados Cancer Society, said the simplified testing process has had a significant impact on numbers.

“Early detection is important in any disease and before it used to be an invasive test, but it’s changed to a blood test. So if the PSA [prostate-specific antigen] levels are raised, then you get further tests,” she said.

Straughn also noted the availability of a DNA test for genetic predisposition to prostate cancer at a reduced price, making early detection more accessible.

“If there were any males in your family that would have had prostate cancer, then obviously you would have a greater level of being susceptible to the disease,” she said. “So there’s also a DNA test that can be done to show if it’s in your family line and that test is at a reduced price of $200,” she said, noting a significant reduction from the usual cost of around $1 000.

The event manager stressed the importance of community support in conducting the necessary research on prostate cancer and further offsetting associated costs for men across the island.

Straughn outlined the routes for the walk and run which will both start and end at the Garrison, with the run beginning at 3:45 p.m. and the walk at 4 p.m.

She added that partners, the Scottish District Grand Lodge of Barbados, were instrumental in putting the routes together.

Glyne Grannum, a member of the lodge, said: “This is a very important event for Barbadian men and we were very privileged … when we were able to find a willing partner to raise the profile of the disease and its impact on Barbadian men and at the same time, to be able to, from that awareness, get greater sponsorship for the issue.”

Grannum also revealed what he described as a significant increase in registration by lodge members.

“The registration for this year from the Scottish District Grand Lodge is indeed a greater number than last year and not only testimony to the seriousness with which the lodge treats this project but also wider understanding within Barbados,” he said.

The organisers have called on the community to join the event, highlighting the collective effort needed to continue improving health outcomes for Barbadian men.

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The HNI Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Healthier Nation Initiative co-founded by Sheldon Jones, has been working to uplift lower socio-economic areas across the island and the Caribbean. Its mission is to deliver accessible and sustainable healthcare services to those struggling with economic disadvantages.

“The foundation’s mandate is to provide practical, accessible, and sustainable health and wellness solutions to vulnerable populations in lower socio-economic communities in Barbados and the wider region,” Jones explained. Unlike many organisations that solely offer education, HNI takes a more hands-on tack. “While education is essential, we found that economic factors significantly impact a person’s ability to act on that education.”

To bridge this gap, the foundation brings free exercise programmes, medical testing through partnerships with Ross University, and collaborative efforts offering health services directly to communities at little to no cost. “We’re bringing solutions into the community, ensuring that even those in high-risk categories have access to the resources they need to manage their health better,” Jones added.

The foundation has identified key demographics in significant need of assistance, including single mothers, the elderly and disabled persons – groups often at higher risk for diseases. By conducting wellness checks and providing fitness programmes and health packages, HNI aims to manage and mitigate these risks through close cooperation with community leaders.

At an outreach event in Hillaby, St Andrew, residents began arriving from 7.30 a.m., for the 8 a.m. start. Jones praised the collaborative approach: “Our team deserves full credit. We aimed to create a more community-focused approach, less corporate, and more personal.”

He highlighted the vital roles played by community liaison officers Rosemary Clarke and Gillian Marshall in personally engaging with local leaders, as well as project officer Carl Griffith’s organisational efforts. “Our approach, centred on personal engagement, makes a significant difference. It transforms HNI from a nameless, faceless entity into a group of people genuinely interested in the community’s well-being.”

The partnership with Ross University was also hailed as a “godsend”, with representatives ensuring free, comprehensive medical checks through the involvement of students. Jones emphasised the aim of empowering people to take charge of their health: “It’s not that difficult to be healthy. It requires intentionality, just like any other goal. Health is based on movement, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups.”

While the outreach saw an impressive turnout, with up to 30 people at a time, quality remained the focus. “It’s about providing thorough, meaningful checks to a targeted group,” said Jones. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Looking ahead, HNI has ambitious plans for regional expansion to territories like Antigua and Grenada this year, aided by a partnership with financial services giant Sagicor. Jones emphasised the importance of sustainability and follow-up assessments to gauge the effectiveness of their interventions over time.

He also highlighted the need to combat increasingly sedentary modern lifestyles: “Movement is crucial, yet often overlooked. Many jobs today are sedentary, contributing to health risks. As a personal trainer, I emphasise that exercise doesn’t mean going to a gym—it’s about finding enjoyable activities to stay active.”

For those inspired by HNI’s work, Jones offered this message: “Improving your quality of life is simpler than it seems. Small changes in diet and regular movement can make a big difference. Find activities you enjoy staying active and make balanced dietary choices. Even minor adjustments can significantly enhance your health and well-being.”

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