Sister Islands World Diabetes Day Lighting Ceremony

(CNS): A short walk around the Stake Bay Loop at 4.15pm on 14 November kicked off the World Diabetes Day event on Cayman Brac. This was followed by the blue lighting of the Cayman Brac Museum to create awareness that an increasing number of people are being affected by diabetes. In her welcome address, Thelma Galbraith of the Cayman Islands Diabetes Association-Sisters Islands quoted President Jean Claude Mbanya of the International Diabetes Federation,, who said, “World Diabetes Day is about mobilizing the global community to produce a powerful voice for diabetes awareness. We want all concerned to take the necessary action to control an epidemic that affects the lives of over 300 million people in the world today.”

Galbraith said, “All concerned means the patients, care givers, relatives and friends, nurses, doctors and pharmacist, the government. Everybody. We are proud to say we have one of the best health care system in the Caribbean and a government that cares for its people.”

Acting Premier Juliana O’Connor Connolly applauded the small learning group for their contribution to our islands and was extremely pleased that it continues to make a significant impact on the global battle against this disease.

World Diabetes Day was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked the Day for the first time with the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006, which made the existing World Diabetes Day an official United Nations World Health Day. The theme for 2009-2013 is Education and Prevention. The slogan for 2010 is: “Let’s take control of diabetes. Now”.

The Sister Islands group meets every second and last Thursday at the Faith Hospital Conference Room at 7.00pm.