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CARICOM Seeks More Investment, Partnerships to Tackle NCDs, Mental Health
CARICOM Seeks More Investment, Partnerships to Tackle NCDs, Mental Health
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Carla Barnett, has said that ending the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and addressing mental health challenges will require fresh investment, innovative financing, stronger partnerships and bold policy action.
Dr. Barnett made this known on Thursday while addressing a High-Level Breakfast on NCDs and Mental Health, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
She recalled that since the landmark 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration, CARICOM has championed a multi-sectoral response to NCDs, introducing initiatives such as Caribbean Wellness Day and the elimination of trans fats.
However, she lamented that despite some progress, most Member States are off track to meet the 2025 global target of reducing premature NCD mortality by 25 per cent, with only Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Grenada showing encouraging results.
The Secretary-General underscored the need for greater financial commitment and collaboration at both regional and global levels.
According to her, the reality of limited fiscal resources in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has slowed progress, making it necessary to explore innovative financing mechanisms, strengthen public-private partnerships and enhance monitoring frameworks.
Dr. Barnett noted that the worsening impacts of climate change are also aggravating health challenges in the Region, while rising cases of mental health conditions present an additional burden.
Vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities and the elderly, she said, remain at particular risk.
“While daunting, ending the epidemic of NCDs in CARICOM is not an insurmountable task. The lessons learnt over the past 18 years can strategically position the Caribbean Community in the next decade,” she said, stressing the need for renewed commitment from governments, development partners and civil society.
She further called for stronger social safety nets, legislative action, and investment in assistive living technologies for the ageing population.
Dr. Barnett commended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) for their role in advancing health initiatives, while also acknowledging the political will demonstrated by CARICOM Heads of Government.
Reaffirming CARICOM’s resolve, Dr. Barnett maintained that sustainable progress against NCDs and mental health challenges would only be achieved through collective commitment, increased funding and equitable policy responses that put people at the centre.
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Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting
Two students were killed and nine others injured after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, police said.
Authorities have detained a person of interest in his 20s, who is now cooperating with investigators.
The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) at the Holley Engineering Building on the eastern end of the university campus.
Police said the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all those affected, including the deceased, were students.
In a statement on Sunday, Paxson said parts of the campus remained restricted as police continued investigations.
She added that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight and expressed gratitude to local residents who opened their homes to students.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven of the injured students were in stable condition, one was critical, and another had been discharged.
The mayor, who visited victims and their families in hospital, described their courage as “overwhelming” and confirmed that the shelter-in-place order issued earlier had been lifted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the suspect was detained at a hotel in Coventry early Sunday morning based on a lead from Providence Police.
Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that officers were no longer searching for additional suspects and were working closely with prosecutors to collect evidence.
President Donald Trump, speaking at the White House, expressed sympathy for the families of the two deceased students and wished a speedy recovery for the nine injured.
The shooting brings the number of mass shootings in the United States in 2025 to 389, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as incidents with four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, while a vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to support the Brown University community.
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Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
Bondi Beach Attack: 15 Dead, Father-Son Gunmen Behind Shooting
A mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Saturday left 15 people dead, including a child aged 10, during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack.
Police confirmed the shooters were a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son.
The father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
The 50-year-old was a licensed firearms holder; six guns and two improvised devices were recovered from the site.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack “an act of pure evil”, saying it deliberately targeted the Jewish community, and promised full resources to support the investigation and combat antisemitism.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said quick response, informed by last year’s Bondi stabbing, helped save lives.
328 officers have been deployed to protect Sydney’s Jewish community, while two properties in western Sydney were searched overnight.
Among the victims was British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger. Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with some saying the gunfire felt like it lasted “an eternity.”
Authorities continue to investigate the attack as Australians reel from the tragedy.
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Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
Trump Reacts as ISIS Kills Three Americans in Syria
President Donald Trump has pledged a “very serious retaliation” after an ambush in central Syria on Saturday, killing two U.S. service members and one American civilian interpreter, an attack the United States blames on the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
In a statement and social‑media post, Trump described the assault near Palmyra—a region still volatile and not fully controlled by the Syrian government—as “an ISIS attack against the U.S. and Syria.”
He mourned the three victims as “great American patriots” and confirmed that three other U.S. soldiers wounded in the attack are recovering.
Speaking from the White House before departing for a public event, the president said he expected a firm U.S. response, noting that there will be “very serious retaliation” against ISIS and any group that targets American forces.
Trump noted that Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, whose government has been cooperating with U.S. forces in counter‑terrorism operations, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the incident.
The ambush occurred as U.S. troops were engaged in a counter‑terrorism mission alongside Syrian partners; the suspected attacker was killed by coalition forces, U.S. Central Command said.
The identities and units of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.
Defense officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echoed Trump’s stance, issuing stark warnings that the U.S. will pursue individuals or groups that target Americans.
The U.S. maintains a force of around 900 troops in Syria as part of ongoing operations against ISIS remnants, despite the group’s loss of territorial control years earlier.
The attack is the first fatal incident involving U.S. personnel in Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, highlighting persistent security challenges and raising questions about the future scope of U.S. military engagement in the region.
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