Good afternoon.
There are few things more inspiring than witnessing young people involving themselves in pursuits that are life-giving and worthwhile. This afternoon, we gather as ‘inspired witnesses’ to celebrate the achievements of 37 bright and dedicated young persons. These are the young people who have successfully completed the Diabetes Association’s Fourth Annual Summer Health Internship Programme. We are all tremendously proud of, and inspired by their achievements.
Permit me, at the start, to therefore add my own voice to the well-deserved congratulations that have already been so justifiably extended to our graduands this afternoon. As Patron of the Association, you will understand that I take particular delight in doing so.
Graduands – the Programme which you have completed is as life-giving, as it is worthwhile. By immersing you in the real and pressing challenges of public health, and in particular, the far-reaching impact of diabetes, your eyes have been opened, not just to the wide-ranging and damaging impact of diabetes, but also to new and exciting possibilities in the area of diabetic prevention and diabetic care.
Group One’s development of a mono-filament test to assess foot sensitivity and prevent diabetes-related foot complications, for example, is not only innovative, but potentially life-saving. A simple tool, with the potential to protect mobility and prevent severe outcomes.
Group Two’s creation of glucose tablets provides a practical and accessible solution for managing low blood sugar, an intervention that could offer immediate relief in critical moments.
Group Three’s design of an eye screening tool directly addresses one of the most serious complications of diabetes, and reflects an understanding of the importance of prevention in preserving sight and improving quality of life.
And of course, your collective work on a Front-of-Package Labelling study would have illustrated to all of you how consumers interpret nutritional labels and make dietary choices.
Each of these projects not only got your creative and collaborative juices flowing, but also cultivated a genuine understanding of the health challenges we face and of the importance of prevention and of pro-active care.
As Patron of the Diabetes Association, I cannot begin to express how heartening it has been to see young people engaging, in the way that you did during this Programme, with one of the most urgent health issues facing our nation.
To the Diabetes Association and to TATIL and TATIL Life, may I say thank you and share my view that programmes such as this one are not only valuable, but also vital. They equip the next generation with the tools, knowledge and passion needed to shift the tide and to create lasting change. I thank you for your leadership and vision in creating this Programme. Your investment in young minds and hearts enriches, not only their own lives but also, the future of our nation.
Interns, I congratulate you once again on your hard work and achievements. Your future is bright, and I have every confidence that Trinidad and Tobago will be all the better for your contributions.
Finally, I extend to all of you, and to the nation, my best wishes for a happy and blessed Independence Day tomorrow.
Thank you, and do enjoy the rest of the evening’s programme.
See album below:
