Accessibility
Text size
Residents are being urged to return to healthier eating habits and cut back on highly processed foods as the Virgin Islands observes Caribbean Nutrition Month.
In a statement marking the observance, Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley said poor nutrition continues to contribute to rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity and certain cancers across the Territory and the wider Caribbean.
Observed under the theme, "Healthy Eating, Active Living: Promoting Caribbean Food as Medicine," the month-long campaign encourages residents to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.
“As a Territory, we must continue to return to healthier eating habits and reduce our dependence on highly processed foods, that are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats,” Wheatley stated.
The minister said the Caribbean's rich supply of local fruits, vegetables, fish, peas, beans and ground provisions provides healthier alternatives that can help prevent disease and improve overall wellness.
He also encouraged residents to follow the recommendations outlined in the Virgin Islands EatWell Guide, including eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary drinks, limiting foods high in salt and unhealthy fats, and staying physically active.
Wheatley said healthier lifestyles can improve quality of life, reduce pressure on the healthcare system and help build a healthier future for generations to come.
In a statement marking the observance, Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley said poor nutrition continues to contribute to rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity and certain cancers across the Territory and the wider Caribbean.
Observed under the theme, "Healthy Eating, Active Living: Promoting Caribbean Food as Medicine," the month-long campaign encourages residents to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.
“As a Territory, we must continue to return to healthier eating habits and reduce our dependence on highly processed foods, that are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats,” Wheatley stated.
The minister said the Caribbean's rich supply of local fruits, vegetables, fish, peas, beans and ground provisions provides healthier alternatives that can help prevent disease and improve overall wellness.
He also encouraged residents to follow the recommendations outlined in the Virgin Islands EatWell Guide, including eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing sugary drinks, limiting foods high in salt and unhealthy fats, and staying physically active.
Wheatley said healthier lifestyles can improve quality of life, reduce pressure on the healthcare system and help build a healthier future for generations to come.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.