Second-generation Barbadian Daniella Sawyers is enjoying a new lease on life at 17 and will soon be granted her wish – to visit Barbados.

She was diagnosed with Rett syndrome – a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, and causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language – at the age of two, when she began showing signs of unsteadiness and could not stand or walk for long periods of time.

In June, she began treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Centre with a newly approved drug that dramatically reduced the symptoms of her illness.

Daniella was present at a press conference on Tuesday, at which her doctor, Sanjeev Kothare, MD, director in the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Cohen Children’s Medical Centre, presented his findings.

Also present, along with her Barbadian mother Chyrel, her Jamaican father Donovan and other members of the Northwell Health team, were Consul General of Barbados at New York Mackie Holder, and Deputy Director, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) USA, Tenisha Holder.

Rett syndrome occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments that affect nearly every aspect of the child’s life, pointed out Dr Kothare, who has been treating Daniella for the past few years. The disorder is caused by mutations on the X chromosome on a gene called
MECP2.

It is estimated that Rett syndrome occurs worldwide in one out of every 10 000 female births. Patients will live to middle age or beyond with increasingly debilitating symptoms if not treated.

By the time Dr Kothare started treating Daniella in 2021, she was experiencing chronic and uncontrollable seizures – as many as 30 to 40 in one day – and her ability to speak was very limited. Her mother said that Daniella “spoke with her eyes”.

That began to change when Dr Kothare prescribed a drug called Daybue (trofinetide), which was approved by the FDA in March. The new drug improved cognition, gait and behaviour.

We are so grateful to Dr Kothare for prescribing Daybue for Daniella,” said the teen’s mother. “In just three months, she is walking and speaking sentences. And the seizures are much less frequent and of shorter duration. The thing to remember is that children like Daniella understand everything – it’s like they’re trapped inside a piece of glass.

According to Dr Kothare, Daniella will be taking the medication for the rest of her life. He believes that she and her family will continue to see improvements.

The Barbados representatives were part of the event after a Northwell representative contacted Consul General Holder about Daniella’s condition and her wish to visit Barbados, the birthplace of not only her mother but of Rihanna, of whom she is a big fan.

When Holder heard, he sprang into action. The family and audience burst into applause when he announced that the Sawyers family would be treated to a one-week vacation in Barbados.

Daniella clearly understood the announcement. Looking at her mother, she said, “I love it.”

Holder said it was an honour to have Barbados associated with the announcement of the medical breakthrough by Northwell, which has been particularly kind to the island during the COVID-19 pandemic and with which he had built a strong relationship.

He noted that the Consulate could not help but get involved when he heard of Daniella’s story. He said making her dream trip come true was a reflection of the DNA of Barbados which has built a reputation for warmth and hospitality, whether sharing a meal with strangers or giving refuge to stranded persons and ships, as it did during the pandemic.

He also pointed out that Barbados was known as a place people visited for its recuperative climate.

Tenisha Holder said BTMI was happy to facilitate the family trip to Barbados and would ensure Daniella sees Rihanna’s childhood home and enjoys as much of what the island has to offer as possible.

The post Teen with rare disorder recovering and heading to Barbados appeared first on Barbados Today.

In the wake of a loved one’s passing, many find solace in preserving cherished memories through photos, mementoes, or keepsakes. For former journalist Krystal Penny Bowen, the route of memory for her late mother, Sheralene Bowen, begins in the kitchen. The destination is the book, Food: My Mother’s Love Language: Celebrating the Life of Sheralene Bowen, a culinary tribute encapsulating her mother’s delicious recipes.

Bowen has received heartwarming feedback from readers who commend her for the touching tribute to her mother. 

She fondly recalled one of her most cherished memories of working side by side with her mother in the kitchen, a place where they not only prepared meals but also nurtured their bond.

“My mother loved to let me take photos of her food. I think that was the only way that I could be in the kitchen. In addition to that we would work together to get her food orders out. I was often called on to get the supplies or prep the raw materials. I would provide as much support as possible and in some cases, I would even serve the food at the event during her catering jobs,” she said. 

The idea took root in November 2021 when Krystal created a 12-page draft containing her ailing mother’s 12 cherished recipes. Sheralene wholeheartedly embraced the concept and supported her daughter’s effort until she succumbed to cervical cancer just four months later. Krystal was determined to see her dream of publishing the book come to fruition, not only as a culinary compilation but also as a brief glimpse into the multifaceted life of her beloved mother, who was not only a chef but also a devoted mom and active community member.

Krystal emphasised her dedication to commemorating her mother’s life with the utmost respect for her final days and their family. The book primarily focuses on her mother’s remarkable career as a cook and entrepreneur, taking approximately four months to complete. Krystal collaborated with Robert Gibson of Passionate Words Editing Services, whose expertise was invaluable in shaping the book’s layout and appearance.

While the writing process was undoubtedly challenging, Krystal firmly believes it played an integral role in her healing journey by allowing her to share her mother’s incredible persona with a wider audience.

Krystal said: “My mother was an incredible person. She was artistic, funny, kind and loving. She was a social butterfly – she enjoyed socialising, dancing, singing and volunteering. As a cook and chef, she worked in hospitality, in food canteens as well as in several restaurants such as the now defunct BJ’s Café, Wonderland Deli and the University of The West Indies Cave Hill Campus Cafeteria. She catered for The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, World Cup 2007, QEH Medical Staff as well as for the late Prime Minister of Barbados, The Rt. Hon. David Thompson and then-Attorney General of Barbados, and now Prime Minister of Barbados, The Hon. Mia Amor Mottley. Mom was unable to work for many years due to her declining health, in 2022 she was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.”

The graduate of The University of Leicester with a Masters of Art in Media, Communications, and Public Relations urges others to consider documenting their loved ones’ legacies through writing, as it can provide solace during the grieving process.

“Writing a book about your loved one is difficult, but I believe one should do it. My mom meant the world to me. She was my friend, she loved me unconditionally. When writing, think of what was truly special about that parent. For my mother, it was her love of cooking and how she used food to share her love. Food was her love language –it was how she showed her feelings, and she was an incredible cook too,” she shared, encapsulating the profound sentiment behind her tribute to her mother. (PR/BT)

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“One can also stay hydrated in extreme heat by consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables that can be found in the backyard or in the market”

View the full post Stay hydrated by eating water-rich fruits and vegetables on NOW Grenada.

“Our nation’s health is not a playing field for political negligence; it is a matter of national urgency that warrants serious and immediate attention”

View the full post Health crisis in Grenada: A call to action for government on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Open Letter to National Standards Bodies of Caricom on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Grenada Family Fun Day for kids with disabilities and their families on NOW Grenada.

Many children, adolescents and young people are struggling to cope in a fast-changing world says arts psychotherapist Varia Williams. 

“Coming out of COVID, the mental health stresses arising out of isolation and loss of opportunities are still being felt in a very real way – and we’re seeing this through increased self-harm and other social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges,” she said.

“We have a mental health crisis on our hands, and one of the key challenges is to destigmatise and normalise the discourse around this critical aspect of our wellbeing.”

Williams recently returned from pursuing a Master of Arts in Drama and Movement Therapy – a method of psychotherapy which incorporates and utilises creative arts in therapy.

She explained that arts therapy is a fast-growing specialist area of psychotherapy. The therapist, working within a theoretical framework of developmental and analytical psychology, applies techniques using movement, drama, art, play, images and symbols to make connections between conscious and unconscious states to encourage integration and balance.

“I expect that my new skills will complement those already available in Barbados to support these needs. I’ll be looking for opportunities to collaborate with other mental health professionals, programmes, and agencies over the next coming months to do just that,” Williams said.

Already well-known as a theatre practitioner and drama teacher in Barbados, her experience over the past 15 years as managing director of Mustardseed Productions – a company recognised for its bold and innovative productions while promoting culture, creativity and identity – has laid the groundwork for this new venture she is undertaking.  

“During the pandemic, we couldn’t meet, we couldn’t perform, and we saw the impact on our young people. It forced me to refocus and reconsider my training to address deeper needs within society,” Williams said. “The course of study I chose is still very much related to my passion for people and the arts, but now focuses more on the field of psychology, psychotherapy and mental health and wellness.”  

Her work in the two-year immersive programme at the University of London’s highly respected Royal Central School of Speech and Drama earned her a distinction, saw her complete several job attachments, including working in a forensic hospital for men with mental illnesses and who have committed serious crimes. Williams also worked with both verbal and non-verbal children and youth in schools dealing with such issues as anxiety, grief and suicidal ideation.

Her dissertation, titled Limbo State of Mind, addressed specific mental health considerations derived from the transatlantic slave trade and the legacy of colonialism for Caribbean communities. In it, she posits how continued suppression, repression and oppression of race-related issues contribute to many mental health challenges, as black diasporic communities continue to address issues of identity, rage, shame, grief and disenfranchisement.

“Life took me to this next stage,” revealed the arts psychotherapist. “Mustardseed was always about inclusion, about welcoming and recognising differences, about allowing children and adolescents to learn about themselves and community while gaining confidence through drama and theatre. So, this is a natural progression for me.”

Going forward, Williams said, “My primary focus will be on establishing a treatment practice using movement and drama in therapy and bringing in other elements of creative arts therapy. I will be working with individuals and groups – children, young people and adults, on issues related to mental health.” 

(PR/BT)

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By Emmanuel Joseph

A CARICOM Impact Assessment (CIA) study on front-of-package Nutritional Labelling (FoPNL) has unveiled that Barbados imports the highest percentage of products displaying the UK Traffic Light warning system.

FoPNL is seen as a tool to inform consumers of the healthiness of foods, encourage healthier food choices, and limit the intake of foods that contain high amounts of critical nutrients of public health concern, such as sodium, sugars, and fats.

The CIA study, which was funded by the region’s private sector, also confirmed the need for a labelling model designed to meet the unique needs of consumers in Barbados and the rest of the region.

Ironically, the 214-page research, conducted by St Lucia-based KMA Consulting Limited last year, found that “the US Facts Up Front and the UK Traffic Light schemes are best suited to achieve the regional population’s health objectives, in comparison to the CARICOM Regional Standards Scheme Octagonal Warning Label”.

The controversial Black and White Octagonal Warning Label is the sole front-of-package model under consideration by CARICOM, whose member states will vote this weekend on whether to implement it as the region-wide system.

On Monday, the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA), representing food and beverage makers and importers, told Barbados TODAY that it planned to reject the CARICOM label.

The study, designed to ascertain an appropriate FoPNL scheme and identify a harmonised approach for its implementation, was commissioned by the Regional Private Sector Organisation.

“Of the products with an FoPNL, the most commonly used was the US Facts Up Front, followed by the EU GDA and UK Traffic Light systems in descending order. On average, 16 per cent of the products in the product sample featured the US Facts Up Front FoPNL, 4 per cent the EU GDA, and only 0.9 per cent bore the UK Traffic FoPNL,” the survey concluded.

“The Bahamas had the largest percentage of products with the US Facts Up Front FoPNL at 29 per cent, while Jamaica had the lowest at six per cent. The GDA system was most commonly used in Belize and Trinidad, with seven per cent and five per cent of the products carrying that label, respectively. Jamaica had the lowest percentage of goods with the EU GDA label at only two per cent.

“Barbados had the highest percentage of products with the UK Traffic Light system at four per cent. However, none of the products in the sample from Guyana and Jamaica carried the UK Traffic Light system. No products were found bearing the Mexican and Brazilian FoPNL Models.”

The survey also revealed that “a clear regional policy should be enunciated to guide the design and format of a regional FoPNL scheme suited to meet the needs of regional consumers”.

The researchers also recommended that the development process for the label should be jointly led by the relevant public sector agencies responsible for trade, economic development, and food and nutrition security and that this process involves all key stakeholders, particularly the regional food manufacturing/processing sector.

They concluded that once consensus is reached on the design and format of the FoPNL model, it should be proposed for regional standardisation through the established regional standards development process.

“Concurrently, member states should urgently begin steps towards strengthening their national and consequently regional quality infrastructure for food and nutrition safety and security,” the impact assessment recommended, adding that enforcement should be informed by a thorough Regulatory Impact Assessment.

“Enforcement of an FoPNL scheme should be carried out through the appropriate food safety technical regulations (referencing the appropriate national labelling standard) in each member state at the appropriate stage.”

Before recommending the US and UK front-of-package labels for use in the region, the researchers evaluated and ranked the different schemes on factors such as economic impact, social impact, and compliance impact.

Using data from primary and secondary sources, the different FoPNL models were assessed within a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) framework, applying indicators such as consumer choice, production, and trade.

They said that MCA is used as an alternative to cost-benefit analysis to assess the comparative suitability of alternatives and consider other factors that cannot be quantified or assigned monetary value.

The study revealed that across the eight pilot countries, on average, 70 per cent of the products reviewed had nutritional facts labels, while only 22 per cent had FoPNL. The Bahamas had the highest percentage of products with nutritional facts labels, 95 per cent, and consequently the highest proportion of products with an FoPNL.

The survey found that Barbados had the seventh highest, with 65 per cent.

However, Barbados fared slightly better among the eight countries when it came to front-of-package nutritional labels, ranking fourth, with 22 per cent of its products featuring FoPNL.

The findings from the market baseline assessment, randomised control trial, stakeholder engagement, and literature review confirmed that the eating habits of regional consumers have trended toward increased consumption of street vended and packaged processed foods.

The results also showed that food-based dietary guidelines in most CARICOM member states are outdated and not aligned with the intent of the regional and respective national policies on food and nutrition security.

Coming out of the stakeholder engagement, it was recommended that the introduction of an FoPNL scheme must be supported by a robust consumer education campaign. 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

The post Barbados leads in UK-style food, drink labels – study appeared first on Barbados Today.

Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall and Chevanne Britton are Grenada’s participants at the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) fall meetings

View the full post Cornwall and Britton attending World Bank/IMF meetings on NOW Grenada.

St George’s University will host a Health is Wealth Fair on Saturday, 28 October outside of Spiceland Mall from 10 am

View the full post SGU Health is Wealth Fair 28 October on NOW Grenada.