The Health Promotions Unit on Nevis hosted a press conference on Tuesday 24th September, to promote the launch of the Nevis Chapter of the SKN MOVES.
According to Ag. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Shelissa Clarke, the SKN Moves is an original idea of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Timothy Harris but the Nevis chapter is an initiative of the Health Minister in the Nevis Island Administration, Hon. Hazel Brandy –Williams.
The press briefing was ably chaired by Miss Sheilagh James, Communications Officer at the Health Promotions Unit, who allowed the panelists to introduce themselves as follows: Mrs. Shelissa Clarke, Ag. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; David Walwyn, Managing Director of the FIT Wellness Center and Mr. Brian Dowe, Deputy Director, Department of Sports.
Immediately after the introductions, a promotional video was shown, which highlighted, Minister Hazel Brandy Williams, in her quest to interact with groups that are already engaged in regular exercise programs, or already on the MOVE and featured the St. Thomas’ Karate group, which has been in existence since 2012.
Three SENSEIS—Stacey Parris, Lyn Perkins, and Dr. George, all gave more insights as to the workings of the group and elaborated on how the regular exercise routines of the group, coupled with eating nourishing meals, will assist in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDS).
Senior Health Educator at the Health promotions Unit, Miss Shevanee Nisbett, then modeled the T-shirt that will be used during the upcoming promotions.
The nicely designed T-shirt has written on the front: ’Nevis moves launch-Friday 4th October 2019’ and on the back: ‘Half island road relay walk 5th October 2019’ and the addition of a map of Nevis.
Ag. PS Clarke then gave details as to two upcoming events. She stated that the upcoming events are the brainchild of the Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams and indicated that the official launch will take place at the FIT Wellness Park on Friday 4th October, starting at 5 pm.
This is a follow up to a previous launch of SKN moves, by Prime Minister Harris and a response to a Caribbean wide initiative referred to as ‘Caribbean Moves’, which is geared towards promoting healthy lifestyles and combatting non-communicable diseases.
She indicated that statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), are indicating that over two million deaths annually, are as a result of inactivity and that approximately 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active.
A half-island road relay run/walk will take place on Saturday 5th October.
This activity was further elaborated on by Miss Shelagh James, who indicated that it was open to the entire Nevisian population and other interested persons and will involve individuals and groups, running or walking from specific points on the island to areas where the designated baton passes will be made.
The walk on Saturday 5th October will commence at 5 am in Brick Kiln, led by the Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams and will see baton handoffs at Butlers with team leader Shelissa Clarke, Fothergills with team leaders Shevanee Nisbett and Jackie Hunkins, Market Shop-Hon. Eric Evelyn and down to Brown Hill bus stop, where Premier and Mrs. Brantley are expected to lead everyone to the FIT Wellness Park, where the relay will culminate with such activities as the national weigh-in (live), giveaways by DIGICEL and an opportunity for persons to sign up for the various gyms on the island or clubs such as the Archery Association.
David Walwyn spoke to the initiative as a ‘wellness revolution’, the likes of which has not been seen previously on the island and thanked the Honourable Minister for leading out in this regard.
Brian Dowe, gave details as to his department’s involvement, specifically in the run/walk relay and stated that arrangements have been made for various sporting groups to be stationed at specific points.
The groups are Football – a team from Bath United, coordinated by Alex Claxton; a group of Cricketers, coordinated by Carl Tuckett; a group of athletes, coordinated by Kurvin Wallace; Netball – a group of Netballers, coordinated by the Sports Department and a group of Basketballers, also coordinated by the Sports Department.
Miss James also indicated that the Red Cross Society will also be monitoring the walkers and runners on the route and the Education Department will have some buses on the route, in order to assist any walkers or runners who may need such assistance. She also stated that the launch on Friday 4th October will be an exciting event, filled with many prizes and surprises.