Where Have I Been…?

Tony Kelly resident Diabetes expert

Having taken a hiatus from my fortnightly articles for Caribdirect.com since mid-October I am back home in Birmingham since the 9^th December to really Arctic weather conditions and recovering from jet lag. Even my short stay in New York on the way home from the Caribbean was not this cold and temperatures are not expected to rise for a further week so missing all that glorious sunshine. I certainly topped up on vitamin D in the Caribbean.

I have been on a diabetes awareness tour of Jamaica and Barbados for nearly two months as November worldwide is Diabetes Awareness Month. Wearing my diabetes ambassador hoodie and T- shirt      on the flight to Jamaica proved a real ice-breaker as passengers on the outward-bound flight engaged with me and took my contact card. One chose to thank me for all the work I do, having noticed the National Health Service (NHS) logo on my apparel.

There would be too many people to thank individually in both Caribbean countries in this article but they all know who they are and without their support I would not have been able to achieve so much. I am eternally gratefully to them. I want to specially thank two people in England wishing to remain anonymous who generously donated financial support towards this trip proving that there are some kind people around.

Prior to my arrival in the Caribbean, Diabetes UK, the well-known charity gave me diabetes literature which I posted before-hand through JLB Shipping based in West Bromwich, West Midlands. These were well received by the participants with an understanding that they could also visit www.diabetes.org.uk for further information instead of logging on to false/fake/phony websites.

Both countries, like most of the other Caribbean islands have a major problem in terms of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, plus those who are on the borderline of getting this medical condition, let alone the many who have never had a health-check to find out their actual status. It was a pleasure going to communities in seven of the 14 Jamaican parishes where residents turned out to engage with me as a Diabetes Ambassador living with type 2 diabetes for nineteen years and never having taken medication.

I was interviewed in Jamaica and Barbados on many television and radio stations which helped to spread the health and well-being message and increase attendance at events.  All my presentations started with my usual health disclaimer of not being a health care professional in order to set the scene followed by sharing with participants my lived reality or real-life experience.

To be presented with tokens of appreciation in some communities which now adorn our mantlepiece at home was a lovely gesture. Those will help me to treasure the memories of reaching out to others who were keen to learn more about diabetes and how to manage, control or indeed prevent it with a combination of physical activity and a well-balanced diet.

Although British born I grew up in Jamaica so it was good to be back in a country which I regard as my second home, renewing acquaintances amongst family and friends.

My first trip to Barbados was equally effective where Dr. Diane Brathwaite, Clinical Director of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation put together a varied programme of activities. Participants embraced the message of taking on a healthier lifestyle especially in terms of their eating and drinking habits.

During and after the busy schedule of engagements I had time to visit Farley Hill National Park, Speightstown, Welshman Hall Gully (put in on your bucket list) Oistins Fish Festival, Bridgetown the capital, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus and spent time relaxing at the Rostrevor hotel in the tourist area of St. Lawrence Gap. I also took the opportunity to swim in the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean Sea on the beautiful Barbados beaches.

I am so pleased to be able to dispel the often-heard myth of Barbados being a flat country as that is certainly not the case having visited some hilly areas with the most spectacular panoramic views that Mother Nature has bestowed on the island.

As we approach the end of 2022, my next article will be after the yuletide holidays.  So, may I therefore take the opportunity to wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best for the New Year.