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United States authorities have concluded a long-term investigation with the unsealing of an indictment in the District of South Carolina charging two foreign nationals, including a Guyanese national, with conspiring to illegally divert US funded global health commodities.

The authorities said that Eric Ndungu Mwangi, 40, a Kenyan national, and Davendra Rampersaud, 42, a Guyanese national, and their associated businesses were charged in a 2021 superseding indictment brought by a federal grand jury in the District of South Carolina. They say the superseding indictment was originally filed under seal to protect the ongoing investigation.

The investigation, led by the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), focused on the approximately US$650 million USAID-funded KEMSA Medical Commodities Programme (MCP).

The purpose of KEMSA MCP was to establish and operate a safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable supply chain management system for HIV/AIDS commodities needed to provide care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, and to support the warehousing and distribution of select family planning, nutrition, and malaria commodities.

Beginning in 2014, Mwangi and his company, Linear Diagnostics (LD), systematically stole HIV test kits and other commodities intended for KEMSA. The stolen goods found a buyer in Rampersaud and his Guyanese company, Caribbean Medical Supplies, Inc. (CMS).

In 2015, Rampersaud fraudulently secured a ‘Letter of Authority’ to operate as an authorized distributor, allowing him to secure a lucrative, sole-source contract with the Guyana Ministry of Health for the products he was acquiring illegally.

Between 2015 and 2019, Rampersaud paid Mwangi over US$177,000 for the diverted medical supplies, including the stolen, USAID-funded HIV test kits meant for Kenya. Rampersaud then profited again by selling these stolen health commodities to the Guyanese government. He and his company also acquired and sold test kits stolen from another separate USAID programme.

‘This was an incredibly complicated investigation, spanning years and an ocean,’ said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina, adding ‘these defendants jeopardized a vital public health mission and caused a significant loss to the American taxpayers’.

In February 2021, Kenyan authorities arrested Mwangi on charges relating to theft and fraud. He is currently awaiting trial in Kenya. On the American charges, Mwangi faces up to 20 years on various counts, fines, and a term of supervised release.

In January 2023, Rampersaud was arrested on charges arising out of the superseding indictment when he flew into Miami in the United States during a flight layover, while attempting to travel back to Guyana.

He was transported to Charleston, South Carolina, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy and to stealing or converting health commodities that USAID paid for as part of a health care benefit. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel and received credit for time served and was additionally sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay an US$84,000 fine.

The Guyana government Wednesday welcomed the United States Department of State 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report that placed the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in Tier 1 as a result of the government fully meeting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

‘Guyana continues to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons,’ said Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, describing the Tier 1 ranking as evidence of the country’s ‘unwavering dedication and effective action in fighting human trafficking’.

Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond

She said that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating human trafficking within its borders and across the wider region.

She said that this commitment is amplified by the tireless efforts of members of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, non-governmental organizations, civil society stakeholders, and other partners.

‘Our comprehensive approach includes safeguarding vulnerable populations, increasing training and awareness, intensifying spot inspections and anti-trafficking operations, and through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, providing robust support and protection to victims and survivors, pursuing relentless prosecution of offenders, and fostering strong partnerships both locally and internationally,’ Walrond said.

The government said that the Tier 1 placement marks the ninth consecutive year that Guyana has demonstrated serious and sustained efforts to combat this insidious crime.

The US report also highlights several notable advancements in Guyana’s anti-trafficking framework, including an increased prosecution rate, the successful conviction of a sex trafficker with an ordered restitution payment, and enhanced collaboration with foreign governments to investigate trafficking cases effectively and increasing funding for the protection and prevention efforts.

It further outlines 12 critical recommendations for Guyana to continue strengthening its anti-trafficking efforts.

These include increasing prosecutions and convictions, especially in cases involving child victims; eliminating recruitment fees charged to workers; expanding labour and spot inspections in sectors vulnerable to trafficking such as mining and logging; enforcing restitution orders promptly; proactively screening vulnerable populations, including migrants, for signs of trafficking; and ensuring that convicted traffickers and any complicit officials face adequate penalties.

Walrond said Georgetown ‘is firmly committed to addressing these recommendations with urgency, deploying advanced policies, rigorous monitoring, and strengthened partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks and safeguard victims’.

The fiscal debt specialist at the St. Kitts-based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Juletta Edinborough, says more than 500 people have shown interest in purchasing retail bonds after the Grenada government announced last Monday that it would be auctioning five million EC dollars (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents.

Speaking at the launch of Financial Information Month, an annual initiative of the ECCB, Edinborough said that hundreds of people have shown interest within the first eight days of the announcement.

Juletta Edinborough

‘As of today, they have already seen interest from persons, about 500 individuals have already indicated,’ she said.

‘Remember, I said earlier that for the 23 years of the market existence only 600 persons across the eight countries have invested in the market and we are already seeing interest, in the case of Grenada’s bond of 500,’ she said.

Financial Information Month is being observed under the theme ‘Financial Investing: from savers to investors’.

Late ast month, Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall said that the retail bond being auctioned would not be made available to institutions but for ordinary Grenadians.

‘This initiative provides a safe, tax-free investment backed by the full faith and credit of the Government of Grenada. It’s a practical step toward making wealth-building accessible to all,’ Cornwall said.

Grenada’s Retail Bond Programme is aimed at raising the five million dollars with a minimum investment of EC$500, which is significantly lower than the traditional EC$5,000 threshold for first time and small-scale investors.

The Ministry of Finance said that the key features of the retail bond include a two-year investment term; tax-free returns; accessibility for first-time and small-scale investors.

‘The initiative highlights the government’s broader vision of inclusive economic growth, citizen empowerment, and fostering a culture of financial responsibility among Grenadians,’ the Finance Ministry added.

Chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has 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).

‘This, together with a new UN Mission Office represents a significant step in strengthening the international response to the crisis in Haiti,’ said the Jamaican prime minister in a statement posted on the social media platform X.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council backed the resolution that was tabled 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.

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 CARICOM country where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

In his message, Holness said Jamaica has been advocating for this advancement to more structured support, and looks forward to this new chapter of partnership through the United Nations, working in partnership with CARICOM, Organization of American States (OAS) and the wider international community.

He said the decision reaffirms that the international community has heard the cries of and on behalf of the Haitian people and underscores the value of persistent advocacy.

‘We remain committed to standing with the people of Haiti and to working with our partners to help restore security, stability, and hope for the Haitian nation,’ Holness said.

Earlier, in a statement, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in a statement read by the Barbados Permanent Representative to the United Nations, François Jackman, noted that ‘CARICOM applauds the resounding support of world leaders for the urgent and united action towards the restoration of peace and stability in Haiti, echoed throughout the recently concluded General Debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly’.

But the diplomats acknowledged that ‘these critical objectives can only be achieved if security is restored in Haiti’ adding that they ‘wholeheartedly welcome the Security Council’s adoption .of this Resolution as a fundamental step that responds to the urgency of the security situation in Haiti.

‘CARICOM in particular welcomes the timely transition of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) with a UN-authorized mandate to bring an immediate end to violence and to restore public safety in Haiti.

‘Furthermore, CARICOM endorses the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide the necessary logistical and administrative support for this robust Force. Finally, we underscore the need to ensure sustainable, predictable resourcing of the Gang Suppression Force by all international partners. And we also renew our call for the urgent capitalisation of the 2025 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti.’

The regional diplomats said that only through urgent, collective action in the security domain, in support of Haiti, can the scourge of gang violence be arrested.

‘This is a critical first step towards creating favourable conditions for elections, sustained delivery of humanitarian support and relief, the rebuilding of institutions and the laying of the foundation for the long-term economic development of Haiti.

‘ CARICOM reaffirms its solidarity with Haiti as well as our openness and willingness to work with all members of the Security Council to provide the necessary support for the Haitian people, and we look to the wider international community to step up its support boldly and with resolve to end the violence and suffering that the people of Haiti have endured for too long. ‘

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 Guyana government has unveiled a new plan aimed at stemming the outflow of United States currency that has now almost quadrupled over the past year to about US$1.2 billion.

A statement issued by the Office of the President, Dr Irfaan Ali said the new measures would require importers to provide their invoice, bill of lading and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance to commercial banks before payments are released.

‘The implementation of these nine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is designed to tighten foreign exchange controls, improve transparency, and prevent abuse of the system, especially in the context of rising demand and capital flight,’ the statement said.

The government is also mandating commercial banks to monitor credit card usage to ensure they are being used for personal rather than business transactions, with the government noting a sharp escalation in credit card usage as part of the broader concerns regarding foreign exchange outflows.

In 2023, total credit card clearance stood at approximately US$91.3 million, surging to US$347.5 million last year.

The government said that in 2025, the amount has already reached close to US$252 million, signalling continued high-volume activity.

‘We’ve also noticed massive growth in credit card transactions. We’re now examining that growth, profiling that growth to see whether personal credit cards are used to clear business transactions and in what volume, because this is important for us to understand,’ the statement said.

Providing statistics showing the Central Bank’s intervention in the foreign exchange market, the government said last year, US$332 million was provided to meet foreign exchange demand, rising to US$1.2 billion so far this year, with an additional US$160 million still pending.

The government said that the new initiatives were made following a meeting with several stakeholders of the financial sector, including the Governor of the Bank of Guyana , Dr Gobin Ganga, GRA Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, and representatives of commercial banks operating in Guyana. Also attending the meeting was Minister of the Public Service and Government Efficiency, Zulfikar Ally.

He government said that an interagency Task Force, including technical support, was convened to comprehensively review the increase in demand for foreign exchange.

According to the government the nine point plan includes any request for foreign exchange by any customer to commercial banks for the importation of goods to Guyana would require the customer to provide the commercial bank with a copy of the commercial invoice on the basis of which the commercial bank may release the foreign exchange to the said customer.

*Any customer that submits a request for foreign exchange upon the arrival of the goods in Guyana will have to submit a copy of the invoice and Bill of Lading to GRA. The documents will also have to be submitted to the commercial bank for verification.

*If a customer fails to submit the certified copy of the invoice and Bill of Lading, as well as a GRA compliance to the commercial bank, the Bank shall not release the request for the foreign exchange.

*The commercial banks will submit copies of the Bill of Lading and the commercial invoice to the Bank of Guyana for further verification. This will be supported by the setting up of a system at the BoG (Bank of Guyana) where all records from the commercial banks, GRA and other relevant stakeholders will be reconciled.

*To monitor the use of credit cards more closely, each commercial bank will have to ensure that personal credit cards are used strictly for personal transactions and not for the settling of business obligations.

*In cases where there are related party transactions and inflated invoicing for capital flights (the rapid outflow of capital and liquid assets from a country), the entities found responsible will be penalised.

*In cases where foreign exchange in the form of currency is being taken out of Guyana, the source of the currency will have to be declared.

*Entities registered in Guyana under the local content laws that are providing services for the oil and gas sector must maintain a local bank account in which the foreign currency earnings shall be remitted into the said bank account. The local content legislation will be amended to reflect this.

* A single window post-clearing system will be established at the Central Bank, through which reconciliation and prior transactions between GRA, commercial banks and the Central Bank will be completed before new requests are facilitated.

The statement said that during the meeting, the representatives of the commercial banks expressed their support for these measures, which they acknowledged will ease some of the difficulties they currently face.

National Security Minister, Michael Weeks, warned that he could not ‘overstate the seriousness’ of the threat posed by Hurricane Imelda as it moves closer towards Bermuda on Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 90 miles per hour (mph).

The hurricane is one of two storms being monitored by the authourities on this British Overseas Territory, with Hurricane Humberto, which is likely to merge with a frontal boundary on Wednesday night, is about 280 miles north, north west of the island with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph.

Weeks said that while Hurricane Imelda is ‘the storm of greatest concern to us.I cannot overstate the seriousness of this threat’.

He said that Imelda was expected to bring sustained hurricane-force winds for four to six hours overnight on Wednesday into Thursday, saying ‘this, and I must stress, is not a passing squall.

‘This is a dangerous storm system that could bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall and significant coastal impacts. Now is the time to act. Preparations for Humberto should well be under way and ideally already be complete,’ he added.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Imelda is expected to bring hurricane force winds, damaging waves and flash flooding to Bermuda on Wednesday.

It is now 395 miles west south west of Bermuda and that a hurricane warning is in effect for the island.

‘Imelda is moving toward the east-northeast near 21 mph. A much faster east-northeast to northeast motion is expected over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the core of the hurricane will be near Bermuda this afternoon or evening and move away from the island by Thursday afternoon,’ the NHC said.

It said Imelda should strengthen and become a near category 2 storm when it passes close to Bermuda late Wednesday.

‘Imelda is then expected to become an extratropical low in a couple of days, with gradual weakening thereafter,’ it added.

With regards to Hurricane Humberto, the NHC said that it is moving toward the northeast near 14 mph and that a faster motion toward the east-northeast is expected today until the system merges with a developing frontal boundary tonight.

‘Maximum sustained winds are near 80 mph with higher gusts. Slight weakening is possible today, but Humberto is expected to remain a powerful cyclone until it merges with a frontal boundary tonight,’ the NHC added.

It said that swells from Humberto are likely to cause dangerous surf and life-threatening rip current conditions, affecting beaches of the northern Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and much of the east coast of the United States over the next several days.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) says it has put in place a series of steps to reduce risk in the face of the hurricanes with the National Security Minister saying that all preparations for Hurricane Imelda must be finished by noon today.

The EMO said that among the measures is that the Causeway will close at 6.00 pm (local time) until further notice, that schools will be closed for the next two days with the government shelters operating from mid-afternoon.

‘Imelda has the potential to damage and disrupt our island significantly. By preparing properly, we can limit the damage, protect lives and recover more quickly after the storm passes.

‘So I say again, take this storm seriously,’ Weeks added.

Former prime minister Stuart Young Wednesday described as an ‘irony’ the announcement by the United States government that it would support the Trinidad and Tobago government’s Dragon gas proposal with Venezuela as Washington acknowledge the importance of energy security to the twin island republic.

A statement issued following talks between Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar and United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on Tuesday said that Washington had ‘outlined US support for the government’s Dragon gas proposal and steps to ensure it will not provide significant benefit to the Maduro regime’.

But speaking at a news conference here, Young, who had also served as minister of energy in two previous People’s National Movement (PNM) administrations, recalled the announcement by Prime Minister Persad Bissessar, soon after being sworn into office that the Dragon gas deal was dead.

He said ‘she announced to the world at large that Dragon was dead with glee and that they would pursue gas in Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and .we fid ourselves right back here today’.

He said it was the PNM administration that did the hard work and the leg work from 2016.with resect to the pursuit of the Dragon gas.and it is obvious that the government will mislead you and the government will be akin to snake oil salesmen.

‘The Dragon gas field is completely within the maritime borders of Venezuela. The Dragon gas field is completely owned by the people of Venezuela and it is the PNM government that negotiated through very difficult and trying times and managed in December 2023 .to obtain a 30 years exploration, production and export of gas from the Dragon field to Trinidad and Tobago waters’.

Young told reporters that the licence, which was published by the Venezuelan government, outlined the terms for the 30 year licence.

‘the first point is that the Dragon gas is owned by Venezuela and the field is completely situated in Venezuela and they have the rights to the gas,’ Young said adding that the development between Rubio and Persad Bissessar ‘is absolutely no different to the conversations that he had with me and the PNM administration when I was prime minister’.

Young said that during their talks in Jamaica earlier this year, ‘we had good conversations’ and after that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) did cancel the licences that existed for Dragon gas .

In April, the United States government revoked the OFAC license granted to Trinidad and Tobago to allow Shell, the National Gas Company (NGC), and contractors to explore, produce, and export natural gas from the Venezuelan Dragon Gas Field.

The license was valid until October 31, 2025, and enabled Trinidad and Tobago to pay for gas in various currencies and through humanitarian measures. On December 21, 2023, Trinidad and Tobago also secured a 30-year exploration and production license from the government of Venezuela for the Dragon gas field.

Washington had also revoked the Cocuina-Manakin license granted to Port of Spain on May 31, 2024.

Port of Spain had been planning to request an extension from Washington for a license granted to Shell and the NGC to develop the Dragon gas project in Venezuela.

The license, issued in early 2023, allows the companies to plan the project. The project aims to supply gas to Trinidad by 2027. The Dragon Field is located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border with Trinidad.

Young said following the revocation of the licence, Rubio held talks with him and in a statement made it clear ‘he will work with us on our energy security and our energy deals and in the world of diplomacy and diplomatic language that is what we were talking about’.

Young said that the present government has been making pre-mature statements ‘that they have obtained something is completely false.

‘We had obtained an initial OFAC licence in January 2023 where they spelt out the terms of that they would allow and in that licence they had said you could not pay Venezuela and the people of Venezuela in fiat currency, it had to be in kind.’

He said it would be interesting to see what the government does now because while the FAC licence had been given to the previous administration, he had to make several trips to Caracas to meet with the Venezuelan authorities and their technocrats ‘to negotiate the terms upon which they will be prepared for the Dragon gas to be sold to Trinidad and Tobago and they would not do it for in kind.

‘Look at the language very carefully from Secretary Rubio’s office that talks about what they are prepared to look at. Secondly, you now have to go through applying to OFAC an waiting on the terms of the licence and it is only then you will know the landscape and playing field that you can now go to Venezuela and attempt to negotiate’.

Young said that it is no hidden secret of the ‘position and stance of this government and in particular the voice of the prime minister towards our closest neighbour and the government of Venezuela and .the vice president of Venezuela is also the minister of Energy and the person in charge of these resources.’

Last month, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar told her junior minister, Phillip Alexander, that he was ‘totally out of line’ after he became embroiled in a war of words with the Venezuelan Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez.

Alexander, the Minister in the Ministry of Housing, had earlier suggested that India might ‘nuke’ Venezuela to protect the Caribbean island after Port of Spain publicly endorsed the move by President Donald Trump to send military warships into the Caribbean Sea with the intent of preventing drug dealers from illegally carrying out their trade. .

But in a Facebook post, Rodríguez mocked Alexander’s remarks, saying, ‘the only nuclear bomb dropped was into the brain of this official’s newly-taken government.’ urging Trinidad and Tobago to focus on its own people and to distance itself from the Washington’s alleged plans to exploit Venezuela’s resources..

Young said that the current minister of Energy here, Dr. Roodal Moonil, had when in opposition written to the United States urging Washington to impose sanctions on then prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley and himself for meeting with the Venezuelan vice president to negotiate the oil deal.

Young said that while the PNM would always welcome any initiative that would benefit Trinidad and Tobago ‘we will not stand by quietly whilst this government continues in its attempts to mislead the population of Trinidad and Tobago.

‘They have a long road ahead of them and on this occasion.it is three hands that have to clap not two and it is the same Delcy Rodriquez that every week I went to Parliament I had to be hearing from them.about our interactions with the Vice President of Venezuela’.

Young urged Trinidad and Tobago not to be duped by ‘snake oil salesmen .and challenge the prime minister, challenge minister Moonilal and show us the OFAC licence that you receive, because it is literally a licence you receive with the terms and conditions that set out the parameters upon which you can negotiate and that is the starting document.

‘So please Trinidad and Tobago do not allow them to fool you and ask yourself of the irony of coming back straight to Dragon which we had been saying all along.’

Health authorities from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, Wednesday approved a new 2025-2030 Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) marking a critical step toward addressing the leading cause of death and disability in the region.

The initiative, approved at the ongoing 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), aims to accelerate the implementation of measures to reduce the burden of NCDs and improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases-through the strengthening of primary health care systems.

‘The adoption of this plan is a key step toward transforming how we tackle NCDs in the Americas,’ said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of PAHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.

‘Its implementation will enable us to move toward more resilient health systems that are centered on people and their communities.’

The plan proposes three strategic lines of action, namely reducing NCD risk factors, integrating NCD management into primary health care and strengthening surveillance systems.

PAHO said that these lines of action are designed to reverse a concerning trend where NCDs account for an estimated six million deaths annually in the region, with nearly 40 per cent of those deaths occurring prematurely, before the age of 70.

The UN health agency said that NCDs affect approximately 240 million people in the Americas and that while the last decade has seen progress in reducing the number of tobacco users, tobacco use remains a major risk factor, alongside harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.

‘For example, over 35 per cent of adults are physically inactive, and one in three adults lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment also remains limited: only 36 per cent of people with hypertension have their blood pressure under control, and more than 40 million people with diabetes lack access to adequate treatment.’

PAHO said that the action plan emphasises the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, and highlights key measures such as fiscal policies to reduce the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods and restrictions on marketing as well as integration of NCD prevention and treatment into primary care to improve diagnosis, treatment, and control rates.

In addition the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening for early detection of cervical cancer and the use of digital solutions and innovative tools to strengthen data surveillance, improve monitoring, and support evidence-based policymaking are among the key highlights.

‘Progress under the action plan will be monitored through biennial review mechanisms, with a midterm review in 2028 and a final report in 2031. PAHO will also support countries in mobilizing resources to implement priority actions.

‘Through this plan, countries of the Americas reaffirm their commitment to public health and sustainable development, at a critical time to reduce the burden of NCDs in the region,’ PAHO added.