Port of Spain, T&T – The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) held a 4-day integrated mission to Trinidad and Tobago from May 6th to 9th, 2024, with the aim of strengthening Surveillance, Early Warning and Response, Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and Food Safety capacity in preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup and other Mass Gathering (MG) events.
The CARPHA mission, led by Dr. Lisa Indar, Director, Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control (SDPC) Division, involved a multidisciplinary team across several of CARPHA’s technical departments.
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CARPHA focal points included Dr. Jarelle Branford and Ms. Sheena De Silva from Health Information, Communicable Diseases and Emergency Response (HCE), Mr. Keston Daniel of the Regional Tourism and Health Program (THP) and Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram, Head, Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP).
Dr. Roshan Parasram, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health Trinidad and Tobago stated “Whilst Trinidad and Tobago’s preparation for this event began in late 2023, prior to the England Men’s Cricket Tour of the West Indies, this 4-day mission came at an opportune time which allowed us to focus on critical aspects of public health strategies related to mass gathering events. The technical support provided to stakeholders will certainly assist us to optimize our national plans. In this regard, we are grateful for the continued support of the Caribbean Public Health Agency.”
The CARPHA team held insightful discussions and built capacity with several crucial health sectors, such as the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Inspectors and Liaison Services, the Insect Vector Control Division, Disaster Preparedness Coordinating Unit and Nurses, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
Trinidad and Tobago is a popular destination for tourists both regionally and internationally, especially as it hosts major mass gathering events, such as Carnival, sporting, and religious events. This CARPHA integrated mission will bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s surveillance and response capacity and preparedness to effectively anticipate and manage potential challenges, ensuring a more secured T20 CWC tournament for all. It will also aid in future mass gatherings events.
CARPHA has conducted similar integrated missions in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Barbados, with Guyana planned for May 13-16, tailored to Member States’ needs in preparation for the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup and other mass gathering events, such as the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the 8th Summit for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
CARPHA and Trinidad and Tobago continue to work together to support preparations toward the T20 Cricket World Cup and other mass gathering events in the future.
