The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs recently collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development to host the 3rd annual Farmer’s Health Fair and Market for farmers of Region 1 & 2 (Gros-Islet and Babonneau). This activity was held on the grounds of the Balata Rubis Service Station.
The Farmer’s Health Fair and Market was aimed at providing the farmers from the community of Monchy and Babonneau with convenient access to health screening and education which will assist them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improving their well-being.
Health Educator Laurentia Maylor highlighted the need for farmers to prioritize regular health checks given that they use agrochemicals on a regular basis and may face potential health risks. “It is very important given the nature of their work; they deal with chemicals. Here today, we have various services being offered where we can educate them about occupational health and safety, wearing PPEs, as well as eating properly, taking care of themselves and letting them of the availability of health services that are offered at the Wellness Centres.”
Senior Agricultural Officer for Region 1 &2 from the Ministry of Agriculture Eva Doxilly stressed on the importance of using a multi-faceted approach to bring the healthcare services to the farmers and improve their health status. “We saw it fitting to provide this service for our farmers because a lot of them are suffering with illnesses unknown to them and it is extremely hectic on them sometimes to go out to get tested. We recommend that our farmers get annual testing. So, it is a collaboration where we bring the services to the farmers. But this year, we did it with a twist and we attached a farmer’s market component to it, so it is a health fair and farmer’s market.”
Participant of the Farmer’s Health Fair and Market Christopher Montoute applauded the organisers of the activity and encouraged other farmers to get screened and know their health status.