Category: CANA News

President Irfaan Ali Wednesday said that the agricultural sector in Guyana must evolve into one that bears the imprimatur of innovation, technology, and opportunity, driving down poverty, closing the gap of inequality, and building a more diversified and resilient economy.

Ali, who also has lead responsibility for agriculture in the quasi-Cabinet of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping, said agriculture has always been the backbone of Guyana’s economy, as well as being a provider of livelihoods for thousands of families, and the foundation of food and nutrition security.

In a message in observance of October as ‘Agriculture Month 2025,’ President Ali said agriculture is an engine of a resilient future for Guyana and that the month is dedicated towards celebrating the farmers, fishers, processors, and entrepreneurs whose efforts feed our nation and propel our economy.

‘This annual celebration is not only a tribute to their hard work but also a reminder of agriculture’s enduring place in our national story,’ he said, noting that in the pursuit of the sector evolving Guyana is modernising its agri-food systems to guarantee cheaper, reliable, stable, and nutritious food for every household.

‘At the same time, we are building enough surpluses to secure Guyana’s role as a major contributor to Caribbean food security. That is why the government is driving bold action to transform and make our agri-food systems more competitive and sustainable, while improving livelihoods.’

Ali said that this vision is being translated into concrete actions on the ground.

‘We are expanding the production of priority commodities, supporting diversification into new crops, livestock, and aquaculture, and ensuring that every farmer has the tools and resources needed to produce food. From rice to corn, soya to livestock, aquaculture to agro-processing, we are scaling up production and opening new markets at home, in the Caribbean, and beyond.’

He said infrastructure is central to this transformation and that the government is building farm-to-market roads, modern storage facilities, upgraded ports, and stronger transport linkages, ensuring every producer, whether in the hinterland or on the coast, can move goods quickly, safely, and competitively to regional and global markets.

‘We are also modernising agriculture with digital extension services, precision farming, and climate-smart practices. These tools will help producers increase yields, cut costs, reduce risks, and embed sustainability into every stage of production.’

He said with regards to livestock, the administration is investing heavily in the future and that tunnel ventilation pens, hatcheries, genetic improvements, artificial insemination, abattoirs, and processing plants are being developed to boost production of poultry, beef, and dairy.

‘Affordable financing is being rolled out, while training programs equip farmers with the skills to improve animal health, prevent diseases, and increase clean milk production. By 2030, these initiatives will position livestock as a major driver of growth, innovation, and food security.

‘We are also expanding aquaculture and cage farming. New vessel monitoring systems and sustainable fishing practices will diversify income streams, particularly for coastal and hinterland communities, while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.’

Ali said that the Regional Food Hub will soon be completed, strengthening trade logistics and agro-processing.

‘This means more jobs, more exports, and more value retained in our economy. From fresh produce to processed goods, Guyana will not only feed itself but also supply the region with high-quality, affordable, and competitive food products.

‘Equally important is our commitment to inclusion. Women and young people must be central to agricultural transformation. That is why we are expanding financing, training, and innovation programs for women-led and youth-led agribusinesses. By unlocking their potential, we are investing in their entrepreneurship and long-term prosperity.’

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

HAMILTON – Bermudians were being urged to closely monitor the passage of two hurricanes that could begin affecting the British Overseas Territory later on Tuesday.

BASSETERRE – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agriculture ministers meet here on Tuesday focusing on a wide range of issues including the status and trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, trade, and employment; initiatives to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and a new grievance redress mechanism for the Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).

WASHINGTON -The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

KINGSTON – The Bank of Jamaica(BOJ) says the outlook for real economic activity for next two fiscal years is likely to be in line with the last forecast and that preliminary indicators suggest that the economy should expand in the September 2025 quarter, resulting from expansions in electricity and water supply, agriculture and tourism and its allied services.

NASSAU – The Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) says preliminary indicators are that the domestic economy grew at a moderated paced up through the month August, relative to the year earlier, as performance indicators continued to trend closer to their expected medium-term potential.

SPORTS:

DUBAI – West Indies seeking to avoid a whitewash at the hands of Nepal, the first-ever associate nation to win a bilateral series in the third T20I of the Unity Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

President Irfaan Ali Tuesday urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to approach the growing presence of United States naval assets in the Caribbean with ‘eyes wide open,’ emphasising the need for mature and open discussions on security matters affecting the region.

The state-owned Department of Public Information (DPI), quoted Ali as saying that while some Caribbean leaders may view the US military buildup positively, Guyana recognises that the situation requires careful examination

President Irfaan Ali

‘The zone of peace is not only about threats to borders. It’s also about threats that we are now seeing,’ he said, noting concerns such as drug trafficking, illegal migration, and the use of international waterways for transhipment.

The United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels. A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission.

Venezuela has since responded to what it termed the threat posed by the United States and has itself marshalled its troops along its borders.

Late last month, President Donald Trump ordered the US military to strike a boat in the Caribbean Sea, off Venezuela, killing 11, allegedly carrying drugs and earlier this month, he told reporters from the Oval Office that he had strong evidence that the latest boat in which three people were killed, was also carrying drugs.

The Trinidad and Tobago government has come out publicly in support of the United States sending naval and military troops to waters near Venezuela as part of Washington’s crackdown on nacro- trafficking.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar in her address to the UNGA last weekend, said while there have been objections to the US military action against drug cartels from some countries, Port of Spain wanted to remind the international community that, ‘unless forceful and aggressive actions are taken, these evil drug cartels will continue their societal destruction because they believe affected nations will always unreservedly subscribe to morals and ethics which they themselves blatantly flout.

‘That is why we willingly supported the international security alliance announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involving the US and several countries in South America to combat drug-trafficking in the hemisphere,’ she told the UNGA, adding that the notion that the Caribbean is a zone of peace has become a false ideal.

‘The reality is stark, no such peace exists today,’ she added.

President Ali said that Guyana has consistently promoted the region as a zone of peace and has responded to threats with diplomacy and truth rather than hostility.

‘Every single day, the Venezuelan government attacks me personally, attacks this country. They say the worst things about us. But we have never responded in a hostile way. We responded with facts and truth,’ he said, underscoring his country’s commitment to measured and principled diplomacy.

President Ali emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and collaborative discussions among regional partners to understand the implications of military movements fully.

‘What is needed is a meeting of minds, a meeting to share intelligence and to share information, so a fuller understanding of what is at stake here for all of us,’ he said, adding that through open dialogue, transparency, and regional cooperation, Caribbean countries can collectively safeguard peace and stability while addressing emerging security challenges.

Haiti Tuesday welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to back a resolution authorising the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

The resolution was moved by the United States and Panama and by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with three abstentions, namely China, Pakistan and the Russian Federation), the Council adopted the text as resolution 2793.

Haiti’s representative at the UN Security Council, Ericq Pierre

Through the resolution, the Council authorised member states to transition the MSS mission to the GSF for an initial period of 12 months and among other terms, the Security Council has decided that the GSF shall have an authorised personnel ceiling of 5,550, consisting of 5,500 uniformed personnel, comprised of both military and police and 50 civilians.

US Ambassador Michael Waltz said the resolution, undertaken in close collaboration with the Haitian authorities, offered new hope for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

Waltz said that the resolution is ‘a key first step’ to address the humanitarian and security crisis there, while Panama said ‘today we say to Haiti, once and for all, you are not alone.

‘The result today allows us to have the necessary reconfiguration on the ground in order to face the gangs and, therefore, address the insecurity situation in the country’.

Panama said that the Haitian people ‘cannot wait any longer’ adding ‘we are convinced that, with this initiative, the Security Council , on this occasion, is complying with its role as expressed in the UN Charter.’

Haiti’s representative Ericq Pierre said today’s decision to transform the MSS to the GSF ‘marks a decisive turning point in my country’s fight against one of the most serious challenges in its already turbulent history’.

Pierre said that while the MSS mission has been ‘a valuable support and a strong signal of international solidarity’ he noted that ‘the reality on the ground has reminded us that the scale and sophistication of the threat far exceeds the mandate initially granted to this mission’.

He said today as the Security Council grants a stronger, more offensive and more operational mandate it ‘is giving the international community the means to respond to the gravity of the situation in Haiti’.

Speaking on behalf of the 15-member CARICOM grouping of which Haiti is a part, the Barbados representative said the critical objectives for Haiti can only be achieved if security is restored.

‘In this regard, we wholeheartedly welcome the Security Council’s adoption today of this resolution as a fundamental step that responds to the urgency of the security situation in Haiti,’ the Barbadian diplomat said, adding ‘CARICOM in particular welcomes the timely transition of the Multinational Security Support mission to a Gang Suppression Force with a UN authorised mandate to bring an immediate end to violence and restore public safety in Haiti’.

CARICOM is also supporting the UN Support Office in Haiti ‘to provide the necessary logistical and administrative support for this robust force’.

Guyana’s ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, speaking on behalf of her country as well as for Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia, said even though there was not sufficient time to consult ‘we approached the process with our foremost responsibility to the Haitian people, whose lives and livelihoods are directly impacted by the dire security crisis in the country.

Guyana’s ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

‘We placed utmost priority on ensuring that there were adequate safeguards for the protection of human rights, including the rights of children, who comprise 50 per cent of gang membership.

‘Secondly, we also recognise our obligation to support and strengthen the efforts of Kenya, Barbados, The Bahamas, El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica as well as the other countries supporting the MSS mission,’ the Guyanese diplomat said.

Russia said that unfortunately, the tools of international assistance to Haiti pushed through the UN Security Council have failed to produce any sustainable results,, noting ‘and we have every reason to believe that this new mission, under yet another grand title, will meet the same fate’.

Russia said that no proper assessment of the efficacy, successes or failures of the MSS had been conducted, ‘instead, the Council is now being presented with a new idea, to create a mission independent of national and international oversight, with a virtually unrestricted mandate to use force against anyone and everyone labelled with the vague term ‘gangs’.

‘Do you not understand that ill-conceived and rushed steps may lead to outcomes that are completely contrary to our goals?,’ Russia asked.

A revitalised West Indies outfit delivered a crushing ten-wicket victory over Nepal in the final T20I, preventing a historic whitewash and showcasing the potent talent within their ranks.

Despite the emphatic nature of the win, the result does little to overshadow Nepal’s landmark achievement in securing their first-ever series win against a full member nation after claiming the series 2-1.

Choosing to bowl first on a sluggish Sharjah pitch offering consistent sideways movement, the regional side were vindicated by a disciplined bowling performance.

The tone was set early, with Nepal’s openers finding boundaries hard to come against accurate bowling led by skipper Akeal Hosein.

Player of the series Kushal Bhurtel managed to hit a few lusty blows in his top score of 39, as the visitors put a stranglehold on the home side’s top order, stifling the powerplay that included 20 dot balls.

The pressure told quickly after the fielding restrictions eased, with Hosein and the impressive player of the match, Ramon Simmonds, exploiting the conditions perfectly.

Simmonds, brought in as one of two changes for the must-win encounter, was the game-changer, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-15 from three overs.

His impact was immediate, triggering a catastrophic middle-order collapse for Nepal. In his first two overs, Simmonds removed the dangerous-looking Rohit Paudel for 17 and Aarif Sheikh for 6, while a mix-up saw Gulsan Jha run out for 10.

From a precarious position of 91-5 in the 15th over, Nepal never recovered, with Simmonds mopping up the tail to bowl them out for 122.

The West Indies chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste extinguished any faint hopes of a Nepal fightback from the very first over, with Jangoo launching a Karan KC delivery onto the stadium roof.

The pair feasted on anything short or wayward, peppering the leg-side boundary with ease. They raced to a 47-run power play, effectively ending the contest within the first six overs. A rare dropped chance by Paudel to reprieve Auguste on 29 was a symbol of Nepal’s deflated energy.

Jangoo was in sublime touch, and after a solid foundation, he shifted into a devastating top gear. He brought up his fifty off just 38 balls and then unleashed a brutal assault, smashing five sixes in his last nine deliveries. The Trinidadian left-hander would finish not out on 74.

At the other end, Auguste provided the perfect foil with 41 not out, as the visitors galloped to their target with a massive 46 balls to spare, securing their first-ever ten-wicket win in T20Is.

Venezuela is seeking closer ties with Suriname and has described as ‘ a new beginning’ discussions held on Monday between Finance and Planning Minister, Adelien Wijnerman and the Venezuelan Ambassador, Ms. Ayezim Y. Flores Rivas,

The Communications Service Suriname (CDS) in a statement following the discussions said that the ‘visit was intended to strengthen the close ties between Suriname and Venezuela’.

It quoted Wijnerman as expressing her appreciation for the initiative and emphasized that Suriname is open to intensive cooperation.

Ambassador Flores Rivas called the meeting ‘a new beginning’ adding that Venezuela, despite the challenges it faces, stands ready to support Suriname in various areas, including education, finance, and the oil and gas sector.

‘During the meeting, various opportunities for cooperation were discussed. For example, the ambassador proposed offering Spanish classes to ministry employees. She also highlighted Venezuela’s investments in education and social projects, which lay the foundation for future joint initiatives,’ the CDS statement stated.

‘Suriname and Venezuela expressed their intention to further expand their cooperation, including through knowledge exchange and training through universities in both countries,’ it said.

Suriname and Venezuela are oil-producing countries.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett has praised the contributions of young people in the socio-economic development of the region.

‘Across the CARICOM, youth are making waves in every sector. They are championing climate resilience and are at the forefront of promoting social equity. Caribbean youth are driving cultural pride and digital innovation, redefining,’ Barnett said in a message marking Caribbean Youth Day 2025

She said that the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of young people across the region ‘whose energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to the future prosperity of our region’.

She said that in recognition of their evolving realities and aspirations, the Caribbean Youth Development Plan (CYDAP), which acknowledges young people as active agents of change, has been revised to ensure its currency and relevance.

Additionally, a Regional Youth Development Structure is being established to facilitate meaningful ongoing youth engagement and to bridge the intergenerational gap.

The CARICOM Secretary General also applauded ‘the remarkable talent of our young people, including those who represent us with such dignity and pride on the regional, and global stag’ noting their ‘vibrant participation’ at the recent staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) held in Barbados in August this year.

‘Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration.’

Barnett said that she is urging all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and the youth themselves, to renew their commitment to creating an environment where young people can contribute to and participate in decision-making processes, and lead initiatives for positive change.

‘Their voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,’ she added.

In a significant move to secure the future of West Indies cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiled its list of players offered International Retainer Contracts for the 2025/26 season.

The new contract cycle, beginning October 1, sees a blend of established stars and exciting newcomers across both the Men’s and Women’s teams.

A key feature of this year’s list is the expanded use of multi-year deals, an initiative designed to provide players with greater financial security and help CWI retain its most valuable assets in the competitive global cricket landscape.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasised the dual focus of the selection process.

‘We have placed a premium on both current performance and long-term potential,’ Bascombe stated. ‘Our strategy is firmly focused on building competitive squads for major global tournaments, ensuring stability for our top performers, and aligning our pathways with long-term success for West Indies cricket.’

The senior Men’s list features 15 players who have become central figures across formats. The exciting pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and breakout sensation Shamar Joseph are retained, alongside batting mainstays like Shai Hope and Brandon King. Spin options Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are also included, highlighting their importance to the squad.

Notably, the ‘Starter Contracts’ for developing players have been offered to promising teenagers, including young wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew. Furthermore, the Men’s Academy list features a 15-player pool, such as Nathan Edward and Rivaldo Clarke.

The Women’s squad sees a strong core of experienced campaigners like captain Hayley Matthews and legendary Stafanie Taylor. They are joined by key players such as Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack.

The commitment to development is mirrored in the Women’s program, with ‘Starter Contracts’ awarded to Jahzara Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond.

A 14-player Women’s Academy, including names like Trishan Holder and Shabika Gajnabi, rounds out a comprehensive plan to build depth and sustain success for the Maroon women.

West Indies Men’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Men Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne,

Men’s Academy Ackeem Auguste, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Giovonte Depeiza, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pittman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.

West Indies Women’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Women Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond.

Women’s Academy Abigail Bryce, Asabi Callender, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajanbi, Brianna Harricharan, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott.

Scoreboard of the third T20I between West Indies and Nepal here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

NEPAL

Kushal Bhurtel c Mayers b Hosein 39

Kushal Malla c +Jangoo b Holder 12

*Rohit Paudel c +Jangoo b Simmonds 17

Gulsan Jha run out 10

Sundeep Jora c Allen b Blades 14

Aarif Sheikh c Holder b Simmonds 6

Mohammad Alam run out 3

Lokesh Bam c +Jangoo b Blades 9

Sompal Kami lbw Simmonds 4

Karan KC b Simmonds 0

Shahab Alam not out 0

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w6) 8

TOTAL (ten wickets; 19.5 overs) 122

Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-60, 3-75, 4-84, 5-91, 6-105, 7-109, 8-118, 9-118, 10-122.

Bowling: Mayera 2-0-13-0, Hosein 4-0-26-1, Holder 3-0-19-1, Blades 3.5-0-20-2, Gore 3-0-23-0,

Bidaisee 1-0-5-0, Simmonds 3-0-15-4.

WEST INDIES

+Amir Jangoo not out 74

Ackeem Auguste not out 41

Extras (lb4, wd4) 8

TOTAL 0 wickets; 12.2 overs) 123

Did not bat: Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Ramon Simmonds

Bowling: Paudel 2-0-18-0, Karan 2-0-19-0, Kami 2.2-0-17-0, Mohammad Alam 2-0-24-0, Bhurtel 2-0-17-0, Shahab Alam 2-0-24-0

Toss: West Indies won and elected to field.

Result: West Indies won by 10 wickets

Player-of-the-Match: Ramon Simmonds

Player of the series: Kushal Bhurtel

Series Result: Nepal won the 3-match series 2-1

Umpires: Buddhi Pradhan, Vinay Kumar

TV Umpire: Akbar Ali

Reserve Umpire: Durga Subedi

Match Referee: Narayanan Kutty.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme ‘Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,’ followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,’ said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

‘This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,’ he added.

PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.

At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.

It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.

PAHO said that the 2026-2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.

It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.

‘Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,’ Dr Barbosa added.

To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or ‘accelerators,’ to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.

Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.

The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a ‘renewed regional cooperation’ and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.

‘By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.

‘This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,’ said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, incduing nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who ‘demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.’

The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.

The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.

The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values-equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity-and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.

The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.