Dear Editor,

During its recent AskWBCaribbean series, the World Bank reiterated that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular illnesses, account for more than 75 per cent of the deaths registered in the Caribbean. NCDs are also linked to reduced productivity, escalating health-care costs, and economic losses across the region.

Tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, and environmental pollution are all major contributors to NCDs, but unhealthy diets are more largely associated with the conditions and the attendant fatalities. Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised us to consume more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains, while reducing our salt, fat, and sugar intake.

However, healthy food alternatives are prohibitively expensive in Jamaica, especially during the Christmas period. Cabbage, for example, is often priced at $300 per pound. Cauliflower, broccoli, and sweet peppers are rarely sold for less than $400. Even when in season, locally grown apples are exorbitantly priced. Therefore, a balanced and nutritious diet is barely sustainable for many low and middle-income Jamaicans.

Ironically, even in some of the most rural and economically challenged parts of the world, fresh, healthy produce is relatively affordable. My husband once told me he spent less than US$10 for a large basket of fresh fruits in a poor Indian community. Similarly, I lived in a remote Chinese neighbourhood for several months and I could comfortably afford fruits and vegetables on a modest teacher’s salary. Now several of the same food items, particularly grapes, are luxuries for which I must carefully budget.

If citizens are aware of NCDs and the preventative measures but are unable to afford healthy meals, WHO’s dietary recommendations will be unheeded. Food availability and affordability are critical for changing poor eating habits; therefore, the Government must move with alacrity to address the growing food deficits and prices around the island.

As a start, agricultural production must be boosted and food taxes reduced forthwith. Price caps should also be implemented to ensure fruits, vegetables, and other essential items are consistently affordable. Tax incentives could be offered to food suppliers, too, so they can lower their prices and effectively maintain their operations.

We cannot abandon hope. More must be done to steer citizens away from a steady diet of sugars and starches. Otherwise, our public health facilities will be inundated with chronically ill patients, and premature deaths may continue to rise.

Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock

Shawna201@gmail.com