PM Drew Congratulates Seniors: “You Are Not Powerless” in Fight Against Chronic Disease

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, August 26, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, congratulated seniors from Lodge, Ottley’s, Cayon, and Keys Village who graduated from a six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme.

The initiative, led by the Ministry for Ageing and Disabilities, equipped the seniors with practical tools to manage diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions through healthier eating, physical activity, and lifestyle practices.

Prime Minister Drew commended the graduates for their commitment, noting, “These issues don’t have any control over us, but we can have control over them. You are not powerless, but you can be empowered with the information that you receive on the six-week course.”

He emphasized the importance of small lifestyle changes, including reducing sugar and salt intake, drinking more water, and staying active. “You don’t need a fancy gym or machine, sometimes all you need is to walk up the road to your friend’s house, sit and chat, and then walk back. That’s good exercise,” Dr. Drew said.

Reflecting on lessons from his medical career and student years in Cuba, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of community in healthy ageing. “We don’t want people locked in their houses because they have retired. We want them to get out, come to the programme, and enrich their lives.”

He expressed gratitude to Mrs. Patricia Mary Nurse-Clarke and the Ministry’s team for their dedication and congratulated the seniors on their achievement. “Who would have thought at your age you’d still be graduating? Life continues.”

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to expanding the programme across the Federation to ensure more seniors live healthier and more independent lives.