Barbados is stepping up its fight against life-threatening non-communicable diseases with a major national conference in May aiming to turn concern over soaring diabetes and hypertension rates into concrete action.
The Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados (DHAB), in partnership with Republic Bank Barbados Limited, prepares to host the inaugural Live Stronger Longer: DHAB Republic Bank Blue Wellness Conference at Carifesta House on May 18 and 19.
Blue wellness has developed into a marketing term for holistic approaches in the corporate community through reward schemes, screenings, lifestyle coaching and other forms of preventive care.
The two-day event, announced on Friday, is expected to bring together over 300 participants — including medical professionals, policymakers, corporate leaders and members of the public — in what organisers describe as a decisive shift from awareness to action in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The initiative is grounded in strong partnerships and a clear mission to change how Barbadians approach their health, conference director Fern Lewis said.
Conference Director Fern Lewis. (LE)
“The conference focuses on responding to a national health crisis where one in four adults in Barbados lives with diabetes and 40 per cent of the adult population lives with hypertension,” she explained, noting that the goal is to move beyond simply informing people.
She added: “Longevity is not luck, it’s designed,” pointing to habits such as natural movement, plant-based eating, purpose and social connection as key to living longer, healthier lives.
The event will feature 15 international and regional speakers, including Blue Zones co-founder Nick Buettner, who is expected to outline practical strategies for longevity. A series of workshops, called the Blueprint Series, will tackle topics ranging from sleep and its link to diabetes to nutrition, sexual health and the science behind everyday foods.
A major highlight will be the Blue Wellness Village, an interactive space designed to give attendees hands-on experiences. From health screenings at entry points to “know your numbers”, to reimagined Caribbean meals, one-on-one consultations and a Stillness Zone focused on rest, the village will make healthy living tangible, the organisers said.
Health minister Davidson Ishmael underscored the urgency of the initiative, pointing to the country’s heavy burden of NCDs while defending Barbados’ reputation for high reporting rates.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Davidson Ishmael. (LE)
“Barbados does a very good job of reporting. We have a very robust analytical process… we report and present our findings across the world,” he said. “So while it may look like our numbers are high compared to other places, it is because Barbados does a very good job of capturing and presenting information.”
He also stressed that diabetes does not automatically lead to severe complications if managed properly.
“Diabetes is a condition that can be managed and, if it’s managed well, complications resulting from it can be reduced, minimised, and in some cases avoided,” he said, urging persons to “take your medication, exercise, eat properly, and you can live a long, happy life even with the condition.”
The conference forms part of a broader effort to deepen public engagement, especially as the organisation marks over 50 years of work in Barbados, according to DHAB president Tyrone Lowe.
“We are determined to win this battle, not just by medical interventions, but with a shared commitment to healthy living,” he said. “We must accelerate our efforts to make healthy living not just an option, but the most accessible, affordable, and attractive choice for all.”
He noted that the conference will follow activities recognising World Hypertension Day and will run daily from 8 a.m., with the Blue Wellness Village open to the public from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We want our attention to be focused… then we go into the conference for those two days of intense knowledge,” he said, adding that the Carifesta House venue allows for a more open, flexible experience, including showcasing healthier local food options.
Corporate support has also been central to the initiative. Republic Bank representative Sharon Zephirin described the conference as a critical step in addressing what she called a “national crisis”.
“The health of a nation is linked to… the wealth of a nation,” she said, urging Barbadians to invest in their well-being. “When you’re thinking the $300 is too much… ask, ‘What’s your life worth?’”
She highlighted the bank’s long-standing partnership with DHAB, including the donation of a mobile health unit and ongoing support for screenings and youth education, adding that the conference aims to provide not just information but direction. The Republic Bank of Barbados Limited and the DHAB also signed a partnership agreement at the conference.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George also used the opportunity to stress early detection and daily self-care, particularly for those living with diabetes.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George. (LE)
“If you don’t examine your feet every day and report any issues… that can save you a lot,” he said. “Your only prevention is early detection.”
He added that efforts are under way to expand access to foot care services and challenged misconceptions about Barbados’ global standing.
“It’s not true… we must be proactive and dispel the myth that we are the amputation capital of the world,” he said.
(LE)
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