ROSE HALL, St James — Dr Christopher Tufton last Wednesday took his healthy lifestyle sensitisation efforts to educators at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s (JTA’s) 54th annual conference in St James.

Addressing the final day of the conference, the minister of health noted that his visit was aimed at soliciting the support of the more than 25,000-member association in relation to the introduction, in schools, of the Jamaica Moves programme and the anti-obesity programme.

“It is going to start with a health and nutrition policy which we are developing with the Ministry of Education. But as you may have heard, we are taking some proactive measures… around sugary drinks in schools and the introduction of the Jamaica Moves Programme in schools, starting in September,” Dr Tufton said.

The health minister, while not divulging too much information, gave a hint as to what to expect from the two programmes.

“In January 2019 we will restrict certain types of sugary drinks in the schools and the health and nutrition policy will influence what the cafeteria can serve as part of discouraging certain consumption habits,” Dr Tufton said. “Included in that, too, is a physical activity programme which the minister [of education] and I have been discussing with the respective technical team.

“I urge you, as guardians of our younger cohort, to focus not just on their intellectual capacity, but on their holistic approach to living and health and wellness,” Tufton said.

The minister also said that the nation’s children’s health are at risk, and everyone needs to play their part.

“I wanted to be a part of this to show support, collaboration and the seriousness of purpose that we have taken on to address this issue. Our children are at risk. We are in a crisis as it relates to their health and wellness, and this runs the risk of jeopardising our own legacy in producing a nation of productive citizens. We need to play our part. I solicit your support in that regard,” Dr Tufton urged.

In the meantime, Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid, who spoke after the health minister, disclosed that bulla cakes are among products that will be withdrawn from schools.

“Bullas and all those things will be withdrawn, generally, from the market, and it (approved food items) has to be whatever products are very much consistent with the Government’s nutrition policy,” Senator Reid said.

In a show of support, newly installed JTA President Dr Garth Anderson told the minister that the association is looking forward to more information and directives about the initiatives.

The three-day conference, which was held under the theme: ‘Promoting the Teaching Profession: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration to our Nation’, was held at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St James.