Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition Appoints Co-Chairs for 2024–2025 Term

The Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition (BCOP Coalition) has appointed two co-chairs to lead its efforts for the 2024–2025 term. Professor Anne St. John and public health nutritionist Mrs. Nicole Griffith have been elected to jointly lead the Coalition, which has been at the forefront of key policies aimed at combating childhood obesity in Barbados.

Professor St. John, a pediatrician with over 40 years of experience, has been a key advocate for the BCOP Coalition since its founding in 2019. She previously served as chair during the 2023–2024 term, during which she championed the School Nutrition Policy, a significant part of the Coalition’s mission to promote healthier environments for children in schools.

Mrs. Nicole Griffith, a public health nutritionist and educator, has been integral to the Coalition’s work since 2020. Her focus has been on advocating for school canteen concessionaires in support of the School Nutrition Policy. Known for her strong relationships with community stakeholders, Griffith has become a prominent figure in the Coalition’s advocacy efforts.

On her re-election, Professor St. John said, “I am encouraged by the tremendous commitment of Coalition members, working in cooperation alongside other stakeholders, to make a healthier environment for the children of Barbados, especially in areas of optimizing nutrition and physical activity.” She added, “I look forward to the continued implementation of the School Nutrition Policy.”

Griffith expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I look forward to co-chairing alongside Professor Anne St. John, with our combined leadership set to drive impactful initiatives addressing childhood obesity in Barbados.”

This co-chair leadership marks a significant step in the Coalition’s efforts to address childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles for Barbadian children. Both St. John and Griffith bring a wealth of expertise and dedication, with their combined leadership expected to strengthen the Coalition’s mission of reducing childhood obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through policy advocacy and community-driven initiatives.

The BCOP Coalition, which consists of over 32 civil society organizations and more than 30 individual members, continues to focus on reducing sugary beverage consumption, promoting healthier school environments, and encouraging physical activity among children. With these new appointments, the Coalition is expected to further enhance its multi-pronged approach to tackling childhood obesity through public education, policy advocacy, and collaboration with schools and community groups.

The new co-chairs have already begun their work, as they aim to drive long-term, impactful change in the fight against childhood obesity in Barbados. (PR)