Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Agriculture has issued resolution RES-MARD-2025-10, mandating that the handling of international waste at ports and airports be strictly managed by the Plant and Animal Quarantine authorities and the General Directorate of Livestock. Effective March 6, the regulation establishes strict procedures for the disposal of food waste from airplanes and other transport vehicles.

Government technicians at terminals are authorized to enforce compliance, applying sanctions or suspensions when necessary. The protocol aligns with international standards and national laws, including Law 4030 on Livestock Health Protection and Law 4990 on Plant Health.

Minister Limber Cruz emphasized that the measure aims to enhance the country’s biosecurity and prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases. All international waste will be sterilized and incinerated at designated facilities under strict supervision.

Guyana is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) application for malaria testing, aiming to eradicate the disease, according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony. He announced the initiative at the launch of the Universal Healthcare Voucher, saying that it was being executed through a collaboration with Harvard University. The app, already tested in Region Nine with ...

Guyana is awaiting results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to ascertain whether there has been an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. The ministry said the tests are to confirm that the pathogen is in Guyana. Sources said a school on ...

Dajabón.- Pig farmers in El Pino, Dajabón, are alarmed by a mysterious disease that has killed hundreds of pigs, raising fears of a resurgence of African swine fever. The illness spreads rapidly, with symptoms including apathy, loss of appetite, vomiting blood, and sudden death despite medical treatment. Farmers report severe financial losses, with some losing over 300,000 pesos.

Authorities have sent a veterinary team to investigate the outbreak. The situation is reminiscent of the 2021 African swine fever crisis, which devastated the region’s pig industry. While the disease is deadly for pigs, it does not pose a risk to humans. Farmers are urging the government to take swift action to contain the outbreak and prevent further economic damage.

Santo Domingo.- By 2030, an estimated 68% of Dominican adults will have a high body mass index, with 32% living with obesity, according to the World Obesity Atlas 2025 report. Giselle Escaño, president of the Dominican Association for the Study of Obesity (Asodeo), emphasized the serious health challenges this poses, urging authorities to strengthen prevention policies. Key strategies include awareness campaigns, regulating sugary drinks, and promoting physical activity.

Dr. Luis Cruz highlighted economic barriers to healthy eating, stressing the need for education and accessible nutrition. Preventive health initiatives, such as the recent event at the Cruz Jiminián Clinic, aim to address obesity and related conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The operation included medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, and psychological support to promote a comprehensive approach to obesity prevention.

Government statistics show that 70.1% of Dominican adults were overweight or obese in 2021, with rising rates among children and adolescents, especially in private schools. Experts warn that obesity can lead to over 200 complications, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The initiative, supported by INABIE and World Television, is part of World Obesity Day efforts, expecting to assist 200–300 participants in improving their health.

The Ministry of Health on Tuesday inked a US$3.3 million agreement with the United Kingdom-headquartered RioMed Limited to establish an electronic health records (EHR) system that would be accessible across all public healthcare providers to allow doctors to more efficiently treat patients. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony again warned those who would access the EHR ...

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Barbados TODAY highlighted women working in various fields – from health to telecoms, from development to politics – as they share their sources of success and triumph over challenges they have encountered. Here is an interview with Rachel DeGale, CEO of BioConnect Medical Centre, about her journey.

When it comes to women’s health, Rachel DeGale is comfortable with the taboo.

After spending nearly two decades in fertility health, Rachel is now the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of BioConnect Medical Centre, a game-changing health and wellness facility that focusses on holistic perimenopause and menopause treatments. Dr. Roberta Corona is the other co-founder and Medical Director.

“Any woman that has the privilege of aging is going to go through menopause. Some women are going to sail through it, and some women are going to really struggle, but at the end of the day, you don’t get a medal for slogging it through! You can’t make it to the finish line by not reaching out and getting help.”

To spend a minute with Rachel is to know she is dynamic, passionate and driven to do the best she can for their clients. So perhaps it was no surprise when she shared her own issues with reaching out for help during her ongoing battle with perimenopause.

The 47-year-old credits her turnaround to Dr. Corona’s support and treatment as well as working with the “best team ever.”
How does she think they would describe her as a leader? Firm, but fair.

“I have learned that how I lead apparently is quite unique. I don’t believe as women in leadership… that we have to be boisterous; we don’t have to be ‘little men’. I do believe that we can be authentically who we are as people. I remember my old boss used to say all that time that trust is earned, and she was absolutely correct in that you have to earn your team’s trust. How do you do that? You have their back, from the little details of knowing what’s happening in their life to the big things.”

Rachel believes accelerating action comes from education and awareness about women’s health at all stages and phases. And perhaps that is what allows you to be excited about what’s next.

“When people are talking about menopause they can come with a shroud of negativity, and it doesn’t have to be like that. There are solutions out there.”

This article appeared in the March 8 International Women’s Day Magazine by Barbados Today. View the magazine here.

The post Rachel DeGale: Innovating Healthcare at BioConnect Medical Centre appeared first on Barbados Today.

On Tuesday, Emmalin Pierre, NNP Political Leader and Opposition Leader in Parliament updated that Dr Mitchell was in “great spirit and he is well”

View the full post Dr Mitchell recovering from blackout episode on NOW Grenada.

The historically left-leaning Working People’s Alliance (WPA) on Monday said there was diplomatic space for Guyana to find the balance between regional solidarity with Cuba against the United States (US) and securing American support to deal with Venezuela’s increasing aggression over the Essequibo region. While Guyana needs to retain the support of the US and ...

GFNC’s annual surveys of daycare children and biennial assessments of preschoolers help identify children who need support 

View the full post GFNC Survey Daycare and Pre-School results on NOW Grenada.