Health Prevention Topic at Sustainability Conference in Saint Eustatius
The Statia Sustainable Conference and Exhibition (SSC-3) opens in Statia on Thursday September 25, during which delegates will discuss critical issues relating to the island’s sustainability, focused on the theme, “Tourism and the Development in the Community.
Health prevention will be among the topics of discussion. SSC-3 is hosted by the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) in collaboration with the Statia Sustainability Committee. The conference will feature local and international presenters preaching and bolstering the importance of sustainable development throughout the 3-day sessions.
This year, the island Government and local business service organizations are undertaking initiatives to stimulate the small business sector on the island as part of the 10th European Development Fund’s Small Business Development program, which is funded by the European Union. Community tourism could be a driving force in this endeavor as it aims to include and benefit the local community in every aspect of tourism development.
For instance, locals with extra rooms in their home might wish to upgrade their properties to host tourists as part of a homestay program, local artists can be helped to regularly create, display and sell their crafts, local farmers may be assisted, to narrow down their focus and consistently produce specific crops that are in high demand, both locally and regionally, using appropriate technologies. Local fishermen can be helped to develop a thriving business that provides local, as well as regional restaurants in the surrounding islands with fresh fish and lobster.
That’s what this year’s conference is all about, actively including the local community in developing and fine-tuning Statia’s tourism product and empowering locals to get their fair share of the profits. The conference is designed to challenge tourism planners, policymakers, stakeholders and the general public to develop and implement strategies and practices that can sustain Statia’s limited resources.
Teresa E. Leslie is registered on the conference itinerary this year to give a presentation about “Preventing Diseases in Communities.” Leslie is President and Founder of the Eastern Caribbean Research Foundation and earned her doctorate degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Prior to coming to Statia she was a research associate at University of Maryland College Park and a visiting scientist at the Naval Medical Research Centre. Since 2010, she has been conducting research on ARBO-viral diseases (dengue and chikungunya) in Statia and is currently contracted by the Public Health Department to improve ARBO-viral surveillance and vector control.
Public Works Department supervisor Andre Brissett will give a presentation about the prevention of diseases in Communities. Brissett studied building construction in the Netherlands at the ID College in Gouda. After earning his degree he focused on civil engineering and worked as a designer at several engineering companies.
Sylvia Strik will share her knowledge about the importance of sustainable practices and disease prevention on the island. She is an executive veterinary officer on Statia since October 2013.
As the only veterinarian on the island, Strik is responsible for all aspects concerning animal health and food safety. Her main tasks are certification of live animals and of meat products, implementing slaughterhouse improvements and reviewing laws & regulations concerning all animals and the slaughterhouse.
Source: eturbonews.com
