On Monday 24th March, Grenada’s health minister and current chairman of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Executive Board, Hon. Philip A. Telesford, chaired the 30th Executive Meeting of the Board Directors—his first since becoming chairman in September 2024.
The meeting, which was held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, centred around strengthening health systems, leveraging data and innovation, and fostering regional solidarity. Representatives from over five CARICOM countries, including Guyana, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Dominica, and host nation Grenada, participated in discussions with incoming Executive Director Dr Lisa Indar, who took up her appointment as of February 1st, 2025, and other board members concerning public health issues affecting the subregion.
This annual one-day meeting, hosted in a different CARICOM country each year, serves as a platform for dialogue on policies aimed at addressing health threats and risks. Additionally, the high-level gathering evaluated and approved CARPHA’s Strategic Plan, Annual Workplans, Budget, and recommendations from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
Delegates unanimously agreed that the meeting was a success, with Dr Indar remarking, “CARPHA is moving toward a more results-orientated approach, prioritising efficiency, integration, and collaboration. Under the exceptional leadership of the Honourable Minister of Health, Philip Telesford, the 30th Executive Board has given us vital guidance and assessed our performance, steering the Agency forward to fulfil its mandate effectively.”
In response, Minister Telesford noted, “Throughout our discussions, we’ve confronted the pressing challenges, exchanged innovative ideas, and reaffirmed our commitment to building healthier communities.”
At the end of the meeting, Minister Telesford urged delegates to carry forward the momentum of this meeting and translate these discussions into actionable steps that make tangible differences in the lives of the people we serve.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean.
